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TABLE OF CONTENTS

WARROAD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HANDBOOK

2016-2017 School Year

OUR VISION

Warroad Public Schools are committed to educating and preparing lifelong learners for success in a complex and changing world.

OUR MISSION

Excellent Starts with You!

THE WARRIOR WAY:The Be’s

Be ResponsibleBe RespectfulBe Safe


Dear Warroad Elementary Families:

Welcome to the 2016-2017 school year!

The purpose of this handbook is to provide your family with a reference of essential contact information, policies, procedures, and general information for the Warroad Elementary School.

Please read through the handbook thoroughly. You will be asked to sign off that you have received and have read and understand the content of this handbook. If you have any questions prior to signing, please let me know. The handbook is an abbreviated version of District Polices. The complete policies can be found on the school web site under the District tab at www. warroad.k12.mn.us

We strive to build a solid academic and social foundation for every student in the elementary. Our goal is success now and in the future for each child.

Reaching our goal of student success depends on positive collaboration between home and school. We work hard to create a safe and supportive learning environment for your child. We need parents to make sure students attend school regularly and that they make choices that are safe, respectful and responsible.

We thank you in advance for taking an active part in your child’s education.

If you have any questions during the school year, please feel free to contact the classroom teacher or the office. We will do our best to satisfy your inquiries.

We look forward to partnering with you to ensure that your child has a successful school year.

Sincerely,

Trish HarrenElementary Director

School Contact InformationSchool Address: 510 Cedar Avenue NW Warroad, MN 56763District Office: 386-1472 (fax 386-1909)Office Email: [email protected] Office: 386-6029 Principal Email: [email protected] Website Address: http://www.warroad.k12.mn.usBus Garage: 386-1153Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE): 386-1472Community Education: 386-6028

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WARROAD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

2016-2017 Office StaffTrish Harren, Elementary School Director

Sherry Thompson, Elementary School SecretaryAvis Wright, Health Assistant

Preschool Special Education Teachers Kindergarten TeachersKathy Scheving, ECSE-Speech/Language Carol Merriman Cari Ledin, ECSE Bernie Larson Alona Canfield Lori SchaibleAdria Lund Alison Fish Emily Dorholt, ECSE Krysta Johnson

First Grade Teachers Second Grade TeachersMary Mohrbacher Heidi SchaumKari Rachuy Brandon Van Santen Annie Lund Beth Olson Mylisa Cullifer

Third Grade Teachers Fourth Grade TeachersBarb Knutson Rhonda FurusethLindsay Hontvet Jana Thompson Angie Cole Brenda Windahl Lorraine Vollmer

Fifth Grade Teachers Sixth Grade TeachersMatt Pahl Tammy KennedyJulie Wilmer Kari JohnstonMichele Sokoloski Allen Edman

Licensed Specialty StaffMichelle Nash, School Social Worker Cindy Sandahl, Title I Janet Olson, Title I Kendra Marvin, Behav. AnalystTom Kanoff, Physcial Education Nicole Jenson, Music Derrick Comstock, Physical Education Duane Ledin, Band & Music Christine Prusak, Music Tracy Pieper, Speech/Language Therapist Patti Johnson, Special Ed Carrie Wallace, Special Ed Deb Landin, School Nurse Paulette Stoskopf, Special Holly Erickson, English Learner Program

Teacher Assistants/Paraprofessionals Kris Monshaugen Traci Mitterling Shelly BodellBounlong Ounchith Kathy Kuehn Jessica BoydKapital Pomplun Shawn Carlson Tuddie EstlingErinn Comstock Kelly Milne Megan Premo Rachel Mitchell Barrett Mitchell Melissa ColliflowerSara Cole Nancy Hazelton

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School Day

School Hours for K-6th grade: 8:00am – 3:00pm

BreakfastBreakfast will be offered to our students from 7:30 am to 8:00 am at a cost of $1.25. However, all kindergarten students will receive breakfast free of charge. It is expected that students eating breakfast will be respectful of lunchroom staff and respectful of their environment.

LunchStudents can either buy a school lunch or bring a lunch from home. All households are encouraged to read the free and reduced lunch guidelines mailed each August. If you think your child may be eligible, please apply for free or reduced lunches. There is actually no reduced lunch. If you qualify, they are free. Because nutrition is so important to school learning, the earning amount to qualify is set quite high. You may qualify and not even realize it. Many of us want to pay for school lunches if we can. However, there are many benefits to the school if you qualify and participate. Most school grants are at least in part determined by the percent of free and reduced lunch. As well, the more meals we serve, especially breakfast, the more funding our school receives. Sadly, our application for a preschool program was not selected in a competitive bid process because other applicants had a higher percentage than we did. School funding is complicated. Please take a moment to re-look at the application and qualification data and if you qualify consider participating.

For those paying for school meals, advance payment is required. Elementary student lunches are $2.45 per day (subject to change). Anyone taking school milk with a cold sack lunch or alone must pay $.50 cents. All students (even those who receive free or reduced lunches) who want a second carton of milk with their meal will need to pay an additional $.50 cents per carton. It is the responsibility of the parent to make sure their child always has money in his/her account. Parents are always welcome to eat lunch with their child at school. Parents eating lunch with their child should pay for the meal beforehand in the office.

School SuppliesIn an effort to avoid an unnecessary waste of money and over-filled desks we are requesting specific supplies based on your student’s grade level. Please refer to the school website for all grade level school supply lists. You may also get a paper copy in the elementary office. Please be prepared to replenish supplies quarterly if requested.

Warroad Elementary School provides students with all required textbooks. It is the student’s responsibility to properly care for the books assigned to him/her and to turn them in at the end of the year in the same condition they were received. Parents will be charged with repair or replacement costs, as appropriate, for damaged or lost books (textbooks, library books, etc.).

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Notices to Parents and Weekly NewslettersEvery week your student’s teacher will send home a weekly newsletter in the backpack and/or an email update. Also, periodically school staff will send home notes and other notices with the students. Please check the contents of your child’s backpack on a daily basis so you will get information in a timely manner.

As noted above, some teachers may be emailing the weekly newsletters home as well. Please ensure that the teachers and Ms. Sherry have the most up-to-date email on file so you will receive your email, if that is the way your teacher will communicate the weekly newsletter.

School Day InterruptionsParents bringing items to school for their children should report directly to the elementary school office. The office staff will deliver the items to the child at a time that will not be disruptive to the learning occurring in the classroom.

On special occasions, items are delivered to the school office for specific students. These items will be given to students between 2:30-3:00p.m. Due to safety issues, items such as balloons and/or flower bouquets will not be permitted on the bus. Parents will need to pick these items up from the school office or pick their child up after school instead of ride the bus.

Classroom TreatsStudents may or may not be participate in various holiday parties during the school year depending on grade level participation. This decision is up to teachers of any given grade level. Parents may or may not be invited and may be asked to provide specific food items or provide a monetary donation for the parties.

In addition, many parents send treats for all the children in a classroom to celebrate their child’s birthday. If you plan to do so, we ask that you notify your child’s teacher in advance of the date you plan to provide the treats. Due to Minnesota Department of Health requirements, students are not allowed to bring home baked treats to school. With growing numbers of food allergies it is important that we comply both for student safety and for liability purposes.

Library BooksIf a book is lost or damaged to the point of needing to be replaced, the parents of the student who last checked out the book will be billed for replacement costs. If a student returns a book that is damaged, but repairable, the student’s parents are responsible for the repair costs.

By the end of the year, library bills must be paid in full. Bills not paid will follow the student from year to year until paid.

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Birth Certificates for K-6 StudentsUnless we already have one on file, we will request that parents provide the elementary school office with a copy of their child’s birth certificate. The birth certificate provides us with each student’s legal birth date and name. These items are required by the Minnesota Department of Education student recording procedures. Also, when classes take trips into Canada, students are required to bring a birth certificate on the trip.

Publicity Picture Release FormEach year parents will be given to a Publicity Picture Release Form. If you do NOT return this form, parents will be granting the district permission to take pictures of their child for use in early childhood and/or elementary programs (newspapers, flyers, year book, bulletin boards, displays, Facebook, etc). This permission will remain in effect the whole school year unless revoked in writing.

Field Trips and ChaperonesYour child will bring home a yellow consent slip for in town field trips the first week of school. We ask that you sign and return the slip to the classroom teacher right away. No child may go on a field trip unless a signed consent slip has been given to the teacher. If an out-of –town trip is planned, you will be asked to sign and return an additional consent form just prior to the trip. Several field trips are planned during the school year. We feel they are of value in providing:

1. Hands on learning experiences.2. Opportunity for applying manners, courtesy, safety, and good citizenship. 3. Stimulation of child’s interest in the community.

Parents must pick up their child when the class returns from the trip if pick up time is outside the school day. If parents do not pick up their child within 15 minutes of the class returning to the school, the police will be notified although the staff will do everything possible to contact the parents before the call is made to law enforcement.

It is the decision of the supervising teacher to determine who will assist classes on field trips. Please contact your child’s classroom teacher if you are interested in being a chaperone. Chaperones will have designated responsibilities. Younger siblings, or siblings not in the same grade as students going on the class field trip, will not be permitted to go on the trip.

*Please reference policy 610: Field Trips for more detailed information.

Use of BicyclesStudents in 1st-6th grades are permitted to ride bicycles to and from school. Parents must provide the office with a signed, dated note giving their child permission to ride a bike to and from school. Students should put locks on their bicycles to prevent their unauthorized use. At the end of the day, students riding bikes home may not leave the building until the school buses have left the school grounds. The school district will not be responsible for lost or stolen bicycles.

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Emergency Procedure /Early Release FormsAt the beginning of the school year students will be bringing home an Emergency Procedure Form and an Early Release Form. We ask that you complete and return both forms to the elementary school office immediately. This information will help us know where your child should go in the event of an emergency or an early school closure.

Emergency DrillsThroughout the school year we will have at least five Fire Drills; at least one Tornado Drill and up to five lock-down or evacuation drills. The District Crisis Team may institute other drills as the need arises. Students will be expected to take part in all drills. The purpose of the drills is to give the students practice for any “safety” issues that may arise during the school year.

Dress Code and Appropriate AttireUnless we are experiencing unfavorable weather, students will go outside for recess every school day. Unfavorable weather is defined as rain, blizzard conditions or wind chill factors in excess of – 15 degrees Fahrenheit). Minnesota weather changes frequently. With that in mind, students should dress accordingly. In the winter months it is especially important that students are prepared for frigid temperatures with appropriate cold weather garments. Students must wear snow boots, snow pants, winter coats, gloves/mittens, and hats. During the warmer spring and fall temperatures students will be permitted to wear shorts. All outdoor clothing should be marked with the student’s name. Many clothing items are lost throughout the school year. If items are marked, they can be readily returned to the owner. Shoes with wheels are prohibited.

The Warroad Elementary School’s dress code prohibits attire with drug, alcohol or tobacco advertising; print or graphics which are sexually explicit or suggestive; representations which are inappropriate, offensive or demeaning to any group; clothing which is suggestive or inadequate in its covering; considered to be short shorts. No flesh may show between the shirt/top and lower garment. Shirts/tops must have a min. of 1inch straps on each shoulder.

Consequences: The student will be asked to change into clothing that is appropriate. Continued violations will result in a conference with the director, social worker, the student, and parents.

Students are required to wear nonskid tennis shoes for Physical Education (PE) classes. Students will not be allowed to participate in PE classes in the school building if they are not wearing such shoes. Shoes should be marked with the student’s name. An accumulation of PE periods missed due to not wearing nonskid tennis shoes will be reflected on a student’s report card. When snow arrives, many students wear snow boots to school. Students are expected to replace them with tennis shoes or street shoes after entering the school. Rollerblade shoes are not allowed on school property. Flip Flops are allowed only when seasonally appropriate.

*Please reference policy 504: Student Dress and Appearance for more information pertaining to student dress code and proper attire.

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Lost and FoundStudents are encouraged to report lost items to the office. All items found are placed in a large box located in the elementary school office or in the elementary hallway. Parents are welcome look through the lost and found items if your student is missing something. Items remaining at the end of the school year will be discarded.

VolunteeringParents wishing to volunteer in their child’s classroom should contact the classroom teacher directly. We encourage parental involvement! Your help is appreciated. Volunteers should enter the school through the main elementary doors (door #2) and check in at the office. You will receive a badge to wear while working in the elementary school.

School ClosingsListen to radio station KQ 92 for information pertaining to the school on stormy days or during community emergencies for possible closure. When a school closure becomes necessary for any reason, as much notice as possible will be given to parents. The announcements will also come to you via the district’s auto call system. It is important to update phone information so that you will get timely notice via the calling system.

Closed CampusFor safety purposes, Warroad Elementary functions as a closed campus. Students must remain on school premises from the time they arrive at school, including their lunch break, until they are dismissed at the end of the day. Students may go to lunch with their parents, but must check out and in the office. Please be mindful of class times so student’s classroom attendance is kept as a high priority and they are not tardy. If a student needs to leave school during the day for an appointment or other necessary activity, parents should call or send a written note with the student to turn into the office before 8:00am of that day.

LockersStudents will be assigned a locker at the beginning of the school year. School lockers are the property of the school district. School authorities may inspect the interior of lockers for any reason, any time, without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant. The personal possessions of students within a locker may be searched when school authorities have a reasonable suspicion that the search will uncover evidence of a violation of a law or school rules. As soon as practical after the search of a student’s personal possessions, the school authorities will provide notice of the search whose locker was searched unless disclosure would impede an investigation by police or school officials.

Lockers are not to be shared or exchanged with other students. The school is not liable for loses and one should use discretion in leaving items of great value in lockers. It is recommended that items of great value, other than essential classroom items, need to be left at home. Students will not be allowed to have open beverage or food in their lockers.

*Please reference Policy 502: Search of Student Lockers, Desks, Personal Possessions and Students Person.

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Pledge of AllegianceMinnesota State law requires the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in public schools as well as instruction in flag etiquette and patriotic exercises. Each class will be reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and addressing the information at a time during the day that is convenient for the classroom schedule.

*Please reference policy 531: The Pledge of Allegiance

MoneyWhen you send money for lunch etc., please put it in an envelope and write your child’s name, teacher, grade, dollar amount, and purpose on the envelope. On occasion, money has been left on the secretary’s desk and there was no way to account for it. Checks should be made out to the Warroad Public Schools. We discourage children from having money at school unless it is absolutely necessary.

Telephone UsePlease ask your child to use the office telephone in case of emergency only. We will refer to the early release form if necessary. Arrangements for after school visits should be made the previous evening - not during school.

If you wish to speak to your child’s teacher, it is best to call before or after school. If you call during the day, Elementary office personnel will take your phone number and ask the teacher to return your call during their prep time or after school. Teachers are expected to return all calls within 24 hours.

Destruction of PropertyPupils who damage personal or school property will be financially responsible for the repair or replacement of the damaged article(s). This means that parents will be held financially accountable for these expenses. The director or building administrator will determine repair or replacement costs.

*Policy 534: Destruction of Property will give more detailed information.

Activity TicketsActivity tickets may be purchased from the Community Education office. Current cost is $4 for a student and $6.00 for an adult. Punch cards are available. These are $70 for a student and $130 for a family. For more information contact Community Education at 386-6028.

School District Web Site and Warroad Elementary Facebook PageThe Warroad Public Schools web page will post information that may be of use to all students in grades K-6. This will include such information as school supplies, school calendar, student handbook, yearbook information, fall/spring picture information, and testing information. In addition, each teacher may post information about daily schedules, course syllabus, homework assignments, daily schedule changes, etc. Parents wishing to access online information about their child’s lunch account, attendance record, and/or grades may obtain access directions from Office Support Specialist, Ms. Sherry at 386-6094.

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The Warroad Elementary Facebook page will post student happenings as well as updated information parents may need to know. Please join us on Facebook so you can see all the fun things happening at school and stay informed!

STUDENT SAFETYOur goal is to keep students as safe and protected as possible until we release them to your care. To do this requires taking safety precautions that you may not understand. Please ask of provide feedback. Decisions are made holding your child’s best interests in mind.

School Day ProceduresSchool begins at 8:00 am. Students will be allowed to go to their lockers and classrooms at 7:45am. Any student who arrives between 7:30 and 7:45 be allowed to play in the gym for supervised activities, or eat breakfast or wait in the hallway. There is no supervision for students before 7:30. If you must drop off your student prior to that time, please make arrangements with Kid Kare. Parent Drop Off

Parents may drop off students at the main elementary doors (Door 2). There are two options:1. Drop and Go: Pull up to the curb, drop your child, and drive safely away.2. Walk in: We encourage you to escort you student in. If you are doing so,

PLEASE PARK in a parking spot, not at the curbside, and walk your child across the street into the school.

If you are bringing your student into the school an accompanying them to their classroom, please put on a visitor badge.

Students coming off the buses enter the building through door #33 or #35 in the back of the school.

The main elementary security doors (door #2) will lock at 8:00am. All other exterior doors will be locked all day. No one will be allowed admittance into the school after 8:00am unless they are identified, buzzed in, signed in through the office, and issued a visitor badge to wear while they are in the building.

End of the Day Procedures: The security doors by the office will be automatically unlocked at 2:45pm. If you

are picking up your child at the end of the day, you can either come into the school to wait on the benches or simply pull your car up to the front curb.

o Everyone will be expected to remain in the front entry area by the benches until the teacher delivers your child to that area.

o Do not park at the curb if you are coming into the school. Please pull your car into a parking space.

If you choose to remain in your car, please pull up to the curb behind other cars. Your child will be sent outside at dismissal and directed to your car by a supervising staff member.

o As cars move down the curb, please move forward to allow for others to pull up behind you.

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o Your child will not be allowed to cross the street without adult supervision. If you park across the street, please come up to the doors to get your student(s).

All students being picked up by a parent or guardian will exit the building at door #2 (the main elementary door). Students riding the school bus home will be exiting through door #33 or door #36.

Students are expected to leave the building by 3:15pm unless they are staying for a Community Education sponsored activity. Other students remaining in the building after 3:15pm may be sent to Kid Kare at the parents’ expense. Students whose Community Education programs do not begin until after 3:15pm are not allowed to stay at school waiting for their scheduled Community Education program begins unless a accompanied by a parent or guardian or supervised by a Community Education staff member or the student goes directly to Kid Kare, at parent expense, until the Community Education activity begins.

Dismissal during the School DayThe following requirements pertain to all students who leave during the school day:

Students must bring a signed, dated note from their parents stating the reason and time they will be leaving the building with a parent or guardian or the parent can call the office.

Parents/guardians must pick their children up from the elementary school office (door #2). Children will not be permitted to leave with anyone other than a custodial parent or guardian. However, the parent or guardian may give the office personnel permission for children to be released to specified persons by name. Students leaving before the regular dismissal time must be signed out by the adult picking them up prior to the end of the school day. Students will not be sent out of the school until the parent comes into the office.

Bus NotesYou must send a note or call the elementary office yourself if you want your child to go somewhere other than where your child usually goes after school. If you do not do that, your child will be sent to their regular after school destination. If you know the bus letter/number, please put it on the note. If you do not know the bus letter/number, please call the transportation department at 386-1153. Students who live in town and want to walk home after school must have a note from the parent. Students walking home will be allowed to leave the building once the school buses have left the school grounds.

KID KARE ProgramKid Kare is a Community Education sponsored school-age childcare program serving grades K-6. The hours are from 6:00am until school begins and then from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. When school is not in session and during the summer months, Kid Kare is open from 6:00am to 6:00pm. The cost for this program is $2.00 (subject to change) for one child per hour and $1.75 (subject to change) per hour for each additional child in the same family.**For more detailed information pertaining to Kid Kare please reference policy 555: Kid Kare & Early Childhood Discipline Policy.

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ACADEMICS

Kindergarten AdmissionTo be admitted to kindergarten, a child must be 5 years old on or before September 1, 2016. If you are not sure that your child is ready for kindergarten, you can contact the elementary school office to request a screening. A School Readiness Screening can be administered. The results will give you information that may help you in making your decision to send or not to send your child to kindergarten. (Minnesota State Statue , Section 120A.20) Compulsory Instruction (Attendance)Per Minnesota Statutes, education is a right of all children. It is compulsory for all children between seven and 17. This may be at a public or private school, or through an approved home school curriculum. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to make sure this right is upheld.

Student attendance matters. Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school and themselves. Too many absences can cause a student to fall behind in school. Absences can affect the whole classroom, especially if the teacher has to slow down learning for other students to help absent students catch up.

Good Attendance:

At the discretion of school administration, absences will be coded as excused or unexcused depending on the nature of the absence. Examples of excused absences include:

child illness, medical, dental, orthodontic, or counseling appointments; family emergencies; the death or serious illness or funeral of an immediate family member; a condition that requires ongoing treatment for a mental health diagnosis; or religious instruction conducted and maintained by some church, or association of

churches, or any Sunday school association incorporated under the laws of this state, or any auxiliary thereof for a total of not to exceed three hours in a week.

Students who are absent from school due to illness should not plan on participating in after school activities on that same day. Students with excessive absences due to illness may be required to bring in documentation by a doctor of illness.

Unexcused absences are absences not authorized by the school due to not being a legally acceptable reason under the compulsory education statute and/or not verified by the parents. Some examples of unexcused absences are: staying home to take care of a sibling or helping out around the home, missing the bus, refusing to go to school, taking a trip out of town without first notifying the office, or oversleeping. Do not assume that your child’s absence is excused simply due to calling in. It must also be an excused reason.

Work that is assigned by the teacher and missed due to an absence must be made up.

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“Tardy” is defined as being late to school or to a class. If a student is not in their seat ready to go at the beginning of class, they may be considered tardy.

Minnesota Statutes consider elementary school students who receive 7 or more unexcused absences in a school year as “habitual truant”. If your child becomes habitually truant, one or more of the following may occur:

1. The Roseau County Social Services office will be notified.2. The parents may be charged with educational neglect. They may also face a Child in

Need of Protection Services (CHIPS) petition.

Assessment of performanceEach year the performance of every child ages seven through 16 must be assessed using a nationally norm-referenced standardized achievement examination. The superintendent of the district in which the child receives instruction and the person in charge of the child's instruction must agree about the specific examination to be used and the administration and location of the examination.

If the results of the assessments indicate that the child's performance on the total battery score is at or below the 30th percentile or one grade level below the performance level for children of the same age, the parent must obtain additional evaluation of the child's abilities and performance for the purpose of determining whether the child has learning problems.

*Please reference policy 503: Attendance for more detailed information.

Report CardsWarroad Elementary operates on a trimester system with grades posted at the end of each trimester. Two parent-teacher conferences will be held during the school year to provide parents and teachers opportunities to discuss a student’s educational progress. As necessary, teachers or parents may request additional times to meet other than official conferences to discuss student performance.

Retention PolicyThe Board of Education, administration, and staff of Warroad Public Schools are dedicated to the progressive and maximum educational development of each student. District personnel are responsible for placing a student at a level that will ensure suitable growth academically, socially, and emotionally.

The retention of elementary school students will be considered on the basis of the student’s best interest. Each case will be decided on its own merits. The primary factor to be considered when deciding whether a student should be retained is academic achievement; however, other factors may be considered. Based upon the recommendations of a student’s retention team, which should include the parents, the decision will be made for the ensuing school year.

*Please reference the following policies for complete information on retention: 513: Student Promotion, Retention, and Program Design, 630 Retention.

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Recess & Physical Education ParticipationPhysical activity is important for health and learning. All children are expected to participate in outdoor recess activities and in structured physical education classes. If a student has been absent for an illness, parents may request (in writing) that their child stay in for recess for one day immediately after returning to school from an illness. For other medical needs that extend beyond a day, students will be excused from such activities only if their parents provide a written, signed, and dated note from a physician. The excuse must specify the length of time the student is to be excused from the activity.

Recess will take place unless the wind chill temperature is -15 degrees Fahrenheit or inclement weather does not permit students to be outside.

Parent Complaint ProcedureIf you have a concern regarding your child’s educational experience, please follow the below procedure/progression:

1. Make an appointment to talk to the teacher about your concerns.2. If you do not resolve the problem with the teacher, or the problem persists, contact

the Elementary School Director. You may be redirected to the teacher if contact was not made with the teacher before contacting the Director.

3. If the problem persists, the next step would be to contact the Superintendent. The Superintendent will ask you if you have contacted the Teacher and the Director first. You may be redirected to the appropriate contact(s) if procedures were not followed.

4. The final step to take to find resolution to the problem would be to call a School Board member. School board members will ask you if you have contacted the Teacher, Principal, and superintendent first. You may be redirected to the appropriate contact(s) if procedures were not followed.

*Please reference policy 103: Complaints – Students, employees, parents and other persons for more information about the complaint procedure.

Parents Right to KnowFederal and State Statutes require districts to inform parents that they have the right to request and receive timely information on the professional qualifications of their child’s classroom teacher. In these cases, the district must respond in a timely manner to the requested information, at a minimum, reporting the following:

Whether or not the teacher has met Minnesota licensing requirements for the grade level(s) and core academic subjects they teach;

Whether or not the teacher is teaching under a variance status; The education level and subject area of the teacher’s college degree major and any

graduate degree or certificate held; Whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals, and if so, their

qualifications

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Since Warroad Elementary receives Title I funds the district must also provide to each family:

Information on the level of achievement of the parent’s (grades 3 -6) child on the State academic assessments and

Timely notice that the parent’s child has been assigned or has been taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who is not highly qualified as defined by the State of Minnesota.

New StudentsWarroad Elementary welcomes new students. Students enrolling after the first day of the school year will be permitted to attend school the next school day after official enrollment. This will allow the classroom teacher time to prepare a desk and learning materials for the new student. Students new to the district will be placed at the grade level recommended by the previous school of attendance and the teacher will be assigned by school administration.

*Please see policy 509: Enrollment of Non-resident Students if you are outside the enrollment boundaries of Warroad Public Schools.

Withdrawing Children from SchoolIf you plan to move out of Warroad School District during the school year, please call the elementary school office as soon as possible with the following information:1. New address.2. Date for last day of school at Warroad Elementary.

It is very important to note that your child will not be dropped from enrollment at Warroad Elementary until the new school of attendance requests information pertaining to enrolling the student at the new school. Please inform Warroad Elementary if there will be any delay, such as moving taking several days to drive to the new destination, so that absences will not be considered unexcused resulting in a referral to Roseau County.

Health Information:Student IllnessesPlease do not send your child to school if he/she exhibits any of the following symptoms, injuries, or conditions: a high temperature, lice or scabies (until treated), a sore throat with fever, a cold with a fever, an earache or headache, diarrhea and/or abdominal cramps, nausea and/or vomiting, any skin injury or burn that may become infected, any infectious disease or Conjunctivitis/pink eye.

When a child is sent to school ill or becomes ill at school, our medical staff will determine whether or not the child should remain in school. If it is determined that the child should not be in school, the parents will be notified. Parents will be expected to pick up their child within an hour of notification of the child’s illness or make arrangements for the child to be picked up by someone else. The office should be notified if someone other than the parents will be picking up the child. The child will not be released to anyone not specified by the parent(s).

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ImmunizationsStudents who have not met the requirements of the School Immunization Law will not be allowed to attend school. Minnesota Statute requires that each child be properly immunized and that appropriate documentation of each child’s immunizations is on file in the school office. If your child has not met the immunization requirements, you must take care of this immediately. The required immunizations are:5 doses DTP/DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis – 4 doses if 4th dose given after age 4)4 doses IPV/OPV (polio – 4th dose not required if 3rd dose given after age 4)2 doses MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)3 doses HBV (hepatitis B)2 doses Varicella (chickpox – or documentation from a doctor child has had chickpox)

*Please see policy 530: Immunization Requirements for more information.

MedicationsPrior to school staff administering any medication, a written order of a licensed physician and written authorization of the parent/guardian must be on file in the elementary school office. A pharmacy label is not an appropriate order. All medications must be in a container issued to the child by the pharmacy. Medication forms may be picked up in the elementary office. We ask that you immediatelynotify the school nurse and your child’s teacher if your child has any health conditions we need to be aware of (ex. Asthma, diabetes, allergies, etc.).

*Policy 516: Student Medication will give more specifics on this topic.

Student Incontinence while at School ProcedureIf a student is incontinent of urine or stool while at school, the staff will adhere to the following procedures:

1. The student shall be sent or escorted to the Health Office. A custodian will be notified if the classroom is in need of cleaning.

2. The student’s parent(s) or guardian will be notified immediately of the situation. They should be asked if they are coming in to take care of the child or if they want the health office staff to take care of the situation.

3. Children with urinary incontinence generally need nothing more than some wet wipes and a change of clothing. Students that can take care of themselves can do so in the office bathroom. Their soiled clothing will be placed in a plastic bag and sent home along with a notice requesting the laundering/return of borrowed items and request for a change of clothing to be kept at the school.

4. In the event students need assistance with cleaning and changing of clothing, their parents will be contacted. If the parents are unable to come to the school within 20 minutes, they will be asked if they will give permission to the staff to clean the child. If yes, they must be made aware of the fact that the child will be disrobed and showered/washed in the presence of 2 staff members.

5. Students needing cleaning beyond the scope of wet wipes will be taken to the showers.

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6. Clean clothing may be loaned to the child if available from the supply box. If no clothing is available from the supply box for the child, the school will make every attempt to rinse the soiled clothing out so the student will have something to wear. If there was a likelihood of this happening, it would be advisable for the parent to keep extra clothing at school for the student.

Policy References:

Student Internet PoliciesUsing the computer system and the Internet at Warroad Elementary is a privilege and not a right. If students abuse that privilege, their access to the Internet may be suspended. Transmission of any information in violation of state and federal regulations is prohibited. Students may not violate copyright or otherwise use the intellectual property of another individual or organization without permission. Students may not access, upload, download, or send any information that is written in inappropriate language including racist, sexist or abusive language. Students may not change or destroy another person’s information. Students should not reveal their personal address or phone number over the Internet, nor the addresses or phone numbers of students, staff, or friends. Students will use the computer system and the Internet for educational purposes only.

*Please see policy 524: Internet Acceptable Use and Safety Policy along with Internet Use Agreement – Student Form #524 for more detailed information.

Alcohol – Drugs – Tobacco PoliciesStudents are prohibited from using, possessing, or being under the influence of alcoholic beverages; possessing, using, distributing or being under the influence of illegal drugs or narcotics; tobacco use by students is prohibited at school, at school-sponsored activities and on school grounds. Disciplinary action will include confiscation, student conference, parent notification, possible suspension, and possible notification to law enforcement.

*Please see the following policies pertaining to these topics: 417: Chemical Use and Abuse, 418: Drug Free Workplace and Drug Free School, 419: Tobacco Free Environment Bullying PolicyWarroad School District has a Bullying Prohibition Policy. The complete policy is available online at the district’s website as well as posted in the elementary office. The purpose of the policy is to assist the school district in its goal of preventing and responding to acts of bullying (including cyber bullying, intimidation, violence and other similar disruptive behavior). Included in the district bully policy is a definition of bullying along with consequences for identified acts of bullying.

Any student who believes he or she has been the victim of bullying, or any student with knowledge or belief of conduct that may constitute bullying shall report the alleged acts immediately to any appropriate school district employee. All reports of bullying will be fully investigated and disciplinary action will be taken if deemed necessary. All school

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district employees will report suspected bullying conduct to the building principal or designee.

*For the complete bully policy, please see policy 514: Bullying Prevention Policy.

Cell Phone and Electronic Devices PolicyRinging cell phones are disruptive during class time and even when they are in lockers. Cell phones and electronic devices can also be stolen, be loaned to other students, and be lost or broken. The use of cell phones at school is detrimental to the academic climate because it takes valuable time away from instruction and creates disciplinary problems.

Due to the enormous time spent on stolen phones, the school will NOT investigate when these devices are lost or stolen. Their security is the sole responsibility of the student. Warroad Public Schools is not responsible for lost, stolen, or broken cell phones and will not be responsible for cell phones that are lost, stolen, or misplaced by staff members after confiscation.

All cell phones must be turned off and not visible at school between 7:45am and 2:45pm. If a cell phone is taken from a student, the principal will hold the phone until a parent comes to pick it up. We realize that having to pick up a student’s phone may be inconvenient, so please discuss this policy with your child in order to avoid this inconvenience.

*Policy: Cell Phone references guidelines about cell phones in school

Weapons PolicyWeapons, including pellet guns, BB guns, knives or any real or “life-like” replica of a lethal weapon, are prohibited on school property or at school related events. Should any student “accidentally” bring a weapon to school or a school related event, it should be brought to the principal’s office immediately. Returns will be made through the student’s parents. Warroad Public Schools abides by all current State and Federal guidelines relating to the matter. Referral to law enforcement and expulsion from school may be consequences of weapon possession.

*For a complete definition of “weapon” and consequences, please reference policy 510: School Weapons.

Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence PolicySexual harassment is a form of sexual discrimination which violates Section 703 of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 200e, et seq, and Minn. Stat. 363.01 -.14, the Minnesota Human Rights Act, Sexual violence is a physical act of aggression that includes an unwanted sexual act or sexual purpose.

It is the policy of Independent School District #690 to maintain learning and working environment that is free from sexual harassment and sexual violence. The School District prohibits any form of sexual harassment and sexual violence.It shall be a violation of this policy for any student or employee of School District No.

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690 to harass a student or an employee through conduct or communication of a sexual nature as defined by this policy.

It shall be a violation of this policy for any student or employee of School District No. 690 to be sexually violent to a student or employee. The School District will act to investigate all complaints, either formal or informal, verbal or written, of sexual harassment or sexual violence and to discipline any student or employee who sexually harasses or is sexually violent to a student or employee of the School District.

You can find a complete policy on the Warroad Public Schools website. Discipline PolicyIt is the position of the school district that a fair and equitable district-wide school discipline policy will contribute to the quality of a student’s educational experience. Without discipline in the schools, learning cannot occur. Therefore, a district-wide school discipline policy has been adopted.

Areas of ResponsibilityIt is the responsibility of the school board, administrators, and teachers to safeguard the health and safety of each student. The school board and district administrators will support district personnel who, in dealing with students on disciplinary matters, act in accordance with state statute, state board of education regulations, and this policy.

The elementary director is responsible to formulate building rules and regulations necessary to enforce the discipline policy, subject to final school board approval. The director shall provide direction and support to school personnel and shall consult with parents of students who are violating the policy. The principal is responsible to take prompt corrective action for referred violations of the policy.

Elementary students will be expected to be respectful of school staff, peers, school property, and themselves. Students will be expected to be prompt and prepared for school, to display a concern for learning, and to do the work that is assigned. Students will be expected to make safe choices for themselves and others. Students will be expected to be responsible for their belongings as well as their behavior choices. Students will be expected to display appropriate social skills and character.

Disciplinary Action Options: Your child’s education is a partnership between home and school. Your support is essential for us to continue to provide a positive, productive, educational experience for all students. The following sequence of steps may occur for recurring inappropriate behaviors, but not necessarily in this order, which will be dependent on the violation:

Progressive Negative Consequences:1. Student Conference:

a. Depending on the seriousness of the violation and the seriousness of the action, a student may be given a verbal warning by teacher,

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principal/director, counselor, or other school district personnel that if a violation occurs again, the student’s parents or guardians will be notified.

2. Parent conference: a. If a student violates a rule, the parent or guardian may be notified and a

conference may be required. 3. Meet with any combination of the following: director, social worker, law

enforcement, superintendent, and/or others as deemed appropriate for the situation4. Referral to in-school support services5. Referral to community resources or outside agency services6. Removal from class and/or activities

a. Removal from class means any action taken by teacher, principal, or other school district employee to prohibit a student from attending class for a period of tie pursuant to the policy 506.

7. Referral to police or other law enforcement8. Possible restitution9. In-school suspension10. Out-of-school suspension under the Pupil Fair Dismissal Act11. Expulsion under the Pupil Fair Dismissal act; and/or12. Other disciplinary action as deemed appropriate by ISD 690

*For the complete policy referring to discipline, please see policy 506: Student Discipline.

Transportation Policies (Bus Rules):School are not required to provide transportation to school. However, the Warroad School District has determined that transportation is important to student attendance and academic success. Being able to ride the bus in therefore a privilege and not a right.

Students riding school buses are expected to behave in the same manner as they do at school. Students are expected to be safe, responsible and respectful. If students’ conduct impacts the health, safety, comfort, or well-being of others, either on or off the bus, the student discipline policy will be followed.

Waiting for the School Bus:1. Arrive 5 minutes before your scheduled pick up time. 2. Stay a safe distance away from the road.3. Be in line when the bus approaches.4. Wait to approach the bus until it has come to a complete stop, the red lights are on,

and the bus driver has given the signal to approach.5. If you must cross the road to get on or off the bus, cross IN FRONT of the bus. 6. Respect the property of others.7. Use appropriate language.8. No fighting, harassment, intimidation, or horseplay.9. No use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.10. Weapons, including ammunition, and dangerous objects are prohibited.

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Boarding the School Bus:1. Allow smaller children to board first2. Use the handrail and go up steps one at a time.3. Go directly to your seat and be seated.

On the Bus:

1. Keep hands, heads, property, and objects inside the bus at all times.2. Treat others respectfully – no teasing, fighting, use of profanity, etc. 3. Stay seated – do not move about in the aisles or needlessly change seats in the bus.4. Avoid loud talking, shouting, singing, or any noise that may distract the bus driver or

be disruptive to other passengers. This includes keeping technology volume at a reasonable level.

5. Do not tamper with emergency doors except in legitimate emergencies.6. Do not throw ANYTHING in the bus. Pass things instead.7. Do not damage the bus in any way – this includes writing on seats or any part of the

bus.a. Report damage to the bus to the driver immediately.

8. No eating or drinking on the bus. 9. No littering on the bus.

a. Students who litter may be assigned to clean-up duties. 10. Keep hands off bus equipment such as First AidKits, flares, etc.11. Smoking or use of drugs on the bus is prohibited.12. Weapons and dangerous objects are prohibited.

Based on the severity of a student’s conduct, consequences can range from a warning to more serious such as being suspended from riding the buses. In cases involving criminal conduct (for example assault, weapons, vandalism, etc.), the Superintendent, local law enforcement officials, and the Department of Public Safety may be informed. Records of school bus/bus stop misconduct will be forwarded to the individual school building and will be retained in the same manner as other student discipline records. Students choosing to damage school buses will be held financially responsible for the damages. Failure to pay for such damages (or make arrangements for payment) may result in the loss of bus privileges until damages are paid.

Buses are on a tight timelines and can’t wait past scheduled pick up times. If students are not going to ride the bus or are having schedule problems, please contact the bus garage at 386-1153. If a child will be riding a different bus going home, they must have a note.

Students who ride in school transportation for out-of-town trips must return in school transportation unless the parents (in person) take the student home from the out-of-town activity and notified the teacher.

*Please see the following policies for transportation: 707: Transportation of Public School Student, 708: Transportation of Non-public School Students, 709: Student Transportation Safety.

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Thank you for taking the time to read this Parent Handbook. Please sign this form, which signifies you have received and read our handbook.

If you have any questions or comments about the handbook contents, please share these with the Elementary School Director. We look forward to a happy, healthy and positive childcare experience with you and your child.

Child/Children name: _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________

I have received and read the WARROAD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Policy and Procedures Handbook.

Parent’s Signature: _________________________________ Date: ____________

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