2007-2008
I
have prepared this handbook to answer many questions you may have
concerning policies in our school and class. Please keep this handbook
and refer to it when needed. Please let me know if you have any
questions, comments, or concerns.
Arrival
and Dismissal
The bell rings at 8:15 AM. Please do not drop-off your child at school
before 7:45 am. (There is no supervision). All
students will be picked up at the playground under the appropriate
section. School will be let out at 2:34pm.
Absences
Please try to have your child attend school each day. Your child's
regular and prompt attendance is a must! When your child is out of the
classroom, they are missing out on valuable instructional time. Most
learning experiences are based on prior knowledge or involve
interaction with other students. It is almost impossible to make up
work at home. Please try to schedule any appointments after school or
during intercession. If your child is absent, he or she should do the
following within two days or returning to school:
1. Bring a note to the classroom teacher from a parent or guardian
stating the date(s) of the absence and the reason(s).
2. Pick up the work he or she missed in the absent folder.
Birthdays
It
is a new policy at Castle Heights Elementary School that we are not
allowing birthday parties in class. The administration has decided that
parties are disruptive and take away from instructional time. Thank you
for your understanding and support.
Book
Orders
Throughout the year, I will send home monthly book club order forms
from Scholastic Books. The book club has some great books at very
reasonable prices. It is not mandatory for you to order books but it is
an excellent opportunity to purchase books for your child and add to
their home library. If you wish to order, please keep in mind that all
payments must be made in the form of a check (made payable to
Scholastic). Please include your child's name on the order form and
return the form and check by the due date.
Cell Phones
Students are permitted to possess cellular phones on campus provided
that they shall remain "off" and stored in a backpack where it is not
visible or used during normal school hours. Students are permitted to
use cellular phones on campus before and after school only. If a phone
is observed by staff during school hours or activities, it shall be
confiscated until redeemed by a parent or guardian. An exception to
this policy may be granted by the principal or designee for purposes
relating to the health needs of a student. Parents and guardians are
advised that the district is not responsible for students' lost or
stolen cell phones.
Classroom
Clean-Up
I
believe it is our job to clean up our messes, not the custodian's.
Everyday before we leave I reserve time to clean-up and do our individual classroom jobs.
Communication
Communication is the key to a successful parent-teacher relationship.
Should you have any questions or concerns please let me know. The best
way is through e-mail or in a note with your child. If you would like
to schedule a conference with me aside from those during the year
please e-mail me or send me a note with some good days. My conference
time is M-F 2:45-3:45pm. I will then e-mail or send you a note with the
day and time. I will also conference over the phone during that time if
necessary. With other teaching duties, meetings, and my own
appointments and obligations, my time before and after school is
limited. Making arrangements with me for conferences will ensure the
effectiveness of our meetings. Please do not try to conference with me
at the classroom door or during class time as it takes time from
instruction.
Dress
Code
It is essential that students come to school dressed
appropriately for playground activity. Flip-flops should be avoided for
safety reasons. If a student is not dressed appropriately for school
activities they will be sent to the office to change.
Early
Dismissal
If it becomes necessary for your child to leave school early, he or she
must be signed out in the main office by a parent, guardian, or adult
specified on the emergency card. Please send a note if you anticipate
a need for your child to leave early so that work can be prepared and I
can have your child ready for your arrival. Upon arrival, the office
staff will call for your child to meet you in the office. Children may
not wait for you by the school enterance.
Homework
Your child will be bringing home homework in their folder every night
Monday through Thursday.
The students are also expected to read (from literature of their
choice) for at least 20 minutes nightly. This is to be recorded in a
weekly Reading Log sheet that is signed by a parent every day.
This will greatly help their
reading fluency. If you would like to help their comprehension, I
suggest questioning the students about what they read. I will send home
types of questions you can ask. Please be aware that any work not
completed during class time will also be considered homework and it
will be due the next day.
Meals
The
cafeteria serves breakfast and lunch daily. Students may not bring
glass or canned drinks.
Our lunch will be from 12:30-1:10pm. If you do not have a lunch ticket, you may buy lunch for one dollar.
Morning
Routine
Breakfast will be offered before school in the cafeteria.
Students must exit to the playground area when finished eating.
Students will be picked at the playground under the appropriate
section. The bell rings at 8:10am.
Signing
In
Upon entering the school, it is necessary for all visitors to go to the
office and obtain a visitors pass to wear. This is for the safety of the children and staff.
Tardies
It is important that your child is on time for school each day. Every
minute we spend in school is valuable. When students are late coming to
class, it causes a disruption. Being early will help your child to
build a sense of responsibility.
Volunteers
Volunteers are highly valued in our classroom. Please see the
information I posted in the Parents Corner for specific ideas about the
many ways you can help. Let me know if you are interested as soon as
possible.
Water
Bottles
Water
bottles are not allowed to be on a student's desk during class time. We
have a drinking fountain in the classroom which students may use during
appropriate times in class.
Work
Samples Packets, Progress Reports, and Report Cards
Work samples and assessments will be sent home every Thursday. After you
review what is included in the Thursday Folder please sign and return any tests. Please make sure that you go over the
work samples with your child and be sure to praise your child for a job
well done. Both report cards and progress reports need to be signed and
returned as soon as possible.
I am very excited about this year and anxious to
meet and get to know all of you. If I can be of any help concerning
your child during the school year, please feel free to contact me.
Thank you for your support and cooperation!
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