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Index pg. 1

Introduction

Staff Information pg. 2

Calendar pg. 3

Mission Statement pg. 4

Elastic Clause pg. 4

Office Contact pg. 4

General Parent Information

School Schedule pg. 5

Closings and Delays pg. 5

Attendance pg. 6

Absence Reporting pg. 6

Homework Request pg. 6

Early Release pg. 7

Transportation pg. 7

Student Drop-off/Pick-up pg. 7-8

Visitors pg. 8

Volunteers pg. 8

Lice and Communicable pg. 9

Medication pg. 9

Instant Alert pg. 9-10

Enrollment/Transfer pg. 10

Class Assignments pg. 10

Inside/Outside Recess pg. 10

Assessment Testing pg. 10-11

Pets pg. 11

School Meals pg. 11

Addressing School Concerns pg. 12

Field Trips pg. 12

Immunizations pg. 12

Pictures and Digital Images pg. 12-13

Abuse and Neglect pg. 13

Limited English Proficiency pg. 13

Fees and Charges pg. 13

Valuables pg. 13

Student Information and Conduct

Dress Code pg. 14

Visitors pg. 14

Student Information and Conduct

Continued

Personal Items pg. 14

Bus Conduct pg. 14-15

Cell phones and Electronics pg. 15

Field Trips pg. 15

Lockers and Desks pg. 16

Computer/Technology pg. 16

Phone Usage pg. 16

Playground pg. 17

Discipline pg. 17-20

Discipline Appeals pg. 20

Academics

Power School pg. 20

Make-up Work pg. 20

Report Cards pg. 21

Progress Reports pg. 21

Grading Scales pg. 21

Promotion/Retention pg. 21

Awards pg. 21-22

Homework Requests pg. 21-22

Services

Power School pg. 22

Parent Teacher Conferences pg. 23

Newsletters pg. 23

Progress Reports pg. 23

Announcements/Postings pg. 23

SendMoneytoSchool.com pg. 23

RESD Services pg. 23

Resource Room pg. 24

Title I pg. 24

Physical Education pg. 24-25

Music pg. 25

Band pg. 25

PTO pg. 25

Building Use pg. 26

Safety Drills pg. 26

Guidance and Counseling pg. 26

Anti-Harassment/Bullying pg. 26-27

Non-Discrimination/EEO pg. 27

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Office Staff Cafeteria Staff

Mr. Avery, Principal Mrs. Dayringer

Mrs. Davis, Counselor Mrs. Dunkel

Mrs. Acker, Assistant Mrs. Lorenz

Mrs. Holcomb, Assistant Mrs. McDowell

Teaching Staff Custodial Staff

Mrs. Arnold, First Grade Mrs. Cumberworth

Mr. Baker, Music/Band Mr. Powell

Ms. Browne, Fifth Grade Mr. Stephens

Mrs. Cook, Kindergarten

Mrs.Dawe, Resource Room

Mrs. Fife, Title I

Mrs. Fox, Sixth Grade

Ms. Hauck, Preschool

Mrs. Heinze, Sixth Grade

Mrs. Jerome, Second Grade

Mrs. Konieczka, Art

Mrs. McCracken, Third Grade

Mr. Meier, Physical Education

Mrs. Misenhelder, Fourth Grade

Mrs. Sarah Nevins, First Grade

Mrs. Shari Nevins, Kindergarten

Mr. Postema, Fourth Grade

Mrs. Thelen, Third Grade

Mrs. Walden, Fifth Grade

Mrs. Winsor, Second Grade

RESD Staff

Mrs. DeGraaf, Occ. Therapy

Mrs. Talsma, Speech

Mrs. Koonter, Physical Therapy

Mrs. Luneack, Social Worker

Mrs. Perez-Soto, ESL

Paraprofessionals

Mrs. Blackmer

Mrs. Dault

Mrs. Jones

Mrs. McGinnis

Mrs. Price

Fulton Elementary Staff Information

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Fulton Elementary School Calendar 2012-2013

August 27-30 Teacher Professional Development Days

August 29 Elementary Orientation and Open house

September 3 No School - Labor Day

September 4 Classes begin

September 11-14 Sixth grade camp

September 19 Preschool Orientation/Open house

September 20 Preschool begins (T-Th and T-W-Th)

September 21 Preschool begins (M-W-F)

September 21 Homecoming

September 24 Fall Picture Day for M-W-F Preschool

September 25 Fall Picture Day

October 17-18 1/2 Day - Parent/Teacher Conferences

October 19 1/2 Day for students and teachers

October 30 Picture retake day

October 31 Halloween parties

November 2 End of 1st marking period

November 5 2nd marking period begins

November 9 Veterans’ Day Program

November 15 No School

November 21 ½ Day for students and teachers

November 22-23 Thanksgiving break - No school

December 19 Christmas program

December 20 Christmas program make-up date

December 21 Christmas parties

December 24 Christmas break begins

January 3 Classes resume

January 18 1/2 Day - End of 2nd marking period

January 21 3rd marking pd. begins-½ day students-Prof. Develop.

February 14 Valentine's Day parties

February 15 ½ Day for students-Professional Development

February 18 No School – Presidents’ Day

February 19 Spring picture day

February 20 Spring picture day for M-W-F Preschool

March 7 1/2 Day for students-Parent/Teacher Conferences

March 8 1/2 Day for teachers and students

March 22 3rd marking period ends

March 25 4th marking period begins

March 29 Good Friday – No School

April 1 Spring Break begins

April 8 Classes Resume

April 23-24 Kindergarten Roundup

April 25 Preschool signup

May 3 Grandparents’ Day

May 27 Memorial Day break - No school

June 6 ½ Day for students

June 7 ½ Day for students/Record day for teachers

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Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome to the 2012-2013 school year. Here at Fulton Elementary we

are committed to offering your child a high quality education in a safe and caring

environment. We believe it when we say, Fulton Schools --

“No Better Place to Learn!”

Parent involvement is powerful and we as educators value it greatly.

Because of this, we encourage you to sit down with your child to review the rules and

guidelines in this handbook. We believe this will help assure your child’s success at

school. If you have questions or concerns throughout the year, please do not hesitate to

call. The office number is 989-236-7234 or our web page is www.fultonpirates.net

.

Mission Statement

Fulton Schools Mission

The Fulton Schools, in alliance with our communities, ensures that all students will learn

skills and gain knowledge to lay the foundation for rewarding careers, responsible

citizenship, life-long learning and success in dealing with life’s challenges by providing a

safe environment, education and business partnerships, continuous career guidance and

exploration, effective use of technology, and ongoing evaluation of goals and objectives.

Fulton Elementary Mission

The staff, parents, and community of Fulton Elementary School will provide an

educational foundation to ensure our students become successful, life-long learners

through an environment that is safe, caring, and non-threatening, varied instruction and

practice to meet individual needs, measurement of academic skills, modeling responsible

citizenship and social behavior, awareness of career opportunities, access to current

technology, experiences in art, music, and physical education.

Elastic Clause

The Administration reserves the right to amend any provision in this handbook that s/he

deems to be in the best interest of the educational process. Furthermore, the principal

retains the right to issue penalties for acts of discipline not specifically stated herein and

to alter penalties, as he considers necessary.

Office Contact Information

Telephone – 989-236-7234

Fax – 989-236-5607

Webpage – www.fultonpirates.net

Transportation – 989-236-7676

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GENERAL PARENT INFORMATION

School Day Schedules

Students arriving before 7:30 a.m. will report to Latch Key.

7:30 a.m. -7:40 a.m. Students report to the Gymnasium

7:30 a.m. Breakfast served

7:52 a.m. First bell rings

7:55 a.m. Classes begin (Tardy bell rings)

11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Lunch and recess

1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Afternoon recess (Grades K-3)

2:50 p.m. Dismissal for Kindergarten

through Sixth Grade

2:50 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. This period may be used for parents

and teachers to conference either by

phone or in person about individual

student needs. Calling ahead, if

possible, is greatly appreciated.

School Closings and Delays

If school is closed or delayed, the Honeywell Instant Alert System will notify you.

Please make sure that you have your current contact information up to date in the alert

system.

You may also check the following media sources for school closing or delay information:

Television – TV 6, TV 10, TV 12 and TV 25/46

Radio – WFYC/WQBX 1280 am/104.9, WCFX 95.3, WFMK 99.1, WJIM

97.5/1240 am, WITL 100.7, WMMQ 94.9, and WJSZ 92.5.

If school is delayed for two hours classes will begin at 9:55 a.m.

On school closing days, there will be no Latch Key services. On days that are delayed,

Latch Key will operate on a normal schedule.

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Attendance

Daily attendance of all students who are enrolled at Fulton Elementary is required in

accordance with state laws and rules set forth by our Board of Education. School

attendance and school success are inseparable. We encourage regular school attendance.

If families encounter difficulty with attendance, the school office will contact them. If a

satisfactory resolution to the problem is not found, it may be necessary to involve the

Truancy Officer from the Gratiot-Isabella Regional Service District.

Any student that arrives after the 7:55 a.m. bell will be considered tardy. Tardy students

must report to the office and get a pass to class. Parents are expected to sign students into

the office in the event that students are tardy.

Any student that arrives after 9:30 a.m. or leaves prior to 1:30 p.m. will be counted as

absent for a ½ day of school, and entered into the attendance system as PA (partial

absence).

Reporting Absences

If your child is absent from school, or will be tardy, please call the school office at

989-236-7234 before 8:30 a.m., or send a note to school with another child, friend, or

neighbor. If we do not receive a call, it will be necessary for us to call you. This is done

to assure both you, and the school, that your child has reached the school safely.

A child who has excessive absences will need to have a doctor’s excuse or a receipt from

a physician to be excused.

A child, who is not present in school, will be counted absent regardless of the reason for

their absence.

Absences are considered excused if they are reported to the office within 48 hours of the

absence. All unreported absences will be entered as unexcused absences.

Students who have excessive absences during any 9-week marking period will be

reported to the Gratiot-Isabella Regional Education Service District’s Truancy Officer.

Homework Requests

Parents of absent students may request homework for their children by calling the office

before 11:00 a.m. Because teachers are not always able to put together homework

during the day, all requested homework would be available after 3:00 p.m. Parents can

pick up homework in the office after 3:00 p.m. (It is not always possible for neighbor

children to deliver your child’s homework.)

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Early Release

School will be released at 2:00 on the second Wednesday of every month due to staff

departmental meetings. This will be in effect from September through May.

Transportation

The students of Fulton Schools have the right to safe transportation to and from school.

Bus drivers have the right to safely transport students, without distraction. It is a

privilege to ride the school bus, and this privilege may be suspended if students exhibit

inappropriate behavior. In addition to the bus behavior rules, the following policies also

apply:

1. Phone calls during the day for a bus drop-off will not be permitted. Bus changes

must be written notes, signed, and dated by the parent or guardian for the safety

of the children.

2. For children up to 4th

grade an adult needs to be visible for drop-off. If an adult

is not visible the student will be brought back to the Latch Key program at a

charge to the parent of $2.50 per hour. Permission may be granted to drop your

child off without you being there, but a signed permission slip must first be on

file with the school.

3. Large groups of children, for birthday parties or sleepovers, will not be

permitted to change normal bus assignments due to possible overcrowding of

the school bus.

4. There will be no more than 2 scheduled drop off points per family. If this

cannot be accomplished, parents will be responsible for arranging pickup at one

of the drop off points.

5. Buses may be equipped with video recorders, which may be recording at

anytime.

6. No living pet or animal may be transported on the school bus at anytime.

7. Non-regular riders must have a written note from their parents or guardian to

present at the office. A bus pass, signed by office personnel, will be issued and

must be presented to the bus driver when boarding the bus.

8. All permanent bus changes will take THREE business days to be processed

before the change can take place.

Fulton Schools takes seriously the safe transportation of its students and drivers;

therefore, these rules and responsibilities must be adhered to.

Student Drop-Off and Pick-Up

Morning Drop-Off

All students arriving on school grounds before 7:30 a.m. will need to report to the Latch

Key room for Latch Key services. (A charge of $2.50 per day will occur.) Students that

arrive on school grounds between 7:30 a.m. and 7:40 a.m. must report to the gymnasium.

At 7:40 a.m. students will be dismissed to their classrooms.

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Breakfast services will be available starting at 7:30 a.m. If your child is eating breakfast,

they should report to the breakfast area anytime after 7:30 a.m.

During the School Day

A student may not leave the school without permission after having been in attendance.

Parents desiring to take their children out of class are required to make their request

through the office. Under no circumstances will teachers permit adults to take students

from classes without specific authorization. Students leaving the building must have a

pass issued by the office. We request that all parents come to the office and sign their

children out of school. After the student is signed out, we will call them from class.

Afternoon Pick-Up

Students that stay on campus after dismissal from school will need to report to the Latch

Key program for Latch Key services. (A charge of $2.50 per hour will occur) Any

student that is staying for staff tutoring will need to be in direct supervision of their staff

tutor at all times. Students who have youth sports practices should arrive no earlier

than 15 minutes before practice times.

From the Bus

Parents picking up students who normally ride the bus after school must check student(s)

out from the office. Parents will need to arrive at the school before 2:45 p.m. to allow the

office to communicate transportation changes to the classroom teachers. After 2:45 p.m.

students will report to their bus and parents will need to get a pass from the office in

order for their student(s) to be released by the bus driver to the parents. Bus drivers will

only release students to parents who have the appropriate pass.

If buses are leaving school prior to parents arriving in the office, parents will need to pick

their students up at their regular scheduled bus stop. Buses will not be called back to

drop off students. Please make sure that you have given yourself enough time to get a

pass from the office on the day that you will pick up your student(s) who normally ride

the bus.

Visitors

Although adult visitors are always welcome at Fulton Elementary School, we ask all

visitors to follow a few procedures to ensure a safe and positive experience while visiting

our school. We request that all visitors stop by the office to sign in and pick up a visitor’s

badge. It is also Board policy that visitors request classroom visits twenty-four hours

before a planned visitation. Due to the disruption to the school day, school-age friends

and relatives from out of town are not to attend school with our students.

Volunteers

Any person that is volunteering to help in the classroom or who will have supervision

responsibilities will need to have an ICHAT background check completed prior to

helping in the classroom. The form for this is available in the Elementary Office.

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Lice and Communicable Diseases

Students sent to the office for illness will be sent home if there is evidence of vomiting, a

fever at or above 100 degrees, skin rash or other health concerns.

The Health Department suggests children who have had the following communicable

diseases may return to school according to the following time table:

Chicken Pox – When the skin is clear of active lesions, but not less than 7 days or

more than 10 days from the first crop of vesicles.

Scarlet Fever, Scarlatina, Fifth Disease, or other rashes – Doctor authorization.

Streptococcal (Strep) Sore Throat – Doctor authorization.

Head Lice – When treated appropriately and all signs of lice and nits have been

removed. Children with nits or live lice will be sent home from school. When

a student returns to school, a Parent/Guardian must accompany the child to

school.

Parents are requested to call the school office to report any of the above.

Medication

Fulton Schools believes that it is more desirable for medication to be administered in the

home. However, any pupil who is required to take medication during the regular school

day must comply with the school regulations, which follow:

1. The original prescription bottle or original package with the name of the drug,

dosage, time interval medication is taken, must be provided to the office.

2. Proper completion of the Fulton Schools Authorization for

Medication/Treatment form and/or Physician Statement.

3. Prescription or over the counter medication must be brought to the school

office immediately upon arrival of the student or by the parent or guardian in a

container appropriately labeled by the pharmacy or manufacturer.

4. All medication must be administered by and consumed in the presence of an

adult in the school office.

Students with severe asthma needing to carry an inhaler must have written permission

from a physician to keep their inhaler with them.

Please notify the office and classroom teacher if your student has a food or bee allergy

and provide an Epi-pen as necessary.

Power Announcement

Fulton Elementary School uses the Power Announcement notification system, within

Power School, to communicate important information to students and parents. Parents

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are able to manage their account by logging onto their students’ Power School Account.

Setting up your preferences for contact is your responsibility. Within your students’

account you can set up your contact information to receive phone calls, text messages and

emails. You may also have the system alert child care providers and relatives. If you do

not have Internet access and/or need assistance please feel free to contact the office.

Enrollment and Transfer

Parents who want to enroll their children at Fulton Elementary School will need to

complete an enrollment card, request for records form, transportation form, free family

meals form, and a free and reduced lunch application. They will be required to provide

proof of residency, copies of immunization records, and birth certificates, as well as

providing information about special services. At this time they can register for Teacher

Ease and Instant Alert and meet with the Principal. Students may not attend school until

all information is complete and verified.

Students transferring to other districts must complete a request for records form at the

school they are transferring to.

Classroom Assignments

The Principal will assign each student to the appropriate classroom and program. Each

spring parents will receive a student traits form to complete. This form is not a teacher

request form, but it will provide information to assist in the proper placement of each

student. Any questions or concerns about classroom assignments should be addressed to

the Principal. Classroom assignments will be posted on the doors of the main entrance to

school in late August.

Inside/Outside Recess

Be sure to dress your child adequately for cold weather. Warm clothing such as

mittens/gloves, hats, boots, a warm coat that zips or buttons, and snow pants are

suggested for all students. Students will be sent outside for recess unless it is raining

hard, the wind chill is below zero degrees Fahrenheit, or the temperature is below 10

degrees Fahrenheit.

Also note that students are allowed to remain inside for recess only if the student is ill

and has a note from home (2 days maximum) or at the direction of a physician.

Testing

Each October the students at Fulton Elementary in grades 3-6 participate in the MEAP

test. This test is a statewide test that evaluates student performance in the areas of

reading, writing, math, science and social studies. The test takes approximately three

weeks to complete, and it is important that students are in attendance during the month of

October. Please try to limit absences during the MEAP testing cycle.

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Students will also take local assessments to evaluate performance in the areas of reading,

writing and math. The tests used may include: DIBELS, DRA, Common Assessments,

unit and chapter tests. This information may be collected in a local data warehouse to

evaluate the long-term result of education.

Pets

Fulton Schools has a no pets on campus policy. This policy includes bringing pets to

sporting events, school activities and the classrooms for show and tell.

School Meals

Each day the kitchen staff will serve breakfast from 7:30 a.m.-7:55 a.m. Students can

purchase breakfast for $1.10 ($0.30 for reduced). Milk can be purchased for $0.35 each.

Breakfast has cold cereal choices and a hot breakfast choice each day. Lunch is served

from 11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m. each day and can be purchased at the rate of $2.00 ($0.40 for

reduced). Each day there are two choices for lunch for students in grades K-4 and three

choices for 5th

and 6th

grade students.

The monthly menu is sent home with your child monthly in Friday folders and posted on

line. In addition the weekly menu is included in our weekly newsletter.

Free and reduced lunch applications are available in the office. Parents of all students are

encouraged to apply for free and/or reduced meals. If you qualify for free and/or reduced

meals your child will qualify for both breakfast and lunch. If you have more than one

child at Fulton, you only need to fill out one form.

Your student’s account can be maintained on-line at www.sendmoneytoschool.com

This web page will allow you to make deposits into your student’s account and view their

purchases here at school. You will need to have your child’s student number. Please call

the Food Service Department at 989-236-5642.

If you send lunch money to school with your child please make sure that it is in a sealed

envelope with your child’s name, teacher’s name, and amount enclosed printed on it.

Lunch money should be taken directly to the lunchroom upon arrival at school.

All students are encouraged to eat a nutritional lunch on a daily basis. Unfortunately,

students can only charge up to $5.00 on their lunch account. If your child’s account falls

to a negative balance you will be notified of the situation. Please make sure that the

account is paid up to ensure that your student is able to get a lunch.

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Addressing School Concerns

If a student or parent has a concern about a school policy or an employee, the following

procedure should be followed in order to resolve the problem as quickly as possible:

1. Student should contact the person with whom there is a complaint to discuss

the issue. A meeting should be scheduled to discuss the issue.

2. Parent should contact the person with whom there is a complaint to discuss

the issue. A meeting should be scheduled to discuss the issue.

3. If the problem still is not resolved or still exists contact the Principal.

4. If the Principal does not resolve the problem, contact the Superintendent.

Field Trips

Field trips may be taken from time to time throughout the year. All trips will be based on

education. Students who do not attend a given field trip may be required to complete an

alternative assignment.

Bus requests for field trips are based on student/teacher count. No buses will be

requested to transport chaperones. If there is room on the bus for chaperones, chaperones

will be able to ride on the bus with the students. If room does not allow for extra

passengers, chaperones will have to provide their own transportation. Chaperones need

to be biological or custodial parents and/or custodial grandparents only. Adults

chaperoning trips should be able to concentrate on the task at hand and be able to ensure

proper behavior and safety of an assigned group. No younger siblings will be allowed on

school trips. All chaperones must successfully complete an ICHAT background check

and follow all school rules. The number of chaperones needed for a given trip will vary,

and it will be at the instructor’s discretion to determine the number of chaperones

necessary for each trip.

Immunizations

Each student must have the immunizations required by law or have an authorized waiver.

Without the proper immunizations the Principal may remove the student or require

compliance with the set deadline. This is for the safety of all students and in accordance

with State law.

Pictures and Digital Images

Individual pictures of all students will be taken in the fall. These pictures are available for

purchase but there is no obligation to do so.

It is common practice for the Fulton Elementary to release student pictures to the

newspaper, our own newsletter, and our webpage for recognition for various

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accomplishments. Any parent or guardian who does NOT want their child’s picture to be

released should send a written request stating so to the Elementary School Office.

Abuse and Neglect Reporting

Section 3, Number 1, of the Child Protection Law States: A social worker, school

administrator, school counselor, teacher or etc. who has reasonable cause to suspect child

abuse or neglect shall make immediately, by telephone or otherwise, an oral report, or

cause an oral report to be made, of the suspected child abuse or neglect to the Department

of Social Services. Within 72 hours after making the oral report the reporting person

shall file a written report as required by law.

Section 8, Number 8, of the Child Protection Law States: Schools and other institutions

shall cooperate with the department during an investigation on a report of child abuse or

neglect. Cooperation includes allowing access to the child without parental consent, if

access is necessary to complete the investigation.

Please be aware that the school cannot contact parents when making a referral of abuse or

neglect to the Department of Social Services.

Limited English Proficiency

Students identified, as having limited English proficiency will be provided additional

support and instruction to assist them in gaining English proficiency and in accessing the

educational and extra-curricular programs offered at Fulton Elementary. Contact

Mrs. Clara Perez-Soto at 616-794-4753 to inquire about evaluation procedures and

programs.

Fees and Charges

A $5.00 Activity Fee will be collected at the beginning of the year from all students in

Kindergarten through Sixth Grade. The fee helps offset the expense of school wide

activities such as assemblies.

Valuables

Students are responsible for the care of their own personal property. The school will not

be responsible for personal property. Valuables such as toys, jewelry, electronics, games,

phones, or irreplaceable items should not be brought to school. The school will not be

liable for loss or damage to personal valuables.

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Student Information and Conduct

Dress Code

While fashions change, the reason for being in school does not. Students are in school to

learn. Any fashion that disrupts the educational process or presents a safety risk will not

be permitted. During school hours students are not allowed to wear hats or hoods in the

hallways or classrooms. Short shorts, crop-tops, belly shirts, homemade sleeveless shirts,

spaghetti straps, ripped/torn, and see through clothing is not allowed at school. Students

must wear shoes at all times while in school. Items that advertise tobacco, alcohol, adult

humor or sexually related material are unacceptable for school.

Students should come dressed appropriately for the weather. In winter, layers of clothing

are appropriate. During warm weather, shorts are appropriate as long as they are

fingertip in length. Jackets, coats, and the like are not allowed to be worn in classrooms

at any time. Please make sure that your student has a long sleeve shirt, sweater, or

sweatshirt in their locker. Shoes with wheels are prohibited.

The building Principal will have the final authority in determining whether or not a

violation of these rules exists. Student may be asked to remain in the office or call home

to have appropriate clothing brought to school.

Visitors

School aged friends and family members are not allowed to attend school with students

enrolled at Fulton Elementary.

Personal Items Students are encouraged to leave personal belongings at home. If students do bring

personal items, such as video games, cell phones, toys, cameras, etc., the items are the

responsibility of the students. The school is not responsible for items that are lost,

damaged, or stolen at school.

Bus Conduct

The students of Fulton Schools have the right to safe transportation to and from school.

Bus drivers have the right to safely transport students, without distraction. It is a

privilege to ride the school bus, and this privilege may be suspended if students exhibit

inappropriate behavior. Bus conduct rules are as follows:

1. Follow the driver's directions the first time given.

2. No eating or drinking on the bus. Keep the bus clean.

3. Stay in your seat and face forward.

4. Keep your hands and feet to yourself.

5. Do not throw items out the window. Keep the aisles clean and free of objects.

15

6. No refusing to share seat space.

7. No throwing of objects.

8. No degrading or abusive language or gestures, and no loud or excessive noise.

9. No tobacco, drugs, or weapons of any kind.

10. Students are to be at the designated pickup location, on time and ready to board

the bus when it arrives.

11. In the event that the student will not need to be transported, it is requested that

you call the bus garage at 989-236-7676 by 6:30 a.m.

12. Students that cross in front of the bus must wait for the driver’s signal to cross.

13. Students will be held financially responsible for damage to school vehicles.

Bus Discipline Procedures:

1st Offense - Warning and a call home to the parent.

2nd

Offense - 2-day bus suspension and communication with parent.

3rd

Offense - Up to a 5-day bus suspension and communication with parent.

4th

Offense - Up to a 10-day bus suspension and communication with parent.

5th

Offense - Permanent bus suspension.

The severity of the punishment will be determined by the severity of the offense.

Fulton Schools takes seriously the safe transportation of its students and drivers;

therefore, these rules and responsibilities must be adhered to.

Cell Phones and Electronics

Students may possess cell phones and electronic devices at school. Students are not

permitted to use these items during the school day. All cell phones and electronics must

be turned off and stored in student lockers until after school. At their own risk students

may use mp3 players and video games, but not cell phones during recess and staff

approved times. The school cannot be responsible for loss or damage to cell phones or

electronics.

The first time a student is caught using cell phones or electronics during the school day

the cell phone or electronics will be turned into the office and returned to the student at

the end of the day. The second violation will result in losing the device until parents can

pick up the device. Any further violations will result in loss of the device for 1 week.

Field Trips

Field trips are taken as a regular part of classroom studies. Work in the classroom before

and after the field trip makes it a meaningful, worthwhile and an enriching experience.

As you are a representative of Fulton Schools on all field trips, all school rules apply

during your field trip. Please remember to obey all bus rules, stay with your supervising

adult, follow instructions of adults, and avoid dangerous situations.

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Lockers and Desks

Lockers and desks are school property provided for the convenience of our students.

Lockers and desks are inspected periodically and should be kept clean, orderly and

damage free. Lockers do not lock in all grades. Please keep valuables at home. If there

is reasonable suspicion student lockers and desks may be searched by school personnel.

Acceptable User Policy for Computer/Internet/Technology

Use of the School District’s education technology is limited to legitimate education

purposes to support and enhance the School District’s curriculum and in a manner which

is consistent with the School District’s mission statement. The following uses are strictly

prohibited and may subject the offender to restriction, suspension or termination of

educational technology privileges, and to appropriate disciplinary sanctions, such conduct

to include, but not be limited to:

1. Unauthorized entry into a file, whether to use, read, change or for any other

purpose.

2. Unauthorized transfer, deletion, or duplication of a file.

3. Unauthorized use of another individual’s identification or password.

4. Unauthorized access to telecommunications files or facilities.

5. Use of computing facilities, which interfere with the work of another student,

faculty member, or school official.

6. Use of computing facilities to draft, send or receive

inappropriate communications including, but not limited to, communications

which are indecent, obscene, profane, vulgar, threatening or otherwise prohibited

by law.

7. Use of computing facilities, including telecommunications facilities, to interfere

with the operation of the School District’s computing system.

8. Violation of copyright, trademark trade secrets or licensing agreement.

9. Use of computing facilities for the purchase, sale, and/or advertisement of goods

or services.

10. Use of computing facilities to interfere with the normal operation of the School

District’s computing system. Users may be required to make full financial

restitution for any damages to educational technology or unauthorized expenses

incurred through the use of educational technology.

Phone Usage

Students will only be allowed to use the phone to call home in emergency situations. The

office will determine if the situation is deemed an emergency. Students may not receive

phone calls at school. If it is necessary to get information to your student, please call the

office, and we will get a note to your student in emergency situations.

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Playground

The playground at Fulton Elementary is a place that we expect students to play and have

fun on. A part of those expectations are for students to follow the established playground

rules. Rules are as follows:

1. Students are to treat others with respect. Cursing and obscene gestures are

forbidden. Bullying, intimidation and threats will not be tolerated.

2. Students will follow all directions from the playground supervisor.

3. Any activity that might cause injury to another person is not permitted.

Games that involve wrestling, tripping, grabbing, tackling, or pushing will not

be allowed: examples are crack-the-whip, tackle football, bumper cars, king-

of-the-hill, etc.

4. Students are not allowed to have food, drinks, or gum on the playground.

5. Any equipment brought from home to use on the playground must have the

playground supervisor’s approval.

6. All students are to remain within the playground boundaries and are not to

reenter the building without permission.

7. Students are not to play on the grassy area between the sidewalk and the

school building.

8. Students are not to throw anything on the school roof. Balls being kicked

should be kept a good distance away from the building.

9. Students are not allowed to throw or kick stones, snow or snowballs.

10. Students are encouraged not to play on the ice or in puddles.

11. Students will use play equipment with good, common sense.

12. Students will not stand on slides, sleds, or swing seats, and no jumping from

the swings.

Playground Infractions may carry the following discipline:

1st Offense - Verbal warning.

2nd

Offense - Removal from a specified activity.

3rd

Offense - Time out on the bench.

4th

Offense - Referral to the Principal.

Discipline

Students, like everyone else in school, have the responsibility of treating others with

respect and fairness and to show common sense in all situations. There are, in addition,

other areas in which students have specific responsibilities in the school setting. These

include:

1. The responsibility of taking pride in and care of the building and school

property.

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2. Students have the responsibility to keep themselves informed about school in

general (rules, rights, policies, due process, and other information in the

handbook).

3. They have the responsibility of getting information and assignments missed

due to absence.

4. They are responsible for their attendance in school and the classes in which

they are enrolled.

5. Students have the responsibility to protect their private property and to respect

the private property of others.

6. Students have the responsibility to put forth maximum effort in their studies.

7. Students are constantly representatives of Fulton Elementary School, and

therefore, proper behavior should be shown at all times during athletic

contests, assemblies, and field trips.

Discipline in the classroom is the responsibility of the teachers and the students.

Disruptive conduct by students in a classroom can result in various discipline measures

such as contacting parents, disciplinary reports, detention, and in-school suspensions

assigned by the classroom teacher.

The following lists are given as examples of potential behavior violations and are not

intended to be an all-inclusive list of unacceptable behaviors. Depending on the severity

of the offense, levels may be skipped.

Level One Infractions may include:

1. Forgery/falsifying/cheating

2. Insubordination

3. Language

4. Misuse of books and school supplies

5. Mild harassment/bullying

6. Unsafe behaviors

7. Computer violations

8. Spitting

9. Disorder/disruption

10. Excessive absence/tardy

11. Abuse of staff or substitute

12. Classroom rules violations

Level One Infractions may carry the following discipline:

1st Offense - Verbal warning.

2nd

Offense – Up to 5 missed recess.

3rd

Offense – Up to 5 lunch detentions.

4th

Offense – Up to 3 days After-school detention.

5th

Offense – Up to 10 days suspension from school.

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Level Two Infractions may include:

1. Fighting

2. Theft

3. Harassment/bullying

4. Possession of lighters/matches

5. Public displays of affection

6. Skipping

7. Threats

8. Extortion/black mail

9. Property damage

10. Language towards staff

11. Gambling

Level Two Infractions may carry the following discipline:

1st Offense – Up to 5 days lunch detention.

2nd

Offense – Up to 3 days of After-school detention.

3rd

Offense – Up to 10 days of suspension.

Level Three Infractions may include:

1. Arson - The intentional setting of fire or attempt.

2. Assault - Physical threats or violence to persons.

3. Theft - Stealing of school or personal property greater than $100.

4. Explosives - Explosives or threat to use explosives of any kind are not

permitted on school property, or at any school sponsored events. This includes

fireworks of any kind.

5. Firearms – Firearms or look-a-likes are prohibited on school property or at

school sponsored events.

6. Vandalism - Property damage.

7. Sale, use, or possession of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs.

8. Trespass - Being present in an unauthorized place or refusing to leave when

ordered to do so.

9. Unlawful interference with school authorities - Interference with

administrators, teachers, or staff by force, violence, or threat of force or violence.

10. Possession of weapon/knife.

Level Three Infractions may carry the following discipline:

1st Offense – Up to 10 days suspension with consideration of expulsion

The commission of, or participation in such activities in a school building, on school

property, or at school sponsored events is prohibited. The police will be contacted and

asked to assist in dealing with these activities.

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The school, regardless of whether or not criminal charges result, will take disciplinary

action. In addition, any student with knowledge of criminal activity is required to report

the activity to a staff member. Otherwise, the students may be considered an accessory to

the crime and be disciplined accordingly.

Appeals to Discipline

Appeals to Discipline should be addressed as follows:

Parents may request a conference with the Principal. Such requests shall be made within

the period of separation or suspension. The Principal shall affirm or modify the term of

his action within two (2) school days from the date of the conference. The Principal’s

decision in case of temporary separation shall be final.

Within five (5) school days from the Principal’s decision the parent may appeal such

decision to the Superintendent of Schools or his designee. The Superintendent shall

affirm or modify the decision of the Principal within two (2) school days from hearing

the appeal.

The Superintendent's decision shall be considered final. The parents may appeal to the

School Board only in cases of alleged violation of due process by the Superintendent. In

such cases, the appeal shall be made in writing to the Board President within two (2)

school days after the parents' receipt of the decision and shall include a statement of the

alleged violation of the policy. The Board shall notify the parents of its decision within

ten (10) school days of receipt of the written request.

Academics

Power School

The staff at Fulton Elementary uses the Power School program for grading and

attendance. Parents can access student information 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

Parents are encouraged to sign-up; please contact the office for further details. Parents

can view current grading and attendance information from any phone or computer with

Internet access.

Make-Up Work

Students who have an excused absence from school shall be given the opportunity to

make up work that has been missed. The student should contact his/her teacher as soon

as possible to obtain assignments. Students will be given the number of days of excused

absence within which to make-up work. If a student misses a test due to an excused

absence, he/she may make arrangements with the teacher to take the test.

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Report Cards

Report cards are sent home 4 times a year. Report cards will be sent home with your

child one week after the conclusion of marking periods 1, 2, and 3. Fourth marking

period report cards will be mailed home one week after the close of school.

Progress Reports

Progress Reports will be sent home with students a minimum of 4 times a year.

Approximately half way through each marking period a Progress Report will be sent

home with your child.

Grading Scales

For students in Kindergarten and 1st Grade grades are as follows:

1 Area of Concern

2 Beginning

3 Progressing

4 Secure

* Blank Spaces mean that the skill has not yet been assessed.

For students in Grades 2-6 grades are as follows:

A+ 97-100% C+ 77-79%

A 93-96% C 73-76%

A- 90-92% C- 70-72%

B+ 87-89% D+ 67-69%

B 83-86% D 65-66%

B- 80-82% F below 65%

Promotion, Placement and Retention

Promotion to the next grade (or level) is based on the following criteria:

1. Current level of achievement

2. Potential for success at the next level

3. Emotional, physical, and/or social maturity

Awards

Honor Roll – Students in grades three through six who earn grades worthy of distinction

in our school attain honor roll status. Honor roll status is achieved by receiving a GPA of

3.0 or higher, with those students earning a 3.7 GPA or higher earning the distinction of

High Honors. All honor students are recognized in the Fulton Flyer.

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Students who earn High Honors in all marking periods are also recognized with a

Certificate of Achievement at the Awards Assembly at the end of the school year. It is

our hope that students put forth their personal best effort each day in all they attempt and

that the true honor is the satisfaction of a job well done.

Attendance – Each nine weeks, students with perfect attendance receive a Ponderosa

Steakhouse certificate and one free kid’s meal sponsored by the Ponderosa Steakhouse

Blue Ribbon Attendance Program. A student achieving perfect attendance for the entire

year will be awarded a perfect attendance award at the end of the school year.

Certificates will be distributed in each primary classroom. Students in grades 3-6 will

receive their certificates at the Awards Assembly at the end of the school year.

Lions Club Good Citizen – Every year each grade level Kindergarten through sixth

grade nominates a single student as their Lions Club Good Citizen. This student will be

honored at Lions Clubs meeting and will be taken to dinner with one parent at the

expense of the Lions Club. The student will also receive a savings bond for their efforts.

Student of the Month – Each month classroom teachers will nominate a student as

Student of the Month. Students will be honored at a monthly party and have their names

posted on the front office windows for the month.

Presidential Physical Fitness – Each year physical education students participate in the

Presidential Physical Fitness test. Students are tested on muscular strength, muscular

endurance, cardiovascular fitness, and flexibility. Those students who pass the

Presidential Physical Fitness test earn certificates at the end of the year awards program.

Homework Requests

Parents of absent students may request homework for their children by calling the office

before 11:00 a.m. Because teachers are not always able to put together homework during

the day, all requested homework would be available after 3:00 p.m. Parents can pick up

homework in the office after 3:00 p.m.

Services

Powerschool

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Fulton Elementary School uses the Power School electronic record book system for

keeping classroom grades in grades 1-6. Teachers update records on a regular basis and

parents are encouraged to monitor student progress frequently. Teacher Ease also allows

parents to e-mail communications directly to staff.

Parent Teacher Conferences

Parent Teacher Conferences are held each year in the fall and the spring. Parents are

strongly encouraged to attend these meeting to discuss your student’s progress

throughout the year. If you are unable to attend scheduled conferences, please make

every effort to contact your child’s teacher and make arrangements for an alternative

meeting time and date.

Newsletters

Each Friday a newsletter will be sent home with the oldest elementary student in each

family. This information will keep you up to date on most events happening in the

school. Please refer to the newsletter for current information. For your convenience the

newsletter is also posted on our web page.

Progress Reports

Progress Reports will be sent home with your student during the 5th

week of each

marking period. In addition, teachers may send home reports more frequently with

students.

Announcements/Postings

Fulton Elementary has a community bulletin board for posting community events. If you

have a community event that you would like to get the word out on, please bring a copy

of the posting to the office and we will post it for you. Clubs or groups interested in

getting information to students may drop off handouts and the school will provide

students access to the handouts.

SendMoneytoSchool.Com

Your student’s account can be maintained online at www.sendmoneytoschool.com

This web page will allow you to make deposits into your student’s account and view their

purchases here at school. You will need to have your child’s student number. Please call

the Food Service Department at 989-236-5642.

RESD Services

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In cooperation with the Gratiot-Isabella RESD, Fulton Elementary is able to provide the

following services to students who qualify:

Speech – Speech services are available up to 3 days a week at Fulton Elementary.

OT – Occupational Therapy services are available one day a week at Fulton Elementary.

PT – Physical Therapy services are available one day a week at Fulton Elementary.

Social Work – Social work is available one day a week at Fulton Elementary.

Resource Room

Our Special Education program operates from the resource room. Students who qualify

for services are scheduled for “pull-out” sessions in the resource room. Students receive

individual based instruction from the certified teacher and who has support from a para-

professional. Students work to achieve IEP goals in the areas of reading, writing, math,

social studies, and science.

Title I

The Title I Program is designed to assist children in need of remediation, primarily in

reading and math. Four Para-professionals and one Title I teacher arrange their schedules

to offer services to every elementary classroom on a daily basis. Students receive

additional instruction within the classroom setting or in the Learning Garden; the "home"

of Title I. Children receive services based on a number of factors. These include, teacher

recommendation, test scores, and parent requests. Instruction in the Learning Garden

takes place in a variety of ways. Some children work in small groups, others work

individually with our Title I personnel. Supplemental books, hands-on activities,

computer programs, and commercial products are available for instruction. The Learning

Garden has its own Accelerated Reader Reward Program, supported by the Fulton P.T.O.

Every year the Title I Program sponsors Math Night for all second graders and their

families, and Reading Night for all third graders and their families.

Special Classes

Physical Education At Fulton Elementary School we believe physical education plays an important role in

curriculum development. During physical education instruction, students learn the skills,

knowledge, attitude, and behaviors necessary to live a healthy and productive life.

In order to participate fully in physical education classes, students must be prepared to be

involved in physical activity. Proper gym shoes and dress facilitate full participation.

Sandals, crocs, dress shoes, and any shoe that does not offer the proper support for safe

participation are not considered acceptable for physical education class. Children are

expected to have clean shoes for class so that dirt is not tracked into the gymnasium,

which makes the floor slippery and unsafe. Female students who wear skirts or dresses to

school should bring in shorts or sweatpants to wear during Physical Education class.

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Participation in physical education is expected on a daily basis. In most cases, a child

who is healthy enough to attend school should be able to participate in physical education

class. Children who are unable to participate due to health reasons must have a written

note from a parent or guardian excusing the student for that day. Due to the busy

schedule of the office staff, phone calls are not accepted to excuse students from

participation. If a student is required to refrain from class participation for more than two

days, a doctor’s note is required. A date for re-admittance to class must be included for a

child to resume activity. Students may be required to complete an alternative assignment

during the time they are not physically participating in class.

Students in Grades 5 and 6 will receive a grade of A, B, C, D, or F based on their

participation, effort, and skill performance shown in class. For these students, a grading

scale and expectations will be handed out at the beginning of each school year.

Music

Classroom music is part of the curriculum at Fulton Schools. Each student receives

instructions for thirty minutes every week. Students will learn basic music concepts,

theory, music history, music of different cultures, concepts in vocal music, and learn

about the many different instruments.

Band Fifth and sixth grade Band is offered to students on a daily basis. In fifth grade, Band

students will learn beginning and basic skills while playing on a wind (brass or

woodwind) or percussion instrument. In sixth grade students will continue to master

skills on the wind and percussion instruments. During the school year the band will

perform in two concerts. Private lessons are not required for members of the band,

however they are highly recommended. Band is a class that is offered during the entire

school year and students must make a semester commitment.

PTO

The staff and students of Fulton Elementary are very proud of our PTO! Through its

service and support the PTO is an important part of the success we have experienced here

at Fulton. They strive to help us make Fulton Elementary a better school for all children.

Each of our PTO projects and activities are geared to assist our Fulton communities. This

past year the PTO helped by providing support and money for Building Better Bodies,

Kindergarten Readiness Bags, Rainy Day Funds, Accelerated Reading Program, March is

Reading Month, Open House, Spring Carnival, Grandparents’ Day, purchased new data

projectors, purchased new benches, assisted with 6th grade camp fees and much, much

more.

As you can see PTO is more than pouring coffee and baking cookies. We hope that you

will become an active member in our group.

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We urge you to help strengthen the Fulton Elementary PTO through your support and

participation. The PTO meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the

Media Center. You are encouraged to attend these meetings. The PTO can be as strong

and productive as our volunteers make it. There is great joy in serving the Fulton

educational community. Make plans to join us this fall.

Building Use

The Fulton Elementary school building is available for use to the public. If you have a

need to use the building please stop in the office to get the appropriate forms. All forms

must be filled out and then approved by the building Principal. Any fees due must be

paid before using the facility.

Safety Drills

Each year Fulton Elementary practices a variety of emergency situation drills. These

drills include: Fire, Tornado, Lockdown, and Evacuations. The Drills are conducted

both announced and unannounced. Students are expected to be cooperative and act

appropriately throughout any drill or practice that is taking place.

Guidance and Counseling

Bi-weekly visits to the classrooms discussing conflict management, study skills, career

awareness, substance abuse, internet safety, and strategies for being or making friends

enables students to learn resolutions to situations before they actually encounter them.

Individual counseling is available to all students by referral from students, parents, and/or

staff. Weekly counseling services need verbal or written permission from a parent or

guardian.

Anti-Harassment

Harassment of students is prohibited, and will not be tolerated. This includes

inappropriate conduct by other students as well as any other person in the school

environment, including employees, Board members, parents, guests, contractors, vendors,

and volunteers. It is the policy of the District to provide a safe nurturing educational

environment for all of its students. This policy applies to all activities on school property

and to all school-sponsored activities whether on or off school property.

Harassment is defined as inappropriate conduct that is repeated enough, or serious

enough, to negatively impact a student’s educational, physical, or emotional well being.

This would include harassment based on any of the legally protected characteristics, such

as sex, race, color, national origin, religion, height, weight, marital status, or disability.

This policy, however, is not limited to these legal categories and includes any harassment

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that would negatively impact students. This would include such activities as stalking,

bullying, name-calling, taunting, hazing, and other disruptive behaviors.

Bullying

Bullying is deliberate and hurtful behavior meant to belittle, frighten, hurt or exclude

someone. Bullying usually does not happen just once. It continues to happen over and

over. To stop bullying you need to report it to an adult immediately.

Reporting: Students can report bullying to the building administrator or counselor in

person or via the Report Bullying link available on the school website

www.fultonpirates.net

False Reporting: Making intentionally false reports about bullying/aggressive behavior

for the purpose of getting someone in trouble is similarly prohibited and will not be

tolerated. Retaliation and intentionally false reports may result in disciplinary action as

indicated above.

See Board Policy 5517 for complete policy statement. Board Policy can be found in the

link on our web-page www.fultonpirates.net

Non-Discrimination and Access to Equal Educational Opportunity

These guidelines shall be used to ensure that the Board of Education's policy on non-

discrimination (Policy 2260) is implemented properly and in compliance with Federal

and State laws and regulations, particularly Part 104 of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation

Act of 1973 (34 C.F.R.). A copy of Part 104 is provided as AG 2260A.

The policy states: The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of religion,

race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs, activities, or

employment. The following person(s) have been designated to handle inquiries regarding

the non-discrimination policies of the District or to address any complaint of

discrimination:

Mr. Daymond Grifka

Superintendent

Fulton Schools

8060 Ely Hwy.

Middleton, MI 48856

989-236-7300