Virginia Preschool Initiative

Family Handbook2017-2018

www.rvaschools.net

Message from the VPI team

Dear Families,

Welcome to the 2017-2018 school year!

You have made the right decision by registering your child for the Virginia Preschool Initiative Program, where we are committed to providing a high quality comprehensive child development program for our students and their families.

During the school year your child will learn the academic, social and emotional skills needed for a successful path in school and in life. It is extremely important that your child attend school every day.

At VPI the school day has been designed to be a constant learning experience, tardiness and absences can interrupt and diminish the students learning opportunities. Parents are the first and most important teachers in their child’s life. We ask you to be as involved as possible in your child’s education. The best way to be involved is talking with your child every day and asking about their day at school and what they have learned. Please visit your child’s classroom, participate in the family engagement activities, get involved in the parent committee and keep in constant communication with your child’s teacher. Our best wishes to each member of our Virginia Preschool Initiative Program for a successful

and personally satisfying year. May this be your best year ever!

Attendance Policy Richmond Public Schools (RPS) recognizes that student success begins with daily school attendance. All students are expected to attend school on a daily basis.

Attendance Expectations for Students◾Arrive on time to school and each class EVERY DAY.◾Stay in school all day, Every Day.◾Ask school staff for help if there are academic or other concerns (i.e. difficulty with school work, no transportation, safety concerns).◾Ask teachers for makeup work for days absent and complete those assignments.

What Can Parents Do?We don’t want your child to fall behind in school and get discouraged. Please ensure that your child attends school every day and arrives on time. Here are a few practical tips to help support regular attendance:■ Let your child know you value education and school is important.■ Set a regular bedtime and stick to it.■ Plan for the next school day the night before (review homework, prepare clothes, pack backpack...).■ Make sure your child arrives to school on time and stays all day... Every Day.■ Schedule medical, dental and other appointments before or after school.■ If appointments must be during the school day, don't take the entire school day off.■ Become involved in your child's academic career - check homework and review report cards.■ Work in partnership with the school, attend conferences and school functions.

Excused and Unexcused AbsencesExcused absences are when a student is absent from school with parent approval and a valid excuse accepted by the school.Examples of excused absences include:■ Student illness (if more than 3 days a doctor's note is required)■ Death in student's immediate family■ Religious holiday■ Emergency or unusual circumstances as approved by principal When a student returns to school after an absence, a note from parent/guardian, doctor or court is required to be sent within 5 days of the absence. The note should include the date(s) of absence and reason. Student absences without a note will be recorded as unexcused. Unexcused absences are when a student is absent from school without a valid excuse, with or without parental approval.

Parents and families have the most direct and lasting impact on children's learning and development of social competence. When parents are involved, students achieve more, exhibit more positive attitudes and behavior, and feel more comfortable in new settings.

The VPI Family Engagement team is looking forward to working with you to get all of our families involved.

Please feel free to contact us any time!

Tiana Simmons, Lead Family Service Advocatetwilson@rvaschools.netOffice: 780-6087

Gloria KeatingFamily Involvement Specialistgkeating@rvaschools.netOffice: 780-5041Cell: 503-3501

Ways for families to get involved:Make photocopies of assignments, handouts, etcSet up art, science, and other projectsFold and staple bookletsMake playdough (can also be done at home)Design or simply put up/take down bulletin boardsHang artwork in the hallwayCut out laminationsSort and stock construction paperStock paper at easelSharpen pencilsCap markers and make sure none are dryThrow out old crayons and replaceClean tables, desks, and work surfacesClean and fill glue bottlesClean paint brushes and make sure paint is stockedOrganize stamps and stamp padsReturn books to school libraryConduct research for upcoming lessonsClean up after class petsWater plantsStuff and address envelopes for class mailingsMake sure students’ folders/school backpacks have everything necessaryRead to childrenListen to children tell you a storyGo over word lists with childrenPractice skills with flashcardsWalk around classroom as children work quietlyWork on particular skills with student or small groupTell or read stories related to lessonsHelp students catch up on missed workPlay board games with small groups of childrenChaperone field tripsGive presentations to class (e.g., safety lessons from police officer, dental care lessons from dentist).Help fill out book ordersAssist in planning parties or other special eventsTake and/or organize class photographsHelp write and/or edit class newsletter

Make Your Voice Heard

The VPI Parent Committee

meets once a month and it is a

great opportunity for families

to get involved.

The first meeting will be on

Wednesday, September 27th

At Blackwell Preschool Center

238 E 14th Street Richmond, VA 23224

From 10:00 to 11:00 am

Refreshments will be provided

2016-2017 Parent Committee

We learn, work and have fun together

Children are always welcome!

We have great things planned for our VPI families this year! Please check your child’s backpack everyday for upcoming events information.

Tuesday 5th First day of school!Wednesday 27th Parent Committee Meeting at Blackwell Preschool Center from 10:00 to 11:00 am

September

October

Tuesday 3rd Social-Emotional Parenting Skills ClassTuesday 10th Social-Emotional Parenting Skills ClassTuesday 17th Social-Emotional Parenting Skills ClassSaturday 14th Family Fair Tuesday 24th Social-Emotional Parenting Skills ClassWednesday 25th Parent Committee Meeting at MLK Preschool Center from 10:00 to 11:00 am Wednesday 31st Social-Emotional Parenting Skills Class

November

Saturday 11th Male Involvement BreakfastMonday 13th - Friday 17th Parent Involvement Week Wednesday 15th Parent Committee Meeting at Blackwell Preschool Center from 10:00 to 11:00 amFriday 17th Winter Resources and Clothing Drive Wednesday 22nd - Friday 24th Thanksgiving Holiday

December

Wednesday 13th Parent Committee Meeting at MLK Preschool Center from 10:00 to 11:00 am Monday 18th - Monday 1st Winter Break

January

Wednesday 3rd Math Parenting Skills ClassWednesday 10th Math Parenting Skills Class Wednesday 17th Math Parenting Skills ClassWednesday 24th Math Parenting Skills ClassWednesday 24th Parent Committee Meeting at Blackwell Preschool Center from 10:00 to 11:00 am Wednesday 31st Math Parenting Skills Class

We have great things planned for our VPI families this year! Please check your child’s backpack everyday for upcoming events information.

We Love Our Families Month Preschool Registration Thursday 8th Paint Night with MomsWednesday 28th Parent Committee Meeting at MLK Preschool Center from 10:00 to 11:00 am February

March

Family and Adolescent Services Classes Monday 19th - Friday 23rd Parent Involvement Week Wednesday 28th Parent Committee Meeting at Blackwell Preschool Center from 10:00 to 11:00 am

Kindergarten Registration Monday 2nd - Friday 6th Spring BreakWednesday 25th Parent Committee Meeting at MLK Preschool Center from 10:00 to 11:00 am Wednesday 25th Clothing SwapSaturday 28th Health Fair

May

Thursday 3rd Literacy Parenting Skills ClassThursday 10th Literacy Parenting Skills ClassThursday 17th Literacy Parenting Skills ClassWednesday 23rd Last Parent Committee Meeting at Blackwell Preschool Center from 10:00 to 11:00 amThursday 24th Literacy Parenting Skills Class Friday 25th Parent Volunteer LuncheonThursday 31st Literacy Parenting Skills Class

June

Kindergarten Readiness Month Thursday 7th Bowling Night with DadsFriday 15th Last Day of School for Students

April

VPI ClassroomsVirginia Preschool Initiative provides families with

two classroom settings:

VPI Classrooms:General education classrooms provide opportunities for all students to learn alongside their peers. VPI classrooms have one teacher and one instructional assistant per class. The Benefits of General Education:

● All children are able to be part of their community and develop a sense of belonging and become better prepared for life in the community as children and adults.

● It encourages the involvement of parents in the education of their children and the activities of their local schools.

● It provides all children with opportunities to develop friendships with one another. Friendships provide role models and opportunities for growth.

VPI-I Classrooms:Inclusion classrooms secure opportunities for students with disabilities to learn alongside their non-disabled peers in general education classrooms. VPI-I classrooms have one teacher, one instructional assistant and one PDD teacher per class. The Benefits of Inclusive Education:

● Children with varying abilities are often better motivated when they learn in classes surrounded by other children.

● It allows children to work on individual goals while being with other students their own age.

● It encourages the involvement of parents in the education of their children and the activities of their local schools.

● It fosters a culture of respect and belonging. It also provides the opportunity to learn about and accept individual differences.

Inclement Weather Procedure

HOW IS THE PUBLIC NOTIFIED?

The district will utilize multiple avenues to communicate any changes in school schedules due to inclement weather. An announcement will be made through the following sources as soon as the decision is made:District website at rvaschools.netFacebook.com/RichmondPublicSchoolsTwitter.com/RPS_SchoolsMobile appLocal television stations WTVR CBS 6 News, WRIC ABC 8 News and WWBT NBC 12 News.When appropriate, based upon the time of day, RPS will also communicate via ParentLink communication system.As a result, it is important to make sure your contact information is up to date.

WHEN IS THE DECISION MADE?

We will normally make the decision by 5:00 a.m. or earlier in order to notify local media and post the decision on the RPS website.

WHAT DECISIONS WILL BE MADE?

Based upon the best available information we

will make one of the following choices regarding

school/office opening, delay or closure:

1) All schools and offices will open on time.

2) Schools and offices will be closed.

3) Schools will be closed; select or all offices will

be open (on time or late opening).

4) One-Hour Delayed Opening – there will be a

one-hour delay in opening and transportation

pick-up (if schools are open).

5) Two-Hour Delayed Opening – there will be a

two-hour delay in opening and transportation

pick-up (if schools are open).

6) Early Dismissal and/or Schools Closing Early

–schools will be releasing students earlier than

normal to ensure safe arrival home as a result of

a predicted inclement weather conditions. This

often will include a notice that after school

activities are cancelled, which means your

children should go directly home.

Sick Day Guidelines

Please help us keep all of our students healthy by following the sick day guidelines. If your child becomes ill and doesn’t feel well enough to take part in school, you should keep your child home until the symptoms improve. This also can help to prevent the spread of the illness to other students and staff. Here are some examples of when your child should be kept home:

❏ Student has a temperature greater than 100 degrees❏ Student has difficulty breathing (wheezing not controlled by medication) ❏ Student presents with stomach upset, vomiting or diarrhea❏ Student presents with a frequent dry, hacky or productive cough❏ Student presents with any discharge or drainage from eyes, ears, nose or open sores❏ Student has a noted communicable illness❏ Sore throat❏ Earache❏ Student is weak and or fatigued❏ Undiagnosed rash or skin infection (scabies, impetigo, molluscum, ringworm of the scalp)

Many childhood illnesses are over soon and are no cause for worry. However, if the symptoms are severe and or persist for more than 24 hours, please follow-up with your child’s healthcare provider. Your child can returned to school when he/she is well enough to take part in school and is fever free for 24 hours without the use of antipyretics (acetaminophen, ibuprofen, etc.). A physician’s note stating that a child is cleared to return to school may be required for some illnesses.

Remember that the best defense against germs and communicable illnesses is good hand washing. Please encourage your child to engage in effective hand washing with warm water and soap often.

When your child is sick it is extremely important that you contact the school to let your teacher know. Please send a doctor’s note when your child returns to school.

Emergency Services and Community Resources

HELP IS ONE PHONE CALL AWAY

In an emergency dial 911. An emergency is any situation that requires immediate assistance from the police, fire department or ambulance. 2-1-1 Virginia is a free service that can help you find the local resources you need, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can find out information online at www.211virginia.org or dial 2-1-1 to speak to a contact specialist. Looking for child care? Visit Virginia Child Care and find useful information for parents, providers and communities on the importance, benefits and standards of safe, quality child care. You can also search for a child care provider near you. www.childcareva.com

Richmond Behavioral Health Authority www.rbha.orgMain Line 804-819-4000 Crisis Services-24 Hour 804-819-4100 TDD 804-819-4145 Alcoholics Anonymous www.aa.org 804-355-1212 AIDS/STD Hotline 800- 533-4148 American Red Cross 804-780-2250 Central Virginia Food Bank 804-521-2500 Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-552-7096 Child Savers 804-644-9590 City of Richmond Office of Multicultural Affairs 804-646-0145 ESI Women’s Shelter 804-358-7747 Good Samaritan Inn 804-231-9995 National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-852-8336 Narcotics Anonymous-Richmond Area 804-965-1871 Poison Control 800-222-1222 Pregnancy Hotline 866-259-5708 Richmond Department of Social Services 804-646-7212 Safe Harbor 804-287-7877 Salvation Army 804-225-7470 Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing 804-662-9502 YMCA 24-Hour Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Hotlines 804-643-0888

Virginia Preschool InitiativeFamilies and Staff Behavior Policy

Part One

In VPI we believe that staff, parents and children are entitled to a safe and protective environment in which to work. Behavior that will cause harassment, alarm or distress to users of the premises is contrary to the aims of the Preschool Program.

Aims:

➢ That all members of the VPI community treat each other with respect.

Expectation:

➢ That adults set a good example to children at all times, showing them how to get along with all members of the school and the wider community.

➢ That no members of staff, parents or children are the victims of abusive behavior or open to threats from other adults on the school premises.

➢ Physical attacks and threatening behavior, abusive or insulting language verbal or written, to staff, administrators, parents and children and other users of the school premises will not be tolerated and will result in the withdrawal of permission to be on school premises.

➢ Any parent who is asked to leave the school premises will have the right to appeal the decision by writing to the Program Manager.

➢ Please note that incidents of rudeness will be logged with the Program administrators.

Responsibilities:

➢ It is the responsibility of the VPI Teacher, Instructional Assistants and Administrative Assistant to monitor and review this policy.

Virginia Preschool InitiativeFamilies and Staff Behavior Policy

Part Two

Guidelines:

Types of behavior that are considered serious and unacceptable and will not be tolerated towards any member of the school community:

This is not a complete list but seeks to provide illustrations of such behavior:

Shouting, either in person or over the telephoneInappropriate posting on Social Networking sites deemed as bullyingSpeaking in an aggressive/threatening tonePhysically intimidating, e.g. standing very closeThe use of aggressive hand gestures/exaggerated movementsPhysical threatsShaking or holding a fist towards another personSwearingPushingHitting e.g. slapping, punching or kickingSpittingRacist or sexist comments

Unacceptable behavior may result in the Police being informed.

The administration reserves the right to take any necessary actions to ensure that member of the VPI community are not subjected to abuse.

School premises are private property and parents have been granted permission from the school to be on school premises. However, in case of abuse or threats to staff, parents or children, VPI may ban parents from entering school.

It is also an offense under section 547 of the Education Act 1997 for any person (including a parent) to cause a nuisance or disturbance on school premises. The police may be called to assist in removing the person concerned.

VPI is not responsible for organizing arrangement for children in the abovecircumstances. Parents will need to provide alternative arrangements for bringing children into school.

I understand and agree with the Virginia Preschool Initiative Families and Staff Behavior Policy.

Parent Name: _________________________________________

Parent Signature: ______________________ Date: ______________

VPI Manager: _____________________Ron Robertson

School Escuela

Address Dirección

Phone Teléfono

Bellevue Elementary School 2301 E Grace Street 780-4417

Blackwell Preschool Learning Center 238 E. 14th Street 780-5078

Chimborazo Elementary School 3000 E. Marshall Street 780-8392

J B Fisher Elementary School 3701 Garden Road 327-5612

Imani Learning Center 7522 Forest Hill Avenue 272-1140

Linwood Holton Elementary School 1600 Laburnum Avenue 228-5310

Mary Scott Preschool Learning Center 4011 Moss Side Avenue 780-8463

Martin Luther King, Jr. Preschool Center 900 Mosby Street 648-5959

Maymont Preschool Learning Center 1211 South Allen Avenue 780-6263

VCU Health System Child Dev. Ctr. Northside 800 W Graham Road 353-4264

Oak Grove-Bellemeade Elementary School 2409 Webber Avenue 780-5008

Overby-Sheppard Elementary School 2100 1st Avenue 329-2515

Southampton Elementary School 3333 Cheverly Road 320-2434

Summer Hill Preschool Center 2717 Alexander Avenue 780-5041

YWCA 6 N 5th St, Richmond 643-6761

VPI LOCATIONS AND CONTACT INFORMATIONUBICACIONES E INFORMACIÓN DE LOS SALONES DE VPI

Stay Connected!Social media is a great way to stay informed about VPI events, school closings and

other information relevant to your preschoolers. Please follow us!

www.rvaschools.net

@ Virginia Preschool Initiative

VPIatRVA

VPI_RPS

VPI TV Shows Comcast Channel 95 & FIOS Channel 36 Monday to Thursday at 8:00 am

A Publication of Richmond Public Schools Richmond, Virginia

In accordance with federal laws, the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the policies of the School Board of the City of Richmond, the Richmond Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, age, religion, disabilities or national origin in the provision of employment and services. The Richmond Public Schools operates equal opportunity and affirmative action programs for students and staff. The Richmond Public Schools is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. The School Board also supports equal opportunities and treatment of all individuals regardless of sexual orientation. The Section 504 Coordinator is Dr. Michelle Boyd, Richmond Public Schools, 301 North Ninth Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, (804) 780-7911. The ADA Coordinator is Mr. Thomas Kranz, Chief Operating Officer, 301 N. Ninth St., 17th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219, (804) 780-7707. The Title IX Officer is Ms. Candice Hunter, Richmond Public Schools, 301 North Ninth Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, (804) 780-7686. The United States Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights may also be contacted at 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202, (202) 401-2000 or 1-800-872-5327.

School Board Dawn Page, Chair

Dr. Patrick Sapini, Vice Chair Elizabeth Doerr James Barlow

Jonathan Young Felicia Cosby

Nadine Marsh-Carter Linda Owen

Dr. Dana T. Bedden, Superintendent

rvaschools.net