Dear Parents and Students, The St. Louis Elementary Handbook is designed to work in partnership with the Nikkari and Carrie Knause Weekly Communication Folders (Friday or Monday Folders). It is given to you to provide basic information about our elementary policies and procedures. Please take the time to read it so you will become familiar with our school.

The communication folder itself is designed to be a tool to establish a regular communication line between home and school. Research shows that student achievement is higher when there is positive, close, and frequent communication between home and school. The planner planner/communication folder is one way we will communicate with you regarding your child; other forms of communication we regularly use are parent­teacher conferences, telephone calls, school newsletters and notices, and parent visitations to school. We encourage parents and their children to discuss school information and activities regularly. If you desire additional input from your child’s classroom teacher or the principal, please do not hesitate to contact our schools to schedule an appointment. We are proud of our St. Louis elementary schools, and we hope you share that pride with us. We welcome your suggestions, comments, questions, and participation. It is hoped that together, we can provide excellent educational opportunities for all of our students. Sincerely, The Staffs of Carrie Knause Early Childhood Learning Center and Nikkari Elementary Schools

Board of Education & Central Office: 113 E. Saginaw St., St. Louis, 681­2545 Mrs. Kristi Teall­Superintendent Mrs. Carol Salladay, Administrative Assistant Mrs. Lori Hale, Administrative Assistant: Board of Education Members: Mr. Jeff Baxter Mrs. Kelly Bebow Mrs. Carrie Beeson Mr. David Best Mr. Don Kelley Mrs. Carrie Salladay Mr. John Pavlik Other Important Information: High School.....681­2500 TSN Middle School.....681­5155 Nikkari Elementary.....681­5131 Carrie Knause ECLC.....681­3535 Transportation Office.....681­3532 Food Service Office.....681­5825 ST. LOUIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS MISSION STATEMENT Our mission is to help all students strive for excellence. In pursuit of this mission, the St. Louis Public Schools will… ∙ always place children first ∙ provide a safe, caring educational environment ∙ involve the community in the educational program ∙ integrate technology into the learning process ∙ keep the District financially sound NIKKARI MISSION STATEMENT Together, with parents and students, we will pursue academic excellence and social responsibility.

CARRIE KNAUSE MISSION STATEMENT We are committed to educating all students and instilling values of lifelong learning and responsible citizenship. PARTNERS IN YOUR CHILDREN’S EDUCATION Both parents and teachers want the same thing for children...the best possible education. When we work together, we make a strong team. Here are some ways you can help the school do a better job: *See that your child attends school regularly. *Be aware of what your child is learning is school. *Let us know if your child has any problems outside of school.

If you have concerns or questions about any aspect of our school program, share them with us. Your child’s teacher, principal, and superintendent are available and willing to discuss any issue with you. If someone on the school staff has been particularly helpful to your child, let that person know. We all like to hear good news now and then. Check your child’s backpack every night and discuss notes, notices, and work papers. COMMUNICATION FOLDER GUIDELINES A Weekly Communication Folder will be provided for each student at no cost. It is each student’s responsibility to use it properly and not to lose it. If this folder is lost or destroyed, you may be charged a replacement fee of $2.00. QUESTIONS & ANSWERS CONCERNING HEALTH What If My Child Needs Medication At School? No school employee may give medications, of any kind, including over the counter medications, to a student except upon a doctor’s order. A parent must come into the school and fill out a form describing the medication. This form must also be signed by your family doctor for their signature. In such cases, medication must be administered in the school office by office personnel, or a parent. The medication must be in a container showing the pupil’s name, the pharmacy prescription number, the name of the medication, the dosage, and the times to be administered. This includes

over­the­counter medications including, but not limited to aspirin, Tylenol, cough drops, allergy medications, and inhalers. When Should I Keep My Child Home? Please keep your child home when he or she has a temperature above normal, an earache, nausea or vomiting, a skin rash, head lice, or other illnesses which could be contagious. Do I Call School If My Child Is Ill? Yes. For your child’s safety, please call and notify us when your child will not be in school. Please also send a written note to your child’s teacher when he or she returns to school so the absence may be excused. What If My Child Has An Accident Or Becomes Ill At School? Parents will be contacted. If parents cannot be reached, those designated on the emergency card are called. Make sure that your emergency persons are local in case your child needs to be picked up. If there are any changes to emergency card information, please notify the school. If My Child Is Hurt At School, What Will Happen? School first aid is limited, so parents should be aware of this. Ice and band­aids are dispensed and discretion is used as to what further steps are taken. Should a child have an accident while at school, we will do everything we can to make him or her comfortable until we can reach a parent. If this is not possible, we will take him to a local doctor of your choice, as indicated on the emergency card. When there is a small bump or accident of some kind we will either call a parent, or send home an “OOPS” note to let you know what has happened. BUS REGULATIONS The following are guidelines that all children who ride a bus to school are expected to follow. It is imperative that all children are safe as they ride to school each day. Please review these guidelines with your child so that he or she has a positive experience on St. Louis school buses. *Students are to comply with all instructions of the bus driver and show proper respect to the driver. *Students are to occupy the seat assigned by the driver and refrain from moving and standing while the bus is in motion.

*Classroom behavior is expected while getting on or off and while riding the bus. For safety reasons shouting, screaming, and other loud noises are not permitted on the bus. *Profanity or harassment of any kind is prohibited while waiting for, boarding, or riding a school bus.

A SPECIAL BUS NOTE: Special bus considerations of any kind must be cleared our transportation department, at 681­3532. SCHOOL CANCELLATIONS, DELAYS OR CLOSINGS There are times due to weather or other types of emergencies when it is necessary to close school. We are in constant contact with weather bureau reports and receive additional information from civil defense and police agencies. If it is necessary to close school during the course of a school day, please inform our office beforehand where he or she should go, or what to do in case you are not at home. Make arrangements with others, such as, friends or neighbors, for these emergency situations. For delays, cancellations, or early school closings, we will inform you through our PowerSchool system. Through this system, you can select the phone number that you wish to be contacted at, and, also, whether you would like to be contacted through e­mail and/or text. You will receive information on how to activate your account at the start of the school year, or when you enroll your child. We also contact our local radio and television stations. In the event of a tornado watch, students will stay in their classroom. Should a tornado warning be issued, students will proceed to designated areas in the school building for safety. REMINDER: In the event of a school delay, we do not serve breakfast. WEAPONS BILL ­ MANDATORY EXPULSION The Weapons Bill became effective on January 1, 1995. The bill amends the School Code to require the board of a local or intermediate school district or a public school academy or someone designated by it (i.e. a superintendent, principal, or other school district official) to permanently expel, subject to possible reinstatement as outlined in the bill, a pupil who possesses a dangerous weapon in a weapon­free school zone. (A dangerous weapon is defined as a firearm, dagger, dirk, stiletto, knife with a

blade over three inches long, pocket knife opened by a mechanical device, iron bar, or brass knuckles.) The mandatory expulsion provisions do not apply for a student who establishes in a “clear and convincing manner” at least one or more of the following: *The object was not to be used as a weapon or for direct or indirect delivery to another pupil for use as one. *He or she did not knowingly possess the weapon. *He or she did not know or have reason to know that the object he or she possessed constituted a dangerous weapon. *He or she possessed the weapon at the suggestion, request, or direction of, or with the express permission of school or police authorities

EXPULSION: The expulsion would have to be entered on the pupil’s permanent record. Unless a school district operates or participates in a program appropriate for expelled students (as specified in the bill and at the district’s discretion), an expelled student would be expelled from all public schools in the state. REVIEW COMMITTEE: A school district must appoint a committee to review a reinstatement petition within 10 days of receipt of the petition. Committee membership must consist of two school board members, one school administrator, one teacher, and one parent of a pupil in the school district. The superintendent may prepare and submit to the committee, information regarding the circumstances of the expulsion and any factors mitigating for or against the reinstatement. Within 10 days after the members are appointed, they must review the information and submit a recommendation to the school board. The recommendation would have to be for unconditional reinstatement, for conditional reinstatement, or against reinstatement. SUSPENSION & EXPULSION AND PROCEDURAL DUE PROCESS The St. Louis Public Schools’ District Board of Education may suspend or expel any pupil guilty of “gross misdemeanor or persistent disobedience” whenever, in its judgment, the interest of the school may demand it. Principals are authorized to suspend students for periods of up to ten (10) days. The Superintendent has the authority to suspend students for up to forty­five (45) days. A suspension is a specific period of time that a student is denied the right of attending school; during a suspension, the student may not be on school property and/or attend any school­related activities unless specifically permitted by the principal or his/her designee. Expulsion is a permanent denial of the right to attend school. 1. Procedural Due Process for Suspension of Ten (10) days or less:

Prior to a suspension of ten (10) days or less, the student shall be given written or oral notice of the charges against him/her, an explanation of the evidence, and an opportunity to present his/her side of the story. 2. Procedural Due Process for Expulsions and Suspension of 11­45 days: The principal may recommend suspension of the student to the superintendent of schools for a definitely stated amount of time of more than eleven (11) to forty­five (45) days or may recommend expulsion. The following procedures will be followed in the expulsion of a student or a suspension of eleven (11) days to forty­five (45) days. A. The principal will forward written charges and documentary materials to the superintendent of the schools with a disciplinary recommendation. B. Charges will be forwarded to the board of education and to the parents, by the superintendent of schools, in writing, together with a disciplinary recommendation. C. Prior to an expulsion, the board of education shall hold a hearing on the charges and the recommended discipline. Reasonable notice of the hearing shall be furnished to the parents or guardians of the student involved. D. At the hearing the student shall have the right:

1. to be represented. 2. to cross­examine adverse witnesses. 3. to present witnesses in his/her own

behalf. 1. to have an open or closed hearing.

E. If a recommendation is made for a suspension of eleven (11) to forty­five (45) days, parents may request a hearing with the superintendent of schools. PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION The St. Louis PTO is composed of both teachers and parents from the St. Louis community. This group meets once a month to discuss what elementary students are working on, as well as ways that the organization could support our students. They strive to provide opportunities for our students that are enriching to their lives. In the past they have provided playground equipment, technology, supplies for students, field trips, and assemblies.

If you are interested in being a part of this organization, they meet the third Wednesday of every month in either the Carrie Knause or Nikkari Media Center at 3:30p.m. Child care is also provided during this time. For more information, visit their website at: http://stlouispto.weebly.com/

OTHER QUESTIONS WE CAN ANSWER... How Will I Know About School Events? Notes are sent home frequently, and a school newsletter with an on­going calendar of upcoming events is sent home on a bi­weekly basis. Each school also has its own web page. They can be found at www.stlouisschools.net and click on “Schools”. Please check your child’s backpack daily for important information. Should My Child Bring A Snack? Check with your child’s teacher as this varies. A note will be sent to you by your child’s teacher concerning snack routine. Our elementary schools are “nut­free” schools. A list of nut­free snacks will be sent home at the start of the school year, or provided at enrollment. How Will My Child Be Dismissed From School Each Day? If your child usually rides the bus and you plan to pick him or her up, please send a note or contact the office. If we do not receive a note or phone call, your child will be sent home on the bus. Please contact us by 12:30 p.m. if your child’s usual way of getting home needs to be changed. If your child will be accompanying another child home, you MUST contact the transportation office (681­3532), and your child’s school, through either a phone call, or note, to make arrangements. Your child will be released only to the adult(s) listed on the emergency card unless we have written permission from a parent. A child may legally go with either parent unless we have a court order on file in the office which prohibits a parent from seeing the child. PICKING UP A CHILD FROM SCHOOL If a student needs to leave school during the day, please send a note ahead of time so that it can be cleared with the office. Students are picked up at the office and signed out by the adult who picks the child up. Parents will be asked to wait in the office for their child to meet them.

HOMEWORK Homework is an important extension of the learning that occurs at school. It can provide practice that reinforces classroom learning. It can also provide opportunities for creative thinking and independent study and research. Homework is given as it is age appropriate. For kindergarten students, there might be a few minutes of homework a week that can be done in partnership with parents, whereas in upper elementary grades, there may be more frequent homework opportunities with work done independently by the student. Parents can assist with homework by doing the following: *Ask your child each day what homework he or she has and check his/her planner. *Provide suitable conditions for studying such as a desk or table, adequate lighting, and adequate supplies. *Support the school in regard to homework, and support your child in his or her completion of the homework and in the return of homework in a timely fashion. *Reserve a time for homework, turn off the TV, and restrict the use of the phone. *Encourage your child and show interest in schoolwork, but avoid undue pressure or doing the work for your child. *When a child is absent, make arrangements to pick up homework. PROCEDURES FOR MISSING SCHOOL WORK­NIKKARI It is understood that students miss school due to illness, death in the family, etc. Students who return to school with either a note from home, or a call from the parents to the school outlining the reason for the absence will be given opportunity to make up schoolwork assigned during their absence. As a guideline, students are given two school days to make up one day of absence. There are certain classroom assignments that are difficult to make up, such as science labs. In this case, every effort will be made to provide an alternative assignment which closely aligns with the classroom assignment. Students who are suspended from school, and are provided schoolwork prior to their return to school are expected to have those assignments completed when they return to school.

LOST AND FOUND Lost and found items are held in the school office as well as the bus garage. Items are disposed of, or given to charity at the end of each school year. You are welcome to check the lost and found items at any time. If there are names on clothing, backpacks, boots, etc., we will see that they are given to the correct owner. ELEMENTARY MEDIA CENTER Students at Carrie Knause and Nikkari visit the media center weekly to borrow media materials. Students need to return previously borrowed books before selecting new books. Students are responsible for anything they borrow and are expected to pay for damaged or lost materials. BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAM GENERAL INFORMATION: St. Louis Public Schools participates in the Federal Free and Reduced Breakfast and Lunch program. Applications will be sent home with your child, or if you do not receive one, you can pick one up at the school office. Please check to see if your child qualifies for these services. Breakfast is served every day school is in session from 7:30a.m. to 7:50a.m. (excluding delayed start days).Our elementary schools qualify for Universal Breakfast. This means that all students can receive a free breakfast, regardless of income. Meals may be paid for by the day, week or month. When sending cash or a check to school, please enclose it in a sealed envelope with the child’s full name, teacher’s name, and please indicate if the money is for breakfast, lunch, or both. Please write this on the outside of the envelope. If paying by check, please make the check payable to St. Louis Public Schools.

Also, a menu will be sent home with your child at the beginning of each month. If you would like to join your child for lunch, the cost of an adult lunch is $3.60. Please call the school office before 8:30 a.m. or send a note to school, so we can order you a lunch.

Please call our Food Service Office at 681­5155 extension 3020 with any questions or concerns.

ST. LOUIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS AMENDED MEAL CHARGING POLICY:

At the elementary levels, a student will be allowed to charge up to three (3) meals before a letter is sent home to the parent or guardian. A weekly letter would continue to go home until the account is brought up­to­date. No charges will be allowed at the middle and high school levels.

For elementary students, after a student charges five (5) meals and the school receives no payment, the student will receive a sandwich at lunch, until payment is made. At the middle school and high school level, no breakfast or lunch will be served unless the student pays for the meal at the time of service.

If a student applies for free or reduced lunches, any charges incurred before the application is completed and approved are still the responsibility of the parent or guardian and must be paid. A payment plan will be established when necessary. The school will still serve the child a regular breakfast or lunch while the previous charges are being paid. All outstanding meal charges at the end of the school year carry over to the beginning of the next school year. Any middle school or high school student with carryover charges will not be served a meal until payment is received or a payment schedule is established. Any elementary student with five or more charges will continue to receive a sandwich for lunch until payment is received or a payment schedule is established. ­­School Board adopted, June 28, 2004 2015­2016 MEAL PRICES Elementary: Breakfast­Free Lunch ­ $2.15

These prices may change at the discretion of the Board of Education. STUDENT DRESS CODE In compliance with the Code of Student Conduct approved by the board of education, parents are encouraged to guide their children in appropriate dress for school.

We have established guidelines that promote discipline, maintain order, secure the safety of students, and provide a healthy environment. These guidelines are:

Hats, caps, other head covering, non­prescription sunglasses, and other outerwear should not be worn in the school building except on special occasions determined by the staff for school pride days.

Shorts and skirts should be mid­thigh in length (finger­tip length).

Spandex type shorts and tights should only be worn under clothing of correct

length.

Shirts, blouses, and tops should extend below the belt line when arms are raised. See­through shirts, revealing tank tops, “spaghetti strap” shirts, basketball jerseys, and netted shirts without other another shirt underneath it are inappropriate.

Clothing with slogans and symbols referring to alcohol, drugs, and vulgarity are

not permitted.

Clothing should be neat and clean.

Shoes must be worn and appropriate to the day’s activities.

Clothing should be large enough to not restrict movement, but not too loose that it becomes a safety hazard (too large shoes, baggy pants).

Dress should be appropriate to a learning environment. Jewelry, hairstyles, etc.

that disrupt the educational environment will not be permitted.

Students dressed inappropriately will call home to have appropriate clothing brought to school or be asked to turn inappropriate clothing inside out. If these measures are not practical, the student may borrow a clean appropriate item from the school collection for the remainder of the day. Students who violate these guidelines will not be admitted to class and may be suspended from school. The principal has the final say on appropriate school dress.

Please remember that students will be outdoors daily with the exception of inclement weather days. In the winter months, students will be going outside unless the temperature, with or without wind chill, falls below 10 degrees. It is also important to remember that messy projects are often a part of our day (painting, gluing etc.) so dress your children with these things in mind. Your child will need a backpack in which to carry things to and from school. Make sure to put your child’s name on EVERYTHING that comes to school (coats, hats, backpacks, mittens, boots, etc.) REPORT CARDS Elementary students receive their report cards after a nine­week marking period. Parents will also be given access to view their child’s grades via PowerSchool. Access codes will be sent home with their child at the beginning of the school year, or when they enroll in school. SCHOOL HOURS AND ARRIVAL Our elementary school day extends from 7:50 a.m. until 3:07 p.m. Bus riders wait in the gym when they arrive at school in the morning. Please do not have your children arrive at school before 7:30 a.m.

We begin serving breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Students who need to eat breakfast may arrive at 7:30 a.m. Breakfast will not be served once classes begin, unless a school bus was late in dropping off students. WEATHER Students are expected to go outdoors at lunchtime and during recess unless inclement weather makes this impossible. Children need to dress appropriately for the various types of weather Michigan has to offer throughout the school year. Students should have separate shoes or boots for outdoor wear to keep their feet warm and their school clean.

If your child needs to stay indoors at recess because of an injury or a limiting physical condition, a note from your doctor is required. FIELD TRIPS Field trips will be scheduled throughout the school year to provide learning experiences for our students. Trips will be scheduled during regular school hours. Specific information will be sent home with your child through newsletters or special notes. (Remember to check your child’s backpack!) Your child must have a signed permission slip on file in order to attend any field trip. This permission slip is located on the back of the emergency card. If your child does not have a signed slip on file, he or she will remain at school. ***Nikkari special field trip note*** All third, fourth, and fifth grade students take a monthly walking trip to the St. Louis Public Library. Please contact your child’s teacher for a monthly schedule of visits to the public library. SCHOOL VISITATION All visitors to the school are asked to check into the school office first before visiting classrooms. Adults visiting the building are asked to check in with the office. Carrie Knause and Nikkari welcome visitors, but we also want to keep our students and staff safe. Therefore we need to monitor who is visiting our building at all times.

Conferences with the teacher are encouraged after a pre­arranged conference time has been set. Please call the school office to make an appointment.

Parents who come to school to pick up their children at the end of the day are asked to stay in the designated area, and to not arrive at school before 2:55 p.m. (11:15 a.m. on half­days). ATTENDANCE POLICY It is imperative that students be in attendance each school day in order to gain the full benefit of their educational experience. Unexcused absence from school (truancy) is not acceptable. Any absence not followed by a note, or doctor’s verification, within 3 days of your child’s return to school will be considered unexcused. Students who are truant for more than ten (10) days in a semester will be considered “habitual” and will be reported to the proper authorities.

Please contact your child’s school office to let us know about any absences. Please call the school office on the day or days your child will miss school, and then send a written note to your child’s teacher when your child returns to school. Any student who arrives at school after 9:00 a.m. will be considered absent for the morning.

The District accepts only the following as excusable reasons for absence from school. Each absence shall be explained in writing and signed by the student's parents. The excuse shall be submitted to the principal and filed as part of the student's school record. Personal Illness­The principal may require a doctor's confirmation if s/he deems it advisable. Illness in the Family­ The principal may require a doctor's confirmation if s/he deems it advisable.

Quarantine of the Home­ This is limited to the length of the quarantine as fixed by the proper health officials. Death of a Relative Observance of Religious Holidays­Any student shall be excused for the purpose of observing a religious holiday consistent with his/her creed or belief. Absence During the School Day for Professional Appointments­ Parents are to be encouraged to schedule medical, dental, legal, and other necessary appointments other than during the school day. Since this is not always possible, when a student is to be absent for part of the day, the student shall have a statement to that effect from his/her parents, or the student shall bring a signed statement from the doctor, dentist, lawyer, counselor, etc. to the effect that s/he reported promptly for the appointment. The student shall report back to school immediately after his/her appointment if school is still in session. Parents Right To Know In accordance with the requirement of Section 1111 of Title I, for each school receiving Title I funds, the Superintendent shall make sure that all parents of students in that school are notified that they may request, and the District will provide the following information on the student’s classroom teachers: A. whether the teacher(s) have met the State qualification and licensing criteria for the grade level and subject areas they are teaching B. whether the teacher(s) is teaching under any emergency or provisional status in which the State requirements have been waived C. the undergraduate major of the teacher(s) and the area of study and any certificates for any graduate degrees earned D. the qualifications of any paraprofessionals providing services to their child(ren) E. In addition, the parents shall be provided: 1. information on the level of achievement of their child(ren) on the required State academic assessments; 2. timely notice if the student is assigned to a teacher who is not "highly qualified" as required, or if the student is taught for more than four (4) weeks by a teacher who is not highly qualified If you have any questions, please contact your child’s principal. NO TOY/ELECTRONIC DEVICES POLICY

Carrie Knause and Nikkari Elementary have a “no­toy” policy. This means that

students are not to bring toys of any kind to school.

This policy is designed to help students avoid problems when toys are lost, stolen, or damaged at school. Additionally, a no toy policy helps students focus more effectively on their schoolwork. Please be aware that students should not bring toys to school. If toys are brought to school, the items will be taken from students, and only parents have the power to reclaim their students’ toys.

It is the parent’s prerogative, whether or not to provide their child with electronic devices. If you, as the parent, want your child to bring an electronic device to school, the device is to be kept in your child’s locker.These devices will not be allowed in classrooms, unless the teacher gives permission. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen electronic devices or toys. STUDENT BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS At our elementaries, we have three school expectations. We expect all students to: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, and Be Safe. Students will be taught these expectations on a regular basis by their classroom teacher and other members of the staff. Consistent guidelines will be followed by all teachers and staff members in the event a student is not demonstrating positive behavior. Teachers and Staff Members will: 1. Redirect a student’s behavior by asking the following questions:

What are you doing? Are you being (respectful, responsible, safe)? What will happen next time?

If the behavior still persists, then: 2. Student loses time from recess or loses a different privilege from their classroom teacher. If the behavior still persists, then:

3. Student is given a minor or major office referral (depending on the severity of the behavior) and sent to the office. Examples of Minor and Major offenses may include but are not limited to:

Minor Problem Behavior

Major Problem Behavior

Inappropriate language Physical contact (pushing/shoving) Uncooperative Disruption Dress Code Property misuse

Abusive/Threatening language Fighting Physical aggression Overt Defiance Harassment/Bullying Electronic Violation Dishonest/ Cheating Theft

**School officials reserve the right to determine which category a behavior falls into.

Disciplinary Consequences for “Minor” Referrals: The school administrator reserves the right to assign consequences for these referrals on an individual basis. Consequences may include meeting with the student, parent contact, or loss of recess/privilege.

Disciplinary Consequences for “Major” Referrals: The school administrator reserves the right to assign consequences

beyond /differing from the below outlined steps when deemed appropriate.

1st Offense:

Loss of recess. Student completes Problem Solving Form. Administrator contacts parents.

2nd Offense:

Loss of recess and lunch in the office.

Student completes Problem Solving Form. Administrator contacts parents.

3rd Offense:

Kindergarten – 2nd grade ­ ½ day In School Suspension , 3rd­5th grade­ Full Day In School Suspension

4th Offense:

Kindergarten – 2nd grade­ 1 day In School Suspension, 3rd ­5th grade­ Full Day Out of School Suspension

After 4 offenses, an individual behavior plan may be developed.

Students who do not have any major violations and less than three minor violations will be rewarded every marking period. Rewards may include an extra recess or a school wide movie in the gym.

When it is determined that a special education student’s behavior is not related to his/her handicap, the student will be subject to the consequences outlined in this handbook. Applicable state and federal special education laws and regulations will still be in effect. Suspension

When a student’s behavior adversely affects the learning process, an out­of­school suspension may be assigned by the principal for 1­10 days. When a student is suspended, they shall be informed of the charge against them either verbally or in writing and provided with an opportunity to respond. A parent/guardian may appeal the suspension to the superintendent or their designee only after discussion with the school administrator who imposed the suspension. Along with an assigned suspension, a student may not be allowed to participate in any after school activity, or be on school property,for the number of days suspended.

ST. LOUIS BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY ON PROMOTION, PLACEMENT, AND RETENTION OF STUDENTS Optimal school achievement is obtained when students experience success in their daily activities and build upon successful experiences as they encounter new learning situations. All aspects of the student must be considered as grade placements are made. DEFINITIONS A. Promotion: Occurs when a student is doing the caliber of work (grade level) that

indicates the student has met the criteria established in Policy 5410 and restated below.

B. Placement: Occurs when a student is not doing the caliber of work that indicates the

student should be promoted to the next grade. However, the Student Intervention Team recommends and the building administrator concurs, that it is in the student's best interest to move to the next grade.

C. Retention: Occurs when a student is not doing the caliber of work that indicates the

student should be promoted to the next grade, based on the recommendation of the Student Intervention Team with the concurrence of the building administrator.

Final decisions on student promotion, placement, or retention rest with the building principal. To implement Board policy, the following guidelines are to be utilized: Elementary Level A. Criteria for Consideration The following criteria shall be considered: 1. current level of achievement 2. potential for success at the next level 3. emotional, physical, social maturity B. Time Line for Elementary Grade Placement Changes 1. Before Parent/Teacher Conference: Principal will review grade

placement procedures with teachers. 2. October­January: Teacher should inform parents of student

progress. 3. Early March: Teacher will notify principal, if an alternative grade

placement or retention is being considered. 4. Early April: If placement or retention is still being considered, parents

should be notified by this time and commitment to the decision secured.

5. May­June: Decision on placement or retention is made and student Grade Placement Recommendation is completed.

St. Louis Public Schools Non­Discrimination Policy The Board does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disability, age, height, weight, marital status, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic, in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. The following person(s) have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non­discrimination policies of the District or to address any complaint of discrimination:

Name and/or Title: Kristi Teall Superintendent

Address: St. Louis Public School District

113 E. Saginaw

St. Louis, Michigan 48880

Telephone No.: 989­681­2545

St. Louis Public Schools Bullying and Other Aggressive Behavior Toward Students Policy

It is the policy of the District to provide a safe and nurturing educational environment for all its students.

This policy protects all students from bullying/aggressive behavior regardless of the subject matter or motivation for such impermissible behavior.

Bullying or other aggressive behavior toward a student, whether by other students, staff, or third parties, including Board members. Parents, guests, contractors, vendors, and volunteers, is strictly prohibited. This prohibition includes written, physical, verbal, and psychological abuse, including hazing, gestures, comments, threats, or actions to a student, which cause or threaten to cause bodily harm, reasonable fear for personal safety or personal degradation.

Demonstration of appropriate behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate harassment or bullying is expected of administrators, faculty, staff, and volunteers to provide positive examples for student behavior.

This policy applies to all “at school” activities in the District, including activities on school property, in a school vehicle, and those occurring off school property if the student or employee is at any school­sponsored, school approved or school­related activity or function, such as field trips or athletic events where students are under the school’s control, or where an employee is engaged in school business. Misconduct occurring outside of school may also be disciplined if it interferes with the school environment. Notification:

Notice of this policy will be annually circulated to and posted in conspicuous locations in all school buildings and departments within the District and discussed with students, as well as incorporated into the teacher, students and parent/guardian

handbooks. State and Federal right posters on discrimination and harassment shall also be posted at each building. All new hires will be required to review and sign off on this policy and the related complaint procedure.

Parents or legal guardians of the alleged victim(s), as well as the alleged aggressor(s), shall be promptly notified of any complaint or investigation as well as the results of the investigation to the extent consistent with student confidentiality requirements. A record of the time and form of notice or attempts at notice shall be kept in the investigation file.

To the extent appropriate and/or legally permitted, confidentiality will be maintained during the investigation process. However, a proper investigation will, in some circumstances, require the disclosure of names and allegations. Further, the appropriate authorities may be notified, depending on the nature of the complaint and/or results of the investigation. Implementation:

The Superintendent is responsible to implement this policy, and may develop further guidelines, not inconsistent with this policy.

This policy is not intended to and should not be interpreted to interfere with legitimate free speech rights of any individual. However, the District reserves the right and responsibility to maintain a safe environment for students, conducive to learning and other legitimate objectives of the school program. Procedure:

Any student who believes she/he has been or is the victim of bullying, hazing, or other aggressive behavior should immediately report the situation to the Assistant Principal or Principal. The student may also report concerns to a teacher or counselor who will be responsible for notifying the appropriate administrator or Board official. Complaints against the building principal should be filed with the Superintendent. Complaints against the Superintendent should be filed with the Board President.

Every student is encouraged, and every staff member is required, to report any situation that they believe to be aggressive behavior directed toward a student. Reports shall be made to those identified above. Reports may be made anonymously, but formal disciplinary action may not be taken solely on the basis of an anonymous report. The Principal (or other administrator as designee) shall promptly investigate and document all complaints about bullying, aggressive or other behavior that may violate

this policy. The investigation must be completed as promptly as the circumstances permit. Three days after the complaint is received is a desired timeline.

If the investigation finds an instance of bullying or aggressive behavior has occurred, it will result in the prompt and appropriate remedial action. This may include up to expulsion for students, up to discharge for employees, exclusion for parents, guests, volunteers and contractors, and removal from any official position and/or a request to resign for Board members. Individuals may also be referred to law enforcement or other appropriate officials.

The individual responsible for conducting the investigation shall document all reported incidents and report all verified incidents of bullying, aggressive or other prohibited behavior, as well as any remedial action taken, including disciplinary actions and referrals, to the Superintendent. The Superintendent shall submit a compiled report to the Board on an annual basis. Non­Retaliation/false Reports:

Retaliation or false allegations against any person who reports, is thought to have reported, files a complaint, participates in an investigation or inquiry concerning allegations of bullying or aggressive behavior (as a witness or otherwise), or is the target of bullying or aggressive behavior being investigated, is prohibited and will not be tolerated. Such retaliation shall be considered a serious violation of Board policy, independent of whether a complaint of bullying is substantiated. Suspected retaliation should be reported in the same manner as bullying/aggressive behavior.

Making intentionally false reports about bullying/aggressive behavior for the purpose of getting someone in trouble is similarly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Retaliation and intentionally false reports may result in disciplinary action as indicated above. Definitions: The following definitions are provided for guidance only. If a student or other individual believes there has been bullying, hazing, harassment or other aggressive behavior, regardless of whether it fits a particular definition, she/her should report it immediately to the administration to determine the appropriate course of action. Aggressive Behavior – is defined as inappropriate conduct that is repeated enough, or serious enough, to negatively impact a student’s educational, physical, or emotional well­being. Such behavior include, for example, bullying, hazing, stalking, intimidation,

menacing, coercion, name­calling, taunting, making threats, and hitting/pushing/shoving. At School – is defined as in a classroom, elsewhere on school premises, on a school bus or other school related vehicle, or at a school­sponsored activity or event whether or not it is held on school premises. It also includes conduct using a telecommunications access device or telecommunications service provider that occurs off school premises if either owned by or under the control of the District. Bullying –is defined as any gesture or written, verbal, graphic, or physical act (including electronically transmitted acts­ i.e. the internet, telephone, or cell phone, personal digital assistant [PDA], or wireless hand held device) that, without regard to its subject matter or motivating animus, is intended or that a reasonable person would know is likely to harm one or more students either directly or indirectly by doing any of the following: A. Substantially interfering with educational opportunities, benefits, or programs of one or more students;

B. Adversely affecting the ability of a student to participate in or benefit from the school district’s educational programs or activities by placing the student in reasonable fear of physical harm or by causing substantial emotional distress;

C. Having an actual and substantial detrimental effect on a student’s physical or mental health; and/or

D. Causing substantial disruption in, or substantial interference with, the orderly operation of the school.

Bullying can be physical, verbal, psychological, or a combination of all three. Some examples of bullying are: A. Physical – hitting, kicking, spitting, pushing, pulling; taking and/or damaging personal belongings or extorting money, blocking or impeding student movement, unwelcome physical contact.

B. Verbal – taunting, malicious teasing, insulting, name­calling, making threats.

C. Psychological – spreading rumors, manipulating social relationships, coercion, or engaging in social exclusion/shunning, extortion, or intimidation. This may also occur in a number of different ways, including but not limited to notes, e­mails, social media postings, and graffiti.

Harassment – includes, but is not limited to, any act which subjects an individual or group to unwanted, abusive behavior of a nonverbal, written or physical nature, often on

the basis of age, race, religion, color, national origin, marital status or disability, but may also include sexual orientation, physical characteristics (e.g. height, weight, complexion), cultural background, socioeconomic status, or geographic location (e.g. from a rival school, different state, rural area, city etc.). Intimidation/Menacing – includes, but is not limited to, any threat or act intended to: place a person in fear of physical injury or offensive physical contact; to substantially damage or interfere with person’s property; or to intentionally interfere with or block a person’s movement without good reason. Staff – includes all school employees and Board members. Third Parties – include, but are not limited to, coaches, school volunteers, parents, school visitors, service contractors, vendors, or others engaged in District business, and others not directly subject to school control at inter­district or intra­district athletic competitions or other school events. For further definition and instances that could possibly be construed as: Harassment, see policy 5517; Hazing, see policy 5516. MCL 380.1310B (Matt’s Safe School Law, PA 241 of 2011 Policies on Bullying, Michigan State Board of Education Model Anti­Bullying Policy, Michigan State Board of Education NEOLA 2012 ST. LOUIS PUBLIC SCHOOL COMPUTER, NETWORK, INTERNET, AND ELECTRONIC MAIL ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

It is expected that students accept responsibility for their actions using technology at school. This technology includes, but is not limited to, computers, disks, printers, district provided Internet access, district provided e­mail, scanners, computer network and servers, and digital cameras.

Using technology at school is a privilege, not a right. Students may use our technology to work on class projects, or any other assignment that their teacher gives them.

Technology Rules Students are expected to follow the rules of appropriate technology use. These include,

but are not limited to, the following: Be polite. Use appropriate language. Do not give out your address and/or phone number, or that of any other student,

teacher, or school staff members.

Any e­mail you receive at school is not private, and can be read by school personnel. Use technology appropriately. Vandalism will result in you losing technology privileges. Do not share your password with any other students.

Failure to follow these rules will not only keep you away from technology, it may also

lead to suspension from school.

Because of the ever­changing nature of technology, not all possible violations can be covered in this policy. Nevertheless, the St. Louis Public Schools is ready to take action when individuals violate system integrity, the Student Code of Conduct, or the rights of members of this community. Acceptable Use of Technology Contract This contract must be returned to school during the first week of school. Failure to do so will result in your child not having access to any district technology.

Student

I understand and will follow the rules for appropriate technology use. I understand that if I do not follow these rules, I will not only lose my privilege to use technology, it may also lead to suspension from school.

Please sign your name Date

Parent or Guardian

As the parent or guardian of __________________________, I have read this policy. I hereby give my student permission to use district technology, including Internet access. I understand that Internet access is for educational purposes. I also understand that, if my child accesses their e­mail at school, it may be read by school personnel.

Parent Signature Date Use of Printed and Electronic Photographs, Video, and Original Student Work Release Form

My signature gives the St. Louis Public Schools permission to use my child’s photograph or video clip in printed or electronic material used for advertising purposes, such as childcare brochures, newspaper supplements, and other printed or electronic material promoting the St. Louis Public Schools. My child’s photograph, video clip, or original work may also be used on the St. Louis Public Schools’ Web site as part of the Internet. It is understood that when a photograph, video clip, or original work is used on the Web site, that no more than my child’s first name will be used. No home address or telephone number will appear. _________________________________ _________________________________ Student’s Name (Printed) Student’s School _________________________________ _________________________________ Parent’s Signature Parent’s Name (Printed) Please complete this form and return it during the first week of school We have read and understand this handbook. ________________________ __________ _____________________ ________ Student Signature Date Parent Signature Date

2015­2016 Student and Family Elementary Handbook

Stephanie Binder, Principal Carrie Knause Early Childhood Learning Center

Carl Sztuczko, Principal Nikkari Elementary