Student/Parent Handbook 2019-2020

Dartmouth Elementary 417 Dartmouth Lane

Richardson, TX 75081 Phone(469) 593-8400 Fax (469)593-8408

WELCOME

The faculty/staff would like to welcome each of our families to a wonderful and exciting new year at Dartmouth Elementary. We are available to assist you in any way possible. The administration can be reached at the following numbers:

Main Office 469-593-8400 Principal, Stacey Marx 469-593-8455 Assistant Principal, Ron Crawford 469-593-8417 Clinic 469-593-8404 Cafeteria 469-593-8445 Fax 469-593-8408

MISSION STATEMENTS

RISD Where all students connect, learn, grow and succeed. Dartmouth Elementary Instill a desire for learning that will enable all students to be responsible, respectful and ready members of a changing society.

PREFACE

This Dartmouth Student Handbook contains information needed by both students and parents during the school year. It is organized by topics. Students are addressed as "the student," "students," "the child", or "children." The term "the student's parent" refers to the parent, legal guardian, or other person who has agreed to assume school-related responsibilities for the student. Students and parents also need to be familiar with the Richardson Independent School District Student/Parent Guidebook and Student Code of Conduct. This document will be accessible via the internet. The RISD Student Code of Conduct is the framework from which our handbook is written.

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ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES

90% ATTENDANCE ACCOUNTING RULE

A student must be in attendance 90% of the days class is offered in order to receive credit for that grade level. Students who accumulate excessive absences during a school year can be considered for retention, as decided by the Principal and Campus Attendance Review Committee. If a student accumulates enough absences for the 90% rule to take effect, a mandatory meeting must be convened between the parent and the attendance committee. During this meeting, a plan is required to be completed to help students attend school regularly. Unless special circumstances exist, all absences after the 90% rule will be required to have a doctor’s note for the absence to be excused.

OFFICIAL DARTMOUTH ATTENDANCE TIME

The official attendance time for Dartmouth is 7:50 AM – 3:00 PM. Students arriving after 7:50 AM are counted tardy. Classes begin promptly at 7:50 AM. If your child is tardy, they are missing valuable instruction. Students arriving after 8:05 will be considered to miss part of the school day and no longer tardy – it will be a partial day absence. Unless a note is sent explaining the absence, all partial day absences are unexcused. Make every effort to have your child at school by the first bell at 7:40 AM. Students arriving after 9:30 AM are considered absent.

TARDY PROCEDURES

● Students should be in their seats at 7:50 AM each day ready to work. If a student

arrives after the 7:50 AM bell, he/she will be counted tardy, and will be sent to the Main Office to sign in and receive a Tardy Pass before being admitted to class.

● A student arriving at 8:05 AM or later will be designated as absent for a partial day and the absence will be counted as an unexcused absence on the attendance record.

● If a campus administrator determines a student exhibits excessive tardiness, he/she may notify the student that any subsequent tardies will be counted as partial day unexcused absences on the attendance records.

Establishing a morning routine which allows ample time for your child to wake up, eat breakfast and get ready to start the academic day is not only essential for success as a student at Dartmouth, but instills lifelong patterns which will aid your child in his/her future successes. If your child plans to eat breakfast at Dartmouth, plan for their arrival between 7:30 am - 7:40am so they have time to eat and are to class on time.

MEDICAL APPOINTMENT EXCEPTION Students who miss part of a single school day for a medical appointment should bring a note from the doctor, dentist, or medical provider, on their stationary, with the appointment date and time to be eligible for the following exceptions:

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● A student who has been at a medical appointment and arrives after 7:50 AM but before 10:00 AM will not be counted absent or tardy if they bring a note from the medical provider.

● A student who has been at a medical appointment and arrives after 10:00 AM will not be counted absent if they bring a note from the medical provider.

● A student who leaves school for a medical appointment after 7:50 AM and returns after 10:00 AM will not be counted absent if they bring a note from the medical provider.

● Students signing in from a medical appointment without a note from the provider will be counted either absent or tardy.

ABSENCES

● A student absent from school for any portion(s) of a school day shall provide a note

from their parent/guardian describing the reason for the absence. The note must be signed by the student’s parent/guardian (unless the student has been at a medical appointment – see above). Written excuses must be received within three (3) school days of the absence, or the absence will be unexcused. It is also helpful if you notify the front office of your child’s absence, (469) 593-8400; however, a phone call will not excuse an absence. A signed note is still required.

● Chronic excessive absences are subject to the guidelines set out by the RISD Parent/Student Guidebook. Students who accumulate three (3) or more unexcused absences will receive a warning letter and be required to develop a Truancy Intervention Plan with the school. A referral to the truancy court will be made on the tenth (10th) or more unexcused absences. A parent conference will be required again after the 7th unexcused absence.

● When a student’s absence for personal illness exceeds three consecutive school days, the student must bring a statement from a physician or health clinic verifying the illness or other condition requiring the student’s extended absence from school.

● Under the RISD Guidelines, any student missing more than 10% of the school year is required to develop a plan for intervention and support with the school. An attendance committee comprised of the principal, classroom teacher, counselor and parent will be required to meet and develop the plan. If a child is not present at least 75% of the school year, the student may not receive credit for that grade level.

EXCUSED ABSENCES: Some examples of Excused Absences are: 1. Student Illness 2. Family emergency or unavoidable instance requiring immediate attention 3. Medical procedures that take the full day (usually not a single medical appointment). 4. Funerals for members of the student’s immediate family (siblings, parents, grand-

parents). 5. Special provisions apply for a deployed military parent (leaving or returning). Prior

notice to the school is required.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: Some examples of Unexcused Absences are:

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1. NO WRITTEN EXCUSE FROM THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN AUTOMATICALLY DETERMINES AN UNEXCUSED ABSENCE

2. Truancy 3. Personal or family vacation (i.e., Skiing, hunting, fishing, grandparents’ visits, etc.) 4. Private lessons 5. Baby-sitting siblings 6. Students without a doctor’s note after they have reached the 90% rule.

RELIGIOUS HOLY DAYS: Students who are absent for religious holy days, that are a tenet of their faith, are not counted absent if a note is received from the parent, guardian, or place of worship. If this required note is not received, the student will be given an unexcused absence.

❖ The above lists are intended as guidelines and are not all-inclusive. The Principal makes all final determinations concerning absence excuse notes.

PERFECT ATTENDANCE Perfect attendance will be recognized for each 9 weeks grading period. A student is eligible for perfect attendance awards if he/she has zero absences or tardies during the grading period and school year.

ARRIVAL & DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

Morning Drop Off Parent drop off will take place in the drop off lane in front of the building. Please drive all the way down, so traffic can flow. For the safety of our students, only the main entrance by the office will be open for drop off. Students must follow the directions of the Crossing Guard posted at the intersection. Only busses and daycares will use the doors on the south side of the building (Apollo Road). Students will be expected to go directly to the cafeteria upon arrival. At 7:40, teachers will escort their students to class. The morning tardy bell will ring at 7:50 AM. If driving to school, please plan to arrive by 7:40 AM in order to account for possible traffic and drop off delays. If your child is planning to have breakfast at school, they may enter the building at 7:25. Please do not drop your child off prior to 7:25 AM. There is no supervision provided prior to 7:25 AM. On the first day of school, we encourage all parents to escort their students to class and meet their teachers. Beginning the second day of school, all students are expected to enter the building independently. The HUG Zone has been established at our main entrance. Parents may walk their children to the front door, give them a hug or high five, and wish them well as they begin their day. Staff members are stationed throughout the building to help children with any needs or questions. Breakfast Expectations

● Breakfast will be served from 7:25 to 7:45 each day. Students will not be able to go through

the line after that time. Any student still in the cafeteria after 7:50 will be considered tardy. ● Students will enter the cafeteria quietly. ● Students are to remain seated and follow directions given by cafeteria monitor.

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Students Arriving Prior to 7:40

● Upon arrival, all students (K-6) will be directed to a designated grade level area of the cafeteria.

● All students are to follow directions given by the supervising staff member. Afternoon Pick Up: 3:00 Students that are being picked up by a bus will exit the south end of the building to board their bus. Individual car pick-up on the south side of the building is prohibited. Parents should use the circle drives on the North and East side of the building for pick-up. Drivers are expected to remain in their vehicle in their lanes. Parking in flow through lanes prohibits traffic fluency and can create a dangerous situation for students. If you wish to park, please use the approved parking spaces. No left turn can be made during dismissal for either circle drive. Students who attend the xPlore Program will be taken directly to their program when the dismissal bell rings. Often in the first few days, our younger students are confused about whether their parents are picking them up or if they are to ride the bus. Please do your best to help them be sure of how they are getting home. Students are to provide their classroom teacher with a NOTE from their parent / guardian if there is a change in their getting home procedure. Dismissal Locations are as follows: PPCD/Kinder/1st - Pick up entrance and exit on Drake (North side of school) 3rd through 6th - Pick up entrance and exit on Dartmouth Ln (East side of school-Main entrance) NOTICE - Drivers are subject to receiving a citation from the Richardson Police Department for violating any traffic laws including parking between the signs identifying the crosswalks, parking in fire lanes, speeding, using hand held devices in a school zone, etc. On days and nights when the school sponsors special programs, you may park in the teachers' parking area as long as space permits. If you arrive after 3:15, you must come inside and sign your child out in the office.

BIRTHDAYS

If you would like your child to celebrate his/her birthday with the class, please bring non-food items such as pencils, erasers, etc. to share with the class. Parents may also purchase ice cream through our cafeteria, provided that the entire class is included. Parents must notify the teacher in advance if planning to purchase ice cream so that he/she may check for allergies. Food items will not be permitted in the classrooms. Invitations for private parties cannot be handed out at school unless the entire class is included. Flowers/balloons/etc. may not be delivered to the classroom during the instructional day. If delivered to the school, these items will be kept in the office and sent home with the student at the end of the day.

BUILDING VISITORS

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Parents are welcome and encouraged to visit our school. Visits with teachers or other school staff members should be by appointment. Please do not visit with a teacher during instruction time so the teacher can continue teaching! We value our visitor and volunteer support, but please commit to not interrupt instructional time. For the safety and protection of all students, visitors must first check in at the office before entering the building. A valid state ID, driver’s license or other formal type of identification will be requested. The visitor’s badge must be worn visibly at all times.

BUS POLICY The RISD provides bus transportation in the interest of student safety. If the behavior of our students jeopardizes their safety or the safety of others, either while riding on the bus or waiting for the bus, then it becomes necessary for the school to take steps to correct and/or eliminate these unsafe conditions. If a student is involved in a bus disturbance of any nature, the student involved will have his/her bus privileges revoked for a designated time period. The students whose bus privileges have been revoked will not be allowed to ride the bus for that designated time period. Parents will be notified by either phone or in writing and given one day advanced notice as to this consequence. In addition, if the disturbance is physically assaultive in nature: fighting, hitting, pushing intentionally, the school disciplinary policy will also be enforced. These consequences will be in addition to the aforementioned bus policy consequences. Since the safety of our students is our first concern, our drivers need to have their undivided attention on their duty of driving the bus, not correcting student behaviors. If their attention is divided between the road and correcting student behaviors on the bus, the safety of our students is jeopardized. Students who are violating safety rules and misbehaving on the bus are endangering the safety of everyone on the bus. We appreciate and thank you for your support in caring for the safety of all who participate in our bus service.

CAFETERIA SERVICES

General Information/Payment The Richardson Independent School District serves nutritious meals every school day. Students may buy lunches for $2.80 and breakfast for $2.10. A menu for the entire year goes home at beginning of the school year and is available on the RISD and Dartmouth websites. Please take advantage of the options to prepay your student's meal accounts. Prepaid meal accounts help the lunch lines go faster and give students more time to eat, relax, and visit with friends. It also removes the inconvenience of looking for lunch money every day or worrying that it might get lost, stolen or used for things other than lunch. Online payments are a simple, safe and secure way to make payments to your students account 24 hours a day at your convenience. Visit the website Pam’s Lunch Room at www.paypams.com. At

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Pam's Lunch Room, you can prepay for your child's account. A five percent handling fee (labeled SHIPPING) is added for each prepay increment. You can always bring money personally or send it with your student. Please place it in an envelope marked clearly with your student's name, their ID #, their teacher's name, the $ amount and the check #. Turn in prepaid deposits to the cafeteria cashier(s) or school office. Checks must include the check writers’ birthdate and driver’s license number. The District participates in the National School Lunch Program and offers free or reduced-priced meals based on a student's financial need. To apply for free or reduced-price meals, parents must complete an application, sign it, and return it to the school. You may also apply for free or reduced school meals online! www.schoollunchapp.com . You can check the status of your application at www.schoolunchstatus.com Further information may be obtained by calling the Child Nutrition office at 469-593-0101 and the website www.RichardsonISDChildNutrition.com.

Cafeteria Procedures and Expectations

Cafeteria expectations are communicated to students.

* Golden Duck awards are given to the primary and intermediate class with the best behavior each nine weeks in the cafeteria. Additionally, classes earn points based on being responsible, respectful, and ready. Cafeteria Visitors

Visitors are welcome to join their student for lunch. Lunch visitors must check in through the main office upon arrival and are expected to meet their child in the cafeteria. All guests are expected to sit with their child only at the special guest tables on the stage. Junior high and high school siblings will not be permitted to visit at lunch unless accompanied by a parent. Guests must finish their visit by the end of the scheduled lunchtime, and say goodbye to their student in the cafeteria, so that students do not miss instruction or class activities. If you visit at lunch, please sign out at the office after lunch is over.

CLASSROOM INTERRUPTIONS

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Parents should not interrupt class instruction to deliver lunches, glasses, sweaters, etc. Front office personnel can handle all personal business in the office. Students will not be allowed to make or receive phone calls during instructional class time. Messages for students will be placed in the teacher’s mailbox and the teacher will deliver the message to the student. Students will only be called to the office in the case of an emergency. If you are volunteering in the building, please do not go to classrooms other than the location you are volunteering. If you wish to set up a conference with a teacher, please communicate via email, phone, etc. rather than randomly stopping by their classroom.

CLINIC INFORMATION

Each year parents are asked to complete an emergency care form that includes a place for parental consent for school officials to obtain medical treatment for the student, as permitted by law. Other information that may be required in case of an emergency should be provided and updated by the parents as necessary. Any medication that a student takes at school must be documented through the clinic and kept by the nurse. Students may not keep their own medication (including cough drops) without the nurse’s involvement. The nurse will insure all RISD medication policies are followed. District policy states that a student must be fever-free and/or vomit-free for 24 hours before returning to school after illness. When dealing with issues related to immunizations or illness, please visit with our school nurse.

DARTMOUTH DISCIPLINE MANAGEMENT PLAN

STUDENT BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS AND POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORTS AND STRATEGIES (PBIS) Students at Dartmouth are always courteous and respectful. Life skills are demonstrated at all times in the following manner:

General Information / Purpose In order for any school to be successful the environment must be conducive to learning. Successful schools have clearly defined rules of operation, are consistent in the application of those rules, and

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display a conscientious attitude on the part of its students, staff, and community in complying with those standards. When students fail to meet these behavioral expectations, teachers will handle the student(s) according to the defined discipline system. Persistent misbehavior and any major offense will be submitted to the principal for an office referral. Principal discretion will apply to the consequence for these actions. This discipline plan is consistent with local and state policies. The RISD Student Code of Conduct provides additional information concerning various offenses and consequences as defined by the RISD School Board.

Disciplinary procedures may include but are not limited to: counseling by the teacher, counselor, principal, special student services, or other school personnel; parent-teacher conference; cooling off or time-out; behavioral contracts; assignment of school duties other than class tasks; verbal corrections; loss of privileges, including participation in field trips, extracurricular activities, and honorary positions; being sent to the office or other assigned areas; detention; referral to outside agency or authority; temporary confiscation of items that disrupt the educational process; grade penalties for cheating and truancy; repair of or restitution for damaged materials, equipment or furniture; other disciplinary actions decided by the principal. Multiple office referrals/offenses will be tracked as part of a system to help the student correct the misbehavior. Parents are expected to sign and return the office referral to the school. Major infractions or persistent misbehavior violating the RISD Code of Conduct may result in In-School Suspension, Out- of- School Suspension or placement at Christa McAuliffe Alternative Learning Center. Campus staff adhere to the RISD District Student Code of Conduct.

PBIS

PBIS stands for Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports. As a campus, we are focusing on establishing clear expectations, and reinforcing them with positive feedback. The overall goal of PBIS is to increase positive behavior by rewarding students who demonstrate it, and to increase positive interactions between students and teachers. This year our campus is implementing PBIS strategies and expectations in our common spaces. As a whole campus, we will be focusing on being: Responsible Respectful Ready Below are the posters that you will see in our building. Be sure to ask your child about them!

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DRESS CODE Students are expected to dress appropriately for school at all times. At Dartmouth, we know that when students are dressed appropriately, they are able to do their best work and participate actively in all aspects of learning. Students are encouraged to take pride in their personal appearance. Cleanliness, modesty, safety, and effect on the learning environment are the criteria that should dictate choice of school dress and grooming. The following guidelines have been set to ensure proper dress for all students:

● Shorts may be worn by boys and girls in all grades provided that they are an appropriate length. When hands are placed at your side, shorts need to be at least as long as finger tips. Short-shorts and/or running shorts are not appropriate. The same length requirement applies to girls’ skirts/skorts/dresses.

● Shoes must be appropriate for PE and recess activities. For safety reasons, students are strongly encouraged to wear tennis shoes at all times and refrain from open-toed shoes, flip-flops or sandals.

● Sleeveless or spaghetti strap shirts are not permitted, nor are tops that expose a student’s mid-section. Clothing that reveals undergarments will be considered inappropriate for school.

● Slogans or logos that might be considered offensive or promote illegal/harmful substances will not be permitted. When in doubt, don’t wear it to school.

● Accessories, hairstyles, and other fashion statements should not be a distraction to the overall learning environment.

● Hats are not permitted in the building, with the exception of specially designated hat/spirit days.

Students who are not appropriately dressed according to the RISD Code Conduct and the above guidelines are considered in violation of dress code. Parents will be contacted by the student’s teacher and asked to provide appropriate clothing. Persistent violations of the above dress code may result in disciplinary actions. While it is inevitable that there will be differences of opinion as to the appropriateness of dress, the final determination will be the responsibility of the principal.

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICES Electronic devices are not to be visible and shall remain off during the instructional day. The instructional day at Dartmouth is Monday – Friday, from the time the student enters the building until they are outside in the afternoon. Tutoring, field trips, and after school activities are included as part of the instructional day. If this policy is violated, the device is to be taken up by a school official and turned in to the office. Devices will be returned to a parent or guardian, not a student. Please see the RISD Student/Parent Guidebook and Student Code of Conduct for further details. Electronic communication devices include but are not limited to: • Cell phones • smart watches • Any other electronic device capable of transmitting electronic signals (including Bluetooth and/or infrared technology, IPODS, IPADS, MP3 players, handheld games, etc.)

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6th graders’ Bring Your Own Device Policy RISD now affords 6th grade students the opportunity to bring their own devices with WiFi capability to the campus for instructional purposes. Parents must give their approval and all users of the RISD Guest Network shall comply with the Guidelines for Responsible Use of Technology Resources, as well as parameters set specifically for Dartmouth Elementary. Per the agreement, RISD & Dartmouth are not responsible for any damage or theft of student-owned equipment brought to school. PLEASE NOTE: ALL 6th grade students MUST have an Acknowledgement and Authorization form on file with parent signature before bringing ANY personal device that is capable of receiving a wireless signal to school. Administrators and teachers will make the final decision for any instructional tools used in the classroom, including student-owned technology equipment. This decision may vary from class to class and from day to day. Therefore, students may only use their device in class with teacher approval. With the exception of instructional purposes in 6th grade as previously stated, the policy of RISD & Dartmouth for electronic devices will remain as stated in the RISD Code of Conduct (not visible and turned off) with the established consequence of being taken up, turned in and only recovered by a parent. This includes lunch, recess, tutoring and any other times identified by administration. The District expects that parents will promptly retrieve electronic communication devices confiscated under this policy. The District is not responsible for theft, damage, or loss of such confiscated devices. Any devices not retrieved by noon on the last school day of the semester in which the device is confiscated will be forwarded to Student Services for disposal.

Gifted and Talented

RISD provides gifted services for students who qualify through an evaluation process that includes teacher and parent information, quantitative testing, and student observational data. Gifted services are administered through the Department of Advanced Academic Studies. Parents or teachers may refer a student for evaluation for services. Referral windows occur throughout the school year. For more information about the gifted services available for RISD students including a timeline of referral and assessment opportunities, please contact the department directly at 469-593-2426 or visit our page at http://www.edline.net/pages/RISD_Departments_and_Programs/Advanced_Academic_Studies

HOMEWORK POLICY Definition and Philosophy Homework is defined as instructionally based, out-of-class tasks assigned to students as the extension or elaboration of classroom work to reinforce academic skills. Homework Strategies Teachers will create a system in which all homework assignments are valuable through clear communication with students and parents. Teachers will present homework, both verbally and in writing, using a consistent location for posting assignments. Teachers will provide modifications and

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accommodations when appropriate for students with special needs. Assignments are given only for instructional purposes, not for disciplinary reasons. Specific homework policies and procedures for each grade level have been developed and will be communicated to parents and students by the teacher Communication with students and parents is a critical component of grading. Parents will be notified regarding their child’s progress through the Wednesday Folders, phone calls, written notes, conference, progress reports, and report cards. In order for our students to have successful homework experiences, it is suggested that parents/guardians designate a place and time for children to study at home after school. Provide necessary tools (paper, pencils, and reference materials) for your child to complete homework assignments. Help students plan the completion of their assignments and how to use their time well. Make school associations positive by recognizing your child for their efforts. Creating good study habits and showing an interest in your child’s education will benefit your child throughout his/her learning career. Evaluation Guidelines Grades reflect the alignment of curriculum (TEKS), instruction and assessment. Grades will be an average of class work, skills, and homework assignments. Homework is expected to be turned in to the teacher as specified on your child’s grade level communication plan. Types of homework include:

● Practice ● Preparation ● Creative projects ● Extensions of classroom learning

Extra Credit Assignments Assignments for extra credit are to be instructionally oriented. Extra credit points must be included within the grades during the six weeks in which they occurred. Extra credit opportunities will be given at the discretion of each teacher. Scholastic Penalties Teachers will assess the academic penalty to be imposed for the following: cheating, plagiarism, and academic dishonesty. Parents will be notified in these situations. Administration will become involved as necessary. Make Up Work

Make-up work will be made available to students after an absence or suspension with no penalty. Students have one day to complete missed work for each day absent. Teachers shall not be called away from instructing students in class in order to gather make-up work for an absent student. The parent/guardian may request make-up work and pick up this work at the office between 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. that day.

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PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY

Dartmouth Elementary is committed to the goal of maintaining close communication with our parents to promote positive partnerships between home and school. The staff and faculty of Dartmouth will listen to and collaborate with parents regarding their child’s educational needs. Together we can enhance our student’s opportunities for academic success. We strongly encourage all parents to join the Dartmouth PTA.

PLAYGROUND PROCEDURES

1. We follow all directions promptly. 2. We always practice safety habits. 3. We can always see our teacher or the playground supervisor. 4. We leave dirt, rocks, and other objects on the ground. 5. We stay in the designated playground areas and only leave with our teacher or designated

supervisor. 6. We do not push, grab, or have any other form of physical contact with other students. 7. We do not play tackle or other physical contact games at school.

RECESS Students who in engage in recess (unstructured play) during the school day are engaged in learning and are more likely to experience improved overall achievement. Each elementary campus principal will develop a master schedule that best serves the needs of all students and supports efficient campus operations. The master schedule will identify the regularly scheduled, minimum time for daily recess for all students, differentiated by grade level. (Grades K-5, 30 minutes; Grade 6, 15 minutes). Recess minutes may be scheduled during a single block of time or may be split into multiple blocks of time as approved by the campus principal. Recess may occur inside or outside of the school building. Withholding recess may not be used as a routine disciplinary consequence for student misbehavior. However, a campus administrator may decide that a student’s disciplinary infractions occurring during, or on the way to, recess may warrant the occasional removal of recess time as an appropriate consequence. Each campus shall communicate the campus plan for elementary recess to parents/guardians at the beginning of the school year.

SCHOOL PARTIES

Only two parties are held during the school year, Winter Holiday and Valentine’s Day. The principal may choose to have one additional party-type activity for the sixth grade students. Parties may begin no earlier than one hour before the end of the school day. Please note that no birthday or other party celebrations will be allowed. Please do not bring cakes, cupcakes, drinks, or other party foods unless requested by the school. We have many students with food allergies and must provide a safe and healthy learning environment.

STUDENT RECORDS

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Student records are confidential, and will only be released to authorized guardians. Parent requests for copies of student personal records such as birth certificates, social security cards, or immunization records must be made in writing at the school office. There is a 48 hour turn-around time for the processing of copies. At the discretion of the principal or front office staff, $.10 fee may be assessed for larger copy requests. Some record request may need to be processed through the district records management department.

Teacher/Classroom Request

Together our staff creates class lists based on the best overall learning environment for each student. If you would like your child to be considered for a specific classroom, a formal written request must be submitted to the principal. No verbal requests will be accepted. Please note that the request will be taken into consideration, however placement is not guaranteed. Administration will make the final decision on class placements in the best interest of all students.

TEXTBOOKS

State approved textbooks are provided free of charge for each subject or class. Students are held accountable for every textbook they receive. The books must be covered and kept in good condition or students are required to pay damages. It’s wise to do a book check periodically throughout the year to assess location and condition of student books. Students/parents will be required to pay for all lost or damaged textbooks.

VOLUNTEERS

School volunteers are an important part of our Dartmouth community! We rely on volunteers to help with class parties, field trips, Field Day, and many other events throughout the school year. Anyone interested in serving as a volunteer must go to the RISD website to access the online volunteer background check form.

● The volunteer should navigate on the website to “Volunteer Opportunities”. The volunteer form is available both in English and Spanish versions.

● The form will ask for information necessary for HR to perform a criminal background check. You will be asked to provide date of birth, name, gender, ethnicity, address, telephone numbers, and driver’s license or state-issued ID number.

● In addition you will be asked to enter contact information for use in an emergency situation. ● Volunteers will be able to select schools where they choose to volunteer during the current

school year. ● When you have completed the online application you will be directed to a confirmation page.

If you are not taken to that page, then you should scroll back on the application to look for a message indicating missing data or an error.

If you plan on assisting with any school activities this year, please complete the Volunteer Criminal History Background Check Authorization form. Failure to complete a background check authorization prior to desiring to participate in school activities or field trips will prevent you from participating.

Volunteer Confidentiality Agreement

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Your service as a volunteer at Dartmouth Elementary is greatly appreciated. Confidentiality is of the utmost importance in your work with teachers and students, which means that any information regarding a student is not to be shared or discussed with anyone other than designated personnel (i.e. school administrators, staff and teachers). You may not discuss a child even with that child’s parents/guardians, nor are you to contact parents/guardians regarding the behavior or performance of their student or other students. We ask that all regular volunteers sign our Dartmouth Volunteer Confidentiality document, which outlines more specific expectations.

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