Welcome to the 2017-2018 school year!

“Building Success, Nurturing Potential” is the vision for Deep Springs

Elementary and a goal that we strive to meet daily. We want every

child to reach their highest potential at Deep Springs.

At Deep Springs Elementary, we have extremely high expectations for our students. However, we realize it is not the staff working alone

that makes a difference with our students. It is only when everyone involved--parents, community, students, teachers, and staff--all work

together that we can truly accomplish great things for our students.

The way to best meet the needs of all our students is taken into

consideration with every policy, procedure and expectation that we put in place and with each contact that we have with our students and

families. We know that we are here to help our students meet our high academic expectations while at the same time encouraging them to

become happy, productive citizens for the future. The SBDM council meets monthly to review, discuss and develop policies and procedures

for our school and all community members are always welcome to attend.

There are many ways that you can become a part of the Deep Springs Elementary family. Our PTA meets monthly and is always willing to

have another helping hand. You are welcome to eat lunch with your child any day. There are many volunteer opportunities available in

your child’s classroom. Throughout the school year our teachers and PTA work hard to provide a variety of opportunities for parents to be a

part of the school and share your child's school experiences.

If you need to talk with me, you can reach me at 381-3069, or adam.kirk@fayette.kyschools.us.

Thanks for your support and involvement!!!!

ADAM KIRK

Principal

DEEP SPRINGS ELEMENTARY HANDBOOK 2017-2018

Vision: “Building Success, Nurturing Potential”

Vision: “Building Success, Nurturing Potential”

DEEP SPRINGS ELEMENTARY HANDBOOK 2017-2018

Mission

WE are the difference makers who will ensure:

ALL students enter a positive and safe learning environment where they are loved and supported.

ALL students are held accountable for their learning and behavior.

ALL students, families, and staff are respected through authentic positive

relationships.

Vision: “Building Success, Nurturing Potential”

SCHOOL HOURS 7:45-2:35

Deep Springs Elementary

Table of Contents Welcome to Deep

Springs Elementary!

A Note From the Principal

Mission Statement School Hours School Personnel School Information SBDM PTA Attendance/Family Vacations Tardiness to School Cancellations and Early Dismissal PBIS System for Responding to Behavior Student/Adult Dress Standards Backpack Tags Lunch Information Title I Medication Special Education Parking Morning Arrival Dismissal Procedures Bus Transportation Bus Referral Policy Volunteers Dragons Den After School Program Field Trips Visitors During the School Day Release of a Student Safety Drills Phone Calls During the Day Parent Teacher Conferences Classroom/Grade Level Newsletters Special Area Rotation Physical Activity Attendance Policy

Table of Contents Welcome to Deep

Springs Elementary!

A Note From the Principal

“Building Success,

Nurturing Potential” is

the vision

for Deep Springs

Elementary and a goal

that we strive to meet

daily. We want every

child to reach their

highest potential at

Deep Springs. At Deep Springs Elementary, we have extremely high expectations for our students. However, we realize it is not the staff working alone that makes a difference with our students. It is only

when everyone involved--parents, community, students, teachers, and staff--all work together that we can truly accomplish great things for our students. The way to best meet the needs of all our

students is taken into consideration with

every policy, procedure and expectation

that we put in place and with each contact

that we have with our students and

families. We know that we are here to help

our students meet our high academic

expectations while at the same time

encouraging them to become happy,

productive citizens for the future. The

SBDM council meets monthly to review,

discuss and develop policies and

procedures for our school and all

community members are always welcome

to attend.

There are many ways that you can

become a part of the Deep Springs

Elementary family. Our PTA meets

monthly and is always willing to have

another helping hand. You are welcome to

eat lunch with your child any day. There

are many volunteer opportunities available

in your child’s classroom. Throughout the

school year our teachers and PTA work

hard to provide a variety of opportunities

for parents to be a part of the school and

share your child's school experiences.

If you need to talk with me, you can

reach me at 381-3069, or

adam.kirk@fayette.kyschools.us.

Thanks for your support and

involvement!!!!

ADAM KIRK

Principal

SCHOOL HOURS 7:45-2:35

7:15 Doors Open

7:45 Bell rings, students entering after 7:45 are considered

tardy

2:35 Dismissal

SCHOOL PERSONNEL

Adam Kirk, Principal 381-3069

Melissa McDaniel, PGES Coach 381-3069

Kacey Urbaneja, Secretary/Bookkeeper 381-3069

Sarah Hogg, Attendance Clerk/Registrar 381-3069

Anitrea Burks, Guidance Counselor 381-3069

Marlee Moore, Truancy Coach/Social

Worker

381-3069

Jennifer Brown, PBIS/Student Success

Coach

381-3069

Jill Mullins, Achievement & Compliance

Coach/Special Ed

381-3069

Whitney Campbell, Student Behavior

Coach, Public Relations, PBIS

381-3069

Tamara Fitch, Librarian/Media Specialist 381-3069

Bridgett Thomas, Cafeteria Manager 381-3072

Kate O’Ferral, Family Resource Center,

Summer School, & Dragons Den

Coordinator

381-3073

SCHOOL INFORMATION

School address 1919 Brynell Drive

Lexington, Kentucky 40505

Web address http://www.deepsprings.fcps.net/

Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/dselex/

Twitter Page https://twitter.com/dse_lex

School colors Red and white

School mascot Dragon

Approximate

enrollment

535

Opening of the school 1963

SBDM (School Based Decision-Making) Council

The SBDM Council is comprised of the principal, three teachers,

and two parent representatives. The SBDM Council meets each month

for regular business meetings. Meeting dates and times are posted on

the DSE website. The meetings are open to the public, and anyone

interested in attending the meetings is encouraged to do so.

Agendas/minutes for the monthly meetings are posted in the lobby

and on the DSE website at http://www.deepsprings.fcps.net/sbdm.

The focus of the council is curriculum, instruction, and student

achievement. The term of office for members is from July 1 to June 30.

Members of the 2016-2017 SBDM Council are:

Adam Kirk, Principal Katie Brewer, Teacher Representative

Anitrea Burks, Teacher Representative Katie Carr, Parent

Joe Albert, Teacher Representative Donnita Hughes, Parent

PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA)

Deep Springs is proud to have a very active and supportive PTA.

Their untiring efforts have greatly enhanced our school. Anyone

wishing to be a part of the Deep Springs PTA should sign up using the

membership form. President- Amber Teater Rickerson

1st Vice President- Fundraising- Rick Rickerson

2nd Vice President- Communications- Alex Workman

Treasurer- VACANT

Secretary- Megan Lahde

Contact Deep Springs Elementary PTA: deepspringspta@gmail.com

ATTENDANCE/FAMILY VACATIONS

Regular school attendance is extremely important. If your child

must be absent, call the school office to notify us of the absence. You

must send a written excuse explaining the absence to the teacher on

your child’s return to school. We expect students and parents to

follow the established school calendar. Family vacations are not

considered excused absences. Each day of the school year is a full

instructional day where learning activities are carefully planned and

carried out in each classroom. A majority of our instruction cannot be

authentically replicated through “make-up” work. Please plan your

vacations and trips on non-school days. Please use the district

calendar, located below, to plan trips and vacations accordingly. If a

student has a planned absence that meets the criteria for Educational

Enhancement, the form can be obtained at www.fcps.net and

submitted to the Director of Pupil Personnel for approval.

TARDINESS TO SCHOOL

Students arriving to class after the 7:45 bell will be counted as

tardy. Excessive tardies without valid written excuse will be subject to

district truancy proceedings. Please review detailed attendance

policy on last page of this handbook.

CANCELLATIONS AND EARLY DISMISSAL

In the event school is cancelled or dismissed early, the

announcement will be made on Cable Channel 13, www.fcps.net, FCPS

Facebook/Twitter and all local television/radio stations.

DEEP SPRINGS POSITIVE BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS AND

SUPPORTS (PBIS)

Deep Springs Elementary is committed to creating a safe, orderly

environment where equity and diversity are valued and all adults take

responsibility for the achievement of all students. This philosophy lead

to the development of our school-wide behavior expectations: ALWAYS

TRY, BE RESPONSIBLE, COOPERATE WITH OTHERS, DO YOUR BEST,

EVERYDAY RESPECT EVERYONE. At DSE we believe that teaching all

August 2017 16 First day of school for students

21 No school for students

September 4 Labor Day; schools and offices closed

October 5-6 Fall break; no classes for students

November 22 Schools and offices closed

23 Thanksgiving Day; schools and offices closed

24 Schools and offices closed

Dec. 20-Jan. 2 Winter break

January 2018 3 Classes resume

15 Martin Luther King Jr. Day; schools and offices closed

February 19 Presidents Day; schools and offices closed

March 16 No school for students; possible weather make-up day

April 2-6 Spring break

May 22 Election Day; no school for students

25 Last day of school, pending weather make-up days

28 Memorial Day; schools and offices closed

29-31 Possible weather make-up days

June 1

4-8

11-14

Possible weather make-up days

students appropriate behavior and social skills creates an ideal learning

environment for everyone.

Our goal as a PBIS school is to:

Ensure that all school settings are safe and productive Create a positive school climate with high expectations for all Design effective policies and procedures for prompting students to be

responsible, highly motivated, and actively engaged in school tasks. Guide Staff in being

1. Proactive (preventing problems before they begin); 2. Positive (interacting with students in a friendly, inviting way

and providing age-appropriate, positive feedback); and 3. Instructional (correcting misbehavior calmly and consistently

to teach students to behave more responsibly).

COMMON AREA PROCEDURES

1. Expectations will be taught school-wide during the first month of

school and revisited after extended breaks (fall, winter, and spring).

2. Expectations will be taught and prompted in all settings before

each activity and transition. (CHAMPS) 3. All staff will be responsible for enforcing school rules. Shared

ownership of appropriate behavior will be expected. 4. Students can earn Dragon Dots for positive behavior choices and

Golden Tickets for demonstrating outstanding character.

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES

1. Each grade level and our special area team will have a positive

reinforcement plan for the students. Students can earn tickets as a reward for positive behavior. All student rewards will be

attached to this system. 2. Each grade level team will use a clip chart system (attached)

that allows students multiple warnings and opportunities for reteaches prior to a consequence.

If you have additional questions about our positive discipline plan at

DSE, see your child’s teacher or a member of the PBIS team.

Color Codes Reward Consequence

Blue=

Outstanding

*Positive Note Home

*Classroom Privilege

Green=

Good

* Positive Note Home

* Small Classroom Privileges

Yellow=

Warning

* Possible Back on Track Note

* Reporting Behavior Home

* K/1 1-3 Minute, 2-5 3-5 minute Time-Out in

Assigned Area

* Mini-Conference with Teacher

Orange=

Caution

* Possible Back on Track Note * Report Behavior Home by teacher calling

* K/1 3-5 Minute, 2-5 5-7Minute Time-Out in

Assigned area

*Student Reflection Sheet

Red=

Danger

* Possible Back on Track Note * Reporting Behavior Home (office AND

supervising teacher call)

* Re-entry conference with Teacher/Support Staff

and student

* Office Referral

* Support staff determines consequence and

reports to teacher

SYSTEM FOR RESPONDING TO BEHAVIOR

Level 1 (Staff/Classroom-Managed)

Strategies Deep Springs staff will use to prevent or reduce

problem behaviors:

Clearly define, teach, model, practice and prompt expected behavior.

Recognize students for meeting expectations, especially if it is a newly acquired skill.

Reteach behavioral expectations in given setting.

Modify the setting within the classroom in which misbehavior occurs.

Monitor/improve 4:1 Ratio of positive to negative Interactions (for every 1 time we interact with a student when he/she is not meeting expectations, interact with him/her 4 times when he/she is meeting expectations).

Provide incentives or group rewards for students who do meet expectations.

Reflect on your relationship with each student and strive to make positive connections.

Meet the student where they are. Every day is a new day.

Consider individual student needs.

Level 2 (Staff/Classroom-Managed)

Strategies Deep Springs staff will use to prevent or reduce

problem behaviors:

Strive to serve as an ally and a consultant to the identified student (“Ally” meaning, “I am on your side and I want you to be successful.” “Consultant” meaning, “Let’s talk about some ideas to help you reach goals that are important to you.”

Consult with other teachers or support staff (Child Guidance, Social Worker, FRC, Behavior Coach, etc.) to brainstorm additional strategies.

Continue strategies from Level 1 List

Clearly define behavioral expectations.

Teach, model, practice and prompt desired behavior.

Recognize students for meeting expectations, especially if it is a newly acquired skill.

Reteach behavioral expectations in given setting.

Modify the setting in which misbehavior occurs.

Significantly increase attention given to student when he/she is meeting expectations.

Provide incentives or group rewards for students who do meet expectations.

Reflect on our relationship with each student and strive to make positive connections.

Meet the student where they are. Every day is a new day. Consider individual needs.

Level 3 (Support Staff-managed)

Strategies Deep Springs staff will use to prevent or reduce

problem behavior:

Continue to implement level 1 and level 2 prevention strategies.

Implementation of individual behavior support plan may be necessary.

On-going consultation with support staff and administration.

Referral for mental health services may be considered.

Level 1- Mild

Examples of Behavior Corrections

Responses/Consequences Staff May

Impose

Minor misbehaviors

that can be adequately

corrected during

student’s valued time

as a reteach or perhaps

using a quick, private

reminder-no

administrative action is

necessary.

** Does not require

formal documentation;

however, behavior

documentation is

suggested if it’s a

repeated pattern.

Not completing class work/not cooperating

Transition issues Talking back/arguing Running in the school building Tattling

Not having class materials while at school

Lying/forgery Not following staff directions-

talking out, out of seat, leaving area inside the classroom, etc.

Sleeping in class (contact home) Isolated inappropriate/profane

gestures Name calling, isolated

cussing/teasing Off task Intentional pencil tapping/noise

making Tossing/throwing objects (not at

someone)

Use Hit/Run, Push/Pull Gentle, private, verbal reminder Live reteach Proximity correction/non-verbal Keep a record of behavior (if

repeated)

Use planned ignoring for attention seeking behavior

Document/track behavior Change seat/location

Level 2- Moderate Examples of Behavior Corrections/Responses

** Does not require

immediate

administrative

involvement/support

**Parent

communication MUST

be made the day of the

incident by the teacher

in charge at the time of

the incident

Repeated Level 1 infractions OR

Horseplay, pushing/shoving, not keeping hands/feet to self

Hiding in classroom, crawling rolling on the floor

Cheating Cursing peers (repeated) Non-habitual/Isolated bullying

Contact parents and enter in PLP Continue Level 1 consequences

that have not yet been implemented

For students with Individual Behavior Plans, the plan will be followed and communicated with the parents, student, & all staff that interact with the child.

R & R staff, regular ed. & special ed. Teaches will collaborate to determine consequences when applicable.

Support staff assistance

Level 3- Severe Examples of Behavior Corrections/Responses

Serious safety

violations that require

immediate

administrative

involvement/support

**Written

documentation

required: behavior

referral form

**Parent

communication MUST

be made the day of the

incident by

administration AND the

teacher in charge at

the time of the incident

**Administration

determines and

communicates

consequence

**If the behavior poses

a threat to students or

staff, follow the

procedures for

notifying R&R for

removal from the

classroom

Repeated Level 2 infractions OR

Foul/derogatory language or in a disrespectful manner (racial,

sexual, violent) Destruction of property Inappropriate notes, drawings,

writings, touching (sexual/violent)

Presence of weapons/dangerous instrument

Inappropriate internet use/social media

Threat to hurt others Intentional spitting at/on

someone Physical aggression toward a

person (K-2 Level 2) Reoccurring bullying Leaving

classroom/building/campus without permission

Stealing Student creates a MAJOR

disruption in the learning environment (out of instructional control)-yelling, verbal attack, etc.

Fighting/immediate injury Gang related activity/behavior Any FCPS Class 4 violation

Call R & R staff for assistance Contact parents Continue Level 1 & 2

consequences that have not yet been implemented

If it involves a special ed. student then a team meeting or ARC may be necessary

Administration will administer consequences including, but not limited to de-escalation/timeout, Reset &/or R & R, suspension

Must complete office discipline referral and document attempt to contact guardian in PLP the day of the infraction.

Support staff will respond as appropriate according to the FCPS Student code of Conduct.

STUDENT/ADULT DRESS STANDARDS

Deep Springs seeks to maintain a proper learning environment.

Appropriate attire and acceptable appearance strongly correlate with

school success. Students shall dress in a manner that will not disrupt

the learning process or pose a hazard to the safety of students and

others. The guidelines for appropriate student dress include:

• pants/shorts/skirts that are secured at natural waistline

• shorts or skirts that are at an appropriate length (hem hits at/below mid-thigh)

• mesh jerseys with a tee-shirt underneath

• dresses in which the hem falls at/below mid-thigh

• leggings worn with a top which falls at/below mid-thigh

• shirts with straps at least 3 finger width and cover the back, chest, and midriff (no halter tops, crop tops, or spaghetti straps)

• clothing with appropriate language, logos, or slogans

• no hats, bandanas, scarves, or hoods as determined on an individual basis, with exception of special rewards

• consider others when wearing perfume/cologne/body sprays

• appropriate athletic shoes for Wellness class and outdoor recess

Students not abiding by these rules will be asked to change clothes.

Clothing or accessories deemed inappropriate by staff will be

addressed.

Staff and faculty at Deep Springs set high expectations for students

and are expected to present themselves in a professional manner.

They shall dress appropriately for their specific work assignment.

University and high school students will also dress according to the

above standards. Parents are asked to dress appropriately (not wear

anything that the students cannot wear) when working in the school or

chaperoning a field trip.

BACKPACK TAGS

In the continual effort to ensure the safety of every student at

dismissal, it is imperative that every student has a dismissal tag on

their backpack at all times.

The plastic tag was given to each student on the first day of school.

The tag indicates how the student is going home each day, as well as

bus stop information for bus riders. If a tag is lost, please notify the

office immediately and another tag will be issued. Students will not be

allowed to ride an FCPS bus without a backpack tag.

LUNCH INFORMATION

Community Eligibility Provision (CEP): For the 2016-17 school

year, nearly three dozen FCPS school sites qualify for the Community

Eligibility Provision (CEP) because at least 40 percent of enrolled

students qualify for federal assistance. All students at these sites

receive free meals. Deep Springs is one of the sites participating in

this program. If you would like to eat a meal with your child, please

refer to the pricing below.

Breakfast

Adults

Meal Price

$2.00

Lunch

Adults

$4.00

TITLE I

Deep Springs Elementary has a school-wide Title 1 program. It

is built on school-wide reform strategies, rather than separate, add-on

services. A school-wide program permits a school to use Title 1, Part

A funds to upgrade the entire educational program of the school in

order to raise the academic achievement of all students. This contrasts

with a Title 1 targeted assistance program, through which Title 1, Part

A funds are used only for supplementary educational services for

eligible children who are failing or at risk of failing to meet Kentucky's

Learning Goals.

A school-wide program provides flexibility in spending Title 1 funds. School-wide programs can use their funds "in the manner they choose as long as they engage in reform strategies that increase the

amount and quality of learning time and help provide a high-quality curriculum for all children, according to a comprehensive plan so

children meet the State's challenging standards" (Title 1 Handbook,

Volume II, pg. G-1098). In other words, the schools' Title 1 budgets and their Consolidated Plans must be aligned.

A school-wide program focuses on results. Flexibility in the use

of funds is tied to increased achievement by children in the target groups that the individual programs are intended to help. If increased

achievement does not occur, schools risk their funding flexibility.

Title 1 law states that a school-wide program must include

school-wide reform strategies that:

provide all children the opportunity to meet Kentucky's proficient and distinguished performance levels.

be based on effective means of improving children's achievement.

use effective instructional strategies that: increase the amount and quality of learning time, help provide an enriched and

accelerated curriculum and meet the educational needs of

historically underserved populations. address the needs of all children, but particularly the needs of

children of target populations of any program that is included in

the school-wide program, and address how the school will

determine if these needs are met. are consistent with, and are designed to implement, the State

and local improvement plans.

In addition to school-wide reform strategies, school-wide

programs must include: a comprehensive needs assessment, instruction by highly qualified professional staff, professional

development for teachers and instructional aides, and strategies to increase parental involvement.

MEDICATION

If your child is not feeling well or has a fever, please keep him/her

home. Physicians recommend students be fever free for 24 hours

before returning to school.

The school will not dispense medication to students unless it has

been prescribed by a physician and is accompanied by written

approval from the parent. The medication must be in the prescription

container, which includes the physician’s directions for dispensing the

medication. Over-the-counter medications WILL NOT be dispensed

without written orders from a physician.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Referrals for special education and related services may be made

by parents, school personnel or members of the community. If you

think your child needs special education services, contact your child’s

teacher to review progress. You may also contact the Achievement

and Compliance Coach at Deep Springs to set up an Admissions and

Release Committee (ARC) meeting. At that meeting, the ARC will

review data and interventions to determine if there is a suspected

disability. If the ARC determines there is a suspected disability, an

evaluation will be planned. Evaluations must be completed within 60

school days. When the evaluation is complete, the ARC will reconvene

to determine if the student does have a disability and will be eligible

for special education services. If you have any additional questions or

concerns, contact the Achievement and Compliance Coach.

PARKING

Cars should not be left unattended unless they are parked in a

striped parking space. Please do not park and leave your car

unattended in the car/ bus lane during arrival and dismissal. During

arrival and dismissal, all drivers waiting in the car lane must remain in

their cars. If bringing your child into the school in the mornings,

please park in a marked space and use handicap spaces as

appropriate. All efforts will be made to ensure car lane traffic moves

quickly and with priority in the mornings. Parking is provided at the

sides of the school. The bus lane is for school buses ONLY.

Parking is prohibited in the bus lane during the hours of 7:00-9:30 am

and 2:00-3:00 pm.

MORNING ARRIVAL

The entry doors to the building will be unlocked at 7:15 am for

arriving students. All doors are locked again at 7:45 am to ensure the

safety of our staff and students. Students dropped off in the morning

must be let off at the curb exiting the vehicle on the right side.

Crosswalks must be used when crossing the traffic lane. At dismissal,

students need to enter the car at the curb on the right side. Make

sure that your family pick-up number, given to you at the beginning of

the year, is visible.

DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

During dismissal, everyone is to remain outside to pick up a

student. At 2:35 pm, the walkers are dismissed. Following the

walkers, the bus riders will be dismissed. Once the buses have left the

bus lane, then the car riders and daycare van riders will be dismissed.

All cars pulling through the pick-up lane must have their family

number visible. DO NOT leave your vehicle unattended if you are

parked along the curb. Students may not cross the parking lot without

an adult. Adults may not enter the building at dismissal without

signing in at the front office. In the event you do not pick up your

child, please share these procedures with the person who does pick up

your child.

BUS TRANSPORTATION

Occasionally a student may need to ride a different bus or

change a bus stop due to a change in childcare or change of address.

These individual bus changes must be approved by the principal. The

student should present the parent’s written request for a change at the

beginning of the school day. Changes in transportation will not be

accepted over the telephone. All changes must be made before

2:00 pm. Students must have written approval from the office in

order to board a different bus. No pets or animals are allowed on

school buses. Fayette County buses are not to be used to transport

visitors. When children are going home with other children after

school for reasons other than childcare, families should make other

arrangements for transportation.

BUS REFERRAL POLICY FOR MISBEHAVIOR

Level 1/Minor Infractions

- 1st- Call parent/Conference with Parents

- 2nd- Call parent/ Student walked to and from the bus for 3 days

(at minimum)

- 3rd- Call parent/ 1 day off the bus (morning and afternoon)

- 4th- Call parent/ 3 days off the bus (morning and afternoon)

- 5th Call parent/1 week off the bus (morning and afternoon)

Level 3/ Major Infractions

- Call parent/ 3 days off bus

- Call parent/1 week off bus

- Call parent/ 2 weeks off bus

VOLUNTEERS

Parents are encouraged to volunteer in any capacity. All

volunteers should sign in and sign out in the office. Please contact

the PTA/classroom teacher if you are willing to volunteer. You can

access our Volunteer Handbook at

http://www.deepsprings.fcps.net/media/1482967/handbook.pdf

All volunteers must be approved through a criminal record check

which can be accessed from our website

(https://webapps.fcps.net/volunteer/). Volunteers will also be asked

to sign a confidentiality form which is made available in the school

office.

DRAGONS DEN AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM

Deep Springs Elementary provides our own after-school program

for K-5 students. The hours are 2:35-6:00. Information is available in

the school office, on our website, or you may contact the Dragons Den

coordinator, Kate O’Ferral at kate.oferral@fayette.kyschools.us.

FIELD TRIPS

All field trips are curriculum related. Written parent permission

is required for all field trips. On occasion, parents may be asked to

chaperone and must be an approved volunteer (see above section

concerning volunteers). When chaperoning, please know that

preschool or other school-age children may not accompany a parent

on a field trip. Parents are asked to abide by the same dress

standards that are set forth for students and staff.

VISITORS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY

It is incredibly important that we ensure the safety of our

students and staff at all times. All visitors and parents must enter

through the lobby entrance. Please press the buzzer to alert office

personnel of your presence. Office personnel will acknowledge you

and release the lock mechanism. You will be asked the nature of your

business and your name. All visitors must sign in and will be given a

visitor’s sticker before being able to move about in the building. All

classroom visits require a current background check. Your cooperation

with this matter is greatly appreciated.

RELEASE OF A STUDENT

At the beginning of the school year, you completed a student

information sheet that is kept on file in the office. A student will only

be released to those individuals designated on the student information

sheet. Please notify the office in writing if the list changes.

Identification will be required of individuals picking up students.

SAFETY DRILLS

Fire, Severe Weather, and Lockdown drills are conducted on a

regular basis. Drill procedures are reviewed to ensure all students and

staff are able to perform safety procedures in the event of fire, severe

weather, or any safety concern which may occur within the school day.

All visitors in the building are asked to evacuate the building during a

fire drill, assume safety position in hallway for severe weather, and go

into the nearest classroom and remain in the classroom during a

lockdown.

PHONE CALLS DURING THE DAY

If you need to contact a teacher at school, please call before

7:45 or after 2:45. If you need to call during the day, leave a

message with the office so that instructional time is not interrupted.

The best way to contact a teacher during the school day is by email,

unless it is an emergency – please share your emergency with the

office staff. It is required that all changes in transportation be

provided in writing by written note from a parent or guardian.

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES

Teachers as well as parents are encouraged to initiate a

conference. Parents should attend at least two conferences with their

child’s teacher each year. Every effort is made to meet with parents

at a convenient time.

CLASSROOM/GRADE LEVEL NEWSLETTERS

Teachers send home a newsletter a minimum of one time a

month. The newsletter includes details about what the class is

learning, tips for helping at home, and updates about upcoming

events. Please read the newsletter to stay informed about important

information.

SPECIAL AREA ROTATION

We are on a 5-day rotation for special area classes; Art, Science,

Music, Wellness (PE & Health), & Library. Students go to one special a

day for 55 minutes. If we miss a day of school, the rotation continues

in order on the next school day. For example, if Thursday is Day 3 and

we do not have school on Friday, then Monday will be Day 4 – no

special is skipped for a scheduled day off or a snow day. Computer is

on a separate 4-day rotation. Every four days your child will attend a

55 minute computer class.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

All students participate in at least 20 minutes of moderate to

vigorous physical activity each day. We reach 20 minutes in various

ways: recess and movement breaks. Please make sure your child is

dressed in shoes and clothes that allow for physical activity each day!

FAYETTE COUNTY ATTENDANCE POLICY

*****PLEASE REVIEW*****

School hours are 7:45 am to 2:35 pm. A student is considered tardy if

he/she arrives after 7:45 am or leaves before 2:35 pm. Students

must be signed in or out of schools by a parent, guardian, or other

adult previously authorized by the parent/guardian.

ATTENDANCE REGULATIONS

A parent/guardian may only write a total of 10 signed excuses per year for absence due to illness. In addition, a parent/guardian may write a total of 10 signed excuses per year for tardiness due to illness. Beyond this total, a student will be required to present a written statement form a licensed healthcare professional.

Medical and dental appointments must be verified by the physician’s

signed statement. You are allowed unlimited physician’s notes for the

school year.

Phone calls to the student’s teacher or the office will not provide an

excused absence. WRITTEN, DATED excuses signed by the parent or

doctor must be received within three (3) days after returning to school

or the absence will not be excused.

If the child becomes ill at school and leaves early the absence will be

excused for that day only. Absences after that day must be followed

by a written excuse.

Truancy letters are sent weekly to parents of students who have

accumulated unexcused absences or tardies. After a total of nine (9)

unexcused absences or twelve (12) unexcused tardies, a referral to

the Pupil Personnel office will be made. Legal action may be taken

against you under KRS 159.180 if your child becomes a habitual

truant.

Family emergencies are limited to three (3) cumulative absent events

for the school year.

The Student Code of Conduct booklet provides more detailed information

regarding absences and tardies. Please consult this booklet or call our

truancy coach at 381-3069 if you have further questions.