HAGER ELEMENTARY

Student Handbook

2015-16

WELCOME LETTER

Dear Parents and Guardians:

Welcome to Hager Elementary. We are proud of our dedicated, experienced staff and enthusiastic learners!

As the demands of teaching children increase, it becomes more evident that we all need to work together to ensure that our children reach their full potential. We believe that all of us - the school and the community - must work together as a team to ensure success for all our students. We believe it is everyone's responsibility to empower children with the creativity and decision-making skills necessary for them to become academically, socially, physically and emotionally successful and responsible.

With that in mind, you are invited to be an active participant at Hager Elementary. Whether you are a classroom volunteer, a member of the Hager PTO, School Site-Based Council or a member of one of our school committees, you are encouraged to be involved! Research on schools clearly demonstrates that parent participation in a child's educational experience coincides with a greater likelihood of academic success for their child.

It is our desire to keep you informed of all that is taking place at school. Up-to-date and additional information will be sent to you through the weekly "Monday Folder" and will appear on our school web page. If you have questions or concerns that arise at any time, please do not hesitate to give your child's teacher or me a call. I look forward to having a long and rewarding relationship with you and your family.

Where Everyone Counts! Sincerely, Phillip Caudill, Principal(606-327-2731) Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

MASTER SCHEDULE 

7:00 am Doors unlocked for Safety Patrol only

7:25 am Safety Patrol begins duty-Doors unlocked for students

7:15-7:50 am Breakfast served

7:50 am First Bell

7:55 am Tardy Bell-Instructional day begins

10:40-12:45 pm Lunch/Recess

2:55 pm Dismissal Bell-Instructional Day ends

ACCELERATED READER POLICY/AWARDSProgram Description: The Accelerated Reader program allows students to select a book from the library based on their grade, interest level and reading level. When the child finishes a book, he/she will take a test on the book. Each test is prepared by Renaissance Learning, owner of the Accelerated Reader program, or by the librarian or a teacher. Students in grades 2 – 3 receive a progress report that shows the number of points they have accumulated and their average grade after each test. Students in grades 4-6 receive a progress report each time they take a test.Participation: Students in grades K-1 will participate in the Accelerated Reader Program at their teacher’s discretion. Students in grades 2-5 will participate in the Accelerated Reader program. End of the Year Eligibility: Awards will be given to the top 5 primary and top 5 intermediate readers that have maintained the following criteria:Primary: Earned the highest number of points while maintaining an average reading level of 3.0 or better AND maintaining an average grade of 80% or better for K -2nd grade and 85% or better for 3rd grade. NOTE: A primary student may accumulate a high number of points, but not maintain the appropriate average reading level and average grade. Therefore, he/she would not be eligible for an award.

Intermediate: Earned the highest number of points while maintaining an average reading level of 4.5 or better AND maintaining an average grade of 85% or better for 4th-5th grade. NOTE: An intermediate student may accumulate a high number of points, but not maintain the appropriate average reading level and average grade. Therefore, he/she would not be eligible for an award.

Tests are to be taken during the instructional day. It is extremely important for students to read AR books and AR test questions carefully. Poor test scores will not be deleted from a student’s record.

ATTENDANCEResearch shows that one way for students to be successful at school is to attend regularly and on time. Classroom instruction provided by teachers is a key element in making your child’s educational experiences a success. Although make-up work may be provided, it does not serve

as a substitute for knowledge gained from a classroom atmosphere. Occasionally there are circumstances where students are absent or tardy. Please review the school calendar when scheduling appointments and vacations to avoid unnecessary absences and tardies. KENTUCKY’S SCHOOL LAW REGARDING COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE159.150 Definitions of truant, habitual truant and being tardy; adoption of truancy policies by local school boards. Any child who has been absent from school without valid excuse for three (3) or more days, or tardy without valid excuse on three (3) or more days, is truant. Any child who has been reported as truant two (2) or more times is a habitual truant.  In the event of an absence, please follow the procedure below:

1. Notify the school by phone. Please note that this does not serve as a written excuse for the absence. Signing a student in/out of the office does not serve as an excused absence and/or tardy.

2. Upon returning to school, provide a doctor’s excuse or parent note for the day(s) absent. Parents will have five (5) days upon returning to school to provide a written excuse. Parent notes may be hand written or supplied via email. E-mails regarding absences should be sent to homeroom teachers.

*As per board policy, students shall be granted two (2) days for each excused absence during which to make up assignments. Work will be provided to students in a timely manner.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCESAbsences beyond five (5) absences per school year without a physician’s statement, which are not excused by an emergency absence extension, shall be unexcused. Students who have unexcused absences shall be permitted to make up missed class requirements. Students who are absent as a result of their first out-of-school suspension shall be permitted to make up missed class requirements. No make-up work shall be permitted for unexcused absences due to additional out-of-school suspensions.

ATTENDANCE-AWARDS ONLY

PERFECT ATTENDANCE AWARD POLICYStudents who have accumulated zero (0) absences and no more than two (2) excused tardies during a nine-week grading period will receive a perfect attendance award. Students who have accumulated zero (0) absences and no more than two (2) excused tardies during the school year will receive a perfect attendance award at the end of the year. FAITHFUL ATTENDANCE AWARDStudents accumulating unexcused absences and/or tardies during a nine-week grading period will not be eligible for the faithful attendance award. Students who have accumulated four (4) or less excused absences and/or tardies for the school year will be eligible for the Faithful Attendance Award at the end of the school year.

BEGINNING AND ENDING TIMESStudents should not arrive earlier than 7:00 a.m. because no one is available to supervise. Doors will not open until 7:00 a.m. The instructional day begins at 7:55 a.m. and is dismissed at 2:55 p.m. Students who walk home must go directly home at dismissal time. Students may not play on the school playground after dismissal without parental supervision.  Parents will complete a form at the beginning of the school year, indicating how their children will get home from school each day. Students may NOT cross 13th Street without an adult present. Anytime a child’s after-school routine changes, written instructions from the parent must be sent to school. Telephone calls are not adequate for changes in after-school plans. Tardy bell rings at 7:55 am. A student must be in his/her room before the tardy bell rings. If a student enters school after the tardy bell rings the parent must come to the office and sign the student in noting the reason for being tardy. If the reason a student is tardy is not documented it will automatically be unexcused. Therefore, we do need a documented record of why a student is tardy.

BEHAVIOR AND DISCIPLINEEvery person at Hager Elementary School is expected to treat every other person with dignity and respect. Staff, students and parents will work together to provide a wholesome, safe and academically sound environment at Hager Elementary School.Every student is expected to actively work on the following goals:1. Be Respectful:

a) Be respectful of everyone’s right to learn.b) Be respectful of your property and personal space as well as that of others.c) Be respectful by keeping hands, feet and objects to yourself.d) Treat people with respect and dignity through word, action and deed.e) Treat with respect those who have the responsibility for your educational experience, i.e.

Principal, Teachers, Instructional Aides, Secretary, Custodian, Cafeteria Workers, and Parents/Guardians.

2. Be Honest:a) Always tell the truth.b) Always do your own work.

3. Be Responsible:a) Be responsible with your work and supplies as well as those of others.b) Be responsible to always try.c) Be responsible to always do your best.d) Be responsible for your behavior.e) Be responsible to always do your homework.

******************************************************************The following steps will be followed when a student fails to be respectful, honest or responsible:The Student will:1st time - Be given a warning.2nd time - Sign the conduct book and receive a consequence as determined by the grade level teachers.

3rd time - Sign the conduct book, receive a consequence as determined by the grade level teachers and a phone call will be made to the parent/guardian describing the inappropriate behavior. 4th time - Sign the conduct book, be sent to the office, parent/guardian will be contacted (by phone or letter), and a parent/guardian conference will be requested. 5th time - Sign the conduct book, be sent to the office, have parent/ guardian contacted (by phone or letter), request a parent/guardian conference, receive one day in the Alternative Educational Room as described below in note 2. Severity Clause: Immediate disciplinary actions will be taken by the teacher and/or principal as a result of severe negative or disruptive behavior by the student. Parents or guardians will be notified. Notes:

1. After the 3rd time a student has been placed in the Alternative Educational Room for disciplinary measures, he or she may receive a five day in school suspension, or a one day out-of-school suspension as described in the Ashland Independent Schools Student Code of Acceptable Behavior and Discipline. An official letter will be sent to: 1) the parent/guardian, 2) superintendent and 3) a copy will be placed in the student’s permanent file.

2. An Alternative Educational Room is established for students who fail to conform to the rules and regulations of Hager Elementary School. The Alternative Educational Room provides close supervision with structured study and provides educational experiences for students, which should prevent their falling irretrievably behind their classmates. The students will be given class work that is to be counted as daily credit. A student may be assigned to the Alternative Educational Room for a period specified by the principal, depending on the violation.

 Harassment and discrimination will not be tolerated at Hager Elementary School. Harassment is defined as intimidation by threats or of actual physical violence, the creation of a climate of hostility or intimidation, or the use of language, conduct or symbols in such a manner as to be commonly used to convey hatred, contempt, or prejudice, or to have the effect of insulting or stigmatizing any person. Students engaging in harassment or discrimination of an employee or another student shall be subject to disciplinary action including, but not limited to, suspension and expulsion.

BICYCLES, SCOOTERS, AND SKATEBOARDSBicycles, scooters, and skateboards may not be ridden on the school premises. Bicycles, scooters, and skateboards must be walked across all streets. The safety and security of bicycles, scooters, and skateboards are the student’s responsibility. Bicycles must be parked in the bike rack located at the rear of the building and securely locked.

CHAIN OF COMMANDAny parent wishing to express an educational concern or grievance shall observe the following chain of command/order of appeal: 1. Teacher2. Principal3. School Council (if relevant to council authority)4. Superintendent5. Board of Education 

CITIZENSHIPIt is each student’s responsibility to display qualities of good citizenship. Appropriate conduct is expected in the halls, in the cafeteria, on the playground, in the classrooms, and on field trips. Hager teachers want students to become good citizens. Teachers will give special emphasis to honesty, morality, and courtesy. Obedience to law, respect of our country’s flag, appreciation of the Constitution of the United States, respect for parent and home, and recognition of the dignity and necessity of honest labor are characteristics desired and expected of all our students. Owners of property adjacent to the school and adjoining streets have a right to expect no trespassing on their property. Students must respect the rights of our neighbors.

CLOSING/DELAYSSchool closings and delays associated with inclement weather will be announced using the SHOUT Infinite Campus Message Notification Service along with local radio stations such as WRVC, WKEE, and WTCR and local TV stations such as Channels 3, 8, and 13. Please do not call the school. These stations will carry the announcements as soon as the decision is made. Remember we are the Ashland Independent School System. In addition, cancellations or delays are posted to our district website at www.ashland.kyschools.us. Should school be dismissed early, please have a plan in place for your child. Your child and his/her teacher must be informed of this emergency plan at the beginning of each school year. The telephone is not adequate for messages telling students what to do. Please do not call the school. 

DRESS CODE   1. All students are expected to be clean and well groomed. Appearance that is disruptive or

distracting will not be permitted.2. Dress should vary with the season and be appropriate for health and safety requirements

and class work. 3. Students may have outdoor recess when the temperature is above 40 degrees. Students

who do not wear appropriate coats during cool weather will not be permitted to go outside for recess.

4. Athletic shoes must be worn to physical education class. 5. Sandals are permissible in appropriate weather. 6. Students who wear shoes that will not stay securely on their feet may be restricted in their

outdoor recess activities.

7. No “Heelies” or skates.8. Excessive tightness or exposure in any garment will not be accepted. The following

clothing items are NOT permitted: Basketball or cheerleading uniforms, except for approved activities Pants with tears above the knee Spandex garments Mini skirts (skirts/shorts must reach the end of fingertips when student is standing

and hands are at the side) Low-cut tops (tops should not be revealing in any manner) Low-rise bottoms (jeans/pants must have a rise long enough to prohibit others from

viewing undergarments or body; when student is sitting, jeans/pants should not dip down and expose undergarments or body)

9. Tank shirts, muscle shirts, spaghetti straps and undershirts are not permissible attire unless worn over or under another shirt. All clothing must extend to the shoulder and cover the midriff.

10. Students may not wear garments that display obscenely suggestive behavior, violence, disrespect, profane language, illegal activities (i.e., alcohol, tobacco, or drug related), or symbols of such manner as to be commonly understood to convey hatred.

11. The following accessories may not be worn without permission of the principal: Wallet chains Hair paint

12. Offensive fake tattoos are not permissible.13. The following items may not be worn in the building without permission of the

principal: Hats or caps Sweat band Bandanas/Head Scarves Sunglasses

14. Cult or gang-related attire is not permitted.15. Pierced body jewelry (nose ring, eyebrow ring, etc.) may not be worn.16. Permanent tattoos must be covered.

 A pupil who is in violation of the dress code is to be sent by any member of the faculty that observes the violation to the principal or designee who will:

1. Call the parent/guardian so that the necessary changes can be made or send the student home to correct the violation and return to school. All missed class time will be unexcused.

2. A student may be placed in an Alternative Educational Placement if he/she violates the dress code.

3. Second offense may necessitate suspension.4. Third offense may necessitate a hearing with the Board of Education. The provision for

this procedure is KRS 158.150.

ELECTRONIC DEVICESAfter a student has passed the appropriate digital driver’s license course and returned Acceptable Use Agreement they will adhere to the following:Devices cannot be visible and or in use prior to the beginning of school. Devices can only be used during school with the permission of a staff member. Handheld game systems are not permitted at school unless special events are occurring. Smartphones can only be used for the purpose of network access while in the school building. If students use smartphones for reasons other than network access they will lose the privilege of using that device. Other electronic devices such as pagers, radios, CD players, mp3 players, laser pens, etc. shall not be brought to school by students or be in the possession of students at school. The devices will be confiscated and returned to a parent or guardian.

FIELD TRIP POLICYFrom time to time during the school year, teachers may feel that a trip outside the school will reinforce classroom activities. Parents are requested to sign a form at the beginning of the school year either granting or denying their children permission to participate in these activities. Parents will always be given advance notice before their children leave the building for a trip.  Students shall not be excluded from field trips or other co-curricular activities due to an inability to pay. If you have concerns in regards to paying for a field trip, please contact the school. Assistance may be available for those participating in the free/reduced lunch program. This information will remain confidential.  However, students may be excluded from participation for disciplinary reasons, such as excessive incomplete/missing assignments or repeated misbehavior. When a student is denied participation in any co-curricular activity for disciplinary reasons, arrangements will be made for the student to be involved in academic activities and be appropriately supervised.

Field Trips are part of the instructional day. If chaperones are needed they must:1.) Be chosen by the teacher or principal.2.) Have on file a completed criminal records check.3.) Sign in and wear a name tag deemed by school policy.3.) Assist the teacher and class as a whole.

Parents not chosen as chaperones are asked not to “tag along” as this is a distraction and lessens the value of the field trip experience. Persons not of school age, parents of students, and persons not associated with the schools shall not be permitted to ride the buses during the scheduled transporting of students.

FOOD SERVICES(BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAM)According to Kentucky law, the serving of any food or beverage item to students in competition with the School Breakfast Program or the National School Lunch Program is prohibited. Therefore, students may not bring “fast food” or soft drinks for breakfast or lunch. Breakfast is served at 7:25 a.m. For the 2015-16 school year, all students will have the opportunity to eat a free breakfast and lunch at school every day. We invite you to join your child for lunch by calling our Food Service Manager at 327-2738 ext 2142 before 8:30 a.m. A

variety of items may be chosen for lunch. Ala-carte items (or extras) are sold daily during Breakfast and Lunch. These items are above the reimbursable meal pattern.

GRADING SCALE & HOMEWORK POLICY

GRADING SCALEKindergarten – 3rd grade students will receive a primary report card at the end of each nine week grading period. 2nd and 3rd grade students will also have a percentage noted in specific content areas. These percentages are consistent with the grading scale used at the intermediate level. Students in 4th and 5th grade receive letter grades. Parents may access the Information Portal in Infinite Campus to review grades. The Portal web address is https://infinitecampus.ashland.kyschools.us/campus/portal/ashland.jsp. The Hager grading scale is:  A 90-100   B 80-89

C 70-79D 60-69F Below 60 

Homework is an opportunity to practice and strengthen academic skills, and a valuable tool for equipping a child with many character-building qualities including:

        responsibility        perseverance        time management        initiative        self-reliance        problem-solving        accountability

 Children who take responsibility for homework are building a solid foundation for adulthood. Homework also provides a valuable connection between the school and home. Be sure to visit Hager’s website at www.hager.ashland.kyschools.us to review classroom policies and procedures specific to your child’s grade level. 

HOMEWORK POLICYKindergarten/First Grade: Homework procedures will be set forth by the grade level teachers and expectations will be communicated in writing to parents.Second/Third Grade:The following steps will be followed on a weekly basis, each time a student fails to complete his/her homework:

1st and 2nd time: The student will stay in at recess to complete the missing homework assignment or an alternative assignment chosen by the teacher.3rd time: The student will stay in during recess to complete the missing assignment or an alternate assignment chosen by the teacher. The teacher will contact the parents by letter or by a phone describing the homework that has not been completed.

4th time: The student will be sent to the office and will complete the missing assignment or an alternative assignment chosen by the teacher at recess. The parents will be contacted by phone or by letter to request a conference.5th time: The student will complete the missing assignment or an alternative assignment chosen by the teacher at recess. The parents will be contacted by phone or letter to request a conference. The student will spend one day in the Alternative Education Room as described in the Hager Elementary School Discipline policy. The missing homework may be made up at this time as well as the work that would have been completed in the classroom that day.

Notes: a) Students will not be allowed to call home for homework.b) Students who develop a pattern of repeated missing or incomplete assignments may be assigned to the Alternative Educational Room to complete classroom work.

Fourth/Fifth Grade:These steps will be followed, on a weekly basis, each time a student fails to complete his/her homework.The student will:

1st time: Sign the homework log book and complete work or an alternate assignment as directed by homeroom teacher.2nd time: Sign the homework log book and complete work or an alternate assignment as directed by the teacher.3rd time: Sign the homework log book, and complete work or an alternate assignment as directed by the teacher. The teacher will make a phone call or send a letter to the parent describing the homework that has not been completed.4th time: Sign the homework log book, and complete work or alternate assignment as directed by the teacher, and be sent to the office. The parent/guardian will be contacted by phone or letter to request a conference.5th time: Sign the homework log book, and complete work or alternate assignment as directed by the teacher, and be sent to the office. The parent/guardian will be contacted by phone or letter to request a conference and the student will spend one day in the Alternative Education Room as described in Hager Elementary School Discipline Policy. The missing homework will be made up at this time as well as the work that would have been completed in the classroom that day.

Notes:a) Assignment to the Alternative Education Room for homework does not count toward the discipline plan unless behavior is negatively affected by incomplete assignments (i.e., disrespectful or defiant behavior).b) Students who develop a pattern of repeated missing or incomplete assignments may be assigned to the Alternative Education Room to complete classroom work.

ITEMS/ INVITATIONS DELIVERED TO STUDENTS To alleviate distractions during the instructional day, the delivery of flowers, balloons and other gifts to students will no longer be accepted at the Hager Elementary Office. Students may not distribute invitations (birthday, party, etc.) during the instructional day. These invitations may

be distributed at the end of the day, under the specification that all class members receive an invitation.

LIBRARY BOOKS/MEDIA CENTERThe librarian will monitor the checkout and return of library books and all media materials. Students with overdue books, equipment and/or tapes from the previous school year or from the summer will be denied the privilege of checking out books until the book(s) are returned to the library.If a book, tape or equipment is lost or damaged while checked out in the student’s name, the student is responsible for payment of the purchase price of the item(s).If a student transfers from Hager to another school in Kentucky or any other state, the student must return or pay for any library materials he or she has checked out from Hager’s library before the student leaves Hager. If the student does not return or pay for these items, the librarian will contact the student’s new school and request denial of checkout privileges until the book is returned to Hager.Any student enrolling in Hager with an overdue library book, equipment and/or tapes from another school will not be able to check out item(s) from Hager’s library until the item(s) are returned to the previous school. This policy will remain in effect until payment is made or the item(s) are returned to the previous school. The student or student’s family may return the item(s) or make payment for it to Hager, and Hager’s librarian will forward the item(s) or money to the previous school. Any problems regarding the item(s) or payment for the item(s) must be discussed with the student’s previous school. Pursuant to Ashland Independent School District Policy 08.23, students are responsible for paying for the purchase price of books, equipment and/or tapes that are damaged while in their possession. Students will not be able to check out other item(s) until payment is made for the damaged book. Students who do not return books, tapes, or equipment or make payment for misplaced/damaged items prior to the last week of school will be given reminder notices each day until the items are returned or payment is made. Students who do not return items or make payment for misplaced/damaged items may be denied participation in special end-of-the-year activities, such as Field Day.

LOST AND FOUND When an unclaimed item is found, it will be placed in our lost and found bin located in the gym. Every year we have a LARGE number of lost and found items that are never claimed. Students and parents are encouraged to look for items that have been lost. We also encourage you to put your child’s name in his/her coats, hats, gloves, lunch boxes, and backpacks. Periodically throughout the year we will announce when unclaimed items will be donated to charity organizations. 

MEDICAL/MEDICATION INFORMATIONEach student enrolled in the AISD is required to have a proof of updated immunization, presentation of birth certificate (original), vision examination performed by an optometrist and a Kentucky physical exam upon enrollment.Students will not be permitted to attend school until the required records are in place. The school cannot administer medicine, including pain relievers, without expressed written consent of the parent. Students who need to take medication during the school day must submit a signed

medication form. All prescription medication must be left in the original container. The medication and form will remain in the office.

MONDAY FOLDERWe wish to make every effort to communicate with parents. Students will bring a “Monday Folder” home each Monday with their classroom work, messages from the school, and announcements from the PTO. Please look over your child’s work and notices each Monday evening. Feel free to notify your child’s teacher if you have any questions about the contents of the folder. Parents must date and sign the back of the folder. It should be returned to school each Tuesday. 

SHOUT MESSAGE NOTIFICATION SERVICEHager implements the SHOUT Message Notification Service to provide reminders/messages from school. This will allow us to contact all our Hager families and keep you informed of special events, cancellations, and programs.

PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCE INFORMATIONParents are welcomed and encouraged to discuss their child’s progress with teachers and the principal. Appointments for parent conferences may be made through the office. Teachers will also schedule appointments as necessary at the end of each nine-week grading period and for review of test scores. We also encourage parents to utilize the Monday Folder, agenda books (intermediate grades only), and email as a means of communication. 

PARKING/PICK-UP AND DROP-OFFAfter the first two weeks of school, your child should be familiar with his/her school setting and pick-up and drop-off schedule. We have Safety Patrol and staff on duty to greet children and assist to their needs.MORNING REMINDER: If you come into the building in the morning, students are to be dropped off by the cafeteria doors. We recommend dropping off in the front of the building and allowing your child to enter the building alone.AFTERNOON REMINDER: In order to maximize student dismissal from school, please wait outside. Please adhere to the procedure of both dropping off your child and picking him or her up on the Hager Street side of the school. Do not use the bus loading/unloading area for drop-off or pick-up or parking. We do not allow children to be dropped off on Blackburn Avenue due to the high volume of traffic. This is for the safety of your child. Please note that Hager Street is one-way both before and after school. A stop sign is placed at the crosswalk on Hager Street by our school safety patrol. Please keep our students safe by coming to a complete stop at this crosswalk.  The upper parking lot is for staff and handicapped individuals. A handicap sign/decal is required. If you are going to park and walk to the building to pick up your child you should park in the lower lot at the corner of Blackburn Ave. and Lincoln St. in a marked parking space. Please do not attempt to park in the upper lot to wait on your child. The school patrol has been instructed not to move the cones for anyone to enter the upper lot in the morning and after school, except for staff and handicapped individuals who are entering the building.

Parents must accompany their children at all times when using the lower lot at the corner of Blackburn Ave. and Lincoln St. Drivers have a very difficult time seeing small children when backing out of spaces. If your child is picked up in the lower parking lot, please park your car in a space provided and walk your child back to the car. All students will be waiting under the tree with a member of safety patrol for the parent to escort them through the parking lot. This will enable us to keep students off the Blackburn Ave. sidewalk during dismissal. Do not leave cars running and unattended. During dismissal kindergarten and first grade students are escorted outside by their homeroom teacher. Kindergarten and first grade students remain with the teacher until a parent arrives. Thank you for keeping our students safe.

PTO INFORMATION PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization) is an organization of parents, teachers, school staff, administrators, and other members of the community who care about our children and youth. The Hager PTO offers exciting programs and projects unique to our school and community, including:

providing opportunities for parents to become involved in their children’s education providing opportunities for families to come together at school, such as PTO meetings,

special dinners, and Fall Festival providing a large group of volunteers to assist the school working with school administrators and teachers to provide enriching activities for

students.

SCHOOL BASED DECISION MAKING (SBDM) COUNCILThe SBDM is a group of elected members who make decisions in regards to student achievement. Meetings are open to the public. The Council needs concerned parents to actively serve on SBDM committees. Contact the school office for more information. 

SCHOOL WEBSITECommunication is an essential part of providing a successful educational experience for your child. Our staff is willing to discuss any concerns or questions you may have concerning your child’s education. Feel free to call or e-mail us at any time. We encourage you to visit our website at www.hager.ashland.kyschools.us to find out about upcoming events, school projects, to see the breakfast and lunch menu and teacher email addresses. In addition to our school website, all teachers have classroom websites as well. Teacher websites provide valuable information to both students and parents.

STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCEThe Ashland Board of Education is providing school accident insurance coverage for every student enrolled in the Ashland Independent School District. For more information, please contact the Principal’s office. 

TESTINGThe state assessment window for spring testing is the last 14 instructional days of the 2015 –2016 school calendar. Please do not schedule appointments/trips during the testing window. We encourage parents to talk with their children about testing and how schools are held accountable

for the progress of their students. Third grade students are assessed in math and reading. Fourth grade students complete the KCAS in the areas of reading, math, and editing/mechanics. Fifth graders are assessed in reading, math, social studies, and on-demand writing. Each grade level will also participate in a Norm Referenced Test (NRT) during the testing window.

VISITORSParents and visitors are always welcome in our school. Hager uses a buzzer entrance system. All visitors will buzz in, identify themselves, and then be allowed to enter the school. Upon entering the building report to the office, sign in, and wear a visitor’s badge. This helps keep unauthorized persons from interrupting the teaching process and possibly enticing students to leave school with them.