2

MISSION STATEMENT

Whittier Primary School, a cornerstone of academic excellence, uses research-based curriculum and instruction, cutting-edge technology, differentiated instruction, frequent assessment, and other data-driven pedagogy to ensure that all student’s academic growth will meet or exceed state and district goals. Parental and community support are an integral component promoting our students’ success. Along with providing a safe environment for optimum learning, Whittier’s students are nurtured to maintain positive self-esteem, awareness of responsibility, and an appreciation for life-long learning.

OUR VISION: WE PROMOTE THE HIGHEST ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT FOR EVERY STUDENT!

Readers are Leaders!Read for 20 minutes EVERY night.

The more you read, the better your grades.

3

Peoria Public School District 1502012-2013 School Calendar

2012August 16 - Thursday Faculty Institute, 8AM - 1PM InstituteAugust 17 - Friday Faculty Institute, 8AM - 1PM InstituteAugust 20 - Monday Full Day – All StudentsSeptember 3 - Monday LABOR DAY HOLIDAYSeptember 19 - Wednesday Professional Learning SIP – ½ Day for all Students October 8 - Monday COLUMBUS DAY HOLIDAYOctober 24 - Wednesday Professional Learning SIP – ½ Day for all Students November 1 - Thursday Evening Parent Conferences, 4PM - 7PMNovember 2 - Friday Parent Conferences, 3 hours, No school students Conference Day November 12 - Monday VETERAN’S DAY HOLIDAYNovember 21 - Wednesday THANKSGIVING RECESS NO SCHOOLNovember 22 - Thursday THANKSGIVING RECESS HOLIDAYNovember 23 - Friday THANKSGIVING RECESS NO SCHOOLDecember 21 - Friday Last day before Winter Vacation, End 1st semesterDecember 24-January 4, 2013 WINTER VACATION NO SCHOOL

2013January 7 - Monday Faculty Institute, 8AM - 1PM InstituteJanuary 8 - Tuesday School resumes for all studentsJanuary 21 - Monday MARTIN LUTHER KING’S BIRTHDAY HOLIDAYJanuary 30 - Wednesday Professional Learning SIP – ½ Day for all StudentsFebruary 12 - Tuesday LINCOLN’S BIRTHDAY HOLIDAYFebruary 27 - Wednesday Professional Learning SIP – ½ Day for all Students March 4* - Monday COUNT PULASKI BIRTHDAY HOLIDAY

Student attendance day if >1 emergency day used*March 27 - Wednesday Evening Parent Conferences, 4PM - 7PMMarch 28 - Thursday Parent Conferences, 3 hours, No school students Conference DayMarch 29 – April 5, 2013 SPRING BREAK NO SCHOOLApril 8 - Monday School resumes for all studentsMay 27 - Monday MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE HOLIDAYMay 29 - Wednesday Last Day of School for Students (If Emergency Days Are Not Used)

½ day for Primary and Middle School studentsMay 30 - Thursday Faculty Institute, 8AM - 1PM Institute

Last Day for Teachers (If Emergency Days Are Not Used)

If emergency days are not used, May 31, June 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, and 13 shall, by Board Resolution, be used as special Holidays for students; and May 30 will be a Teachers’ Institute. *The March 4th Count Pulaski Holiday will be waived and used as a student attendance day if more than one emergency day is used.

SUMMARYDays in Attendance ……………………………………………………………………… 184 (Includes 10 Emergency Days) Institute Days - All Day – No school for students………….……………………………....4

Professional Learning - School Improvement Days .. ………………………………..……4Parent Conferences – All Day – No school for students…………………………………...2

4

ATTENDANCE INFORMATION

HOURS OF OPERATION : School Hour: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PMTeachers/Supervision: 8:15 AM – 3:45 PMEarly Release Time for Sip Days: 11:30 AMOffice Hours: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM

NO ADMITTANCE PRIOR TO 8:15 AM. Please do not send your child prior to 8:15 AM unless they are in Latchkey or participating in a supervised club/activity. No supervision is provided and children will not be admitted into the building.

PARENT PICK UP. Parents are not permitted in the hallways prior to the ending of school without authorized permission from the office. Visiting your child’s classroom during instructional time is not permitted as it results in an interruption to the learning of all children. Once the ending bell has sounded, parents are permitted to go to the teacher’s room to retrieve their children.

LATE PICKUPS:Any student not assigned to an after-school activity or in an organized program will be placed in our Latchkey Program. Parents will be charged $5.00 for Latchkey services. Payment must be made upon pick up. No exceptions. After 6:00 PM students still not picked up will be released to District #150 Resource Officer.

The Latchkey Program is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please stop by the office to register or be placed on a waiting list.Latchkey is a paid program from 6:30-8:30 AM and 3:30-6:00 PM. Latchkey is also open on half days of school.

VISITOR POLICY & PROCEDURES The Whittier Primary School staff encourages you to visit the school on a frequent basis. When visiting classrooms, parents must acquire an appointment time and date with the teacher beforehand as to not disturb the learning environment for all children. The safety of your children and all students is our top priority. Our staff has been fully trained to look for proper identification as a means of maintaining a safe environment. Your full cooperation is expected.

PROCEDURES FOR VISITING1. Enter through front door.2. Come directly to the office to sign in and receive a visitor’s pass.3. Display visitor’s pass at all times.4. Return pass and sign out upon leaving.

CONFIDENTIALITYLaws involving privacy and confidentiality prohibit us from sharing names, addresses and telephone numbers with anyone, including parents. Open House/Back-To-School Night and other evening functions involving parents is an excellent way to get to know other parents.

5

GENERAL STUDENT INFORMATION

REPORTING ABSENCESIf your child will be absent from school, please call the school office (672-6569) from 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM. Parents should also send an excuse note to school upon the child’s return to school. Non-reported absences will result in an automated phone call to your home. Three days of unreported absences may result in a referral to Project T.A.R.G.E.T or the State Attorney’s Office.

TARDINESSWhen a student arrives at school after 8:30 AM, he/she is tardy. Students must sign into the office. Students then go to class with a “blue pass” provided by the office.

ILLNESS/ACCIDENTS AT SCHOOLAny time an illness or accident occurs with a student, parents/guardians, or any other individuals on the emergency card will be called by the student’s classroom teacher and/or office. Parent’s prompt attention to these urgent matters is appreciated.

ADMINISTRATION OF STUDENT MEDICATIONTeachers and other non-administrative school employees, except school nurses and non-certified registered professional nurses, shall not be required to administer medication to students. Parent(s)/guardian(s) are responsible for administering medication to their children. Administering medication during school hours or school-related activities is discouraged unless it is necessary for the critical health and well-being of the student. If medication is required to be administered, the school is required to have a Form 615 on file (administering of medication at school) which gives the school permission to administer the specific medication(s).

EMERGENCY CARDSAn emergency card should be filled out during registration. Please fill this out completely. Cards should have at least three working phone numbers at all times. No one will be allowed to remove a child from the school unless listed on the emergency card. Always have identification available when intending to sign a child out of the building.

EMERGENCY NOTIFICATIONPlease be sure to have current and accurate information regarding the address and phone numbers of those persons whom you wish for us to call in the event of an emergency. It is not unusual for circumstances to arise which require parent notification (illness, injury, etc.). It is MOST IMPORTANT that we are able to contact you, or someone, who will attend to your child’s needs. Your assistance in this matter is essential in order for us to ensure a safe environment for ALL of our students. Please be sure you list three contact numbers on each card.

6

ENTRANCE AND DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

Whittier Arrival ProceduresAll:

All students will enter the building beginning 15 minutes prior to the start of school. Students are not supervised prior to 8:15 AM.

Teachers and staff will be on hand to monitor the students beginning at 8:15 AM. Students are not allowed to play or meander around the playground prior to the start of school. Students are expected to read during this time to establish focus and show they’re prepared for a

day of learning. Designated spots are established for each teacher’s classroom. Students are to report directly to

their classroom for breakfast and reading time.

Car Drop-off: Due to the nature of the roads and position of school within its residential neighborhood, car

traffic in the front of the school must adhere to the signs and traffic laws to promote a safe school zone for Whittier students. It is extremely dangerous to let a passenger (student) out of the car if the car they are exiting is not pulled up to the curb. Further, in order to promote a quick and easy drop-off, the signs in the front of the school strictly prohibit parking. Fredonia Avenue is a NO PARKING ZONE during school hours. Cars are not allowed to drop off students in the front of the school as this area is designated for busses only.

There is no parking on Fredonia on school days from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Also, Fredonia is an established one-way street for the arrival of school.

It is imperative that parents fully adhere to these laws. Do not park your car for even a short amount of time to simply walk your child into school as this is an unlawful violation of the signs located along the street in front of the school.

If you are walking your child into the school, it is imperative that you park your car in an area designated for on-street parking.

Furthermore, in order to avoid nuisance to our surrounding neighbors, do not under any circumstances honk horns unless absolutely necessary.

Bus Riders: The buses will be dropping students off in the front of the building near the main entrance. Students are expected to exit the bus and go directly to their designated spots in the school.

Latchkey: Latchkey is a program available for students arriving early to school (6:30 AM). Any student arriving on campus prior to 8:15 AM should report immediately to the Latchkey

program. This paid supervision is provided for those students arriving prior to 8:15 AM. Only supervised Latchkey students will be in the building prior to 8:15 AM.

7

Whittier Dismissal ProceduresAll:

Children are required to follow all dismissal procedures. All students will be dismissed by their classroom teacher. Teachers and staff will supervise and monitor students’ departure. Students are not allowed to play or meander around the school or playground at the end of

school. Students are to remain in their classrooms until the teacher checks them off the roster for release

to parent. Students who have not departed the school by 3:45 PM will supervised by the Latchkey staff.

Fees will be incurred for this paid supervision service (in Parent Handbook). If there is a change from the regular after-school procedures for your child, parents must send a

note to the teacher or call the office. Parents wishing to pick up their child early from school should notify the office prior to 3:00 PM

to have all procedures for dismissal working efficiently. Students leaving early from school for any reason will receive a half-day absence.

Car Pick-up: Due to the nature of the roads and position of school within its residential neighborhood, car

traffic in the front of the school must adhere to the signs and traffic laws to promote a safe school zone for Whittier students. It is extremely dangerous to let a passenger (student) into the car if the car is not entirely pulled up to a permissible parking area. Further, in order to promote a quick and easy departure, the signs indicate that directly in the front of the school is a NO PARKING ZONE.

There is no parking on Fredonia on school days from 8:00 – 4:00 PM. Also, Fredonia is an established one-way street for the dismissal of school. It is imperative that parents fully adhere to these laws. Fredonia Avenue is a NO PARKING ZONE during school hours.

AFTER SCHOOL, FREDONIA IS A ONE-WAY STREET FOR STUDENT SAFETY. Do not park your car to walk into the school to get your child as this is an unlawful violation of

the signs located along the street in front of the school. If you are going into the school to get your child, it is imperative that you park your car in an

area designated for on-street parking. Further, to avoid nuisance to our surrounding neighbors, do not under any circumstances honk

horns unless necessary. Honking horns to signal a child to the car is an annoyance that disrupts an orderly dismissal.

Bus Riders: The buses will be departing from the rear of the school. Students will be supervised by staff while traveling to their designated bus area by staff.

8

SCHOOL ATTIRE AND UNIFORMSThe Board of Education has adopted a uniform policy for all primary and middle schools. All Whittier Kindergarten through Fourth Grade students are expected to be in full uniform every school day. Student attire should be appropriate for the weather. The following attire is appropriate:

Pants, shorts, dresses, or skirts in black, navy blue, or khaki/beige No denim of any color is allowed Shirts must have a collar (polo shirts) or turtle neck in solid white, navy, forest

green, or light blue. We are trying to move away from our former colors by removing red polo shirts in the future.

No t-shirts Sweaters and sweatshirts may be worn over a uniform shirt during the winter

months. They must be solid white, navy, forest green, or light blue. There can be no writing, insignias, or logos on sweatshirts.

Sweatshirts or jackets with a hood of any color are not to be worn inside the classrooms. As stated in board policy, no coats or jackets are to be worn within the school. Strict adherence to the dress code will be enforced.

NAME TAGSAll Whittier Primary students are required to wear name tags. If a child loses or destroys a name tag, they will need to pay $2.00 to replace the whole name tag or pay $1.00 to replace the clip.

PBISWe are a PBIS school. PBIS stands for Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. Our

school operates on the following five key “WHITTIER WAYS”: 1. Respect2. Responsibility3. Safety4. Preparedness5. Cooperation

All students are to be respectful of themselves and others. Students are expected to practice responsibility in being safe, cooperative, and good choice-making behaviors. Students earn “Dream Dollars” to use throughout the year at our PBIS store as well as various events that will occur to celebrate their positive behaviors at Whittier. Students will also be held accountable anytime they choose not to comply with being respectful, responsible, safe, prepared, or cooperative.

CODE OF CONDUCTEach day during our morning announcements our Whittier’s Code of Conduct is recited. Students in all classrooms are expected to recite the following behavior code:

Code of ConductI am respectful. I am responsible. I am safe. I am prepared. We are here to learn.

Therefore, I will respect and cooperate with all school people; do nothing to keep the teacher from teaching and any other child from learning. THIS IS THE WHITTIER WAY!

9

DISCIPLINE POLICYIn order for students to do their best in school, a safe and orderly learning environment must exist. Nothing should be allowed to stop the teaching and learning process. Our school discipline policies were designed by our staff to give students every opportunity to make good choices. Warning cards are used for students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade while 3rd and 4th grades use a clipboard method.

PHILOSOPHY OF DISCIPLINEStudents will:

Comply with District policies and rules. Respect and obey all persons in authority. Be prompt and regular in attendance, equipped with the necessary books, paper and other

supplies. Meet classroom standards of behavior and performance. Comply with bus rules and drivers. Maintain personal cleanliness and appropriate habits of dress following District dress

codes. Respect the dignity, rights and property of others. Accept the consequences of his/her own actions.

Parents will: Set high expectations for student behavior and academic progress. Assume responsibility for their child’s prompt and regular school attendance. Plan the time and place for students to complete homework assignments. Utilize after

school programs when needed and available. Talk with their child about school activities. Share with their child and with teachers an

active interest in report cards and school progress. Communicate in a civil and respectful manner. Instill in the child respect for the law, for lawful authority, for the rights of others and

property. Cooperate with the school in fulfilling recommendations made and carrying out

disciplinary actions taken in the best interest of the child.

Teacher/Administrators will: Develop and implement a sound Classroom Management Plan. Be guided by professional ethics in relationship with others. Regularly inform parents about academic progress and conduct of students. Show concern and respect for each student. Be sensitive to the behavior of students and alert to changes that require additional

assistance for the student (i.e. Targeted Team). Develop and implement preventive and intervention strategies to support student success. Know and enforce the rules courteously, consistently and fairly—deal with misconduct

quickly, firmly and impartially. Handle behavior problems according to established practices.

10

BEHAVIOR CARDS/CHECK SYSTEM Green is a great day! Blue is one infraction. Yellow is two infractions, and the student must serve a classroom time-out. Orange is three infractions, and the student serves a longer time-out with reflective

writing in a partner-teacher’s classroom (think-it-through, reflective writing assignment, no “sentences”).

Red is a phone call and/or a detention. Three reds in a five school-day period results in the child being referred to the office.

3rd and 4th grades use a check system. Positive rewards are given to students quarterly.

LEVELS OF BEHAVIORThere are three levels of misbehavior, examples are listed below.

LEVEL 1These include minor infractions and misbehaviors such as talking in class, disrupting other students, tapping pencils, not following directions, minor squabbles, disrupting teaching and learning, disrespect, and/or not paying attention. The classroom teacher handles all of these matters.

LEVEL 2These include repeated misbehaviors, minor hitting/kicking, repeated disruptions, defiance, profanity, and/or disrespect. These situations are handled in cooperation with the partner-teacher and/or Principal. Parents will be called at this level and a plan may need to be developed.

LEVEL 3These include safety compromised, three reds in one week, substantial disruption, and gross disrespect/insubordination. Violent actions/behaviors directed to school personnel. All of these matters are handled in the office. The office procedures follow district guidelines and procedures for discipline. The steps below will be used to handle each case. Parent notification will be via mail or phone call.

Three Reds in a Week(Infractions occurring within a two-month period)

First infraction - office warningSecond Infraction - detentionThird Infraction - two detentions or in school suspension (when possible)Fourth Infraction - suspension from school

Substantial Disruption/Gross Disrespect/Gross Insubordination : (Infractions occurring within a two-month period)

First Infraction - think it throughSecond Infraction - detention or in school suspension (when possible)

Safety Compromised:(Infractions occurring with a two month period)

First Infraction - think it throughSecond Infraction - 1 or 2 detentions or in school suspension (when possible)Third Infraction - suspension

11

Physical battery will result in a report being filed with the District #150 Security Department. The Chief of Security determines whether or not a police report is filed.

Detentions can be issued by any teacher. Teacher issued detentions are held at a time determined by the teacher. Detentions issued by the principal are held from 3:30 until 4:30 PM. Students write the Code of Conduct and will be given a meaningful writing assignment. Failure to cooperate during a detention may result in an additional detention or suspension from school.

In-School Suspension is issued only by the principal. Students take all work to a different classroom, or sometimes stay in the office, and do their work in a time-out area. An In-School Suspension is an alternative to suspension and does not go on a student’s permanent record.

Suspension from school is very serious. Suspension from school means that a student’s behavior was so severe that no teaching and learning could take place and repeated attempts to correct a student’s actions failed. Acts of violence may result in immediate suspension. Students on suspension may not attend any school events and will receive the highest percentage F’s for all work done during the period of suspension if make-up work is not completed.

Expulsions are issued for severe behaviors, excessive insubordination, or any violation of board policy. District #150 policies indicate that a student may be expelled after four suspensions. Complete information may be requested if such a situation arises.

Bullying is a form of aggression and it occurs when a person who perceives a power imbalance will fully subject another person (victim), whoever they may be, to an intentional, unwanted and unprovoked hurtful verbal and/or physical action which results in the victim feeling oppressed (stress, injury, discomfort) at any school site or activity. Bullying may also occur as various forms of hazing including initiation rites perpetuated against a new student or a new member of a team. Students who engage in such conduct shall be subject to a range of punishment to include verbal or written reprimand, in school or out-of-school suspension, change of placement and/or expulsion. Examples or types of bullying may include, but are not limited to:

Physical bullying includes punching, shoving, poking, strangling, hair pulling, beating, biting, aggressive tickling, and other similar behavior.

Verbal bullying includes such acts as hurtful name-calling, teasing, gossip, rejecting, terrorizing, extorting, humiliating, blackmailing, isolating, ostracizing, peer pressure, and other similar behavior.

Bullying can be limited to a single incident; however, in most cases, bullying is characterized by repeated harmful action on the part of the bully. Bullying may be initiated by a single student or a group of students. Bullying causes not only harm to the individual victim but also interrupts the educational atmosphere of a school and may cause retaliation. It is the policy of this school district to prohibit student bullying in all forms.

Ultimately, we are here to educate and to learn. Any time a child is being disciplined by any school personnel, he/she is expected to cooperate honestly and completely.

12

COMMUNICATIONS WITH PARENTSYour child will bring home a monthly all-school newsletter. It will be sent home at the beginning of each month and contains general information important to parents. Special flyers may be sent out as reminders of special dates and opportunities. Also, we frequently use the “Skylert” phone system to notify and/or remind families of holidays, parent conferences, and exciting events. Teachers will also send home a monthly classroom/grade level newsletter which provides a great opportunity for parents to know exactly what is going on with their child’s education.

FIELD TRIPSClassrooms take field trips during the school year. We teach students that they are representing our entire school during these trips. In our past experience, Whittier students have demonstrated outstanding behavior on previous trips. Field trips are provided to enrich the educational program and give children experiences they may not otherwise have. We are often interested in parents being chaperones. Chaperones that are not parents must be 21 years or older. This is a wonderful way to be involved. All rules, policies, and procedures apply. Information slips are sent home at least one week prior to the field trip and parental signatures are necessary for a child to attend, unless it is a district sponsored field trip.

EMERGENCY DRILLSSeveral times throughout the year, we will have disaster drill practice for the possibility of tornados or fire. Additionally, we practice Code Red drills, which cover other types of emergency in the school. (These emergencies include intruders, violent behaviors, disruptive confrontations, medical emergencies, etc.) In order for school officials, personnel, School Resource Officers, and emergency teams to operate effectively, children are expected to cooperate fully with the procedures. Students not cooperating will be disciplined on a level 3 basis.

LUNCHROOM/RECESSIn order to feed children in the most effective way, we group children by grade level. Each group of children has 30 minutes to eat with 15 minutes to play outdoors prior to lunch during good weather days. Students are expected to exhibit good behavior at lunch and recess. Students may be placed on a time-out in the cafeteria, by the building, or fence. Any actions which are

disrespectful, dangerous, intimidating or of a bullying nature will be disciplined by recess officials and administration. Children who bring a cold lunch will not have access to a microwave oven. Children will have choices for lunch from two or three menu each day. Please note that due to increases in peanut butter allergies, students bringing cold lunches with peanut butter/by-products may need to sit at the Peanut Butter Buddy Table. Please avoid peanut butter/by-products if possible.

STUDENT ACCIDENTAccidents should be reported to the teacher and/or office as soon as possible. Accidents in physical education class should be reported to the teacher.

13

DISTRICT 150 POLICIES & PROCEDURES

TRANSPORTATION Bus route information for families is available in the office. Issues or problems with transportation can be made by calling 693-4418.

Unless a student’s pathway crosses a hazardous thoroughfare, students who reside less than 1-1/2 miles from school may request bus service; the charges will be as follows:

Payments Payments PaymentsFor the Year By the Semester By the School Month(1 payment) (2 payments) (9 payments)

1 child $130.00 $65.00 $14.452 children $178.00 $89.00 $19.803 or more children $202.00 $101.00 $22.45

Arrangements may be made to pay the full-semester or full year amount on a monthly basis. The monthly payments are not a plan for transportation by the month. Fees are to be paid in advance or by the monthly payment. If they are not paying monthly and payment is not made, transportation should be notified and service will be terminated. If they owe from the previous school year, they will be denied bus service.

Rate to be charged for transportation for students who move into the District after school begins:1 child $.73 per day2 children $1.01 per day3 or more children $1.15 per day

To make the arrangements, please contact Chris Sheppard at Transportation Services at693-4418.

Behavior on the bus is expected to be appropriate and be in agreement with the school Code of Conduct. You will be contacted of any inappropriate behaviors and consequences as soon as possible.

SCHOOL BREAKFAST/LUNCHAll students receive breakfast and lunch at no cost. The breakfast program will take place in our classrooms. Students who arrive late will be permitted to eat breakfast as available.

TEXTBOOK FEES

Kindergarten $50.00Grades 1 through 4 $55.00

These fees are waived for those qualifying (Fee Waiver Forms are available in the office). Separate payments should be made for each child. Make checks or money orders payable to

PEORIA BOARD OF EDUCATION. Fees may also be paid on line. See directions provided (pgs. 14-16).

14

Peoria Public Schools District 150 DIRECTIONS FOR PAYING FEES ON-LINE

Making Payments Through Family Access

Parents can make online payments for required and optional fees directly through Family Access. Required fees can no longer be paid through the Web Store link located on the Peoria Public Schools Website.

Required fees include book rental fees, course fees for high school students, PE uniforms for high school students, student ID, and the student handbook for high school students. Certain fees are determined by courses in which students are enrolled.

Optional fees vary from school to school, and may include publication fees, yearbook fee, activity pass fees, PTO dues, etc.

Parents must be enrolled in Family Access to pay fees online. If you have not signed up for Family Access, you can obtain an application by following the link provided below.

http://www.psd150.org/parents/FamilyAccessDocs/Family_Access_Application.pdf

1. Login to Family Access https://skyweb.psd150.org/scripts/cgiip.exe/WService=wsEAplus/fwemnu01.w

2. Enter your login and password.

3. From the Student Drop Down menu, select the student for whom you wish to make a payment. Select Fee Management from the menu on the left.

4. Click on Make Online Payment

John Smith

15

5. Click on the box below Pay Charge.6. Enter the amount you wish to pay in the Pay Amount box.7. Once you have entered your amount, click on Pay with REVTRAK.

8. The next screen shows your Shopping Cart. This screen shows the total of the charges you are paying. If you wish to continue shopping – selecting available optional fees to pay for this student – click on Continue Shopping. Once you have finished shopping, click on Go to Checkout.

John Smith

John Smith

16

9. To complete your transaction, follow the directions listed on the remaining screens.

STUDENT RECORDSStudents’ temporary records are subject to periodic review for purposes of removing all information, which is out-of-date, inaccurate or irrelevant. You are entitled to copies of these records prior to their destruction. Please be advised that these records will be destroyed on June 7, 2013.

SECURITY One of our goals is to maintain a safe, responsible learning environment for every child. Any person or persons may be asked to leave school property, or have security called, if they, in any way, disrupt the teaching, learning, and working environments of the school (according to board policy).

ASSESSMENTS Throughout the year, students at all grade levels will participate in a number of assessments/tests. These tests are administered to various grades throughout the school and parents are given notification concerning when these will occur. The tests given include but are not limited to: Cognitive Abilities Test, Illinois Standards Achievement Test, and NWEA. Additionally, we administer quarterly assessment

exams throughout the entire school year. Many exams are taken on computer and parents may request scores for their second through fourth grade child from the classroom teacher.

17

HOMEWORK POLICY Homework is issued Monday through Thursday. Successful readers spend time reading alone and to someone at home nightly. Students are expected to complete all assigned homework. Classroom grades are based, in part, on homework. If a child is unable to complete his/her homework due to situations at home, a note should be sent with the child as an excuse.

PROGRESS REPORTS Progress reports are sent home midway through quarters to inform parents of their child’s progress. Any questions regarding progress should be addressed to the homeroom teacher and may be done by phone or at a special conference. Grades are issued on the district scale (90%-100% = A). There are no plus or minus grades.

PROGRESS REPORTS TO PARENTS REPORT CARD DATES1st – September 21, 2012 1st – November 1 & 2, 20122nd – November 20, 2012 2nd – January 11, 20133rd – February 8 , 2013 3rd – March 27 & 28, 20134th – April 19, 2013 4th – May 29, 2013

GRADING SCALE[Administrative Procedure 5124.12] To assure a fair and equitable method of assignment grades, the following guidelines will be adhered to throughout the District:

Grades awarded on the report card shall be equivalent to the following percentages:A= 90 to 100B= 80 to 89C= 70 to 79D= 60 to 69F= 40 to 59

HONOR ROLLStudent achievement is extremely important at Whittier Primary School. We celebrate the following each quarter:

Principal’s Honor Roll All A’s Honor Roll All A’s and B’s Bringing Up Grades (BUGS) Grades remain with one or more increasing Never Been Absent (NBA) No absences Never Found Late (NFL) No tardy violations

18

INDEX

MISSION STATEMENT…………………………………………………………………………. 2SCHOOL CALENDAR…………………………………………………………………………… 3 SCHOOL & OFFICE HOURS……………………………………………………………………. 4 VISITOR POLICY & PROCEDURES…………………………………………………………… 4 CONFIDENTIALITY…………………………………………………………………………….. 4 REPORTING ABSENCES……………………………………………………………………….. 5 TARDINESS……………………………………………………………………………………… 5 ILLNESS/ACCIDENTS AT SCHOOL…………………………………………………………… 5 MEDICATIONS…………………………………………………………………………………... 5 EMERGENCY CARDS…………………………………………………………………………... 5 EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION………………………………………………………………… 5 ENTRANCE & DISMISSAL………………………………………………………………………6UNIFORMS……………………………………………………………………………………….. 8NAME TAGS………………………………………………………………………………………8SCHOOL RULES…………………………………………………………………………………. 8CODE OF CONDUCT……………………………………………………………………………. 8 DISCIPLINE POLICY……………………………………………………………………………. 9 COMMUNICATIONS WITH PARENTS………………………………………………………. 12 FIELD TRIPS……………………………………………………………………………………. 12 EMERGENCY DRILLS………………………………………………………………………… 12 LUNCHROOM/RECESS……………………………………………………………………….. 12 STUDENT ACCIDENTS……………………………………………………………………….. 12 TRANSPORTATION…………………………………………………………………………… 13 SCHOOL BREAKFAST/LUNCH……………………………………………………………… 13 TEXTBOOK FEES……………………………………………………………………………… 13DIRECTIONS FOR PAYING FEES ONLINE…………………………………………………. 14 STUDENT RECORDS………………………………………………………………………….. 16SECURITY……………………………………………………………………………………… 16 ASSESSMENTS………………………………………………………………………………… 16 HOMEWORK POLICY…………………………………………………………………………. 17 PROGRESS REPORTS…………………………………………………………………………. 17 GRADING SCALE……………………………………………………………………………… 17HONOR ROLL………………………………………………………………………………….. 17PARENT RIGHT TO KNOW LETTER………………………………………………………… 19PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY………………………………………………………...… 20PARENT REVIEW FORM (Please return to this page to school via your child’s teacher)…..… 21

19

WHITTIER PRIMARY SCHOOL1619 West Fredonia AvenuePeoria, Illinois 61606Phone: 309/672-6569Fax: 309/673-3349

Doug Atkins, Principal

August 20, 2012

Dear Parent:

In accordance with ESEA Section 1111(h)(6) PARENTS RIGHT-TO-KNOW, Peoria Public School District #150 is notifying every parent of a student in a Title I school that you have the right and may request information regarding the professional qualifications of your child’s classroom teacher. This information regarding the professional qualifications of your child’s classroom teachers including, at a minimum, the following:

1. Whether the teacher has met State qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction.

2. Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which State qualification or licensing criteria have been waived.

3. The baccalaureate degree major of the teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher, and the field of discipline of the certification or degree.

4. Whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications.

If at any time your child has been taught for 4 or more consecutive weeks by a teacher not highly qualified, the school will notify you.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact me at (309) 672-6569.

Sincerely,

Doug Atkins,Principal

20

WHITTIER PRIMARY SCHOOL1619 West Fredonia AvenuePeoria, Illinois 61606Phone: 309/672-6569Fax: 309/673-3349

Doug Atkins, Principal

August 20, 2012

Parent Involvement Policy

A. The Whittier Primary Title 1 plan, its parental involvement policies, and the process for reviewing the Title 1 plan must be jointly developed and agreed upon with the parents of Title 1 participating children.

B. The Whittier Primary Title 1 Parent Involvement Policy and changes in the policy will be distributed to the parents of participating children.

C. Whittier Primary will establish a Universal Leadership Team consisting of parents, teachers, staff, community members (Bradley PDS partnership) and administrators. This committee shall be involved in decisions regarding how the Title 1 parent funds are used to enhance parent involvement.

D. Whittier Primary will develop a plan for building strong parental involvement programs. The plan will be included with the school’s overall Title 1 plan.

E. Whittier Primary will actively promote appropriate professional development programs for teacher, parents, pupil services personnel, administrators and the other staff in order to raise academic standards and performance of the Title 1 students.

F. Whittier Primary will encourage parents of Title 1 children to provide necessary feedback and suggestions for planning, developing and implementing effective Title 1 programs. The responsibilities of the school and parents as partners in education will be outlined in a signed school/parent compact. The responsibilities of the school and parents as partners in education will be outlined in a signed school/parent compact.

G. Whittier Primary will collaborate with other agencies providing services to children, parents, and families, including health and social services.

H. Whittier Primary will annually measure the progress that Title 1 students are making toward meeting State student performance standards through the use of high quality student assessments and report the information to parents, students, and teachers.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact me at (309) 672-6569.

Sincerely,

Doug Atkins,Principal

21

I have read the Whittier Parent/Student Handbook and reviewed the information with my student.

Parent signature Date

Student name