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Harlan Handbook

2020-2021

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WELCOME LETTER FROM MR. AGIUS: ................................................................................................... 3

MISSION STATEMENT: BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS ................................................................ 4

MISSION & PURPOSE STATEMENT: HARLAN ELEMENTARY ......................................................... 5

ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL ............................................................................................................................... 6

ATTENDANCE INFORMATION .................................................................................................................. 8

BELL SCHEDULE ............................................................................................................................................ 6

ENROLLMENT……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..6

HEALTH SERVICES ....................................................................................................................................... 8

MEDIA CENTER ............................................................................................................................................ 20

PARENT RELATIONS .............................................................................................................................................. 17

RULES & RESPONSIBILITIES .............................................................................................................................. 16

SAFETY ........................................................................................................................................................... 10

STUDENT ACTIVITIES ............................................................................................................................... 19

STUDENT SERVICES ................................................................................................................................... 11

TRANSPORTATION .................................................................................................................................... 15

Table of Contents

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August 2020

Dear Harlan Students and Families:

Welcome to the 2020-21 school year! As we embark on our new learning adventure together, it is important to remember and be guided by our Harlan Habits of Respect, Responsibility, and Kindness in everything we do, as individuals and as a community.

This handbook is a resource to the programs and policies of Harlan Elementary School and the Birmingham Public School District. Questions or comments regarding these policies are always welcome.

We look forward to an enriching and fun-filled educational experience together!

Sincerely,

Alex Agius, Principal

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HARLAN HANDBOOK

Birmingham Public Schools Mission Statement

Birmingham Public Schools.... Inspiring learners through educational excellence for a lifetime of global opportunities.

Vision Statement

Birmingham Public Schools inspire in all students a passion for learning, leading and innovating.

We pledge to:

...educate the whole child, mindful of the needs of all learners.

...foster and nurture a learning community of character and diversity.

...adapt purposefully and efficiently utilize resources to ensure academic excellence in our evolving world.

...prepare students to create solutions to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Core Value Statements

Birmingham Public Schools value:

• Individuals - We value and respect each member of our community and are committed to each individual’s growth and development.

• Diversity - We celebrate and embrace the unique qualities each person contributes to our global community.

• Collaboration - We foster collaboration through engagement and effective communication in all of our interactions, and in preparation for developing partnerships throughout the world.

• Innovation - We nurture innovation and change by modeling courage, resilience, curiosity, creativity, risk-taking, exploration, and reflection.

• Excellence - We inspire academic excellence by challenging all learners to exceed expectations.

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• Leadership - We empower all learners to demonstrate strong character as they lead and

mentor within the school and the community. • Learning - We instill passion and excitement for continuous learning through an

intellectually rich, engaging and safe learning environment. • Civic Responsibility - We foster civic responsibility by engaging students in community

service learning and inspiring them to become involved in local, national, and international topics.

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Lori Ajlouny lajlouny@birmingham.k12.mi.us Amy Hochkammer ahochkammer@birmingham.k12.mi.us Brian Jennings bjennings@birmingham.k12.mi.us Nicole McKinney nmckinney@birmingham.k12.mi.us Jennifer Rass jrass@birmingham.k12.mi.us Kimberly Whitman kwhitman@birmingham.k12.mi.us Adrienne Young ayoung@birmingham.k12.mi.us The Birmingham Board of Education holds regularly scheduled business meetings on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7:00 PM in the Board Rooms of the Education and Administration Building, 31301 Evergreen Road, Beverly Hills, MI 48025. Public comment on any matter pertaining to education in this district is welcome and appears on the agenda at each meeting. Board meetings are telecast live on BPS Channel 17 and recablecast later in the same week (refer to your BPS Channel 17 program guide.)

Harlan Elementary School Mission & Purpose Statement

Harlan School Mission Statement

Pulling Together In Character and Achievement

Harlan Purpose Statement

The purpose of Harlan is to collectively ensure learning for all students.

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BELL SCHEDULE

8:35 Service Squad on duty 8:44 First bell, children enter building & wait in designated areas 8:49 Final bell, classes begin 3:50 School dismissal

ENROLLMENT

Enrollment Requirements Harlan School serves families living in the Birmingham Public Schools attendance area. Subject to class size and principal approval, children from other Birmingham attendance area schools may be enrolled. (see Open Enrollment). Parents moving into the attendance area are encouraged to contact the Harlan office as soon as possible. At times, all traditional seated courses may also be held virtually.

Student Information Enrollment for all Birmingham Public School locations is done through the Education and Administration Center located at 31301 Evergreen Rd. in Beverly Hills. You must first complete the online application at https://tinyurl.com/yxkzgxay and then follow up with an appointment by calling 248.203.3089. You may also visit https://www.birmingham.k12.mi.us/Page/112 for more information.

Open Enrollment All Birmingham Public Schools operate under a policy that enables children to attend any Birmingham Public School of their choice if they reside in the district’s attendance area. There are certain timelines and classroom space requirements that must be met, however. Interested parents should contact the Harlan office.

Emergency Information

Emergency Information is kept in the office and with the classroom teacher. It is important this information be updated. If changes should occur during the school year, please contact the office immediately.

ATTENDANCE

Students are expected to be in school and in class every day. Parents should be fully aware that, in most cases, activities in the classroom (teaching, interactions of students with their teachers and other students, discussions, lectures, audio-visual presentations, reports, etc.) cannot be duplicated and constitutes a valid and crucial part of course work. Furthermore, each student is expected to contribute to the daily activities of his/her classes. When he/she is absent, the educational experience of all students in the class may be diminished; regular and constant school attendance helps develop responsibility and self-discipline.

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Arrival at School

Students who are driven to school should not arrive before 8:35 a.m. Adult supervision is provided for children before school after 8:35 a.m. Students who need to arrive before 8:35 a.m. without an adult will need to register for the Kids Club program.

Dismissal from School All students will be dismissed at 3:50 p.m. Any student remaining in the building and not working directly with a member of the staff will need to come to the office and their parent called to pick them up in the school office. Students who have a change in their dismissal plans must have a written note from parents indicating the change. If a student is going home with another student on the bus, a parent note must be presented in the office for signature by the office staff.

Tardiness Students are tardy if they are not in the classroom by 8:49 a.m. It is important to minimize disruptions for both the student and the class by arriving on time for class. Students who are tardy must check-in at the attendance table located outside the school office before going to class. Excessive tardies are detrimental to your child’s educational journey. A parent conference with the principal may be necessary if a student experiences excessive tardies.

Absence Due to Illness In the interest of safety, all absences should be reported to the school by 8:44 a.m. Please leave a message with the date, child’s name, teacher and reason for the absence at (248) 203-3265, #2. This is important information that will assist us in being proactive in identifying and properly reporting any patterns in absences. Also, please try to indicate the length of time your child will be absent. A volunteer will attempt to reach parents of children who are absent and not reported by the parent. Student homework may be requested from a teacher, however, preparation of homework may not be achievable until the following day. A child with a severe cold or cough should not be in school. When children are ill, or recovering from a cold, they should remain at home until fully recovered and able to participate in all school activities. During lunch and classroom recesses, supervision is provided. Children should not remain indoors unless there is a serious medical problem (i.e. a broken limb or recovery from surgery). If a child contracts a communicable disease, the school office should be notified.

Doctor and Dental Appointments

Whenever possible, children’s appointments to the doctor or dentist should be made after school, or when school is not in session. If it is necessary for a child to see the doctor or dentist, the school should be informed of the scheduling by the parent.

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Family Vacations

Parents should make every effort to plan family vacations to coincide with the school vacations. Classroom instruction missed cannot be "made up." If children will be absent due to a vacation, it will be at the teacher's discretion to determine if assignments will be given before or after the vacation. In cases where the student will be absent from school and the parents know of this beforehand, the teacher should be notified, as well as the Attendance Line and/or Office Staff. It is expected that this will be done before the planned absence.

Emergency Message for Students When an emergency necessitates student contact during the school day, please call the school office at 248-203-3265 or stop by the office in person. A member of the office staff will get a message to your child without undue interruption of classroom activities. We request that these messages be kept to a minimum.

SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES

Communicable Diseases Policy When a child contracts a communicable disease, the school office should be notified so that classroom teachers and families may be alerted. School personnel will observe confidentiality regarding the identity of the student affected, only the occurrence will be shared. The school office keeps weekly counts of communicable diseases for the Oakland County Health Department. The most important element in the process is prevention. The greatest deterrent to any communicable illness is proper hygiene. Frequent hand washing with soap and water, covering nose and mouth with tissue or coughing and sneezing into the inner elbow and keeping your child at home when sick, are all critical steps in the prevention of such illnesses. Stay informed, be proactive about prevention and consult with your physician if you have specific health questions. Additional health information is available at http://www.oakgov.com/health/ The following are symptoms suggestive of communicable diseases. A child with these symptoms should be kept at home. Should any of these symptoms be noted during the school day, principals, teachers and staff will contact parents. Guidelines from Oakland County should be followed in excluding students from classes. Symptoms common to communicable diseases:

• Red or running eyes, sneezing or discharging nose. • Cough, particularly if persistent or productive. • Sores and crusts on the scalp, face, or body, particularly if red and swollen, or draining. • Any skin eruption or rash. • Sore throat. • Swelling and tenderness of glands, particularly about the face or neck. • Fever, suggested by flushed, hot face. • Nausea and vomiting.

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• Pain and stiffness of neck and headache. • Jaundice -- yellowing of eyes and/or skin. • Diarrhea and persistent abdominal pain.

“Any of the above symptoms may be associated with communicable diseases. They may also be symptoms of non-communicable diseases, but must be considered as signs of illness that should have medical attention. “

Oakland County Health Division When to Return to School Guidelines:

1) Any child who has had a fever of 100 degrees or more should not return to school until 24 hours of normal temperature have passed.

2) Any child who vomits should not return to school until 24 hours have passed with no vomiting.

3) Diarrhea may be difficult for a child to manage in school and may be a symptom of a contagious illness. Diarrhea can also be very upsetting to a child. Treatment requires diet modification, rest and fluids, which can be better managed at home.

Head Lice

Head lice (pediculosis) can be a sensitive topic and while it does not pose a significant health hazard, a case of head lice can create concern. The District follows the recommendations of the Michigan Department of Community Health, the Michigan Department of Education and the American Academy of Pediatrics in responding to cases of head lice. The most effective approach to this issue involves parental awareness and diligence. It is recommended that parents/guardians learn what to look for so that they can regularly monitor their child for any lice infestation.

Medication at School School personnel are prohibited from dispensing medication or treatment other than first aid unless the required forms and procedures are on file in the school office. A Permission to Administer Medication form (provided by BPS and available on the Harlan website and in the school office) must be completed and signed by the child's clinician for all prescriptions. Over the counter medications only require a parent or guardian’s signature. A Care Plan provided by the parent/guardian must accompany the medication and should be provided to the School Office in the original prescription container. Student medications are dispensed in the office clinic. A child should never arrive at school with medication to take on their own, e.g. cough drops, Tylenol, etc., to ensure your child's safety, and the safety of the other students.

Vision Screening Vision screening is conducted annually in grades 1, 3, 5 and in other grades by teacher request. Parents are contacted in cases where professional attention is needed. Vision screening is provided on site by an Oakland County Health Department technician.

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Hearing Screening Hearing screening is conducted annually in grades K, 2, 4 and in other grades by teacher request. Parents are contacted in cases where professional attention is needed. Hearing screening is provided on site by an Oakland County Health Department technician.

SAFETY

Emergency & Disaster Procedures In the event of fire, tornado, or other possible disaster, an emergency plan will be initiated to assure the greatest possible protection for students and staff.

Tornado Warning Since students are safer in school than they would be traveling home during a tornado watch/warning, they will generally not be sent home. Appropriate safety measures will be taken, and students will stay at their emergency stations until the schools have been notified that the danger has passed. If it becomes necessary to send students home, the Deputy Superintendent will notify each building. Under certain circumstances, students may also be kept at school after the "all clear" signal. (For example, if there is a danger from fallen wires or trees.)

Fire

In the event of fire, students will exit from the building with their teachers and staff members. They will proceed to a predetermined area outside of the school building.

Emergency School Closing Two situations may potentially effect the operation of the school: First, severe weather precludes the opening of school. In this case, parents are asked to consult radio, television or the internet to determine the status. And, second, an Emergency school closing during the day after students have arrived is necessitated due to a power failure or winter weather conditions. If the school is determined to be unsafe, students and staff will proceed to a designated area under the guidance of the Principal and staff members. A robotic telephone system will be implemented by the BPS administration, as well as an eNews posting by the Principal sent to all subscriber parents. Every family should have an advance plan in case of early dismissal. School closing information will also be available through a recording on the BPS Administration phone (248-203-3000), on cable channel BPS 17, or on the web site: www.birmingham.k12.mi.us. Parents are requested not to call the media, police, or school officials.

Student Drop Off and Pick Up BPS busing is available in designated neighborhoods throughout the Harlan attendance area. Students and their families are encouraged to walk, bike, or carpool whenever possible. Parents choosing to drop off students are asked to observe the following requirements:

• Drop Off: After 8:30 a.m., cars may pull up along curbside in front of the school and children exit the vehicle, on the curb side only, to waiting staff members. Drivers should remain in

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their cars and exit school grounds immediately to allow the flow of traffic entering and exiting from Adams Road.

• Optional: Parents may park their cars in designated parking spaces and walk their child to the front door of the building and be met by staff members.

• Pick Up: Vehicles may begin forming a queue at curbside on the south side of the building near the first back door of the school and the walkway that leads to the curb. At 3:50 p.m., students will accompany staff members to waiting vehicles with the last name of the student prominently displayed on the right side interior of the vehicle. Drivers must remain in their cars and exit school grounds immediately to facilitate the smooth flow of traffic.

• Optional: Parents may park their cars in designated parking spaces, walk to the first door on the south side of the building (Walker Door) and be met by their student and staff members waiting on the sidewalk.

School Entrance/Visitors and Volunteers

Entrance to Harlan Elementary School is available through the front door only. A Visual Notification System is operational for the safety of our students and staff. When visiting, a button on the north wall of the entryway must be pushed to initiate contact with the office staff. Following a short interview regarding the identification of the visitor, reason for the visit and instruction to proceed to the office has been conducted, a lock release is activated by the office staff allowing entry into the building. The visitor/volunteer will proceed to the office, sign in a log book and receive a visitor’s pass to be worn in sight of students and staff. Passes are not necessary for parents dropping off items such as lunch, homework, instruments, etc. These items must be dropped off at the office, parents are not allowed to deliver them to the classroom. The office staff will make certain that the needed items reach their destination with minimal classroom interruption.

STUDENT SERVICES

Dress Code Student dress and grooming are the responsibility of the parents and student. Respecting individuality, the following rules for dress are established, as necessary for the operation of the schools: 1. Clothing should properly cover the body. 2. Footwear must protect the foot and safeguard the health of the student. Open-toed shoes and sandals are discouraged. 3. Healies and rollerblades are not permitted on school property. 4. Dress should not distract from the educational process.

Lost and Found The Lost and Found clothing collection is located behind the main staircase in the Harlan Commons. Small items such as jewelry, eyeglasses, keys, etc, are kept in the office.

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Lunch Program The school lunch program is operated on-site by Chartwells Food Services. A variety of lunches are offered for purchase every full day that school is in session. A monthly schedule of lunches is sent home through the classroom teacher. Students may bring a lunch from home and purchase a drink or ala carte items to accompany their lunch. Student lunch accounts may be established online, monies deposited and monitored at the website: www.sendmoneytoschool.com, utilizing the 5-digit student number assigned to each student at registration. Cash and checks made payable to BPS Lunch Program may be forwarded to the office for inclusion in student lunch accounts.

School Pictures In September, all students have their picture taken by a studio photographer and parents are provided with photo package options from which to choose. Students not available on the assigned Picture Day or parents wishing to have their child re-photographed will have another opportunity on Picture Re-Take Day at a later date in the fall. Every student is photographed for a class composite included in the school yearbook.

Auxiliary Programs KIDS CLUB - Kids Club, a before and after school child care program, is available to all Harlan students in grades K through 5. Students must be registered to attend the program and registration is open throughout the school year on the Harlan website: www.birmingham.k12.mi.us/harlan. Questions regarding the program may be directed to the Harlan CSO at 248.203.3284. PRESCHOOL - Preschool offers programs for three year olds and four year olds. Preschool registration begins in February and is available for children aged three and four by October 1st of the year of enrollment. Contact the CSO for more information and registration forms. INSTRUCTIONAL SPECIALIST – The Instructional Specialist is an instructional coach who supports teachers and learners in a variety of ways. Some of the duties include, but are not limited to: creating individual academic plans, facilitating professional development, offering extended learning or enrichment opportunities for students, and providing small-group interventions. LRC (LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER) - The Learning Resource Center is staffed by a teacher with specialized training in the diagnosis and remediation of children with exceptional needs. The program follows precise state and federal laws which dictate the criteria for a child to enter and/or leave the program. Both teachers and/or parents may make a referral for a student to be screened for possible testing. If a student appears to meet the criteria, further testing is initiated with parent permission. Following, a meeting will be held with parents and staff to discuss the student's needs, specific learning disability and the proper action to be taken. Program goals will usually include assistance or modifications in the classroom, but may also involve small group instruction in the LRC.

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OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST- An occupational therapist works with students to meet their established educational goals and objectives. In areas such as: working on handwriting or fine motor skills so the student can complete written assignments, addressing oral motor or swallowing concerns for eating while at school, or helping the student organize himself or herself in the environment so that he/she can attend to activities appropriately and follow directions. PHYSICAL THERAPIST-A physical therapist works with students who have a disability that interferes with their educational performance and their ability to benefit from their educational program. The main goals of school-based physical therapy are to improve strength, balance, coordination, and/or mobility. READING SUPPORT - Reading Specialists provide three major services to students, parents and staff members: 1) students' academic progress is monitored within each school. Assessment is offered by referral of parents or teachers or when students appear to be having academic difficulties. 2) Reading Specialists provide direct student instruction in all reading-related areas. 3) Reading Specialists consult with parents and staff providing continued communication and support in the home/school environment. An important part of Reading Support is Reading Recovery – a program providing individual tutoring for first graders who qualify. SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST - A school psychologist is available to conduct an individual study of a child, as well as to consult generally with staff and parents regarding problems at school or in the home. The psychologist's analysis provides both the school and the parents with information on the student's potential, academic achievement, and how the student views him/herself as a person. The insights achieved through this source are used to help the school plan the student's program to better suit their individual needs. SOCIAL WORKER - The services of the school social worker are extended to students who are experiencing personal or social adjustment problems at school and/or home. The referral procedure generally involves the building team which is comprised of the classroom teacher, special educational personnel, the social worker, school psychologist, and building principal. Concerns by staff or parents regarding a student's adjustment and achievement are presented to the team, an evaluation of the student is initiated, and team recommendations for the student are presented to staff and parents. Social work service may include direct individual counseling and/or consultation with staff and parents. Parents are consulted prior to and during the period of service to the child. The social worker monitors progress of the student, and works cooperatively with the building team to maximize the student's success within the school environment. SPEECH THERAPIST - The speech therapist will evaluate speech and language behavior of students to determine those whose speech development requires special attention. Tests to diagnose a problem may be given in the following areas:

• Language Development: Assessment of student's ability to process, understand and communicate verbal ideas.

• Articulation: Assessment of the student's ability to speak clearly and effectively.

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• Voice: Assessment of the student's ability to utilize appropriate voice pitch, loudness or quality of speech.

• Fluency: Assessment of the student's ability to speak without excessive interruptions;

repetition of sounds, words, phrases or sentences which interfere with effective communication.

Parents are always contacted prior to a formal individual assessment or enrollment of children in a speech therapy program.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Parties A list of class parties that may be held:

• Halloween • Winter • Valentine's Day • End of the Year

Food in the Classroom The district does not support the use of food as a reward in the classroom. However, there are times, such as special classroom events, when food may be appropriate. At these times, the district encourages the use of healthy, allergen-free snacks. Families should consider sending fruit, raw vegetables, or other low fat/low sugar foods. Parents/guardians must check with the classroom teacher before providing any snacks to the classroom due to possible allergies or dietary restrictions. It is important to remember that food allergies may be life threatening.

Classroom Party Guidelines

Parties are to remain on-site unless approved by the teacher and administrator. Please respect the authority of the teacher and the school environment when planning all parties. No siblings allowed unless otherwise specified. The following steps should be taken when planning a party.

• Parties, with the exception of the end-of-the-year party, should be no longer than one

hour in length.

• The date of the party should be an agreed upon by the Room Parent and classroom

teacher.

• Information for the party should be given at least one week prior to the date of the party.

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Birthdays

The recognition of a child's birthday is optional with the teacher and the parents. If the parents wish to provide a token treat, this should be arranged in advance with the homeroom teacher. The celebration should take no more than 10 minutes. An option is to present a book to the library in the child's name. Please do not allow your child to pass out birthday invitations at school unless they are inviting all the students in the class.

Field Trips The education of our children involves experiences beyond the classroom walls. Teachers are encouraged to plan trips throughout the community. Parent permission is required for all field trips. When a school bus is used for a field trip, all students in the class are expected to ride the bus to and from the field trip destination. Not only does this promote camaraderie, but a school bus is a safer method of transportation. Should the circumstance arise that your child cannot ride the bus both ways, the school must have written notification prior to the departure of the trip.

Safety Patrol Students in the fifth grade may volunteer for Safety Patrol. They help by monitoring the school entrances, buses, and assisting students in crossing streets near the school for ten-minute periods preceding the start of school and following dismissal. Some students also help during the lunch and recess time.

Service Squad Students in the fourth grade volunteer to help teachers before and after school.

Transportation If a student will be riding a bus other than his/her normal bus, or will be picked up from school, he/she must have a note from his/her parent. Acceptable bus behavior is each student’s own responsibility with the support of his/her parents and the school personnel. We request that you discuss the following bus instructions with your child. These guidelines establish the basic framework for the transportation of students:

A. Bus 1. Students are expected to follow the directions of the bus driver. 2. Students are expected to cross in front of the bus when entering the bus from the street. 3. Students will wait until the bus has come to a complete stop before attempting to enter or

leave the bus. 4. Students who do not follow proper bus conduct will be issued a "bus ticket". Each bus ticket

requires a conference with the principal. The principal determines the consequences for the bus ticket. Parents will be given a copy of each ticket. When children receive three bus tickets, they are given a short-term suspension from the bus. Additional tickets may result in suspension from the bus for the remainder of the year.

The principal has the right to withdraw bus privileges for any student who interferes with the safety of other students on the bus, at the bus stop or with the bus driver.

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B. Walkers

All students walking to school are expected to use sidewalks, or, where there are none, walk off the road but alongside the street. Crossing should be made at intersections or other designated locations.

C. Bicycles Students riding bicycles are to walk them when on school property. Bicycle racks are provided for parking and each bicycle should be locked. No riding of bicycles through the parking lot is allowed during school hours. Students are encouraged to wear bicycle helmets.

SCHOOL RULES

Safety First and Be Kind to Others I. Playground Limits and Boundaries

A. Play within sight of the teachers/supervisors. B. Do not re-enter the building without permission from the supervisor. C. When the whistle blows immediately stop playing and return to the pick-up point. D. Use playground equipment properly.

II. General School Conduct

A. Always walk in the building. B. Respect school property in bathroom, classrooms, halls and playground. C. Keep your hands and feet to yourself. D. Quiet in the halls and bathroom during instruction time. E. Cell phones/Electronic Communication Devices – Cell phones and ECDs are not permitted to be used at any time during the school day.

III. Assembly Behavior A. Only clapping. (No shouting or booing.) B. Be attentive. (No talking when the program is in progress.)

IV. Lunchroom Rules

A. No throwing food. B. Use an inside voice. C. Clean up after yourself. D. Stay in your seat unless you ask for permission. E. Due to food allergies, we request that students not share their food.

V. Pets at School

Pets are important members of families, however, there are many students who are allergic to animal fur, hair, and dander. Therefore, teacher permission must be granted before a student or parent/guardian may bring an animal/pet into a classroom.

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Character Education

Character Education is an important part of our school community. The Harlan Habits of Respect, Responsibility, and Kindness are the foundation on which we base our actions.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Guidelines for Students The vast majority of students attending Harlan adhere to the rules and expectations set by the school and their parents. These students are rewarded positively throughout the school year.

School Discipline The School-Wide Discipline Plan was designed by a group of teachers, parents and the principal. The plan is based on the Assertive Discipline model and is the basis for many contemporary school discipline plans across the nation. The plan consists of:

• Clearly making the rules known to students. • Providing negative consequences for students who "choose" to disregard the rules. • Providing positive consequences for students who "choose" to keep the rules.

Classroom Discipline

Each teacher designs his/her discipline plan for the classroom. Parents and students are informed of the plan.

Items Brought From Home Items brought from home for students to use during recess (i.e. toys, craft materials, football, etc.) should be kept in their backpacks. The student is responsible for the upkeep and security of these items.

Technology

According to Board Policy (5650), all students and parents must read and sign the BPS Technology Acceptable Use Policy. Student consequences may range from a warning to the loss of technology privileges.

PARENT RELATIONS

School Communication

Most communications are sent to parents through electronic means or sent home with the students. On Friday, school-parent communication folder is sent home with each student. Please review all communications from the classroom. The Harlan Parent Update is sent electronically using BPS eNews. Please register on the Harlan website www.birmingham.k12.mi.us/harlan to receive updates from the principal regarding school and district activities.

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The Harlan Happenings, the P.T.A. weekly form of communication, is electronically sent to parents registered to receive it. Their website: www.harlanpta.com includes calendars and upcoming and past school events.

Reporting Student Progress The report card and Parent/Teacher Conferences are designed to relay information about students to parents. This reporting is done four times a year in the following manner:

1st A report card goes home in November for grades 1-5 and is followed by a scheduled Parent/Teacher conference. Kindergarten parents will conference only.

2nd A report card is issued in March for all grades. 3rd The final report card is sent home at close to the end of the year.

Students do not receive letter grades. Teachers use Standards Based Grading in place of

Class Placement Creating the proper placement of students is a team effort that includes present grade level teachers, receiving teachers, relevant specialists and the principal. This process ensures that we have considered all aspects of an appropriate placement for your child. The best interest of every Harlan student is kept in mind throughout the entire process. Our procedure is based on the following:

• In the spring, parents will have the opportunity to complete an input form that speaks to their child’s needs and learning style.

• Balanced class compositions coupled with a system to match students with the teachers that best fit their learning styles and needs.

• Achieving balanced class compositions is a complex task that involves many factors, including teaching and learning styles, academic and social abilities, student interactions, and programming needs.

• Teachers who have daily classroom contact with students are in the best position to make good placements to achieve maximum customer satisfaction. By the spring of each year, teachers have valuable information and insight into students’ needs and capabilities and the expectations of their parents.

• Input from parents is important to ensure that the school understands the needs and circumstances of each child. Such input, however, should not include requesting a particular teacher.

Any changes to class lists after they have been finalized will affect the integrity of the entire grade level. Please make every effort to turn in the input form by the deadline date. If necessary, please make an appointment with the principal early in the process.

General Timeline

1. April of Each School Year: Parent Input Forms are available in the office. Since teachers have enough information to make placement decisions, these forms serve to make certain that the school has not overlooked important considerations in formulating the initial draft of the class lists. Submitting an Input form does not increase the chances of a student

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receiving a particular teacher because there is no mechanism to make such a request. 2. May of Each School Year: Teachers meet by grade level with the principal to assemble

balanced class lists in accordance with the factors listed previously. 3. Each year a firm deadline is set for the receipt of Parent Input Forms. 4. About June 1: Initial draft of class lists done. 5. June: Teachers and principal cross-check the initial class lists against Input forms and make

any necessary adjustments. 6. August: An attempt will be made to notify parents of placement.

Harlan PTA

Harlan has an extremely active and effective Parent Teacher Association (P.T.A.). Active participation as a P.T.A. Officer, Committee Chairperson or volunteer not only benefits our children, but it also enables those participating to have more direct input into the school. For more information, contact the PTA website accessed through the Harlan website, www.harlanpta.com

Addressing Parent Concerns If you have concerns or questions, it is important that you contact the correct person. This will help answer your question/concern in an efficient manner. Concerns regarding early dismissal, school functions/procedures, etc. Jennifer Szura, School Secretary, 248-203-3268 or jszura@birmingham.k12.mi.us Concerns regarding classroom instruction, classroom procedures, etc.

Contact the respective teacher (email addresses in the school directory or on the school website). Concerns regarding the classroom teacher should first be addressed with the teacher. This usually helps resolve the concern in the most effective manner. This method should be exhausted prior to contacting the principal.

Because the main priority of a principal’s position is the academic and social well-being of students, the principal is usually in various parts of the school. If you need to meet with the principal, it is important to make an appointment. Appointments should be made through the school secretary, Jennifer Szura. You may also email the principal, Alex Agius, aagius@birmingham.k12.mi.us

ACTIVITIES

Academic

• Math Pentathlon • Science Olympiad • Battle of the Books • Before/After School

Tutoring

Leadership Opportunities

• Student Council • Harlan Broadcast Company • Green Team • Safety/Service Squad

Community Ed Activities

• Chess • Art • Sports/Exercise

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SCHOOL LIBRARY

Book Circulation

Children check out library books each week during their classroom visit to the Media Center. The circulation period for books is one (1) week. All books may be renewed once and longer chapter books may be renewed twice. Books used in the Battle of the Books may be checked out only by 4th and 5th graders during the Battle season, but are available to 3rd graders after the Battle is completed.

Computers and Printers

Students are expected to follow the guidelines of the BPS Technology Acceptable Use Policy. These include using the computers for school-related purposes only and not changing or adjusting any of the computer settings. When finished using a computer, students and parents should close all applications and leave the computer on the home screen. The printers are for student and staff use during the printing of school-related documents.

Birmingham Public Schools Policies

The Birmingham School District has developed bylaws and board policies to protect the integrity of the school district. While all of the bylaws and board policies are important, parents may want to pay particular attention to the following:

• BPS Policy 5600 RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES (CODE OF CONDUCT) • BPS Policy 5200 ATTENDANCE • BPS Policy 5517.01 BULLYING AND OTHER AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR TOWARD STUDENTS