Elementary Student/Parent

Handbook 2012-2013

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Collins-Maxwell Elementary School

416 4th Ave. Collins, IA 50055 641-385-2446

www.collins-maxwell.k12.ia.us

“Where Character Counts!”

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Please note the changes under these headings in this year’s handbook:

• Attendance/Absence • From the Nurse • Media/Technology • Snacks, Treats, Parties

TABLE OF CONTENTS

General Information • Forward (2) • Changes in the Handbook (2) • Entrance/Admission Requirements (2) • School Hours (2) • School Closings (3)

School Policies & Guidelines

• Messages & Use of School Phones (3) • Visitors (3) • Textbook Responsibility (4) • Media /Technology (4) • Personal Property (5) • Book Bags (5) • Animals (5) • Party Invitations (5) • Lost & Found (5) • Delivery of Gifts to Students (5) • Snacks, Treats, Parties (5)

School Meals

• Prices and System Details (6) • Kindergarten Snack Milk (6) • Free & Reduced Priced Meals (6) • Lunches from Home (6) • School Breakfast (6)

Attendance/Absence

• Attendance Requirement (7) • Absences (7) • Excused/Unexcused Absences, and Tardiness

(7) • Make-up Work (7)

Health Policy and Procedure • Medication at School (8) • Guidelines for Sick Children (8) • Head Lice (9) • Hearing Screening (9)

Additional Services

• Speech/Language/Hearing Programs (9) • Title I Reading (9) • Early Intervention Reading (9) • Talented and Gifted Program (9) • Guidance Program (9)

Reporting to Parents

• Weekly Letter Home (9) • Conferences (9) • Student Progress Reports (9)

District Policies

• Discipline Policy Statement (11) • School Equity (11) • Grievance Procedure (11) • Weapons & Dangerous Objects (12)

Pupil Code of Conduct

• Dress Code (10) • Behavior Expectations and Consequences (10) • Classroom Rules (13) • Lunchroom Rules (14) • Hallway Rules (14) • Drinking Fountain Rules (15) • Restroom/Sink Rules (15) • Playground Rules (16) • Transportation Rules (18)

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COLLINS-MAXWELL COMMUNITY SCHOOL

Administration

Superintendent: Jason Ellingson MS/HS Principal: Josh Griffith MS/HS Secretary: Jody Girard Elementary Principal: Jeff Watson Board Secretary: Bonnie Mitchell Elementary Secretary: Gloria Christie

Elementary Faculty

Kindergarten Gina Ericson, Jessica Swaab 1st Grade Janet Bane, Lori Staples 2nd Grade Pam Heward, Kristi Haupert 3rd Grade Susan Lee, Steve Rimathe 4th Grade Cheryl Fricke, Heather Meinerts 5th Grade Lois Gross, Maxine Harms Resource: Deanna Davis, Ryanne Allen Media/Technology: Melissa Goering Music & 5th Grade Band: Shawna Dumbaugh TAG: Cherri Bates Physical Education: Steve Lewis Visual Arts: Rich Byrd Title 1 Reading: Jaynee Christian Guidance: Joe Neville Early Intervention Reading: Ryanne Allen School Nurse: Josie Lemke FOREWORD The purpose of this handbook is to acquaint you with the policies and procedures under which the Collins-Maxwell Elementary School operates. It may be used by parents as a guide to better understand how the school operates. Please take time to familiarize yourself with the contents of this handbook. The contents of this handbook have been reviewed and revised by several groups including the Collins-Maxwell School Board, student councils, teachers, and advisory committees. Its contents have been presented to and approved by the Collins-Maxwell Board of Education as part of the board’s administrative policy. CHANGES IN HANDBOOK The administration reserves the right to add or delete any materials in the handbook any time during the school year. ENTRANCE/ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS Children wishing to enroll in kindergarten must be at last five (5) years of age on or before September 15 of the year in which they wish to enroll. A child wishing to enroll must present evidence of age in the form of a birth certificate or other comparable evidence before that child may enroll. It will be within the discretion of the superintendent or the superintendent's designee to determine what is satisfactory evidence for proof of age. Prior to enrollment, the child must provide the administration with a completed health and immunization certificate. All incoming kindergarten students need to be toilet trained. SCHOOL HOURS School begins at 8:25 and dismisses at 3:10. Students who walk to school should plan to arrive between 8:10 and 8:15 in the morning. Students who arrive early for breakfast or chorus may enter the building at 7:50. All other students may enter the building at 8:15. Breakfast is served beginning at 7:50. Students who walk home from school are dismissed at about 3:15 (after the buses have departed).

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EARLY DISMISSAL Early dismissal Tuesdays allow for professional development for teachers, administrators and support staff. Elementary students are dismissed at 1:30 on the following Tuesdays. After-school buses begin their routes early these Tuesdays.

EARLY DISMISSAL DAYS FOR THIS YEAR SHUTTLE BUSES Two shuttle buses run from Maxwell to Collins each morning. Elementary students should plan to arrive at the high school between 7:35 and 7:55 to ride their shuttle SCHOOL CLOSING School may be delayed or canceled, or dismissed early due to inclement weather (blizzards, extreme heat or cold, dense fog.) Please make sure you have a plan for your child's care in the event that any of these situations occur, AND that the school is informed of this care plan. Rural students should be able to enter their home or have another place to go in the event they arrive home to an empty house. Each in-town student is instructed to return to school if they are unable to enter their home. Please check local broadcast news and other media for school closings. Bad Gravel Road Conditions: Occasionally, during extremely wet weather or during thawing conditions, the gravel roads cannot handle bus traffic. On these days, buses will be limited to traveling on hard surface roads. Families with students who live on gravel roads will be provided a location for pick-up/drop off. Please check local broadcast news and other media for “Hard Surface Only” notifications. CHANGES IN USUAL BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL ROUTINES Buses Please notify the office of any changes to your child’s usual before or after bus-travel routine. Other Changes If your child is to go to a friend's house or with someone different after school, please send a note or e-mail to the teacher and/or the office, or call the office. We will not alter a student’s normal travel-home arrangements without notification from a parent/guardian. MESSAGES AT SCHOOL--PHONE USE We typically do not to allow students to use the school phones, including to call home for forgotten items.

August 20, 21, 22 January 15 September 11 February 5 October 9, 23, 25 March 12, 26, 28 November 13, 21 April 9, 23 December 11, 21 May 7

TV Stations WOI - Channel 5 KCCI - Channel 8 WHO -Channel 13

Radio Station WHO (1040 AM)

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We ask that all visitors stop in our office to sign in before going to classrooms. Messages, books, or other items that students may need, should be dropped off at the office so classes will not be interrupted.

VISITORS Parents are welcome to visit school. We ask that arrangements to do this are made with the teacher at least one day in advance. Students from other districts may visit during lunch and lunch recess with prior approval. TEXTBOOK RESPONSIBILITY Each student is responsible for the books issued to him. Normal wear is expected, but if there is extensive or abusive damage, students will be assessed a fee. MEDIA /LIBRARY BOOKS AND COMPUTERS / IPADS • Each class has media time weekly. Students are allowed to check out up to two books per week. Books are due back

during media class the following week. • If a book is lost or damaged, parents will be required to pay a replacement fee.

• Please help teach your child how to be responsible for books they have checked out so that they may be enjoyed by

others. • Technology use in the elementary school may be thought of as an extension of our use of library books and textbooks.

That is, computers (including iPads) in the elementary school remain the property and responsibility of the school and the classroom teacher. The student is responsible for the proper use of and care of the device while she is using it.

• Teachers will instruct students in the proper use of elementary school technology, including MacBook Air computers and iPads. The teacher will hold students accountable for the safe and ethical use of these devices in school. Computers and iPads will not be checked out for use outside of school.

• We recognize that even with proper use accidents will happen. In the unlikely event that one of the computers or iPads is damaged by the student the school will follow the high school/middle school acceptable use policy to determine the student’s family’s liability:

Collins-Maxwell Acceptable Use Policy

8.1 Costs for Damaged, Lost or Stolen iPads Students will be held responsible for ALL damage to their iPads not covered by warranty including, but not limited to: broken screens, cracked pieces, inoperability, etc. In the event of damage not covered by the warranty, the Student and Parent will be billed a fee according to the following schedule: • First incident – up to $100 • Second incident – up to $250 • Third incident – up to full cost of repair or replacement NOTE: Full cost for repair or replacement will be charged when damage occurs due to gross negligence, intentional destruction, or willful misconduct as determined by the administration. Examples of this type of damage include but are not limited to tossing the iPad, setting heavy items on top of the iPad, stepping on the iPad, leaving the iPad in extreme heat or cold temperatures, abusing apps, etc. In the event the iPad, cover, sleeve or cables are lost or stolen, the Student and Parent may be billed the full cost of replacement as determined by the administration. Failure to pay for willful, negligent, or intentional damage may result in legal consequences.

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PERSONAL PROPERTY Security of personal property is the responsibility of the student. Items of sizable value should not be brought to school. However, if a valuable item must come to school, it may be checked at the office for the day. Personal electronic devices should not be brought to school. If a cell phones must be brought to school, it should be turned off upon entering the building and stored in the students’ locker. Families needing reach their children during an emergency may contact the office. BOOK BAGS Book bags should be small enough to fit inside the student’s locker and allow the locker door to shut completely. ANIMALS To protect students and staff please do not bring pets or other animals to school PARTY INVITATIONS Please do not distribute party invitations at school. LOST AND FOUND The school makes every effort to return lost items to students. Please ask your child to look at the items in our Lost and Found that is located in our office. Lost items may also be found on each school bus’ Lost and Found BALLOONS AND FLOWERS Deliveries must be made to the office. Items will be given to students at the end of the school day. SNACKS, TREATS, PARTIES, ETC. We require that any food sent to school from home be sealed and prepackaged and meet the district’s healthy food requirements. Individually prepackaged treats are fine, but not necessary. A list of snacks, birthday treats, and party foods that meet the USDA guidelines follows: Individually sealed cheese sticks Crackers (wheat, saltine) Graham crackers (plain, chocolate or cinnamon) Goldfish crackers Ritz Bitz (cheese filled only) Chex Mix (not Doritos snack mix) Frozen yogurt tubes Pretzels Low sugar cereal (Cheerios, Honey Nut Cheerios, Life, Mini Wheats, etc.) Individually sealed fruitcups Granola or cereal bars (not chocolate covered) Lowfat microwave popcorn Animal crackers

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SCHOOL MEALS LUNCH USDA guidelines and board policy require that we provide 20 minutes in which a child may eat his lunch. Meal System We use a computerized meal system. Families may choose an individual account for each of their children or a family account. With a family account all students charge against the family account—even students in separate buildings. Breakfast, lunch, extra milk, and kindergarten snack milk are all charged from the same account. When you send lunch money with your child, the money is turned in to the office for deposit. Parents with online access are able to monitor their children's meal accounts through the school website. A password will need to be provided to the school to allow this to happen. You may provide this to us at registration or at any time throughout the school year. Low meal account balance notices are sent home on Fridays, (the same day teacher notes go home.) Please watch for these. Students will not be allowed to purchase extra milk when the meal account balance falls below zero. If paying for your child’s meals creates a financial hardship for your family, please ask our office to provide you with information about our free and reduced cost meals. Free or Reduced Price Meals Your family may be eligible to receive free or reduced priced meals. Application documents are mailed with the school newsletter at the beginning of the school year. These may be picked up or requested anytime throughout the school year by contacting the school office. Lunches from Home Board policy discourages the consumption of soda pop at school. (710.3) Your child may bring juice, purchase milk at school, and will have water available to her at lunchtime and throughout the day. Kindergarten Milk Kindergarten students have a snack time each afternoon. Students are offered milk and charged if they choose to take it. The cost of the milk deducted from the student's meal account, on Monday of the following week. Students receiving free or reduced cost meals are charged the regular price for this milk. BREAKFAST Breakfast is available at the elementary school, and is served from 7:50 to 8:15. USDA guidelines and board policy requires that we provide 10 minutes in which a child may eat his breakfast. Note: Please make sure your child knows whether she is to eat breakfast at school. If a student arrives at breakfast, we will assume they have permission to eat.

Meal Prices Lunch $2.30 ($.40 for reduced) Breakfasts 1.30 ($.30 for reduced)

Extra Milk 0.25 (Students who receive for free/ reduced price meals are also charged this price for extra milk.)

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Elementary School Phone: (641) 385-2446

ATTENDANCE INFORMATION School Attendance Requirement H.F. 455, Sec. 2. Section 280.3, paragraph 1, Code 1991 states that the board of directors of each public school district shall prescribe the minimum educational program and attendance policy which shall require each child to attend school for at least one hundred forty-eight (148) days, to be met by attendance for at least thirty-seven (37) days each quarter. Absences From School Reporting Procedure Notify the school know if your child is going to be late or absent from school, by contacting the school office or your child’s teacher. Please include information about why your child will be absent. The office phones are answered by 7:45 A.M. Notifying the school in advance of anticipated absences or tardiness helps your child’s teacher better meet your child’s academic needs. Please phone the office, or email or write a note to your child’s teacher. The school will begin contacting families of absent/late students by 8:45 if the family has not already contacted the school. How Are Absences And Tardiness Determined? If a student arrives after 10:00 A.M., he is considered absent ½ day. If a student leaves before 2:00 p.m., he is considered absent ½ day. If a student is absent for more than 90 minutes during the day, he is considered absent ½ day. Attendance Parents have the right to take their son/daughter out of school at their discretion. The school reserves the right to determine if the absence will be considered an excused or unexcused absence.

Absences from school for the following reasons are generally considered to be excused: a. Illness b. Death or serious illness in the immediate family or household c. Medical or dental appointment that cannot be made other than school time d. Educational trips (if approved in advance) e. Family vacations (if approved in advance) f. Religious observances Absences from school because of tardiness or activities that could be done outside of the school day will generally be considered unexcused.

Excessive Absences/Tardiness Procedures All absences will result in a reasonable effort by the school to contact the student’s parent/guardian in order to confirm the student’s safety, unless the school has been previously notified by the parent/guardian of the absence in writing or by phone. Any unexcused absence requires that the student’s family be contacted by the school. Any combination of excused or unexcused absences and/or tardies totaling 5 or more per quarter requires that the school contact the family in order to review the student’s attendance and to determine what supports are needed to ensure the student’s attendance. Make-Up Work If your child is absent or going to be absent, you may contact the office or your child’s teacher to have her make-up work made available.

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HEALTH POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Guidelines For Administering OTC Medications At School Over the Counter (OTC) medications are drugs that can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription and are used for the relief of symptoms on a temporary basis. The Iowa Board of Nursing states in declaratory ruling #3 that, the registered nurse, using education and experience, may determine that the use of over the counter medications ordered by a parent is the appropriate care for some children. Appropriate use of over the counter medications at school can assist students to remain in school and continue to achieve in the classroom.

1. The following over the counter medications will be available for administration of age-appropriate doses in the elementary, middle, and high school health offices in treatment of headaches, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, and dental pain.

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) • Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) • Cough drops • Tums

2. All medications must be kept in the health office and taken under adult supervision unless otherwise ordered by a physician.

3. Written parent permission is required before over the counter medications may be administered. 4. Over the counter medications will not be offered on-demand, but only after a careful assessment of the

need to medicate has been made by the school nurse and other treatment measures to resolve the problem have been considered.

5. Based on the assessment, the school nurse may give the medication. However, the school nurse may determine that an over the counter medication could be detrimental to the child. In these instances, the school nurse may refuse to administer the medication and state the reasons in writing to the parent. If the parent pursues the matter and returns with a physician’s prescription for the medication, the school nurse will execute the regimen prescribed by the physician.

6. Students who are currently taking medications where use with Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen is contraindicated, have significant allergy histories, are pregnant and/or have chronic health conditions that could be adversely impacted by the use of over the counter medications will require a doctor’s order to receive the medication at school.

7. Students will be allowed up to 5 combined doses of Acetaminophen and/or Ibuprofen throughout the school year, after which a referral to the child’s doctor to determine if the medication should be continued will be made. Furthermore, based on the assessment findings, the school nurse can refuse to administer medication prior to the 5th dose if warranted.

8. Use of over the counter medications will be documented in the student’s health record according to district guidelines. Every attempt will be made to notify the parent of over the counter medication use at school.

9. The school nurse will assess the student’s response to the medication. If the student feels better, the student will stay in school. If no improvement after 1 hour, the school nurse will contact the parent.

10. If the student shows any sign of an allergic reaction or other adverse reaction, the school nurse will contact the parent and the family doctor, if known, and follow first aid guidelines for managing allergic reactions until further follow-up care is determined.

Sick Children 1. Please do not send your child to school if he/she has a temperature of 99 degrees or higher before school. Children’s

temperatures are lowest in the morning and will only go up during the day. 2. Do not send your child to school if they have vomited during the night or in the morning. 3. Do not send your child to school if you think he/she might be contagious. 4. Do not send your child to school with pink-eye until he/she has been treated because it is very contagious. 5. Should your child have a temperature of 100 degrees or higher while at school, your family will be contacted to pick her

up. Please be sure the school has current telephone numbers for home and work plus several alternate numbers in case a parent cannot be reached.

6. Students who are absent from school due to illness may not attend after-school events. Extenuating circumstances will be reviewed by administration.

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Head Lice Elementary students may be screened for head lice on a "bug busting day" at the beginning of the school year. Parents of any student found to be infected will be notified by phone. Parents of students found to have nits only will be notified by note. Families should monitor these identified children weekly for any signs of re-infestation. Our procedures for dealing with head lice issues are consistent with the recommendations of the State Health Department. Hearing Screening: Heartland AEA will conduct hearing screenings for all students during the school year. Parents will be notified of any results that may indicate the need for follow-up. ADDITIONAL SERVICES Area Education Agency The district utilizes the services of Heartland Area Education Agency to provide additional services (language, hearing, vision, and others) to students. Please contact the school with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your child. Title I / Early intervention reading The school provides support for students who may need reading assistance. Early Intervention primarily serves students in grades K-2. Title I provides services to students in grades K-5 Talented and Gifted TAG provides services students identified as possessing outstanding abilities who are capable of high performance. Guidance Elementary students learn a guidance curriculum that deals with topics that inlcludes substance abuse, ways to say no, good touch/bad touch, developing appropriate coping skills and peer relationships. The guidance counselor meets with each class approximately once every two weeks. The Guidance Counselor also meets with students individually or in small groups. Students may seek individual meetings with the counselor or be referred by the teacher or by parents. STUDENT, CLASSROOM, SCHOOL, AND DISTRICT INFORMATION District Newsletter Parents may learn about various school activities and programs through the district’s monthly newsletter Classroom Newsletters Letters from the classroom teacher are sent home with students each Friday. Friday notes are also available online on the district website. Click on the Elementary tab and then click staff: Collins-Maxwell Schools Conferences The principal and teachers are available to meet with families at a variety of times. Please contact the school office or your child’s teacher to arrange a time to meet. Parent-Teacher Conferences Parent-teacher conferences are held during the first and third quarters of the school year. Parents are encouraged to attend both conference opportunities. Student Progress Reports And Mid-Terms Student progress is reported four times each year.

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PUPIL CODE OF CONDUCT Dress Students are expected to be clean, well-groomed, and wear clothes that are appropriate for the time, place, and occasion. Clothing and other apparel promoting products illegal for use by minors, or displaying obscene or profane material are not suitable for school. Students should dress to be comfortable if the weather changes. Rules Of Conduct Students will conduct themselves in a manner fitting to their age level and maturity and with respect and consideration for the rights of others. Misconduct may result in a conversation with the principal, detention (often loss of lunch in the lunchroom or recess privileges), or in-school suspension (usually working on class assignments in the office) depending on the severity and/or frequency of the behavior. The school will provide timely communication with the parents regarding misconduct by their child. Transportation Discipline Riding the Collins-Maxwell transportation is a privilege. Bus Expectations are posted in classrooms, and in each school bus. Expectations are regularly reviewed by classroom teachers. Guidelines for Consequences for Misconduct On Buses First Offense Consultation with principal and/or detention Second Offense Consultation with principal and/or extended detention Third Offense 3-day suspension from riding the bus. Fourth Offense Extended suspension from riding the bus.

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DISTRICT POLICIES DISTRICT DISCIPLINE POLICY STATEMENT The Collins-Maxwell School Board affirms its intent to support discipline policies, its intent to support school staff who enforce the discipline policies, and its intent to hold school staff accountable for implementing the discipline policies. SCHOOL EQUITY POLICY It is the policy of the Collins-Maxwell Community School not to illegally discriminate on the basis of sex, race, national origin, creed, age, marital status, or disability in its educational programs, activities, or employment policies, as required by Title VI and VII of the Equal Rights Act, Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Section 601A of the Iowa Code. It is also the policy of this district that curricular content and instructional materials utilized reflect the cultural and racial diversity present in the United States and the variety of careers, roles and life styles open to women as well as men in our society. One of the objectives of our curriculum and instruction is to reduce stereotyping and to eliminate bias on the basis of sex, race, religion, and disability. Our curriculum will foster respect and appreciation for the cultural diversity found in our country and our community, as well as an awareness of the rights, duties, and responsibilities of each individual as a member of a pluralistic society. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX, Title VI or Section 504 may be directed to Mr. Jason Ellingson, Superintendent, Collins-Maxwell Community School, Maxwell Street, Maxwell, Iowa 50161 or the Director of Civil Rights, Department of Education, Kansas City, Missouri. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE Students, parents of students or employees of the Collins-Maxwell Community School shall have the right to file a formal complaint alleging non-compliance with regulations outlined in Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act 1973. LEVEL I - Principal or Immediate Supervisor (Informal and Optional -may be bypassed by the grievant) Employees with a grievance of discrimination on the basis of sex, race, national origin or disability may first discuss it with their principal or immediate supervisor, with objective of resolving the matter informally. A student or parent with a complaint of discrimination on the basis of sex, race, national origin or disability may discuss it with the teacher, counselor or building administrator involved. LEVEL II - Title VI, Title IX and Section 504 Compliance Officer - If the grievance is not resolved at level one and the grievants wish to pursue the grievance, they may formalize it by filing a complaint in writing on a Compliance Violation Form, which may be obtained from the Compliance Officer. The complaint shall state the nature of the grievance and the remedy requested. The filing of the formal, written complaint at level two must be within fifteen (15) working days from the date of the event giving rise to the grievance or from the date the grievants could reasonably become aware of such occurrence. The grievants may request that a meeting concerning the complaint be held with the Compliance Officer. A minor student may be accompanied at that meeting by a parent or guardian. The Compliance Officer shall investigate the complaint and attempt to resolve it. A written report from the Compliance Officer regarding action taken will be sent within fifteen (15) working days after receipt of the complaint. Level III - Superintendent - If the complaint is not resolved at level two, the grievants may process it to level three by presenting a written appeal to the Superintendent within ten (10) working days after the grievants receive the report from the

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Compliance Officer. The grievants may request a meeting with the Superintendent or his/her designee. The Superintendent or his/her designee has the option of meeting with the grievant to discuss the appeal. A decision will be rendered by the Superintendent or his/her designee within ten (10) working days after receipt of the written appeal. This procedure in no way denies the right of the grievants to file formal complaints with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, the Federal Office of Civil Rights, or other agencies available for mediation or rectification of civil rights grievances, or to seek private counsel for complaints alleging discrimination. Title VI, Title IX and Section 504 Compliance Officer: Mr. Jason Ellingson Maxwell Building (515) 387-1115, 7:45 to 3:45 WEAPONS AND DANGEROUS OBJECTS POLICY Weapons and other dangerous objects such as, but not limited to, firearms, explosives, knives and brass knuckles, are not to be brought on school district property. This includes transportation vehicles and covers all school sponsored activities. A weapon is defined as anything used or usable in injuring another, or an instrument or object designed for or used in fighting. Weapons and other dangerous objects cause material and substantial disruption to the school environment. They present a threat to the health and safety of students, employees and visitors on the school district premises or property within the jurisdiction of the school district. School district facilities are not an appropriate place for weapons or dangerous objects. Weapons and other dangerous objects shall be taken from students and others who bring them onto the school district property or onto property within the jurisdiction of the school district or from students who are within the control of the school district. Parents of students found to possess a weapon or dangerous objects on school property shall be notified of the incident. Confiscation of weapons or dangerous objects shall be reported to the law enforcement officials, and the student will be subject to disciplinary action including suspension and/or expulsion. Any student who brings a firearm to school or to a school activity shall be suspended immediately and recommended for expulsion for not less than twelve months. The superintendent shall have the authority to recommend this expulsion requirement be for a student be implemented on a case-by-case basis. For purposes of this portion of this policy, the term "firearm" includes any weapon which is designed to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive, the frame or receiver of any such weapon, a muffler or silencer for such weapon, or any explosive, incendiary or poison gas. In deciding whether to recommend that the board-adopted penalty not be applied to a student who brings a firearm to school, the principal, superintendent and other appropriate individuals shall confer to consider the student's status including age, grade, and special needs, and the circumstances under which the student brought a weapon to school, including the student's knowledge, purpose, and apparent intent. The superintendent shall promptly notify and refer to law enforcement or juvenile authorities any student who brings a firearm to school. Students shall not possess any weapons or "look-alike" weapons at school. Violation of this policy shall result in confiscation of the "weapon" and disciplinary action which may include detention or suspension. Any student who threatens another person on school property or at a school event with an object that resembles a dangerous weapon, including but not limited to a toy pistol or rifle, squirt gun, cap gun, rubber knife, or plastic grenade or who displays any object in such a manner as reasonably to place another person in fear for his or her safety shall be subject to discipline by the principal or superintendent including possible suspension and recommendation for expulsion. Weapons under the control of law enforcement officials shall be exempt from this policy. The principal may allow authorized persons which may include students, to display weapons or other dangerous objects for educational purposes. Such a display shall also be exempt from this policy. It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy. The superintendent and principals shall be responsible for notifying staff, students, and parents or guardians of this policy.

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CHARACTER COUNTS! CLASSROOM RULES

Trustworthiness I can be trusted... by keeping my promises. to tell the truth. to do the right thing. Respect I will show respect in the classroom by... treating others the way I want to be treated. following the classroom rules maintaining a positive attitude at all times. being tolerant of those who are different. using good manners and being polite. Responsibility I will show responsibility in the classroom by... thinking before I act and considering the consequences. doing my best. being prepared (supplies, homework, books). being a good example. Fairness I will show fairness by... accepting others ideas/opinions. treating others the same. sharing and taking turns. Caring I will show that I care by... being kind and considerate of others. helping those in need unselfishly. Citizenship I will show school pride by... respecting authority. taking care of the school property, inside and out. taking care of personal property (locker, desk, work space). following school rules. doing my share.

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CHARACTER COUNTS! LUNCHROOM RULES

Respect I will keep the lunchroom clean by... keeping food on trays. making sure the table and floors are clean when I leave. using good manners. Responsibility I will show appropriate behavior by... walking to and from the table in assigned order. having permission to leave the table. talking quietly to students next to or across the table from me. using good eating habits. keeping hands and feet to myself. stating my name for lunch scanning. Fairness I will show fairness by... waiting my turn for lunch scanning. waiting my turn for condiments and emptying my tray. Citizenship I will respect authority by... obeying teachers, cooks and all adult staff members who are in charge during lunch.

CHARACTER COUNTS! HALLWAY RULES

Respect I will keep the hallways clean by: keeping my hands and feet off the wall. not leaving marks on the walls or floors. putting trash where it belongs. Responsibility I will show appropriate behavior in the hallways by: walking quietly to the right of the hall. using Line Basics. Citizenship I will show school pride by: picking up after myself and others.

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CHARACTER COUNTS! DRINKING FOUNTAIN RULES

Respect I will show appropriate behavior by: waiting in line quietly. using good manners. Responsibility I will show appropriate behavior by: keeping the water in the drinking fountain not on the floor. drinking the water and not splashing myself or neighbors. Fairness I will show fairness by: drinking for a reasonable amount of time. taking my turn in line.

CHARACTER COUNTS! RESTROOM/SINK RULES

Trustworthiness I can be trusted to: return from the restroom in a short amount of time. Respect I will keep the walls, floors, and toilet area clean by: using the toilet and sink area properly. leaving the walls and stalls as I found them. throwing paper towels where they belong. Responsibility I will show appropriate behavior in the restroom area by: using quiet voices. showing respect to others. keeping my hands and feet under control. Citizenship I will do my share by: conserving water and soap in the sink area. following the rules in making the restroom/sink area better, cleaner, and safer.

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CHARACTER COUNTS! PLAYGROUND RULES

Respect I will show respect to others by... leaving and entering the building quietly. listening to the teachers/aides on duty calmly. treating other students the way I want to be treated. Responsibility I will show appropriate behavior by... using the restroom before I leave the building. walking when leaving and entering the building. asking permission from the teacher/aide before reentering the building. using all equipment properly(see equipment rules). lining up immediately when the long whistle blows signaling the end of recess. using Line Basics. playing games in a safe manner( tackling, roughhousing, pushing and hitting are not allowed). leaving sticks, rocks, and other objects on the ground. wearing weather appropriate outdoor clothing. refraining from throwing snowballs/ice chunks and sliding on ice. Fairness I will show fairness by... following the rules of the game. dividing teams equally and fairly. including everyone that wants to participate. accepting decisions made by teacher referee. sharing the field space with others. taking turns on all equipment. Citizenship I will show school pride by... picking up trash and throwing it in the proper place. bringing in equipment that I take out. entering the building with clean shoes/boots and clothing. Caring I will show concern for others by... informing the teacher/aide when someone is injured. considering others feelings. being kind in what I say and do.

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SPECIFIC PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT RULES

Swings

1. One person on the swing at a time. 2. Swing straight. 3. Push only from behind. (No underdogs) 4. Sit on your bottom--no swinging on your stomach, back, side or standing up. 5. Do not walk between the swings when someone is swinging. 6. No jumping out of the swings. 7. If there is a line, take turns with limit set by teacher.

Slides

1. Wait at the bottom of steps for your turn. 2. Walk up the steps. 3. Sit down on your bottom to go down--one at a time. 4. Do not climb up the slide. 5. Keep rocks off the slide. 6. Do not play at the top of the slide. No turning somersaults on the bar the top

of the slide. 7. No jumping off the slide. 8. No sliding down the edge of the slide. 9. No climbing on the supports of the slide.

Main Playground Equipment

1. Walk up the steps and climbers. 2. No hanging from the curved climber. 3. No crawling across, standing or sitting on top of the monkey bars orthe tunnels. 4. One person crosses the monkey bars at a time. 5. No running, jumping or playing tag on the equipment. 6. Only slide down the fireman's pole--do not climb up it. 7. No climbing on the Tic-Tac-Toe.

Spider Web

1. No standing up or on tip of the climber--you will sit. 2. You can hang from the climber but do not push or pull on anyone who 3. is hanging. 4. Get down safely. 5. No tag.

Park Bench

1. Used for sitting only--not standing on or jumping off.

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CHARACTER COUNTS! TRANSPORTATION RULES

Respect I will show respect on the bus by... talking quietly only to students next to me. avoiding damage to any parts of the bus. leaving bus equipment alone. Responsibility I will show appropriate behavior by... being on time at the assigned bus stop. staying off the road while waiting for the bus. using the handrail when boarding and unloading. moving to the seat assigned to me. staying in my seat while the bus is moving and remaining seated until the bus comes to a complete stop. moving away from the bus immediately after leaving. following the rules of crossing the street or road after getting off the bus as follows: Walk ahead of the bus about 10 steps, look to the driver for a signal to cross, then walk quietly across the road after looking carefully in both directions. keeping my hands and head inside the bus at all times. keeping my property out of the aisles. using proper language. taking all my belongings off the bus when I leave. being absolutely quiet when the bus is stopped at a railroad crossing. Fairness I will show fairness by... forming a line and waiting until the bus comes to a complete stop before attempting to board the bus. keeping my hands and feet to myself while waiting in line. Caring I will show that I care by... looking after the safety and comfort of smaller children. being courteous to fellow riders. Citizenship I will show school pride by... keeping the bus safe, clean, and sanitary. keeping all objects (paper, etc.) inside the bus. following the emergency bus procedures when directed by the bus driver.