NORTH LAWN STUDENT HANDBOOK
Welcome to North Lawn Elementary School. This journal is provided to students to help them become acquainted with their school and to help them become better at both organizing and planning. Each student is encouraged to read the printed materials and share the information with his/her parents.
USD #461 MISSION STATEMENT
The Neodesha USD 461 Board of Education and professional educators believe that it is our mission to provide students with the educational opportunity to succeed now and later in life.
NORTH LAWN ELEMENTARY MISSION STATEMENT
It is our mission at North Lawn Elementary School to work together to promote and support both our building beliefs and our school district's mission. We will accomplish this mission by being responsible and caring in our efforts, expecting high student achievement from all students, and promoting high self-esteem and a positive school climate.
NORTH LAWN ELEMENTARY BUILDING BELIEF STATEMENT
1. We believe that all students can learn and master our established core curriculum given time and attention.
2. We believe that success breed’s positive self-concept, resulting in improved performance.
3. We believe that teachers should use a variety of assessment techniques and methods of instruction to meet individual needs and the instructional objectives.
4. We believe cooperation and a personal competitive spirit enhances and accelerates learning.
5. We believe that students, parents, teachers, administration, and board of education are all responsible for student achievement, but the student is accountable for mastery of the core curriculum.
CHAIN OF COMMAND
When a parent or guardian feels the need to contact the teacher and/or school for a specific situation or concern, it is essential that the chain of command be followed closely. The chain of command is simply bringing the issue or concern directly to the individual(s) involved before bringing the issue to that person’s supervisor/employer. Cases in point: a parent or guardian visits with the classroom teacher prior to visiting with the building principal; or the parent or guardian visits with the building principal prior to contacting the superintendent or board of education member.
Using the chain of command will provide consistency in dealing with most concerns. Our district is committed to using this approach in all such situations.
TRANSPORTATION
Cross-town transportation will be furnished for all students approved to ride the bus between schools, both morning and afternoon. Parents will sign a transportation form on the day of enrollment if they want their children to ride the bus. Only students that are approved to ride the bus will be allowed to do so. Visitors or visiting friends will not be allowed on the bus.
All students that ride the bus must follow the rules as posted on the bus and given to each student.
SCHOOL BREAKFAST AND LUNCH
School breakfast is available to elementary students, serving to begin at 7:50 a.m. Breakfast tickets will be sold under the same guidelines as lunch tickets. School breakfast cannot interfere with class time. Students who eat breakfast are expected to be finished eating and in their classroom when school begins at 8:10 a.m.
Lunches are served to all students in grades four, five, and six who desire them. A parent may purchase tickets ahead for as many 10-day periods as desired. It is more convenient to have tickets purchased ahead since there is a "no charge" policy for school lunches. This "no charge" policy is set by the Neodesha Board of Education. Checks for lunches should be written to North Lawn Food Service.
Applications for free or reduced price school lunches will be given to each family on enrollment day. If you do not apply when school begins and find that later you need to apply, feel free to do so. Application blanks are available in the office.
Students that bring their lunches will eat in the lunchroom with their regular class.
When a student that usually eats in the lunchroom decides to go home or some other place for their lunch, a note should be sent from home stating where the student is to go.
Students are not to go to the local stores during the noon period.
DAILY LUNCH PERIODS
The daily lunch periods are staggered with each grade having a designated lunch period.
SCHOOL DAY
The school day will be set each year by the board of education. For your convenience, you will receive a note when there are exceptions.
DOORS OPEN
The school doors will not open until 8:00 a.m. The playground is not supervised before school, and children are not to play there at that time.
PLACEMENT OF STUDENTS IN CLASSROOMS
Each spring, there is considerable discussion about placing children in classes for the next school year. This is a matter that we do not take lightly at our school, and the staff spends countless hours in forming well-balanced classes in which all children will have an opportunity to learn and to grow in their academic and social skills.
Then classes are structured, we follow a clear set of guidelines. Classes are formed into deliberate heterogeneous groups with the following in mind:
*an even boy-girl balance
*a full range of aptitudes within each class
*an even proportion of abilities and learning styles across the classes at each grade level
*an equal number of pupils in each class on a grade level
Once these factors have been considered, teachers begin to build a class of children who show promise of working well together. At this point, attempts are made to match pupil and teacher personality and style. Quite understandably, these decisions are based upon observations made by the teachers during the course of the year. While we welcome your input about your child’s individual learning needs, we trust that you understand that your comments constitute just one of the many factors that we consider in forming classes. The final decision on class placements resides with the school.
A list of children assigned to each room will be posted at the doors on the classrooms on the first day of classes and in most cases, will be available at enrollment. However, the “official” class list will not be ready until the first day of school.
CLOSING SCHOOL FOR WEATHER
We will try to make a decision by 6:00 a.m., but on occasion, we are unable to do so. When school is postponed, we notify the following media: KOAM TV - Channel 7; KGGF-690-Coffeyville; KKOY-1460-Chanute; KIND-1010-Independence.
1. USD 461 has four buses that travel a distance of approximately 334 miles per day.
2. No announcements will be made if school will be open.
3. School must be in session whenever possible.
4. The safety of the children is the number one priority of USD 461.
5. Have an early dismissal plan for your children if you are a working parent or plan not to be at home.
6. Please do not call administrators or schools.
NEODESHA USD #461 SCHOOL BUS RULES AND REGULATIONS
1. The driver is in charge of pupils and the bus. All pupils must obey the driver promptly and cheerfully.
2. Pupils must be on time. The bus cannot wait beyond its regular schedule for those who are tardy.
3. Pupils should never stand in the roadway while waiting for the bus.
4. No smoking or eating on the bus at any time.
5. Unnecessary conversation with the driver is prohibited.
6. Classroom conduct is to be observed by pupils while riding in the bus, except for ordinary conversation. No "horseplay" will be permitted.
7. Pupils must not at any time extend arms or head out of bus windows.
8. Pupils must not try to get off the bus, or move about within the bus while it is in motion.
9. Pupils must observe instructions from the driver when leaving the bus.
10. Any damage to a bus by a student must be paid for by the student responsible for the damage.
11. The driver will not discharge riders at places other than the regular bus stop near the home, or at school, unless by proper authorization from parent, the superintendent or principal of the school.
12. Students may not load large projects that will block the aisle on the bus.
13. Glass objects and balloons are not allowed on the bus.
14. Students are not allowed to bring live animals on the bus.
15. All loose toys are to be kept in a bag or box.
16. Students who are not regular bus route students and wish to ride the bus home to visit or stay overnight with a friend, must present a note signed by both students’ parents granting permission or receive permission from the building principal. Students will not be permitted to ride cross-town to visit or stay with a friend within the city limits except in cases of emergency.
NOTE: FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE REGULATIONS MAY RESULT IN
SUSPENSION FROM THE SCHOOL BUS.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Children should use crosswalks and obey crossing guards when going to and from school. Sidewalks are to be used when available. Crossing paths and crossing guards will be located at each school.
Bicycles, which have been ridden to school, are to be parked in the bicycle rack and not removed until the child is ready to leave for home. Bicycles are to be walked onto the playground. Bicycles should not be left on the school grounds overnight as some have been stolen or damaged in past years. Riding someone's bicycle without his or her permission is not permitted. The school is not responsible for lost or damaged bicycles. Skateboards, roller skates/blades, etc. are not to be brought to school.
Pets - The child's pets should not accompany the child to school. It may be necessary to contact the animal control people to remove such pets. Urge your child not to pet or handle strange dogs and cats on the way to school.
Toys and Trinkets -These should not be brought to school without permission of the teacher. They may be confiscated, if considered a nuisance, and not returned to the child.
Student Dress – Because of the relationship between a student’s appearance and his/her appropriate behavior conducive to learning, all students at North Lawn Elementary are expected to dress neatly and appropriately following these guidelines:
Shoes are to be worn on the feet. No house slippers allowed.
Headdress such as caps, hats, sweatbands, “do-rags”, bandannas, scarves, and hoods are not appropriate school apparel and need to be kept in the students’ backpack or locker
Extreme apparel such as jeans, shorts, or shirts with massive or multiple holes is not appropriate school apparel.
Sunglasses are considered for outdoor purposes, not indoor, unless prescribed by a doctor and cleared with the school personal.
Clothing with obscene, suggestive, disruptive, or inappropriate printing or pictures is not appropriate school apparel.
Clothing displaying bare midriffs, tank tops with low-cut necks or large armholes, short shorts, and extra low-rise jeans displaying undergarments are not appropriate school apparel.
Tobacco -The use and/or possession of tobacco or tobacco products is prohibited and any student who violates this rule is subject to the Discipline Policy code rules.
Leaving School Grounds Promptly After School - All students should go home or to a designated destination immediately after school.
Lost and Found Articles -The most important aid in handling personal items is to have them clearly marked with the owner's name so they can be returned to them.
Personal Property – Students at North Lawn Elementary are not allowed to bring radios, CD players, cell phones, or any other electronic devices to school.
Swing Sets - Stand back from others who are swinging. Stay seated, do not stand in swings. Be sure to stop swinging before you get out. One person only in each swing. Do not swing sideways or twist swings. Leave swings hanging in position when no one is using them.
Tether Balls - Do not swing on rope, chain, or ball when it is hooked onto tetherball pole. Give players enough room for the game; stand back unless you are a player.
Football Games - Football games are not allowed. There shall be no tripping, wrestling, or piling on top of one another.
Softball - Play softball on softball field. Stay behind backstop. Do not throw bats. Stay out of baselines. Hard balls are not to be used at school. Balls of any kind are not to be bounced off the building.
Slide and Jungle Gym -Slide feet first down slides and do not walk or crawl up slide. Chasing and playing tag shall not be done around equipment. Do not jump off slide platform; use the pole to slide down. Use the steps to the platform. Sand should not be piled on slides or play equipment.
Basketball - Do not climb up pole or onto hoop. If something is wrong with the net or hoop, ask the custodian for assistance.
DISCIPLINE POLICY FOR NEODESHA
USD #461 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
At North Lawn our discipline policy is simply the following: All students are different, all situations are different, therefore all consequences may be different. The following is formulated to provide guidance to students, parents, guardians, teachers, and administrators in carrying out discipline procedures at North Lawn.
When students engage in fighting, the school is required by state law to report the incident to the law enforcement in addition to the normal suspension consequences.
Kansas School Safety and Security Act KSA 72-89b01
Reporting Crimes at School to Law Enforcement
Any district employee who knows or has reason to believe any of the following has occurred at school, on school property or at a school-sponsored activity shall immediately report this information to local law enforcement:
* an act which may constitute the commission of a felony or a misdemeanor;
* an act which involves the possession, use or disposal of explosives, firearms or other weapons as defined in current law.
(I.) CLASSROOM TEACHER'S ROLE IN DISCIPLINE
The classroom teacher will be the primary disciplinarian of his or her classroom, but the principal is to assist the teachers in carrying out discipline procedure when requested by the teacher to do so.
(II.) ALL STAFF MEMBERS ARE DISCIPLINARIANS
Every teacher in the building is a teacher of all the children in the school. No teacher should hesitate to correct a child or children doing something wrong just because he, she, or they are not in the teacher's room. Children should obey custodians and cooks when requested to do so. Custodians and cooks are to report acts of disobedience to the individual child's teacher or the principal.
Children are to obey aides and secretaries when requested to do so. These individuals also should report acts of disobedience to the individual's teacher and secure the help of the teacher in carrying out disciplinary acts.
(III.) PRINCIPAL’S ROLE IN DISCIPLINE
The principal should be available for assistance to all teachers in disciplinary cases and should act on his or her own when situations occur that demand the principal's action. The principal should assist in most cases that involve students from different rooms.
(IV.) GUM CHEWING AT SCHOOL
There will be no chewing of gum in the school, on school grounds, or at school parties, because of the mess that discarded gum creates and the disturbing effect that some gum chewing persons have on those around them.
(V.) SCHOOLWIDE RULES STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO:
1. Walk in the halls quietly.
2. Use good manners.
3. Keep your hands, feet, and other objects to yourself.
4. Treat others with respect.
5. Respect school property.
6. Use appropriate language and gestures.
WHEN STUDENTS CHOOSE TO BREAK A SCHOOLWIDE RULE CONSEQUENCES WILL BE GIVEN.
(VI.) THE FOLLOWING BEHAVIOR MAY RESULT IN SEVERE CONSEQUENCES:
1. Any action that is done with intent to harm another person
2. Stealing or destroying property
3. Defiance of authority or disrespect toward an adult
4. Continuous disruptive behavior in classrooms, halls, restrooms, playground, multi-purpose area, and lunchrooms
5. Leaving school grounds without permission.
6. Use of profanity
7. Biting or spitting
8. Throwing snowballs
(If the consequence results in an In-School-Suspension (ISS), a substitute teacher will be hired to monitor the student(s). ISS days will vary due to the available of substitute teachers.
POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES FOR INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR:
1. Student will be sent immediately to the office. As soon as possible, the staff member will join the student with an explanation of the offense to the principal.
2. Parent(s) will be contacted by the principal or the student.
3. Consequences may be a detention or some other alternative.
(VII.) FAILURE TO COMPLETE ASSIGNMENTS
In case a student refuses to do or to complete an assignment, the classroom teacher will handle each case on an individual basis. The building principal should assist the teacher if requested to do so.
(VIII.) SUSPENSION GUIDELINE
Students will be suspended in accordance with Statutes 72-8901 through 72-8906 of the School Laws of Kansas. When a student is suspended, the parents and/or guardian are to be notified in writing.
(IX.) DETENTION OF BUS STUDENTS
Bus students will be detained when necessary. Parents and/or guardians of bus students will be notified by phone or letter that their child will be detained on an appointed day, and that the parents and/or guardian will be responsible for providing transportation home for their child on that day.
(X.) TARDINESS AND TRUANCY
Any student having excessive tardiness or absenteeism will be reported to SRS for action on this matter.
(XI.) RESPONSIBILITY OF THE SCHOOL
The responsibility for discipline and the safety of children enrolled in school will begin when the doors open until the student is dismissed.
The school's responsibility ceases when a student is dismissed and leaves the school grounds; consequently, those students returning to the school grounds after once leaving upon being dismissed are not the responsibility of the school. The school is also responsible for the discipline and safety of children enrolled in the school during the time those special programs or activities are held in the building before and after regular school hours.
Members of the certified staff of the school are not responsible for the behavior and/or acts of children on the way to and from school; that responsibility lies with the parents and/or guardians of the children.
The school is responsible for the behavior and acts of children while they are on the school buses, but the school is not responsible while children are waiting for the bus before it arrives and after they leave the bus on their return trip.
(XII.) INTERNET
Many of the computers of this school district have full direct line access to the Internet information system. While this is a tremendous tool for research purposes, it also provides access information sites that do not fit the educational purposes of the schools of this district. As such, users have an obligation to the school concerning its use. The use of the Internet as an information source is allowed only under sponsorship and rules of an adult supervisor. If a user desires to access the Internet for research, permission of the designated teacher or supervisor must be obtained. Users are further obligated to the school district to restrict research to legitimate topics of interest and subject matter that is appropriate for the direct learning environment. As access to the Neodesha Information Network is a privilege, and not a right, failing to follow this standard obligation will disqualify the user from future computer and internet access from this learning network. Neodesha school students may also receive disciplinary consequences for inappropriate use of the information network (example: inappropriate use could result in loss of all computer use for 20 school days and/or 1-5 day in-school or out-of-school suspension.
(XIII.) EXCEPTIONS
The foregoing listed procedures should be followed by the classroom teachers and/or building administrator when they are relevant to the case at hand; however, exceptions can be made when there is mutual agreement between the referring teacher, the administrator, and the parent(s). The building principal may, at his or her discretion, use other procedures according to existing circumstances and conditions; should there be changes, a conference is to be held with the referring teacher before the final decision is reached.
DRUG FREE SCHOOLS
The unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students on school premises or as a part of any school activity is prohibited. This policy is required by the 1989 amendments to the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, P.L. 102-226, 103 St. 1928. (Cf. LDD)
WEAPONS POLICY
A student who knowingly possesses any object considered a weapon or facsimile of a weapon at school or school activity will face disciplinary action and an immediate report to law enforcement officials. If the weapon is a firearm, expulsion from school for a period of up to 186 school days will occur (unless some very unusual circumstance is present).
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature) which creates a feeling of hostile, offensive, or intimidating environment will not be tolerated in the school district and may result in suspensions or expulsion.
SCHOOL TELEPHONE
The school phones are for necessary school business and children should use the phone only when their call is really necessary. Please plan ahead with your children so they will not need to make unnecessary calls for band instruments, library books, lunch money, gym shoes, etc. All calls after school will be made by the permission of the child's teacher only.
PERMISSION TO LEAVE
Students are to never leave the school grounds during the school day without permission from the principal's office.
ABSENTEEISM
If it is necessary for your child to be absent from school, you are asked to call the school office by
9:00 a.m. If a child has been ill and/or has a valid excuse for being absent from school, the teacher will make a special effort to allow the work to be made up as far as possible. Remember, however, a day of school lost because of absence can never be made up completely; the child has lost that day's instruction with the group. The teacher can and will help the child to learn some of the skills that were presented when he or she was absent. Regular attendance is necessary for good progress in school! If a child cannot be at school on time, send them as soon as possible. Students absent more than 5 days in a row will need a note from a doctor in order to be excused. Students who are absent more than 9 times in any 9-week grading period will need a note from a doctor in order to be excused.
STUDENTS WILL NOT BE KEPT IN THE CLASSROOM DURING RECESS FOR REASONS OF ILLNESS
Do not expect the teacher to be able to keep your child in the room at recess time when he or she has to supervise the rest of the class members outside. Students are not taken outside when the weather is bad and the children would get wet or extremely cold. The necessary arrangements will be made to keep a child inside when a doctor requests it, but please do not ask to haveyour child left inside unless your doctor does advise it.
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held in the school again this year with a night session being available for parents who both work or who would be unable to come for a conference during the day. Please plan to spend a short period of time with your child's teacher as this can be a valuable experience for the parent and teacher and will be quite important in the instruction of the child.
REPORT CARDS AND PARENT CONFERENCES
Report cards will be issued to each student four times each year. Additionally, mid-term reports will be issued to each student four times a year.
At the end of the first marking period, a formal parent-teacher conference will be held. A conference regarding a student's progress can be arranged anytime throughout the school year by calling the school.
PARENT VISITATION
Parents are welcome to visit in the classrooms or confer with the teachers or principal when they desire, and are urged to do so. It is advisable for parents to talk to the teacher at a time when he or she is not teaching classes. If you feel that you would like to have a conference set up for you with your child's teacher before the regularly scheduled conference, please call the school (325-3011) and ask to have such a conference set up. The school personnel will be happy to do so. When parents or other visitors come into the building, they must report to the office first.
INVITATIONS TO PARTIES
Noinvitations to parties are to be handed out at school.
POLICY ON RETENTION
(Board of Education - 12-5-83) Every effort will be made to work with each student at his/her level of ability. The teacher will have conferences with the parents of the student that is having academic difficulty in school. The occasion may arise that in the judgment of the teacher/principal, it would be an advantage to the student to repeat a grade. This final decision will be made by the teacher/principal with the knowledge of the parent.
SCHOOL NURSE
If health problems arise and you would like to talk to the nurse, please call the school office and an appointment will be made for you. Students entering school should have their immunizations completed by the first day of school. Please notify the school personnel of any medical problems such as allergies, epilepsy, hearing or sight, etc., that your child may have.
In addition to performing health nurse duties, the nurse will be active in encouraging a constant emphasis on health education in each classroom. She will be available by appointment for consultation with parents, students, and teachers.
The following are a few points of the general school health policies that will be of interest to students and parents:
1. The school personnel, including the school nurse, do not give medicine, treatments, or make a diagnosis. They only administer first aid when needed. They do not give medications of any kind nor are any of the school officials to be custodians of any medicine unless the medicine is prescribed by a doctor. This includes aspirin, cough medicines, etc. (A permission form filled out by the doctor must be on file at the school.)
2. For minor injuries, first aid is administered by the teacher, principal, nurse, secretary, or in some instances by the child himself, but never to one child by another child.
3. Children who exhibit symptoms of illness should not be sent to school. School personnel reserve the right to decide whether or not a child should remain in school.
4. No child will be taken home or sent home until parents or another responsible person is notified.
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST
The school psychologist will be working in the Neodesha schools on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. If you would like to consult with him/her, call the school office for an appointment.
The services of the school psychologist include counseling with parents, teachers, and pupils; helping to fully develop and make more effective use of the cumulative records of all pupils; providing for assistance in grade placement and follow-up; and referral to special education services of the school system.
OTHER SPECIAL SERVICES
Interrelated, extended learning, and speech/language services are provided in the district schools through the Tri-County Special Education Cooperative.
FIELD TRIPS AND EXCURSIONS
When the school has field trips scheduled, a note will be sent to each parent with details about the trip.
BIRTH CERTIFICATES
S.B. 593 - Requiring Proof of Identity for children enrolling in school from another district. Proof of identity can be a birth certificate, a copy of a court order placing a child in the custody of SRS, a certified transcript or other similar pupil record, or other documentary evidence that the board considers satisfactory. If the proof of identity is not provided within 30 days, the board must notify the local law enforcement agency that will then promptly investigate the identity of the child. During the investigation, school personnel must provide law enforcement agencies with access to school premises. Unless school personnel agree that their presence is not in the best interest of the child, school personnel must be present at all times during the investigation. This bill also prohibits disclosure of information acquired under the foregoing procedure for any other purpose.
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
The Unified School District 461 of Neodesha, Kansas, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap in admission or access to, or treatment, or employment in its programs and activities. If you have questions regarding the above, please contact: Mr. Pruter, 522 Wisconsin, 325-2610.
