Be Bold, Be Brave, Be Dreamcatchers…

Dear Parents and Students,

On behalf of the staff and faculty of Bellaire Elementary School, I would like to welcome you and your child to our school community! I am so glad you are here!

At Bellaire, our mission is to teach so that all students can learn to their maximum potential. Our collaborative approach to education means that every staff member, every student, and every parent shares in the responsibility of helping one another learn. We all become a community of learners.

We believe positive relationships with our parents/ guardians are important. By working together, we will create a safe environment where students will be encouraged to try their best. We know that every opportunity is an opportunity of growth- even if it is a mistake. At Bellaire, diversity is our strength. As we move forward in creating avenues for student success, we want to be specific about our goals. Every Bellaire Brave should depart from us equipped with the skills, knowledge, and self-confidence necessary to continue in a successful educational and life-long journey.

This handbook is intended to serve as a guide to help make your child’s year successful and enjoyable. Please take the time to read it and discuss these guidelines and procedures with your child. Our administrative staff is available to answer any questions you may have throughout the year, and we are willing to work with you in the best interest of all of our students.

Since we know that successful students have supportive parents, we will make every effort to include you in our day to day routines. We encourage you to get involved as much as your schedule allows. Together we can make a difference in the lives of our students to ensure their success both now and in the future. Here’s to a “Dreamcatcher” Year.

Sincerely,

La Vonda Loney Principal

BELLAIRE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Mission, Vision, and Belief Statements………………………...… Dreamcatcher 3 First Day of School……………………………………………….. Dreamcatcher 4 School Hours……………………………………………………… Dreamcatcher 4 Early Out………………………………………………………….. Dreamcatcher 4 Arrival Procedures………………………………………………… Dreamcatcher 4 Attendance for Students…………………………………………... Dreamcatcher 5 Awards…………………………………………………………….. Dreamcatcher 5 Bicycles……………………………………………………………. Dreamcatcher 5 Buses………………………………………………………………. Dreamcatcher 6 Campus Entrances………………………………………………… Dreamcatcher 6 Checking Out Students Early……………………………………… Dreamcatcher 6 Classroom Visits…………………………………………………… Dreamcatcher 6 Clinic………………………………………………………………. Dreamcatcher 7 Clubs………………………………………………………………. Dreamcatcher 8 Conferences With Teachers……………………………………….. Dreamcatcher 8 Counseling Program……………………………………………….. Dreamcatcher 8 Deliveries…………………………………………………………... Dreamcatcher 9 Discipline………………………………………………………….. Dreamcatcher 9 Dismissal……………………………………………………………Dreamcatcher 9 Emergency Contacts………………………………………………. Dreamcatcher 10 Emergency Drills………………………………………………….. Dreamcatcher 10 Field-Based Instruction…………………………………………… Dreamcatcher 10 Grades …………………………………………………………….. Dreamcatcher 11 Homework………………………………………………………… Dreamcatcher 12 Hug and Kiss Zone……………………………………………….. Dreamcatcher 12 Items Not Allowed At School …………………………………….. Dreamcatcher 12 Lost And Found…………………………………………………… Dreamcatcher 12 Lunchroom Procedures……………………………………………. Dreamcatcher 12 Parties……………………………………………………………… Dreamcatcher 13 School Closings……………………………………………………. Dreamcatcher 13 Spirit Day………………………………………………………….. Dreamcatcher 13 Tardies …………………………………………………………….. Dreamcatcher 13 Telephone Use…………………………………………………….. Dreamcatcher 14 Textbooks………………………………………………………….. Dreamcatcher 15 Tuesday Folders…………………………………………………… Dreamcatcher 15 Tutoring…………………………………………………………… Dreamcatcher 15 Visitors……………………………………………………………. Dreamcatcher 15 Volunteers…………………………………………………………. Dreamcatcher 15 Wet and Soiled Clothing Policy…………………………………… Dreamcatcher 15 Withdrawing Students …………………………………………….. Dreamcatcher 16 Bellaire’s Parent Involvement Policy…………………………… Dreamcatcher 17 Student-Teacher-Parent-Principal Compact……………………..... Dreamcatcher 18

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Mission and Vision Statements Rationale Schools need laser-like focus to work well. Mission and vision statements provide this focus.

A mission statement explains why the organization exists — its overall purpose. The mission statement also states what the organization does right now.

The vision statement articulates the future of the organization and the community that it serves. The vision statement, when compared with the current reality of the organization or the community, implies that work still needs to be accomplished. In this way, it lends credibility and motivation to the mission statement.

Bellaire’s Mission:

Teach so that students learn to their maximum potential by providing rigorous and diverse learning experiences, partnering with parents, and strengthening community relations.

Bellaire’s Vision:

Through expert instructional delivery and the creation of a caring, safe environment, Bellaire Elementary School will empower students to meet the challenges of the 21st century as active, life-long learners and responsible, productive citizens.

Bellaire’s Staff Belief Statements:

We Will Operate in a Spirit of Excellence with High Expectations.

We won’t hesitate to roll up our sleeves and get into the thick of it!

We will always keep in mind that kids are the priority.

We know that kids come first at Bellaire, even when it is inconvenient for the staff.

We will remember that it’s a family affair.

We understand that there is no room for excuses or complaints. We will be honest with ourselves and our peers, and we will work together to build relationships so that our students will get the best benefit of teaching and learning experiences on a daily basis.

This we believe…..

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

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The first day of school causes students to be both excited and nervous. There are a few things that we can do to make it easier for everyone:

1. Your child’s room/teacher assignment will be posted on the windows at the front of the school by the Friday before school starts. We will have assistants in the hallways to help students find classes on the first day.

2. Be sure your child knows what to do for lunch. He/She must have a sack lunch or lunch money.

3. Be sure your child knows what to do after school. Make sure they know if they go to daycare or YMCA, ride the bus, get picked up by you or someone else, or walk home. Once students are dismissed, they are to go immediately home.

4. Be sure all supplies are marked with your child’s name. This is also important later in the year when coats, hats, mittens, etc. will be coming to school. Every personal item that comes to school should be marked for identification.

SCHOOL HOURS

7:00 am Breakfast Begins 7:25 am Breakfast Ends/ 1st Bell Rings

7:30 am School Day Begins/Tardy Bell Rings 3:00 pm School Day Ends

EARLY OUT

Dismissal time for early out days will be at 1:00 pm. Early dismissal dates will include the following: October 13 (End of 9 weeks), December 15 (End of 9 weeks), February 1, March 9 (End of 9 weeks) and May 31 (End of 9 weeks).

ARRIVAL PROCEDURES

Breakfast begins at 7:00 am and is FREE for ALL STUDENTS. The front and east doors will open at 7:00 am for students who want to eat breakfast. Breakfast ends at 7:25 am. Please make sure your kids are here before 7:25 am if they are eating at school.

When the 7:00 am bell rings, all students are allowed to enter the front door of the building. They should either go to breakfast in the cafeteria or sit in their respective hallways. Students are expected to read, complete homework, or study quietly until teachers welcome them to class at 7:25 am. Students will not be allowed to play on the playgrounds before school.

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IN THE EVENT OF INCLEMENT WEATHER, PARENTS ARE ADVISED TO TUNE TO LOCAL RADIO OR TELEVISION STATIONS, OR THE KISD WEBSITE FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING SCHOOL CLOSINGS.

ATTENDANCE of STUDENTS

Regular, prompt attendance is critical for student success; please see the schedule. If your child is going to be absent, please call 336- 1413 as soon as you know. If you haven’t called by 8:00 am, we will call you to verify the absence. An official record of each student’s attendance is required by state law.

After five unexcused absences, an initial warning letter will be sent home. After nine unexcused absences, a final warning letter will be sent home. If the absences do not improve, parents can be taken to court. As a result, a fine could be rendered. While attendance is crucial for all students, we would like to stress its importance for students in grades one through five. Students who miss school for oversleeping, shopping adventures, missing the school bus, serving as baby-sitters, visiting relatives, family vacations, helping the family to move, extended holiday vacations, etc. have an increased risk of not succeeding in school. When a child is not in school on a regular basis, their learning is impacted negatively and they are more likely to struggle on classroom assignments as well as campus, district, and state assessments.

When a student misses school, the parent or guardian must provide written and signed documentation with a full explanation of the absence. It should also contain the student’s full name, date of the absence, and the teacher’s name. Written documentation must be provided to the school’s attendance office within 5 days after the student returns to school. If written documentation is NOT received at the school after the 5th day, then the student’s absence will become UNEXCUSED. Medical verification is required to change this.

Parents whom are able to get their child to school by 9:30 am on the day that the child is absent, will be able to change the absence to a tardy. Chronic issues with late arrivals will be handled by campus administration. The district’s complete attendance policy can be found in KISD’s Policy On-Line.

AWARDS

Our Bellaire faculty and staff believe that it is important to “showcase” and celebrate student achievement and success. Each semester, AWARDS ASSEMBLIES will be held in our cafeteria. Students will be recognized for academic honor roll and perfect attendance. Additional awards may occasionally be given. Honor Roll criteria is:

❖ A Honor Roll: All students having a quarter or semester average of 90 or higher in language arts, math, science, and social studies AND no “U’s” will be recognized. Students must have satisfactory behavior characteristics at a minimum.

❖ A-B Honor Roll: All students having a quarter or semester average of 80 or higher in language arts, math, science, and social studies AND no “U’s” will be recognized. Students must have satisfactory behavior characteristics at a minimum.

BICYCLES/SCOOTERS

Properly secure all bicycles and/or scooters in the racks provided north of the gym. The school is not responsible for damaged or stolen property. Bringing bikes and/or scooters to school is at the owner’s own risk.

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Skates and skateboards are prohibited items. Students must walk their bikes and/or scooters off of the school property, including sidewalks and parking lots.

BUSES

Riding the bus is a privilege that the Killeen Independent School District allows its students. Students are expected to abide by the transportation rules and behave properly and safely while on the bus. Students who repeatedly abuse this privilege may be suspended from riding the bus. For a complete list of rules, see “Bus Rider Rules and Regulations” in the KISD Information Section of this handbook.

CAMPUS ENTRANCES

For the safety of our students and our school, all exterior entrances, other than the main entrance, are locked during the day. All parents and visitors must enter the school building through the main entrance. Upon being cleared by a security check, visitors will sign in and exchange their photo ID for a visitor’s badge. Staff will return photo IDs when the visitor is leaving the building. This is for the security and safety of our students. Your cooperation is appreciated.

CHECKING OUT STUDENTS EARLY

We know that sometimes a need may arise that requires kids to leave school early. All guardians and/or verified persons MUST provide a photo ID in order to check a student out for every occurrence. The person’s legal name MUST appear on the student’s registration card. We will release students only to authorized persons.

Please make sure that the registration card includes all authorized emergency contact people. You may update the information in person at any time. We cannot take this information over the phone.

Because we believe that teaching and learning is of utmost importance, we ask that you do not check your students out of school early for reasons outside of doctor appointments and/or other emergency cases. We have noted that most students are checked out early due to the parental inconvenience of waiting and/or traffic at the end of the school day. In spite of, their educational time in the classroom is highly important. When students miss the last hour or more of the day consistently, it puts them in jeopardy of failing a core class.

We will NOT call students out of class after 2:15 pm. Teachers have requested that they have uninterrupted time to complete their teaching for the day. Students need to have an effective closing of all daily activities. It is expected that teachers properly prepare their students for dismissal. Having all of the students’ undivided attention decreases the chances for dismissal mistakes.

CLASSROOM VISITS

In our efforts to protect our students and their learning time, we encourage parents to schedule parent-teacher conferences with their child’s teacher in advance. Parents that come to the office wanting to visit with a teacher will be asked to schedule a conference first. If a parent brings a forgotten item to the school office, we will be happy to deliver the item for you. If a parent needs to

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see his/her child, the student will be called to the office. Please limit your personal conference time with your child to 10 minutes. Scheduled classroom visits arranged by the teacher will be limited to 30 minutes. See “Conferences with Teachers” for additional information.

CLINIC

The school has a full time nurse’s aide and part time RN. In order for medicine to be administered or given at school, a doctor’s order form must be given to the clinic for the current school year. Medicine must be kept in the original bottle/container at school, with a pharmacy label in the child’s name.

It is very important for parents to ensure their home, cell, work, and other contact numbers are provided and kept up to date. The office/clinic must be able to reach someone if a child is injured or has become ill. It is important that an emergency contact person/number be someone other than yourself. In the event of a serious emergency, we will make every attempt to contact you at all the numbers listed on the registration card. If the service of an ambulance is necessary, the parent/guardian will be responsible for the total cost as outlined in district policy.

Allergies: Allergies must be noted on your child’s Health History form. If your child has a FOOD allergy, you must complete the Parent Statement for Food Allergies attached to the Health History form. (House Bill 742 from the 82nd TX Legislature requires a school district to request that a parent of an enrolling student disclose whether the student has a food allergy, or a severe food allergy.) When received in the clinic, the nurse or clinic aide will give the parent a special Physician Order Form (for children with dietary restrictions). On this form, the doctor will need to list alternative foods or beverages. The school cafeteria must have a copy of this form on file in order to substitute alternative foods or beverages in place of those foods to which your child has an allergy. Sometimes a student will have a “Severe food allergy”, meaning a dangerous or life threatening reaction from a food-borne allergen introduced by inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact that requires immediate medical attention. If this is the case, the clinic personnel will give a regular Physician Order form to the parent in case the doctor wants the student to receive immediate treatment (Epi-pen; prescription antihistamine, etc.). As with any medicine, there must be a prescription label applied and expiration date noted.

Fever: Fever is defined as a temperature equal to or greater than 100.4 degrees. KISD policy states that a child cannot remain at school with a temperature equal to or greater than 100.4 degrees. A child may not return to school the same day he/she is sent home with a temperature equal to or greater than 100.4 degrees unless accompanied by a note from the physician stating that the child is free of communicable disease and can return to school that day. A student needs to be fever-free for 24 hours prior to returning to school. The clinic cannot dispense any medication for fever (Tylenol, Motrin, aspirin) without written physician’s permission.

Clinic Visits: All students must have a clinic pass in order to be serviced by our clinic staff. The teacher/staff member will note the chief complaint/reason for sending the student to the clinic. The clinic will document all care that your child receives. A yellow copy of the clinic pass will be sent home with every student seen in the clinic. Parents are encouraged to contact the clinic if there is a concern about the treatment received.

Emergency Clothing: The clinic will not provide students with clothing when they have soiled their clothing. Parents will be contacted and students must remain in class until a change of clothing is provided. Parents are welcomed to leave a change of clothing at the school in his/her child’s class in the event that soiling happens.

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First Aid: Students who become ill or injured on campus will be sent to the clinic for an assessment of the illness/injury by the nurse and/or clinic assistant. Clinic staff will contact parents of students who receive a head injury. All other parent notification will be based on the results of the assessment.

Lice Policy: When the school is made aware of head lice, we must take action quickly. As you know, head lice are a troublesome, contagious problem and are spread through direct contact or through the sharing of personal items, such as hats or hair brushes. A child who is found to have head lice will be sent home for appropriate treatment. Once the child has been treated, he/she can return to school after being checked by the clinic. We want to reassure you and your child that this policy is not a punishment; it is a precaution. Our goal is to gain control of the situation in a way that benefits the entire school. We will do all that we can to assist you in getting your child back to school in a prompt manner.

Medication: Medication dispensed during school hours is administered by the school nurse or clinic aide and requires a form signed by a DOCTOR. Other school personnel (teachers, assistants, etc.) are not authorized to give medication – including over-the-counter medication. Medication prescribed by a physician requires a medication form (available from the clinic). Medication will be kept in the clinic and must be in the original container (with Rx label in the child’s name). All medication must be given in the clinic.

Students are not permitted to carry medications, including cough drops, cough medicine, medicated creams, medicated eye drops, etc. For the complete KISD medication policy, please see the district section of this handbook.

CLUBS

We have many opportunities for students to participate in after school clubs. Our staff works hard to meet the needs and interests of our students. Clubs are formed at the beginning of the school year. Most have an application form that state goals and expectations. Parents are responsible for providing transportation home. All students will need to be picked up in a timely manner. Siblings that are not a part of a club must be picked up at the regular dismissal time.

CONFERENCES WITH TEACHERS

There are no district-wide Parent-Teacher conference days for the 2017-2018 school year. Bellaire Elementary has scheduled two parent-teacher conferences. One will be held in the fall and one will be held in the spring. Conferences will be scheduled by your child’s teacher. You will be notified of the date and time of your conference in advance. At that time, you will go over the parent, teacher, principal compact.

Throughout the year, if you need to visit with a teacher during the teacher’s conference time, please send a note or call the school office at 336-1410 to schedule an appointment in advance. Conferences may be scheduled before/after school or during the teacher’s conference period, but not during the instructional day. Please report to the school office for all scheduled conferences.

You are encouraged to contact your child’s teacher any time you have a question about your child’s progress. Staff email addresses are available on the Bellaire and KISD websites.

COUNSELING PROGRAM

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✓ Bellaire has 1 ½ counselors. The counselors will provide a variety of services for both students and parents. Some of these include:

✓ Plan and provide a variety of individual, small group, and classroom activities designed to be developmental and preventative in nature.

✓ Counsel individuals in a crisis situation

✓ Assist students in making the transition successfully from one school to another.

✓ Serve as a consultant in the area of guidance and counseling to parents, teachers, and administrators concerning the needs of students.

✓ Design a guidance program based on campus needs assessment.

DELIVERIES

District policy does not allow commercial deliveries of any kind to students at school. Deliveries include flowers, balloon bouquets, cakes, pizza, etc.

DISCIPLINE

Under separate cover, you will receive comprehensive description of the Killeen Independent School District’s Student Code of Conduct. If you have any questions concerning these expectations, please feel free to contact the building principal.

Each teacher will be sending you a copy of his/her classroom procedures and expectations. Please take time to read and discuss these with your child. When students adhere to these requirements, all students will have the opportunity to learn successfully.

Campus-wide expectations include:

1) Keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself.

2) Follow directions from Bellaire’s staff the first time given.

3) Use Dreamcatcher Behavior in the hallways.

4) Respect yourself and others by using school appropriate behavior

Teachers are allowed to add to these expectations for their individual classrooms. Failure to follow classroom and campus expectations will result in negative consequences being assigned to students from the classroom teacher or the school administrators.

Bellaire has integrated restorative discipline practices to respond to misbehavior. However, when students don’t respond to these efforts, it will result in a short form and/or discipline referral. The short form is utilized as a precursor to the discipline referral. Once a student fails to respond positively to the short form, the teacher will

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move forward with a discipline referral. When a student earns two discipline referrals for a serious offense, parents will need to participate in a formal conference with the teacher and disciplinarian. The teacher will set up the conference and invite the parent as well as the disciplinarian. At that time, we will implement interventions designed to improve behavior (BIP). If the student continues to earn disciplinary referrals, they will be placed on campus probation. Please see KISD’s Student Code of Conduct. Once the probationary contract has been violated, the student will be provided with a due process hearing and a possible recommendation for alternative placement in our district’s alternative education program.

All students must return a signed student code of conduct card. This signifies that you have received, read, and understand the student code of conduct.

DISMISSAL

By the first day of school, parents should notify the school office and their child’s teacher how their child will be getting home. Options include: KISD bus rider, YMCA, daycare, parent walk-up, car rider or walking. Changing the way your child gets home requires written notification provided to your child’s teacher and/or the office before 1:45 pm.

The dismissal bell rings at 3:00 pm. However, the staff begins preparing for dismissal procedures slightly earlier. As we move students to the proper locations for dismissal (bus, daycare, YMCA, Parent walk-up, car rider, etc.), the hallways become very crowded, and it is difficult to effectively monitor the movement of non-staff members. Therefore, for the safety of our students, parents will not be allowed to pick up students between 2:30 pm and 3:00 pm unless there is a dire emergency. Parents should call ahead when the emergency

arises. This will allow the staff to expect you. The front office doors will lock at 2:15 pm daily and will remain locked until 3:15 pm.

When the bell rings at 3:00 pm, staff will dismiss students outside for walkers. Car Riders will be escorted to the vehicles displaying the proper car tag. Students will not enter any vehicle that does not display the tag provided by Bellaire Elementary. Parents will need to park and walk around to the parent walk- up section and present a valid ID in order to obtain their child or they can wait until 3:15 pm to get their child from the attendance office. While we realize that these procedures may be burdensome, we want you to know that the safety of your child/children is highly important. We will take it seriously.

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

Each student should have a minimum of 2 emergency contact persons identified on his/her registration card. As the school year progresses, parents are encouraged to update these cards for accurate phone numbers. These changes must be made by the parent in person in the school office to guarantee accuracy and safety. Only persons listed on the registration card and verified with a picture ID may pick up a student from school.

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EMERGENCY DRILLS

In order to comply with district safety guidelines, Bellaire conducts one fire drill per month, one shelter-in-place/lockdown drill per semester, and at least one severe weather drill each semester. Evacuation maps and safety guidelines are located in every room on campus. Teachers will practice with their students prior to an actual drill. Visitors on campus are expected to follow the drill instructions. Students may not be checked out during this time.

FIELD-BASED INSTRUCTION

Students may take trips to experience the concepts that are taught in the classroom. In order for your child to participate, a district permission slip must be signed and returned prior to the day of the trip. Without a signed permission slip, students will be assigned an alternative classroom until his/her class has returned. This alternative classroom will not be a form of punishment. Should a student earn a referral and consequently have an assignment to ISS/OSS on the day of the trip, the student will not be permitted to attend.

GRADES

Grades are to reflect each student’s mastery of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), the state mandated curriculum. Student will receive grades as indicated below in Grades 1-5:

E Excellent 90-100 Excellent Progress S+ Above Average 89-80 Above Average S Average Progress 79-75 Average Progress S- Below Average 74-70 Minimal Passing N Needs Improvement 0-69 Failing

U Unsatisfactory

Please see the Killeen ISD policy regarding formative and summative grades. KISD Elementary Grading Handbook states the following:8. Grades of “zero” assigned for work not completed (other than those due to absences) may be changed upon completion and submission of such assignments by the student prior to the end of the grading period. The teacher will have discretion over the grade assigned within the parameters of the campus or department grading procedures. *Any grade changes after the grading period closes will require the teacher to contact the campus administrator. 9. A student shall be permitted one opportunity to redo any assignment or retake any test for which the student received a failing grade. The student or parent must request the additional opportunity within 10 days of the grade being posted in the grade book.

A teacher does not have to wait for a parent or student to request the redo opportunity. At Bellaire, we intend to take a proactive approach and provide opportunities for relearning and grade improvement on an ongoing basis. However, parent and student requests for redo opportunities will be granted as outlined in the KISD Elementary Grading Policy.

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When a teacher gives a student a redo grade, that grade change should be communicated to parents through a note, email, phone call, etc. The posting of the new averaged grade within the Home Access Center cannot be considered a replacement for parent communication regarding redo grades. Teachers will determine when the redo/retake opportunity will take place during the grading period and the school day. Redo and Retake opportunities will be given up until the last 7 school days of a grading period, in order to allow teachers time to reteach, redo and reassign a grade. Students may not redo long term projects. (These are defined as any project that is given more than a week or more to complete)

Grading Late Work: Late work is defined as classwork or homework not turned in at the time it is due (as designated ahead of time by the classroom teacher). Teachers may deduct UP TO 10 points for a late grade. Example: Student earns 18 out of 20 points on an assignment for a grade of 90%. Student turns assignment in 3 days late. Gradebook grade becomes an 80%. (Notice the 10 points is taken from the final percentage, not the points earned. 18 points minus 8 points becomes 10/20 correct for final grade of 50%; this is not an acceptable practice for late work.) HOMEWORK

Homework is an independent practice activity completed by the student as an extension of classroom work. Work assigned to be completed in class, with ample time to finish, is not considered homework. It is expected that students make good use of classroom time to complete assignments. If not, this work must be completed at home. It is important that parents and teachers work together to teach and reinforce promptness and responsibility as these are qualities that are needed for success in life. Therefore, late work may be penalized.

HUG and KISS ZONE

For the security of students, we do not allow parents to walk students to class after the first two weeks of school. We invite you to walk your child as far as the HUG and KISS ZONE (at the security doors in the front of the building) and then release your child from there. We have staff members and student chaperones all around the building to maintain security and provide assistance. We also have adults stationed near the security doors to help students in need. We appreciate your support in helping your child’s independence blossom.

ITEMS NOT ALLOWED AT SCHOOL

Student cellular devices, pocket knives, picks with metal tines, and toys should not be brought to school. Refrain from chewing gum in school. Toys and other items that detract from the instructional program may be confiscated. Confiscated items will not be returned to the student, but will need to be picked up by a parent.

If a student brings an item that should not be brought to school (i.e. cell phones, iPods, games, and toys) and that item is lost, traded, or stolen, the school personnel will not be responsible for trying to locate these items.

LOST AND FOUND

If a student loses anything, he/she should report it to the office immediately. It is possible that the lost article has already been turned in to the lost and found. The lost and found rack is located in the far end hallway near the library. Please be sure to check this area for your child’s lost belongings. All unclaimed items are donated to a charitable agency at the end of the school year.

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LUNCHROOM PROCEDURES

All students are encouraged to eat a healthy lunch at school. Parents may either provide a sack lunch or order a lunch from the school lunch program. Breakfast and lunch will be FREE for ALL STUDENTS. Parents are welcome to eat with their students or bring special lunches, but we ask that this be done during the student’s designated lunch time to avoid interfering with classes. On state assessment days, parental lunch visits are not

allowed. Parental access to the campus for other matters will be very limited.

While in the cafeteria, students are allowed to talk quietly with the students sitting next to them after the first 10 minutes of eating time; however, the following rules should be followed:

1. Students should obey the lunchroom monitors.

2. Students should keep their hands, feet, and other objects to themselves.

3. Students should speak quietly only to the persons seated directly around them.

4. Students should not trade food with one another.

5. Students should stay in their seats and raise their hands if they need help.

6.

Students will remain in the cafeteria for the 1st twenty minutes. Lunch recess is the last 10 minutes.

PARTIES

The federal nutrition guidelines allow for 3 classroom parties during the school year: Winter Holiday, Valentine’s Day, and End of the Year. Refreshments for parties must be store-bought. If you would like to help your child’s teacher with the parties, please notify him/her. New Federal government guidelines for nutritious foods must be followed.

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It is KISD’s policy not to have birthday parties in the classroom. However, individual, store-bought snack items can be brought in if prior arrangements have been made with the teacher. Party favors, balloons, flowers, etc. for students are not appropriate during the school day. Students may only distribute party invitations if they provide each student in their classroom with an invitation. Invitations for only a selected number of classmates may not be distributed at school.

SCHOOL CLOSINGS

Local radio and TV stations will announce school closings during inclement weather (i.e., snow, ice). In addition, the information is available on Channel 17-the KISD TV Channel and on the KISD website.

SPIRIT DAY

Each Friday, students are encouraged to wear school t-shirts to show school spirit.

TARDY REGULATION AS DEFINED by the DISTRICT is as FOLLOWS:

Tardy is defined as not being at the assigned location when the tardy bell rings.

A warning bell will ring 5 minutes prior to the start of school, followed by a tardy bell 5 minutes later.

Parents will be notified by the campus upon the 4th through the 10th tardy of each nine week grading period.

Students in elementary school are subject to detention (AM, PM, Lunch, or Saturday) upon persistent violation of the tardy policy.

TARDIES

Parents should make every effort to see that their child(ren) gets to school on time. Tardy students must have a parent escort or a note from their parents stating the reason they are tardy. Our morning bell rings at 7:25 am and the tardy bell rings at 7:30 am. Instruction begins promptly at 7:30 am, so if students arrive late, they are in danger of falling behind academically. Excessive tardies will be considered a disruption of class and may be treated with discipline consequences. Attendance officers will also be notified if any student develops a pattern of unexcused tardies. We appreciate your efforts in helping your student get to school on time.

Bellaire Elementary will institute a consequence matrix for students and parents to adhere to as it relates to tardies. Students will receive a consequence as they earn tardies in sequences of 4.

For example,

On the 4th tardy, students will receive a disciplinary referral and have lunch detention.

On the 8th tardy, students will receive another referral and they will lose recess.

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On the 12th tardy, students will receive another referral, and they will be assigned to Saturday Detention. Saturday Detention is hosted by another KISD campus from 8:00 am until noon. Transportation will not be provided to Saturday Detention. Students will be assigned work by their homeroom teacher during Saturday Detention.

Each referral that a student earns will require a visit to the assistant principal’s office. The AP who works with your child will contact you each time they have to meet with your child. Keep in mind that class time is being lost when they are in the AP’s office.

A more severe consequence will be rendered as students continue to earn tardies. It is our goal to completely eliminate tardies. We will depend on parents to help us with eradicating tardiness.

Parents are welcomed to serve detentions, ISS, etc. or volunteer at the school in other ways in the place of their child. We know that children do not drive themselves to school and it is the responsibility of the parent to get them here. In an effort to curve the habit of tardiness, we will work with the parent to eradicate this practice.

Students who arrive on time will be recognized and rewarded for their promptness.

TELEPHONE/CELL PHONE USE

Due to the increase in property damage and or stolen devices, students are not allowed to use cell phones while on school property. Cell phones should be turned off and kept in the student’s back pack. If students do not follow this policy, their cell phone will be confiscated until a parent is able to come to school to reclaim the device. The school is not liable for loss or damage to students’ cell phone. Bringing personal cell phones to school is at the risk of the student.

A phone is available in the office for students to use only with the permission of the office staff or administrators. Student use of the phone will be limited to essential circumstances only. Parents are asked not to call their children unless it is absolutely necessary. If the weather is bad or predicted to be bad, please make arrangements ahead of time so that it will not be necessary for children to use the phone.

Students participating in after school activities, such as choir or clubs, should tell their parents in advance when they plan to stay and when they will be dismissed. This will avoid the necessity of a phone call. Students will not be kept after school unless parents have prior notification.

Staff Cell Phone Use: Teachers and para-professionals will refrain from utilizing cellular devices during the instructional time. They shall be reserved for conference/lunch time use only.

TEXTBOOKS

Students are issued state owned textbooks for their use during the school year. If a textbook is lost or damaged, the student’s parents are responsible for paying for it. A second textbook cannot be issued until payment is made. Please make payment to the office in the form of cash, check, or money order. Please have the exact amount as the office does not have the ability to make change.

TUESDAY FOLDERS

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All schoolwide notes will be posted on the Bellaire Elementary School website, unless the parent expressed otherwise. Please check the “Tuesday Folder” for important class information. Return the folder and any papers needing signatures to school on Wednesday.

TUTORING

Teachers will schedule their own tutoring times, before, during, and/or after school. Parents will be notified concerning tutoring for their student.

VISITORS

Visitors are always welcome, but we ask that you do not interfere with student learning. Please enter the school office for a security check and to exchange your ID for a visitor’s badge. You will then be escorted to your destination. We expect all adults to serve as role models for our students and ask our visitors to please follow our school dress code when visiting our campus. Former

employees of the district, employee spouses and other family members must follow the same procedures as all other visitors.

VOLUNTEERS

An effective volunteer program can greatly enhance a student’s opportunity to learn. If any parent/guardian, grandparent, or citizen is interested in this program, please contact your child’s teacher or our school office. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT ALL ADULTS MUST SUBMIT A BACKGROUND CHECK BEFORE THEY CAN VOLUNTEER.

WET AND SOILED CLOTHING POLICY – (DISTRICT POLICY)- VII-V, Pg. 1-2

At Bellaire Elementary, we expect that all PK-K students are able to go to the restroom during the school day without incident or assistance. Please send your child to school in clothing that they can easily and quickly remove in order for them to utilize our facilities effectively. It is important to have a conversation with your child about asking to go to the restroom as soon as they feel the urge. This should be in enough time to prevent soiling. Please ensure that we have current phone numbers to contact you in case of an accident and we are not able to rectify it without your assistance.

General Information • Parents of all PK and K students must provide an extra set of clothing (to include shirt, shorts, pants,

underwear, socks and shoes) labeled with the child’s name in a grocery sack or Ziploc bag. The clothing will be stored in the classroom. At the change of seasons, the clothing should be sent home to be replaced by season-appropriate clothing.

• If a child is unable to change his/her own clothing, the parent will be required to come to the school to change the student’s clothing.

• Before assisting any child with zippers, buttons, clasps or belts, permission from the child will be obtained.

• The school will not provide clothing for any student. The parent must provide all changes of clothing. • If a child appears ill (no energy, pale, stomach cramps) and has diarrhea (liquid stool), they will be sent

to the clinic for evaluation.

Wet Clothing PK4 – 5th Grade • Τhe teacher will allow the student to change their wet clothes in the classroom restroom.

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• The teacher will notify the parent. The teacher will send the wet clothes home in the bag that was provided by the parent for the dry clothes.

• If the classroom doesn’t have a restroom, a staff member can accompany the student to the restroom where the student will change his/her clothes in the restroom.

• If the child has wet his/her clothes, he or she will clean themselves with wipes, change their clothes, place their clothes in a bag and wash their hands before returning to the learning environment.

• Most students should be able to change wet clothing by themselves. However, if the child needs assistance with zippers, buttons, belts or clasps, a staff person can assist with a minimal task, and then allow the child to remove the clothing by himself/herself.

• If clothing is not provided and/or the child is unable to change by themselves, the parent will bring a change of clothes and change their child.

• The child cannot be sent home on the bus or to after school day care with wet clothing.

Soiled Clothing PK4 – 5th Grade • If the child has soiled his/her clothes, the parent will be called immediately and required to come and

take care of the child’s personal needs as soon as possible. The child will await the parent in a campus designated area (not to include the clinic) and be given the option to stand until the parent arrives.

• The parent may take the child home to properly clean the child. The parent may return the student back to school once he/she is in clean clothes.

• The child cannot be sent home on the bus or to after school day care with soiled clothing.

Students Who Are In Transition • The student is to wear pull-ups instead of diapers. • The parent is to send extra pull-ups, wipes, a change of clothes and grocery bags (to send wet clothes

home in) labeled with the child’s name. • The procedures for wet/soiled pull-ups will be in accordance with the procedures for wet/soiled clothing

listed above.

WITHDRAWING STUDENTS Please notify the office and your child’s teacher as soon as you know that you will be withdrawing your child from school. If you wish to carry records with you, a minimum of 3 days notice is requested in order to process records. Parents may begin this process by coming into the office and providing the child’s name, teacher’s name, last day of attendance, and destination.

Parent Involvement Policy

Parent/ Teacher Organizations

Our goal is to create a new Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) that provides an opportunity for parents to work closely with the faculty in providing a better school for all of the children of the community. All parents and staff members are encouraged to become active members.

Parent Volunteers

Our volunteer coordinator works with our Adopt-a-Unit and parent and community volunteers to provide initial training and background checks for volunteer work in our school. The coordinator matches the needs of our students to the time and talents of the volunteers that commit to work in our school.

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Working with Families of Deployed Soldiers

Military families often have unique needs, especially during times of deployment. For this reason, when we are notified of a deployment situation, our counselors will contact the student’s family to see if the school can lend support or be of any special assistance.

Parent and Family Events

Special events are scheduled monthly to involve our families in the learning process and help them feel welcome in the school family. These events include campus-wide Family Nights and Fine Arts Performances by each grade level. Our counselors also sponsor numerous Parent Events to provide guidance and discuss topics that strengthen the home/school relationship.

Grade Level Meetings and Conferences with Parents

All teachers or grade levels hold Parent Information Meetings and/or Parent-Teacher Conferences. These events give teachers the opportunity to share information with parents that will enable them to better help their children at home and facilitate a good working relationship between parents and teachers.

Parent Interest Questionnaires / Parent Meetings

The principal sends out questionnaires to survey the needs and interests of both parents and teachers, and then plans activities accordingly. Family Events are used as a forum to share needed information.

Bellaire Elementary School Student-Teacher-Parent-Principal Compact

2016-17

PARENTS/GUARDIAN AGREEMENT: I want my child to succeed. Therefore, I shall encourage him/her by doing the following: *See that my child is punctual and attends school regularly. *Support the school discipline policy. *Establish a time for homework and review homework regularly. *Provide a quiet, well-lighted place for study. *Encourage my child’s efforts and be available for questions. *Stay aware of what my child is learning. *Read with my child and let my child see me read.

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Signature___________________________________ Date _______________

STUDENT AGREEMENT: It is important that I work to the best of my ability. Therefore, I shall strive to do the following: *Attend school regularly. *Come to school each day with pens, pencils, paper, and other necessary tools for learning. *Complete and return homework assignments. *Observe regular study hours. *Conform to rules of student conduct.

Signature_________________________________ Date _______________

TEACHER AGREEMENT: It is important that students achieve. Therefore, I shall strive to do the following: *Provide care, safety, and security for my students. *Provide instruction in a way that will motivate and encourage my students. *Provide appropriate and meaningful homework assignments for students. *Provide necessary assistance to parents so that they can help with the assignments. *Provide information about student progress in order to encourage students and parents. *Provide special activities in the classroom to make learning enjoyable.

Signature _______________________________ Date_______________

PRINCIPAL AGREEMENT: I support this form of parental involvement. Therefore, I shall strive to do the following: *Provide an environment that allows for positive communication between the teacher, students, and parent. *Encourage teachers to regularly provide homework assignments that will reinforce classroom instruction. *Provide a safe environment for all students which is conducive to learning.

Signature_______________________________ Date_______________

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