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Parshall Elementary

Student Handbook

2012-2013

Table of Contents

1. Mission Statement-3

2. Introduction-3

3. Non-Discrimination Policy-3

4. Philosophy-4

5. Decision Making bodies of the School-4

6. Admittance to School-4

7. Attendance Policy-5

8. Attendance and Tardiness-5

9. Before and After School-6

10. Bus Regulations for Students-6

11. Drug Free School and Tobacco Free School-7

12. Child Abuse or Neglect-11

13. Church Night-11

14. Clothing-12

15. Communication-12

16. Cumulative Records-12

17. Discipline-13

18. Rules and Consequences-13

19. Bullying-14

20. Principal’s Office-15

21. Vandalism-15

22. Unlawful Acts/Weapons policy-16

23. Eligibility for Extracurricular Activities-16

24. Field Trips-16

25. Fire Drills-17

26. Hot Lunch-17 27. Illness and Accidents-17

28. Homework-17

29. Immunization-18

30. Infectious and Contagious Diseases-18

31. Leaving the School Grounds-18

32. Lost and Found-18

33. Medication-19

34. Outside School Doors-19

35. Parent-Teacher Conferences-19

36. Pets-19

37. Program Offerings-19

38. Progress Reports-20

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39. Personal Items/Equipment (such as cell phones and ipods)-20

40. Retention and Promotion-21

41. Scheduling Activities-22

42. Search and Seizure-22

43. Supervision of Playground-22

44. Telephone Usage-22

45. Visitors to the School-23 46. Recess-23 47. Footwear-23

48. Student Dismissal Precautions-24

49. Power Grade-24

50. Right to Access and Privacy of Records-24

51. Directory Information-25

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Parshall Elementary

Student Handbook

2012-2013

Mission Statement:

The mission of the Parshall School District shall be to provide equal opportunities toward the fulfillment of student potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, social, spiritual, vocational and psychological development and maturation. District personnel will seek to build student attitudes of appreciation for democratic ideals, tolerance, and civil responsibilities. Introduction:

The philosophy of the Parshall School District is directed toward improved comprehensive methods of instruction. We want every student to learn to think critically, speak clearly and confidently, read and write effectively and to be qualified as a literate and contributing human being. We shall strive to create educational opportunities for all students with the understanding that every individual has dignity and is of equal value when compared to anyone else. We shall provide for the efficient operation and administration of the Parshall Public School, the Board of Education, the Administration, the Faculty and Student Body have established this policy manual to inform students, community and public of the policies of the Parshall Public School. These policies consist of legislative acts passed by the Board of Education while in session. Such published policies with supplemental rules and regulations are helpful to students, teacher, administration, parents, school board members, and employees. These policies are intended to reduce a minimum the process of trial and error and to provide harmony in human relations. The Parshall Board of Education will provide for the school system these general policies in keeping with the rules and regulations of the State Board of Education, the requirements of State Law, the wishes of the community, students, and faculty.

This handbook shall serve as a guide for grades K-6. Parents as well as students

should familiarize themselves with this handbook written to address policy pertaining

to elementary students.

Non-Discrimination Policy:

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The Parshall School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national origin, sex, handicap or age in admission and access to its educational programs and/or activities, which it operates and offers to its students and extends to employment policies and/or practices of its personnel. Inquiries concerning Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 may be referred to the Superintendent of Schools, Box 158, Parshall High School, Parshall, ND 58770 (Phone # 701-862-3129) or to the Office for Civil Rights, US Department of Education, 1961 Stout Street, Denver, CO, 80294 (Phone # 303-844-2991) Philosophy:

The Philosophy of the Parshall School District shall be that: 1. Every individual is unique. 2. Every student that enrolls in the Parshall Public School is entitled to the very best

educational opportunities available. 3. Every student is required to formulate realistic goals and to learn to commit

themselves to those goals. 4. All students will be required to accept responsibility for their education and their

school. Students shall contribute their own unique talents to the overall maintenance of their school’s learning environment.

5. Every individual associated with the Parshall Public School system commits themselves to the establishment of true community, where every individual is held in respect.

6. All students will be taught the true meaning of freedom and the democratic process that they may develop a greater understanding and love of this great country of ours.

Decision Making Bodies of the Parshall Public School District:

1. The Board of Education-The Board of Education consists of five elected individuals chosen to represent the wishes of the School District. The board meets regularly in a public meeting on the second Tuesday of the month.

2. The Administration-The Superintendent and the Principals represent the Administration. They represent the Board to the faculty, parents and students.

3. Parents and Teachers-It is the role of all parents of school age students that attend Parshall School and all faculty members that teach at Parshall School to provide continuous in-put as to what they feel school policy ought to be.

Admittance to School:

In order for a student to be admitted to school, the district must have:

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1. A copy of the student’s immunization record. 2. A copy of the student’s birth certificate.

These must be on file for the student to be admitted. Attendance Policy:

Absences

1. Generally children should be absent from school for health reasons ONLY. Parents who wish to take children out of school during school time must first stop at the school office. Excuses will be granted for doctor and dental appointments and other important reasons as determined by the principal. Doctor’s excuses must be in the office no later than two weeks after the appointment. When homework is sent home, it is expected to be completed and completed well, and is due as soon as the student arrives at school. (IF the teacher chooses not to send the work home prior to the student being gone, then the work is expected to be completed the following day.) If the student was sick in the morning and unable to receive his/her homework, then the child will have one day for each day missed to complete the work and submit it to the classroom teacher. If a child knows that they are going to be absent from school the student is expected to contact the classroom teacher and check on assignments BEFORE leaving. Homework from unexcused absences is due as soon as possible, but no later than two days after being gone. The student may receive partial or no credit for this homework. Unexcused absences include shopping, visiting relatives or friends, or anything other than a doctor or dental appointment. The office requests proof of an appointment from the doctor or other forms of proof for it to be an excused absence.

2. When the student is to be absent the parent or legal guardian should call the school office (862-3417) between 8:15 am and 9:00 am and inform them of the reason for the absence. If you know a child will be absent in advance, contact the child’s teacher for the assignments prior to the day. Should the homework come back to school incomplete, the student is expected to stay after school to complete the assignments. Should a parent or guardian not contact the school before 9:00 am regarding a child’s absence the Parshall School District truancy officer will be notified.

Attendance and Tardiness

1. The habit of consistent attendance is an investment, which yields good academic

performance and wholesome attitudes toward the process of learning. 2. Tardiness tends to waste valuable teacher and student instructional time. Tardy

children must report to the office for a special permit to enter class. 3. Students will be counted ½ day absent from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon and ½

day absent from 12:00 until 2:00 pm.

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4. Unexcused late arrival to school is a form of truancy and will NOT be allowed. Students who arrive late need a valid (sickness or doctor’s apt.) written or oral excuse from parents or guardians. Parents of students who continue to be tardy may be contacted by our truancy officer. For every 5 tardies during the school year, one day will be counted as a day of absence. It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to have the student in school, on time, and ready to learn.

Before and After School Hours

The school day at the Parshall Elementary School begins at 8:40 am and ends Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 3:15 pm, and at 3:05 pm on Wednesday. Students must be out of the building by 3:45 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays and out of the building by 3:20 on Wednesdays, Fridays, and the day before a school holiday unless they are under the direct supervision of a faculty member. There will be NO supervision after this time for your child. PLEASE make sure your child has somewhere to go after school or make arrangements with someone else to watch your child until you are able to pick them up. Occasionally out of school groups will ask for the use of the school building. These inquiries must be referred through the Superintendent. Student use of the gym is permissible on days when school is not in session. Permission may be granted only when a staff member is on hand to supervise the group and will be responsible for any damage to the building or its contents. Bus Regulations for Students:

The Parshall School District must abide by NDCC 15-34-17; which states: The disciplinary authority of schools shall exist over all children while being transported to and from schools and the operator shall be charged with their control and discipline while they are being transported.

1. Students will obey their bus drivers. They have the same disciplinary authority over students as do their teacher, when they are transporting students to and from school and to and from any other event sponsored by the school.

2. Students shall be on time and call their bus driver or school office if they are not riding. If the student knows ahead of time, parents will send two notes to the school, one for the bus driver and one for the classroom teacher.

3. Students will wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before attempting to enter the bus!!!!

4. Students will keep their hands and head inside the bus at all times after entering the bus and until leaving the bus.

5. Students will not sit in the bus driver’s seat. 6. Students will assist in keeping the bus safe and clean at all times. A wastebasket

will be provided in the bus. 7. Students will respect the bus equipment and bus driver at all times. 8. In case of an emergency, older students will help with the safety and comfort to

small children.

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9. Students are not permitted to leave their seats when the bus is in motion. Students will sit down in their seats.

10. Students will refrain from loud talking, laughing and unnecessary confusion that could distract the bus driver. Such noise could result in a serious accident.

11. All students being transported by school transportation to and from school or for any school activity during the winter months will be dressed properly to protect themselves from the extreme weather conditions (caps, boots, gloves, coats, etc).

The bus driver will inform the appropriate principal for any bus disturbances. A call home may be made and a 1-day bus riding suspension may result. Offenses of a more serious nature will have no warning and the student(s) will be dealt with immediately. Drug Free Awareness Program:

The Parshall Public School District hereby establishes a Drug-Free Awareness Program to comply with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, Public Law 100-690. This program is mandatory and must be enforced. The Parshall Public School District will teach about alcohol and drug usage in an age appropriate developmentally based education and prevention program in every grade K-12. This program will include information about drug and alcohol counseling and rehabilitation programs available to students. A major focus of the program will be the belief that it is the responsibility of the entire community to combat alcohol and drug problems. Prohibited Activities: The use of illicit drugs and the unlawful possession and use of alcohol is wrong and harmful. Therefore, it shall be against school policy for any student: 1. To sell, deliver, or give, or attempt to sell, deliver, or give to any person any of

the substances listed in this policy. 2. To possess, procure, purchase, or receive or to attempt to possess, procure,

purchase or receive the substances listed in this policy. A student will be determined to be “in possession” when the substance is on the student’s person, or in the student’s locker, car, handbag, or when it is completely or partially owned by such student.

3. To be under the influence of, or to use or consume or attempt to use or consume, the substances listed in this policy.

This policy applies to any student who is on school property, who is in attendance at school, or at a school-sponsored activity. Prohibited Substances:

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1. Alcohol or any alcoholic beverage. 2. Any controlled substance or dangerous drug as defined by NDCC Sections 19-

03.1-05 through 19-03.1-13 and 19-03.1-26 or as defined by Section 812. Schedules 1-V of Title 21, US Code, Section 801,et seq., including but not limited to marijuana, any narcotic drug, any hallucinogen, any stimulant, or any depressant.

Authorized Use: Any student who requests that he/she be given any prescription or non-prescription medicine or drug, including aspirin, shall be required to have his/her parent or guardian sign a medication permission form available in the office. Violation: Violation of this policy may result in one or more of the following: 1. Suspension, 2. Expulsion, 3. Referral for prosecution. Prohibited substances will be confiscated and may be turned over to law enforcement authorities. Any student who is observed to be under the influence of a prohibited substance will be taken immediately to the principal’s office. The student’s parents/guardians will be notified and arrangements made for the removal of the student from school premises. If there appears to be imminent danger to other students, school personnel, or to the student involved, the student may be removed from school by school or law enforcement personnel. Referral: The Parshall School System believe it has an obligation to recognize those behavior that represent illegal drug and alcohol use in an effort to prevent each student’s right to an education being impaired by such alcohol and drug use. Therefore, because this school system has a desire to intervene early in the disease process of chemical dependency, contact with students manifesting signs of misuse will be made for the purposes of educating and assisting them. The following policy is divided into two categories 1. Reasonable suspicion (as documented by the behavioral referral) and 2. Actual evidence through possession or legally documented intoxication, etc.

Reasonable Suspicion: A staff member when having reasonable suspicion of use of an illegal substance on the part of a student, shall document this suspicion by making a behavioral referral with the appropriate building principal. This documentation shall

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be kept on file in the principal’s office only and may not be entered into the student’s cumulative file. 1. First Referral: The student will be required to report to a school counselor for no

less than two hours of alcohol and drug counseling. One hour shall consist of individual counseling and one hour shall consist of alcohol and drug education.

2. Second Referral: The student must report to the counselor for no less than four hours of alcohol and drug counseling. Three hours shall be individual or group counseling and one hour shall be education.

3. Third Referral: The student will be referred to an appropriate agency to undergo an alcohol and drug evaluation. Results of such evaluation will be shared with the principal and counselor before the student will be allowed to return to school.

Because Parshall School District recognizes and supports the disease concept of alcoholism and chemical dependency, we believe that if a student is involved in a chemical dependency program and successfully addressing his/her harmful involvement with drugs, he/she may continue in the regular school setting and continue to participate in any extra-curricular program unless he/she is in violation of rules and regulations set forth by the North Dakota High School Activities Association. Actual Evidence: A student found having used alcohol or illicit drugs or is in possession of such drugs will be found accountable through the local law enforcement system and, if applicable to that student, will be in violation of the rules and guidelines of the North Dakota High School Activities Association. The following school policy is in addition to the above accountability. 1. First Referral: The student must report to the counselor for no less than four

hours of alcohol and drug counseling. Three hours shall be individual or group counseling and one hour shall be education.

2. Second Referral: The student must be referred to an appropriate agency to undergo an alcohol and drug evaluation. Results of such evaluation will be shared with the principal and counselor before the student will be allowed to return to school.

The same procedures regarding filing of such referrals with the principal and the student’s involvement in school activities apply as that for reasonable suspicion. Confidentiality: when a referral is made to the principal, all efforts will be made to secure the confidentiality of the student. At each referral, contact with the parents or guardians of the student will be made as soon as reasonably possible. The initial notification of the referral will come from the administration: however, the counselor working with the student may also contact the parents or guardians to allow the parents and the school to work together for the benefit of the student. At any time within this referral process, a student may step from Part A of the reasonable suspicion policy to Part B of the actual evidence policy by virtue of haing

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been found in possession or in actual use. This is evidence that the disease has progressed and needs to be handled as such. Immediate Intervention Immediate intervention is merited whenever the behavior of a student jeopardizes his/her health, safety or welfare or that of other students or staff. In addition, immediate intervention is mandated when a student is observed using mind-altering chemicals in violation of state or federal laws. Should a student demonstrate behavior suggesting immediate danger, the following action will be taken: 1. The staff member involved will secure whatever help is needed to provide first

aid and to ensure the well-being of others present. 2. Should the student’s behavior indicate a potential overdose or withdrawal, the

staff should attempt to determine the type of drug taken. a. An inspection of the student’s clothing or locker may be necessary. b. Staff members will try to ask friends and associates of the student for

information. c. Careful observations will be made of any odors or types of behaviors

displayed. 3. Parents will be contacted immediately, advised of the crisis situation and involved

in action for the transfer of the student to a medical facility if deemed necessary. 4. When parents cannot be contacted, the student will be transferred to a medical

facility. 5. After the student’s immediate needs have been attended to, planning with the

student and parents will begin. This will provide for long-range planning to administer to the student’s behavior within the school context as well as within the larger community.

a. The student is to be held responsible for his/her actions. b. Support is to be provided to help the student understand his/her behavior

within the school and broader social context. c. Legal ramifications may be pursued at the discretion of the school or

parents.

Support Services: One of the most essential factors in the successful treatment of a problem is a system of support which enables students to return to or continue in their homes, school, and community environment with feeling of acceptance, encouragement, and success. The school can assist in this support system by: 1. Cooperating with the treatment facility by providing information necessary to

enable the facility to plan for the student’s education. 2. Reassuring the student that appropriate school credit will be given for the

treatment experience. 3. Planning with the treatment facility so that progress made in treatment can be

maintained once the student returns to the school environment.

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4. Formulating a school schedule which will consider alternatives which best suit the student’s ability to function (e.g., part-day schedule, credit for ongoing thereapy, tutoring, etc.)

5. Preparing instructors to give support to students when they continue in or return to class.

6. Through the use of available resources, provide follow-up counseling and supportive assistance to those students who return from a therapeutic program.

7. Securing communication channels with home and community resources that provide support for positive growth.

Policy Implementation: A copy of this policy will be presented to each student on an annual basis. Chemical Use and Smoking:

Smoking, chewing tobacco, alcoholic beverages, and illegal drugs are prohibited in the school building, on the school grounds or in any location where the school is involved in any activity. Any student apprehended or seen doing any of the above will be suspended from school for 3 to 5 days. They may also be suspended from school on the recommendation of any supervising adult for violating any of the above regulations. Any student representing the school will not be allowed to practice or appear in any games or other extracurricular activities while the suspension is in effect. The teacher or other school personnel will refer a suspected case of student chemical abuse to the principal. If the principal feels there is a problem he/she will give the teacher a checklist for student behavior. After the checklist is returned and the principal feels there is a problem of chemical or alcohol abuse, the principal will call in the parents for a discussion. If after this discussion the principal still feels there is a problem, he/she will report it to the proper professional agency. The school will cooperate in all possible ways with outside professional agencies. Child Abuse or Neglect:

North Dakota State Law mandates that schoolteachers and administrators having knowledge of or reasonable cause to suspect that a child coming before him/her in his/her official or professional capacity is abused or neglected shall report the circumstances to the division of community services of the social services board of North Dakota.

Church Night:

The Parshall School has agreed to cooperate with the local churches to designate Wednesday night as church night and not schedule any activities, meetings or

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rehearsals that evening, exceptions to this agreement must be approved ahead of time by the superintendent. Clothing:

Students should wear proper fitting, (baggy trousers need to be held up with a belt) clean and comfortable clothing to school. They should not wear clothing to school that is suggestive, revealing or obscene. Parents need to insure that students do not wear clothing or bring items that promote alcohol, tobacco, weapons or other drug use or are suggestive in any nature. Students will be asked to reverse the offending item if possible, put some type of clothing over it, or will be sent home to change if determined by the teacher or principal. Caps are not to be worn in school. (Pajamas

and slippers are not to be worn at school, unless approved through the building

principal.)

Communication:

Communication in a school is very important, enabling parent, staff and students to stay on top of potential problems. The following is a guideline for lines of communication in the Parshall School. Parent/Child Classroom Teacher Building Principal Superintendent Board President The first step is to communicate directly with the person. The second step is to communicate together with the person and their supervisor. Cumulative Records:

Information about a student and their family is collected upon entry and throughout the time the student is enrolled In the Parshall Public Schools. This information is kept current and is maintained in a cumulative record file. Information contained in the record file includes: basic information about the student and their family, attendance records, grades and/or progress reports, health information, records of achievement in the basic skills, results of intelligence, aptitude and interest tests and special individual test results for pupils with special needs. Parents are welcome to see or have a copy of the material in this file at any time. Should a student transfer to another school system, parents will be contacted for release of the records to the new school. No individual or agency outside the school system will be permitted to inspect a child’s record without the written consent of parents or a court order. During the school year a request for examination or a copy should be made to the principal with a reasonable amount of time allowed for his/her compliance. This

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limitation is included because the principal may be in a meeting, out of town or at home ill. Discipline:

In the hope that our teachers will be able to spend more time teaching and less time disciplining, the following rules have been established along with the consequences, should they be broken. The rules are expected to be strictly adhered to and the same rules and consequences apply to every student. All students will be expected to obey all reasonable requests and instructions given by all employees of the school while in the building, on the playground, riding in the school buses or attending activities at the high school. They are expected to obey immediately. What works for one teacher and one group of students may not work for another group, therefore, each teacher will have some of their own specific classroom rules in addition to the rules listed below. A list of the classroom rules and their consequences will be sent home with the students after school begins. They will also be posted in the classroom. As you consider the rules that follow, you will realize the seriousness of breaking them varies greatly from one to another. The following list of rules and the consequences for breaking those rules will be used as a guide in helping our students know what proper behavior is. Parental notification and involvement are an important deterrent to inappropriate behavior. When needed, teachers, teacher aides, and/or principal will notify the parents to make them aware of the rules that have been broken. Rules and Consequences

1. Sunflower seeds, gum, candy, or food are not allowed in the school or on the playground without special permission from school personnel.

a. Warning, food taken away. 2. Bicycles are not to be ridden on the playground or at football games.

a. Bikes may be locked up. 3. No snowball or rock throwing of any type.

a. Warning or immediate detention that will be before or after school which will be the responsibility of the classroom teacher; and/or sent to the principal.

4. No knives, guns, or weapons of any kind, (real or play) or items considered dangerous to others will be not be allowed.

a. Immediate detention for minor offenses. Severe offenders will be sent to the principal with possible suspension and/or law enforcement contacted.

5. Play only on the playground area assigned. Do not leave the playground area for any reason

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a. Warning, possible detention, possible suspension, possible law enforcement called.

6. No violent games will be allowed (no ‘pretend’ guns or knives) a. Warning, possible detention, possible suspension

Bullying: While in a school building, on school district premises, in a district-owned or leased school bus or school vehicle, or at any public school or school district sanctioned or sponsored activity or event, a student may not:

1. Engage in bullying; 2. Engage in reprisal or retaliation against:

a. A victim of bullying; b. An individual who witnesses an alleged act of bullying c. An individual who reports an alleged act of bullying; or d. An individual who provides information about an alleged bullying

incident. 3. Knowingly files a false bullying report

Consequences for Bullying: Standard Form : “Incident Report Form” to be used by all grade levels when appropriate. The report will be filled out by the person most closely involved in the situation. The report form will then be submitted to the classroom teacher. The teacher will then decide if the incident needs to be reported to the principal for further action according to the policy. Each classroom teacher will keep a copy of the Incident Report Form to ensure that the appropriate consequence is followed. Consequences for grades K-2: At this grade level, it is the intent to identify bullying and teach anti-bullying practices.

1. Students involved in conflict will discuss incident among themselves. If they can resolve it no report will be filed.

2. If the student(s) cannot resolve the conflict, a report is filled out and student(s) will call parent(s).

3. Logical Consequences for incidents will be determined by the classroom teacher.

4. BLST meeting to discuss incident. 5. Meeting with parents, teacher and counselor to discuss modifications in the

corrective behavior plan. Parents will be informed of the consequence if there should be another incident.

6. 1 day ISS

Consequences for grades 3-6: It is believed that at this grade level students have a good understanding of bullying and anti-bullying practices. Minor Behavior:

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1. Warning 2. Loss of 1 recess if recess related 3. Loss of 3 days of recess and a call home, also 15 minutes of detention 4. Loss of 1 week of recess and a call home, also 30 minutes of detention 5. 1 day of ISS and a call home 6. 3 days of ISS and a call home 7. Moves to a major offense step 3

Major Behavior:

1. Detention for 20 minutes, parents will be attempted to be contacted and a visit to the principal.

2. 1 day ISS 3. 3 days ISS 4. 5 days OSS 5. 10 days OSS 6. Possible recommendation to the board for expulsion.

All detention will be before or after school under the supervision of the classroom teacher. Principal’s Office:

Severe consequences occur when a child does one or more of the items listed below. Consequences will be based on the degree of the disciplinary action and on the individual student. Offenses that are not covered in the guidelines section may be subject to disciplinary penalties as administered in the past or dealt with accordingly by the teaching staff and administration.

Some examples are: 1. A child willfully inflicts serious physical harm. 2. A child willfully destroys property. 3. A child repeatedly refuses to do what an adult tells him to do.

In School Suspension is isolation from all activities for the day. Participation in and watching school activities are not allowed while the student is in in-school suspension. The student shall be given an opportunity for physical activity during the school day, but will not be with other students. Out of School Suspension is isolation from all activities of school. Participation in and watching school activities are not allowed while the student is serving their time. Vandalism:

Willful destruction of school property is against the law and as such any destruction will have to be paid for by the student or his/her parents and/or guardian. Additional

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discipline will also be considered. Writing and carving on desks, misuse of textbooks, and broken windows are examples of actions considered willful destruction of school property. Not respecting school property will result in a warning, cleaning off the item that was damaged, and/or paying for the cost of replacement or repair. Unlawful Acts and Weapons Policy: Gun Free Schools Act of 1994

The policy of the Parshall Board of Education on unlawful acts is that: “Any unlawful acts will be reported to the proper authorities,” such as vandalism, use or possession of drugs, use or possession of tobacco (includes chewing tobacco). Etc. Possession of offensive weapons is a federal offense and will be dealt with in accordance to the law. Toy guns, knives, violent pictures and other toy weapons are strictly prohibited. No knives, guns or weapons of any kind, (real or play) or items considered dangerous to others will be allowed. There will be detention for minor offenses. Severe offenders will be sent to the principal with possible suspension and/or law enforcement contacted. Eligibility for Extracurricular Activities:

These guidelines are for all players and statisticians who will be with the team.

1. Physicals MUST be completed BEFORE practice begins. You cannot practice until you have your physical.

2. Everyone plays the first game of the season 3. The report card is used for the first two weeks to determine eligibility 4. Student eligibility will be checked each Friday 5. Eligibility goes from Monday to Monday 6. Students must be passing (D- or above) in all subjects 7. No F’s in any class 8. Attitude must be maintained during school and at all games! You are

representing the Parshall School District when you travel to other schools. It is expected that you are sitting during all games, that you are courteous to the hosting town and that you encourage your teammates and cheer them on.

9. If a student misses school the day of an activity, he/she cannot play or participate in the activity that evening.

10. Eligibility communication will be between the classroom teacher and the coach.

Field Trips:

Instructional field trips are those, which are directly related to ongoing classroom instruction. They provide a means for staff and students to show a relationship between the instructional program and the community outside the school. Transportation for field trips will be provided by vehicles belonging to the district or by private vehicles, usually parents of the children involved. A form must be submitted PRIOR to the students leaving if a student will be leaving the field trip activity to go with the parent or guardian. ONLY the child/children of the parent will be allowed to leave with the parent or

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guardian. (No friends or cousins may leave with them unless arrangements have been made PRIOR to the trip and a form has been filled out from the parent) Parents wanting to check their child out early from a field trip must make prior arrangements and as soon as the parent arrives the child will be checked out. Please do not follow the group and give your child special treatment while he/she is with the group. This is very upsetting to the other children. Fire Drills:

State Law requires that we hold periodic fire drills. When the fire alarm sounds, students and staff will proceed with the following: Fire drill routes are posted in each room.

1. Leave your seat, walk single file to the nearest exit. 2. NO NOT RUN, walk rapidly 3. Do not waste time by grabbing books or possessions 4. Go to the area as designated by your teacher 5. Staff are to see that lights are turned out and the doors closed 6. Staff will take attendance and report it to the principal.

Hot Lunch:

Hot lunches are served with a desire to provide students with a nutritious lunch for a minimum price. Lunch may be purchased individually for $1.65 Reduced meals are $0.50 and free lunches are available upon the approval of an application. Breakfast is served at the elementary starting at 8:00-8:30 am each morning. Breakfast meals are $1.05 and reduced meal cost is $0.40. Seconds and salad bar are available but are not included in the free and reduced program. If a lunch balance is due, seconds, extra milk

and salad bar may be denied until the bill is paid in full. Extra milk is $0.25 (milk is included in the lunch), milk break is not included in the free and reduced program. Adult meals are $2.25. Illness and Accidents:

When a child is ill it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to notify the school. If a child becomes ill or is injured at school the parents/guardians will be notified. After 3 days of continuous absence parents/guardians will need to provide a doctor’s excuse. Parents need to send a note with an explanation to have students remain in at recess and at noon.

Homework:

For a child to succeed in school a certain amount of practice of the assigned material is required. Homework assigned by the classroom teacher is expected to be finished and

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returned the following school day by 4:00 pm. Students not finished will have the option of working from school dismissal until 4:00 pm. If students choose not to stay and finish, this choice will be documented with the classroom teacher. When students have excused absences (doctor’s appointments or illness) from school, they have as many days to make up their work, as they were absent. Please remember the only excused absences are doctor appointments and dental appointments, all others are unexcused and homework will be subject to partial credit or no credit. Due to the fact that education is based on a progression of skills learned and that one skill must be learned in order to be able to complete the next task, all work is expected to be completed, even if only partial credit is given. When homework is collected early due to anticipation of being gone, it is expected to be completed and returned promptly. We encourage you to help your child with their homework and to check it over, but please remember the work must be completed in your child’s own handwriting.

Immunization:

All students enrolled must have an immunization record on file. The state of North Dakota has policy that parents be making progress on meeting the minimum state shot requirements for their enrolled children. Infectious Diseases:

Pinkeye, Impetigo, Ringworm: These are some of the infectious diseases that spread easily from person to person. For the well being of the school, students must seek treatment for any infectious disease and have a doctor’s release to return to school. Lice: It is the policy of the Parshall School District that routine head checks for head lice will be conducted the last Friday of each month. If a child is found with nits or lice, the student(s) will be sent home for treatment. The student(s) must be nit free when they return. The student must check in at the office or the counselor before returning to the classroom. School personnel will check the student for nits. If the student still has nits the student will be sent home and upon returning the next day, must have approval from a health care facilitator indicating that your child/children is/are nit free. (Example: County Health Nurse, doctor, etc.) If the student misses two or more days of school due to lice, the student will be referred to the proper authorities. It is the parent’s responsibility to get this problem resolved in a timely manner.

Leaving the School Grounds:

Students must have permission from the principal or designate before they will be allowed to leave the school grounds during the day. If no notification has been made

the student is subject to out of school suspension and the authorities will be called and

reported as truancy.

Lost and Found:

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The school maintains an area where items, which are found, can be turned in and lost items may be reclaimed. Items found should be turned in to the school office. All personal items should be marked so that if lost, they can be promptly returned to their rightful owners.

Medication:

School personnel may not dispense medication to children unless parents have given written approval. Please ask for a medical form from the office. The office does not have medication for internal use such as aspirin or cough drops. Any medication shall be kept in a safe location. Outside School Doors:

When students arrive at school, they are allowed to go to Power Hour and work on homework. During nice weather students will be instructed to go outside from 8:20-8:35 the playground supervisor arrives. There will not be supervision before that time. Please assume we will be going outside sometime during the day. Dress your children daily as if we are going outside. Extra socks, shoes, boots, mittens, etc. are strongly encouraged. The outside doors will be locked at 4:00 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays and at 3:20 pm on Wednesdays, Fridays, and the day before a school holiday. Students may be in the building after 3:45pm only if they are under direct supervision of a staff member or other adult. Parent-Teacher Conferences:

There will be two regularly scheduled parent-teacher conferences during the school year. Please try to make every effort to attend these important meetings with your child’s teacher. Individual teachers, parents, or the principal may arrange other conferences as the need arises. Nothing works better than an open discussion between parents and school personnel to solve problems and parent misunderstandings. Pets:

No pets should be brought to school without securing permission from their teacher. All pets brought in must be current with their shots. Program Offerings:

Kindergarten-Kindergarten is offered as a full day. The kindergarten curriculum offers students readiness activities in active learning situations.

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Grades 1-6: The curriculum offerings in grades one through six are in accordance with the North Dakota Century Code. Music: A special music class is offered to all students in accordance with the North Dakota Century Code. Instrumental Music: Band is available for fifth and sixth graders. It provides individual lessons as well as sectionals and large group work. Physical Education is offered in accordance with the North Dakota Century Code. Title One: This is a federal program that by law concentrates on assisting those students who require supplemental help in reading and math. Students must meet specific criteria to qualify. Special Education: The Parshall Public Schools are provided with special education services through the Souris Valley Special Education Unit. Students who qualify may receive help from a Special Education teacher or a speech and language teacher. Students must be tested to qualify for these programs. The district also provides teachers in resource rooms at both the elementary building and the high school. This service is for those students who have difficulty in several learning areas. Students must be tested to qualify for this program. A computer lab is available for the staff and students. Staff is encouraged to have students work in the lab on a regular basis. Progress Reports:

Grades 1-6

Parents will be notified at the mid-point of the nine-week period of the progress their child is making. This report comes from the teacher who will indicate the main reason for the grade. Such a report is valuable as it gives the student and parents an opportunity to correct any grade that needs improvement. Parents should arrange a conference with the teacher if there are any concerns. Personal Items/Equipment:

The school will not be responsible for the loss or damage of any personal items brought to school (toys, ipods, etc.). If the items become a distraction or create conflict at school, the items will be taken away. If you feel there is a need for your child to bring a cell phone at school, it is to be dropped off at the office or the classroom teacher in the morning and picked up after school. If the student chooses not to hand in their cell phone or ipod at the beginning of the day, it will be taken away. On the first offense, the student may get the item back at the end of the school day. The second offense requires the

parent to come in and pick up the item. The third offense will result in the item being

kept until the end of the school year. (First, Second and Third Offenses are also included

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for any personal items brought to school) All items will be returned at the end of the school year upon request.

Retention and Promotion:

Parshall Elementary Retention Policy Proposed Nov. 2005 Adopted Jan. 10, 2006

Should it become necessary to retain a student, conferences will be scheduled and the matter will be discussed during the regularly scheduled parent-teacher conferences. Every effort will be made to keep parents well informed throughout the school year if their child is in danger of being retained. The conference will include parents or guardians of the student, as well as teachers and administrative personnel of the school. The final decisions to retain, promote, or place rests with the administration. At the Parshall Elementary, we believe that learning is exciting, fun, and challenging. It is recognized that striving for educational excellence is a part of this belief and the promotion of students indicates that a certain level of skills and competencies have been demonstrated by the student. It is important to acknowledge that student learning and development encompasses teacher, student, and parents working together as a team. Placing a pupil where it is believed he/she will have the greatest opportunity to develop his/her potentialities is to be the basis for consideration of promotion or non-promotion of any student. Retention is particularly justified whenever a student’s achievement is below state testing standards or below grade level standards due to his/her attitude of indifference or lack of effort, physical or social immaturity, and frequent and long absences. This action will be indicated on the report card during the school year. The promotion and retention policy at the Parshall Elementary School is directed toward the individual student. Retention may be considered in Grades K-6 if:

1. Skills and competencies have not been demonstrated at the present grade level. The student is failing in much of the class work due to the inability to function adequately at an acceptable level of performance.

2. Inability of the student to handle the work in the next grade. 3. Extreme lack of effort from the student in doing their work and handing in

assignments. 4. The student has more than 20 unexcused absences. An exception being, the

student has a serious health condition that has kept him/her from attending classes. This will only be considered if the school has documentation from the child’s doctor.

5. It serves the best interest of the student.

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Teachers at the elementary school considering a student for retention will take the following steps on the student’s behalf:

1. The student will be identified as early in the school year as possible. 2. Those students on IEPs will be referred to the IEP committee who will determine

placement (unless it is based on attendance which is not listed as one of the goals on the IEP).

3. The student will be referred to the Building Level Support Team (BLST) as a means of developing varied intervention methods.

4. The principal and classroom teacher will meet to discuss the progress of their student. The possibility of retention and other options will be discussed at this time if a child is not making satisfactory progress.

5. The first notification of contemplated retention will be completed by the teacher and mailed home in January.

6. Follow-up meetings between the principal and the classroom teacher will continue in February and March. Parents will be kept informed of their child’s progress.

7. Second parent/teacher conferences 8. The second notification of contemplated retention will be sent to the parents, if

improvement and changes have not occurred, in April. 9. Those students enrolling late in the school year, retention will be based on

information from the previous school and our current records.

Scheduling Activities:

The building principal must approve the scheduling of any event. All fund raising activities must be approved by the advisor of the group and submitted to the superintendent for final approval. Search and Seizure:

Lockers and desks are assigned to students for their use, but the school retains ownership of them, as such, they are subject to inspection at any time by school officials. Supervision of Playground:

The safety of every child under our supervision is a major concern. Parents are reminded that the school playground is only supervised during school hours. Morning recess supervision begins at 8:20. It is expected that students will keep the playground clean and free of vandalism. Students are expected to leave the school grounds after school to avoid any confrontations, no supervision is provided after school. The school is not responsible for what happens after school hours.

Telephone Usage:

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Telephone messages during the day will be written and given to teachers or students at the end of a period. Teachers and students will be called out of class for phone calls only in emergency situations. What is considered emergency may be determined by school administration, locating a key is not considered an emergency. The office phone is for school business only. Students must have permission to use the office phone. The office phone is the only line with access to long distance. The hall phone is for student use for local calls and only if the students needs to stay after school or is sick and needs to notify home. Transportation arrangements should be made before school. Students must receive permission to use the hall phone from their teacher or other staff member. Messages to students must be called in PRIOR to 2:45 pm daily. We cannot guarantee that the message will get to your child if the message is received later than 2:45. Visitors to the School:

All visitors MUST report in to the office first. Children alone cannot visit, unless an invitation has been extended for some special event. Students will not bring guests or visitors unless cleared ahead of time with administration. This is discouraged due to the distraction it creates in the classroom.

Recess and Noon Hour:

Recess is held throughout the winter months. Alternate indoor activities are provided to those days weather doesn’t permit outside activities. Decision for staying inside due to inclement weather will be made by the building administrator or designee. All students are expected to take part in recess unless other arrangements have been made with the classroom teacher. We do make exceptions for students who have medically documented chronic ailments that are aggravated by cold weather. Children should have proper outerwear to adjust to the weather conditions. Caps, mittens, coats, and boots are needed for winter weather. As a general rule of thumb, students will go outside unless the temperature is below zero or if the wind chill is below zero. The weather web site (www.weather.com) is our reference to inform us of the temperature and the wind chill. The weather often changes during the day so please dress your children warmly. There are days when the morning temperature is too cold, but by noon it has warmed up enough to take the children out for a while. If your child has forgotten an article of clothing, please have your child tell his/her teacher. We have extra mittens, boots, scarves, hats, etc. Footwear:

Footwear that damages the floor will not be allowed. A clean or separate pair of tennis shoes or appropriate soft-soled shoes must be worn in physical education class. No ‘floppy’ shoes will be allowed in PE.

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No heelies are allowed anywhere in the elementary or in the high school. These shoes scratch up our floors. The shoes may be taken away and given to the student at the end of the school day or after a game or if they are worn to any ballgame at the high school. Student Dismissal Precautions:

To assure that children are released for only proper reasons and into proper hands, the Parshall Elementary School has set up procedures to approve requests for early dismissal. No staff member shall excuse any pupil from school prior to the end of the school day without a request for early dismissal by the student’s parents/guardians, or someone on a parental/guardian pre-approved list, or without contacting the parent prior to releasing the child. When the parents of the child are separated, involved in divorce proceedings or are divorced, or the child is a ward of the state, court or social service, the building principal will comply with the provisions of any court order concerning restrictions on access to the child during school hours, but will not otherwise distinguish between the custodial or non-custodial parent/guardian, etc, a copy of any court order containing such restrictions shall be provided to the building administrator at the time any special request is made. The parents/guardians or custodian of the child shall provide the building principal with list of personnel having the right to pick up the child from school. Power Grade

The Parshall School District provides access to your child’s grades, homework assignments missing, and attendance through the internet. This request for access can be received from the high school principal. Right to Access and Privacy of Records

All parents and guardians of students under 18 years of age and all students 18 years of age and over have the right, pursuant to the Family Educational Right and Privacy Act of 1974, to examine the official records, file, and data of the school district directly relating to the student. They also have the right to challenge any of the contents of said records to insure their accuracy and fairness. Procedures for such examination and challenge, including hearings on a challenge, shall be established by the Board of Education and be made available upon request. No records, files or data directly relating to an individual student shall be made available to anyone without the consent and/or notification of the student or of the parents or guardian of a student under 18 except:

1. The following persons can access a student’s records: parents, eligible students over the age of 18, school officials, a party with the written permission of parents or eligible student, certain state and local officials what are part of the juvenile

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justice system or a court order, an outside school district with a written request for student records, or

2. There has been a federal request for submission of student records in connection with the student application for financial aid.

The student or parent will be notified if officials of a school to which a student intends to enroll desire access to student’s records, or if a court has ordered access to such records. For other investigation of students records parental or student consent is needed.

Directory Information

The Parshall School District reserves the right to release directory information without prior permission of the parent or eligible student for school publications, yearbooks, programs for school events, handbills, rosters and news releases. Such information shall be limited to name, grade level, age, participation in school sponsored activities, height and weight of athletic team members, graduation dates and awards and honors received. The school district is required to furnish lists of senior’s names, addresses and telephone numbers to military personnel and/or colleges or other higher learning institutions upon request. Parents objecting to the use of directory information must inform the office in writing no later than 10 days after the student’s receipt of a student handbook. The form for this may be obtained in the office.