for

Jani Drake, Principal Jeff Blackford, Superintendent Rich Hill Elementary School Central Office320 E Poplar Street 703 N. 3rd StreetRich Hill, MO 64779 Rich Hill, MO 64779417-395-2227 417-395-2418

James Lantrip, Counselor Ext. 253 Marjorie Heuser, Nurse Ext. 219Amberly Phelps, Director Special Services Ext. 246

DISTRICT MISSION

The mission of the Rich Hill R-IV School District is to prepare our students to become thinking, responsible, and productive citizens of society by providing opportunities to achieve their maximum capabilities in scholarship, leadership, and moral character.

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

The Rich Hill R-IV School District’s first priority is to ensure that all students are given opportunities to acquire the knowledge, experience, and skills to be productive citizens.

We believe that:1. Education is the means by which each student can achieve his or her maximum

individual development.2. An understanding and demonstration of the democratic values of our society leads

students to a more satisfying and effective life.3. Through instruction and example teachers create a stimulating learning environment

which leads to achievement and growth for students.4. Parents/guardians play an important part by cooperating with teachers and

administrators in encouraging their children to give their best efforts to learning and related school activities.

5. Students must come to school physically, intellectually, and emotionally ready to fulfill the responsibilities and exercise the opportunities in the learning process.

6. The education of the whole person is best rooted in the fundamentals of oral and written communication and in mathematics.

The Rich Hill R-IV School District provides an educational environment for all children which will foster and accelerate their intellectual, physical, and emotional growth and lead to productive and satisfying lives as adults.

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ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CALENDAR2014 – 2015

August 11, 12 & 13 Teacher In-service DaysAugust 13 Meet the Teacher Night 6:00-7:00 pmAugust 14 1st Day of ClassesSeptember 1 Labor Day—No SchoolOctober 6 No School PD InserviceOctober 17 First Quarter ends

October 22 Parent/Teacher Conferences 3:00 – 6:30 p.m.

October 23 Parent/Teacher Conferences 3:00 – 6:30 p.m.October 24 NO SCHOOLNovember 3 No School PD InserviceNovember 7 Fall Party – 2:15 pmNovember 26-28 Thanksgiving VacationDecember 19 Winter Party – 11:30 amDecember 19 2nd Quarter Ends Dismiss at 12:16 pmDecember 22 - January 2 Winter VacationJanuary 5 School resumes – 2nd Semester beginsJanuary 19 No School, Dr. M.L. King, Jr. Day

(Possible snow day #1)February 2 No School PD InserviceFebruary 13 Valentine’s Day Party – 2:15 pmFebruary 16 President’s Day – No School

(Possible snow day #2)March 6 3rd Quarter EndsMarch 9 No School PD InserviceMarch 20 Spring Break (Possible snow day #3)April 3 Good Friday-No School (Possible snow day

#4)April 6 Easter Break – No School May 12 4th Quarter/Second Semester Ends

Last Day of ClassesDismiss at 12:16 pm

May 13-14 Snow day Make-up #5 and #6

Admission Requirements

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A child is eligible for admission to kindergarten if the child reaches the age of five (5) before the first day of August of he school year beginning in that calendar year. A child is eligible for admission to first grade if the child reaches the age of six (6) before the first day of August of he school year beginning in that calendar year. Before a student can be admitted to any grade above the first grade (grades 2-6) written evidence must be presented that he/she has been promoted to the grade in which he/she is seeking enrollment.

All students entering Rich Hill Elementary School for the first time must present the following documentation at the time of enrollment:

1. Birth Certificate2. Certificate of Immunization3. Proof of Address4. Social Security Card/Number

We have a minimum 24-hour waiting period before students are placed in a classroom.

After School Detentions

After school detentions (ASD) will be held in the detention supervisor’s classroom. Parents will be given 24 hour notification of assigned detention. Students are to be in the assigned room by 3:00 p.m. and will be dismissed at 3:30 pm (30 minute detention). Parents will be responsible for the transportation of their student(s) after detention. Buses will not take students home.

Failure to report to an assigned ASD will result in the student serving an in-school detention (ISD). If a student is absent on the day of his/her scheduled ASD, it will be reassigned.

Rules for ASD are as follows:1. All students must be seated by 3:00 p.m. Students arriving late will be assigned an additional detention.2. There will be no talking. Students must stay in seat. There will be no sleeping, gum chewing, eating, drinking,

or bathroom breaks. The student will do work assigned by the teacher.3. If a student is dismissed from detention because of continual disruptions, failure to obey rules or complete

assignments, the student will be assigned ISD or OSS.

Anti-Bullying Policy

The Rich Hill R-IV Board of Education prohibits acts of bullying. The board of education has determined that a safe and civil environment in school is necessary for students to learn and achieve high academic standards. Demonstration of appropriate behavior, treating others with civility and respect, and refusing to tolerate bullying is expected of administrators, faculty, staff, and students.

Bullying is any gesture or written, verbal, graphic, or physical act (including electronically transmitted acts—i.e. internet, cell phone, personal digital assistant (pda), or wireless hand held device) that is reasonably perceived as being motivated either by any actual or perceived characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression; or a mental, physical, or sensory disability or impairment; or by any other distinguishing characteristic. Such behavior is considered bullying whether it takes place on or off school property, at any school-sponsored function or in a school vehicle.

Bullying is conduct that meets all of the following criteria: is directed at one or more pupils or teacher; substantially interferes with educational opportunities, benefits, or programs of one or more pupils; adversely affects the ability of a pupil to participate in or benefit from the school district’s educational programs

or activities by placing the pupil in reasonable fear of physical harm or by causing emotional distress; and, is based on a pupil’s or staff member’s actual or perceived distinguishing characteristic (see above), or is based

on an association with another person who has or is perceived to have any of these characteristics.

Types of Bullying

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Bullying Categories FormsVerbal Persistent teasing, name calling taunts, threats, sarcasm,

spreading rumorsPhysical Pushing, pinching, punching, kicking, use of weaponEmotional Exclusion (you’re not playing with us), ridicule, humiliationExtortion Forcing someone to hand over money, food or valuablesHiding Coats, books, shoes, taking items from lockersRacist Racial taunts, jokes, graffiti, gesturesGestures Holding fists as though to fight or hit, holding finger(s) in

derogatory way, “bad looks”Homophobic Physical, verbal or emotional aggression, name calling, etc.Destruction of personal property Scribbling on class work, homework, or booksSexual Unwanted physical contact or abusive comments and gestures

The Rich Hill R-IV Board of Education requires its school administrators to develop and implement procedures that ensure both the appropriate consequences and remedial responses to a student or staff member who commits one or more acts of bullying.

Consequences and appropriate remedial actions for a student or staff member who commits one or more acts of bullying may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or expulsion in the case of a student, or suspension or termination in the case of an employee.

Consequences for a student who commits an act of harassment or bullying shall be unique to the individual incident and will vary in method and severity according to the nature of the behavior, the developmental age of the student, and the student’s history of problem behaviors and performance, and must be consistent with the discipline policy. The consequences and remedial measures may include, but not limited to the examples listed below:

Examples of Consequences Conference/Warning by teacher Temporary removal from the classroom Loss of privileges Classroom or administrative detention Referral to administrator In-school suspension Out-of-school suspension Legal action Expulsion or termination

Examples of Remedial Measures The adult assists the misbehaving student to find a better way to solve the problem Restitution and restoration Corrective instruction or other relevant learning Supportive discipline to increase accountability for the bullying offense Supportive interventions Behavioral assessment or evaluation, including, but not limited to, a referral to a Child Study Team, as

appropriate Behavioral management plan, with benchmarks that are closely monitored Student counseling Parent Conferences

The Rich Hill R-IV Board of Education requires the principal and/or the principal’s designee to be responsible for determining whether an alleged act constitutes a violation of this policy. The principal and/or the designee shall conduct a prompt, thorough, and complete investigation of each alleged incident. The investigation is to be completed within three school days after a report or complaint is made.

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The Rich Hill R-IV Board of Education prohibits reprisal or retaliation against any person who reports an act of bullying. The consequences and appropriate remedial action for a person who engages in reprisal or retaliation shall be determined by the administrator after consideration of the nature, severity, and circumstances of the act.

The Rich Hill R-IV Board of Education prohibits any person from falsely accusing another as a means of harassment or bullying. The consequences and appropriate remedial action for a person found to have falsely accused another as a means of bullying may range from positive behavioral interventions up to and including suspension or expulsion. Consequences and appropriate remedial action for a school employee found to have falsely accused another as a means of bullying shall be disciplined in accordance with district policies, procedures, and agreements.

The Rich Hill R-IV Board of Education requires school officials to annually disseminate this policy to all school staff, students, and parents, along with a statement explaining that it applies to all applicable acts of bullying that occur on school property, at school-sponsored functions, or on a school bus. The superintendent of schools shall develop an annual process for discussing the school district’s policy on bullying with students and staff.

The school district shall incorporate information regarding the policy against bullying into each school employee training program and handbook.

Adopted: August 13, 2007

Arrival and Dismissal

Students may begin arriving on campus at 7:35 a.m. Students should NOT be on campus before 7:35 a.m. as there will be not be any adult supervision before that time. At 7:35 a.m. students are to go directly to the gym or to the cafeteria if they wish to eat breakfast. Students are not allowed to stay after school with an older brother or sister who may be staying for after school activities. Please make other arrangements for the younger child.

1. Leaving School EarlyParental/guardian permission is always required when a child leaves the school during the scheduled school day. Parents must sign student(s) out in the office before leaving the school grounds. Students are allowed to leave school or arrive late four (4) times a quarter. When a student leaves early or arrives late a 5th time and thereafter, the student will receive a detention for each late arrival or early departure that is not documented by a doctor’s note. Any combination of tardies or early departures exceeding four (4) times or more in a quarter will result in a detention being assigned per tardy or early departure thereafter.

2. Late Arrivals Any child arriving after 8:08 a.m. will be counted tardy. The parent must sign the child in at the office so the child can get an admit slip to his/her classroom. Any combination of tardies or early departures exceeding four (4) times or more in a quarter will result in a detention being assigned per tardy or early departure thereafter.

3. Early Dismissals and School ClosingsIn the event of severely inclement weather or mechanical breakdown, the school may need to close early or for the entire day. School closings and early dismissals will be announced over these radio stations:

Butler Radio Station 92.1 FM, 1530 AMNevada Radio Station 97.5 FM, 1240 AM

Please be sure that you complete the Emergency Dismissal form and return it to your child’s teacher. Include specific plans for transportation (no phone numbers). If you change Emergency Dismissal plans during the year, please notify your child’s teacher and the office.

Attendance

Irregularity in attendance is the greatest contributing cause of school failure. A student missing one day of school costs two days of school work; 1) the day of the absence, and 2) the lack of preparation for the day of return. Attendance is an important responsibility of students and parents. RHES believes that the habits developed at home and in school will stay with the students for the remainder of their lives. If your child is absent, please call the office and give us a reason for the absence.

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Under federal law, all students must attend an accredited school until they are seventeen (17) years of age. Under Missouri Law 167.061, any parent or guardian who allows their child to be in non-attendance to an educational institution prior to their seventeenth (17th) birthday is subject to a fine or imprisonment or both. Excessive absences may necessitate intervention by Bates County Division of Family Services. The student may be required to successfully complete summer school to make up for excessive absentees.

RHES Attendance Policy

Satisfaction of attendance requirements shall be considered a prerequisite to promotion to the next grade. This policy designates seven days absence each semester as the maximum allowed for normal circumstances. Chronic illness and hospitalization will be cause for consideration by the RHES Attendance Committee in extending the limit of allowed absences.

All absences will be considered excused except truancy. Absences such as doctor visits, hospitalization, chronic illness, etc., need to be verified with notes from the doctor explaining the reason for the absence. The Attendance Committee will take these notes into consideration.

A student is truant if after leaving home for school the student: does not attend school, leaves the school grounds during school hours without permission from the office, is absent from assigned class without permission from the office, is absent from school without making arrangements with parents.

After seven days of absence in a semester, the student will become ineligible to receive credit for all classes, subject to modification by the RHES Attendance Committee and review by the Board of Education. Parents will be notified in writing when a student has been absent for four days. Parents will be notified upon the 7th absence of the student, with a reminder of their right to request a review.

The RHES Attendance Committee shall consist of: (a) the appropriate building principal, (b) the superintendent of schools, (c) a teacher elected by the principal from the appropriate building, (d) one board member, (e) the appropriate building secretary, and (f) counselor.

The RHES Attendance Committee in reviewing a provisional/permanent loss of credit shall consider the individual circumstances affecting a student’s failure to satisfy the attendance requirements of the district, including the affect of the student’s ability to meet the requirements of this policy. The Committee may also consider any affect on the student’s academic achievement, as well as the student’s previous attendance history and any other relevant factors. The Committee may require the parents or guardian and/or student to appear before the Committee to present information in regards to the student’s absences. Based on the evidence presented, the Committee may extend the absence limit; award provisional credit for the semester of excessive absences contingent upon satisfaction of conditions relating to future attendance, which it may establish, and revoke such provisional award of credit upon failure of such conditions; or determine that the provisional failure to earn credit should become permanent.

Before a student is determined ineligible for credit based upon excessive absences, the student and student’s parents or guardian will be given written notice of the provisional/permanent failure to earn credit under this policy, explaining the number of absences, dates, and classes to which such absences applied, if less than all classes. In addition, the student and student’s parents or guardian shall be notified of the ability to obtain a review of such provisional/permanent failure to earn credit by the RHES Attendance Committee. If the parent or guardian wishes to request such a review, it must be done in writing within fifteen (15) business days of the date of the receipt of the notice of provisional/ permanent failure to earn credit. The request shall detail the specific reasons why the student and parents or guardian believe the student should be granted relief from the requirement of this policy. Upon failure to request a review by the Committee within the time limit of fifteen (15) business days, the provisional/ permanent loss of credit shall become final. If a parent or guardian requests a review by the Committee, the parent or guardian will be notified of the outcome of the Committee’s review. At the conclusion of the review, the Committee may or may not make adjustments to the original decision. In the event the Committee deems the excessive absences necessary, the student will be allowed to make up required work in the time designated by the Committee and upon successful completion of make up work, credit would be reinstated. Any final decision by the Committee that a student has failed to earn provisional/permanent credit may be appealed to the Board of Education (BOE).

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The request of an appeal must be submitted within ten (10) business days from the receipt of the Committee’s decision. The request for an appeal may call for a hearing before the BOE. At any such hearing, the parents or guardian and student may be represented by counsel at their own expense, present evidence and testimony from witnesses, cross-examine witnesses presented by the district, receive evidence and documents from the district necessary to the presentation of the appeal, and shall be accorded such other rights upon request as may be required by appropriate due process and applicable law. The Board may adopt such procedures for the conduct of the hearing, as it deems necessary. It may require testimony to be provided under oath and may make a transcript of the hearing, but shall not be required to do so. The decision of the Board shall be provided to the parents in writing within a reasonable time following the hearing, and the Board’s decision shall be final.

School-sponsored or sanctioned activities for which the student has been properly pre-excused by the principal are exempted from and will not pertain to the policy. Students who go to school sponsored or sanctioned trips will be allowed to make up any work missed.

Absences resulting from out-of-school suspension or expulsion shall be treated like any other absence for purpose of this policy. Any suspension that is reversed by the BOE shall not be included for purposes of calculating absences under this policy.

Make-up of Absences

An absent student will have one day for each absence to make up work. Long-range assignments such as term papers, reports, or test dates announced in advance will be due on their originally planned day, or the first day the student is in attendance after the assignment was due. IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO GET ALL MAKE UP WORK FROM THE TEACHERS. A request for homework for the day a student is absent must be made to the office by 9 a.m. if it is to be picked up after 3 p.m. that same day.

Any work missed while absent and not turned in on time will be recorded as a zero and averaged in the student’s quarterly grade.

Unexcused absences (those absences in excess of 7 per semester) may be made up in Saturday School at the rate of one day SS per one day missed. It is the student’s responsibility to get make-up work from the teacher of the class/classes missed to work on during the make-up time. Failure to make up excessive time and work missed will result in the non-award of credit for the class/classes missed.

Attendance at Events/Activities

Students may not attend elementary school related events/activities if they were not in attendance at school the full day before the event/activity, unless prior permission was granted by the principal.

Bicycles

All bicycle riders must comply with the following rules:

1. When riding to and from school, ride bicycle on the sidewalk if there is one. If not, ride on the right hand side of the street with traffic.

2. Only one child to a bike.3. Ride single file on bikes. Dismount when crossing the street to enter the school grounds.4. Walk bicycles on the school grounds. DO NOT RIDE BIKES ON SCHOOL GROUNDS.5. Park and lock bikes in the bike rack provided at the south entrance to the elementary school.6. City police will be contacted if school is notified of students riding unsafely on city streets.

Bus Transportation Rules of Conduct

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Student conduct on school buses is an important safety issue for the school district. It is important that students respect the privilege of transportation to and from school or an activity.

It is not the responsibility of the district to transport students not assigned to a bus route. Extra students may not always be accommodated. If you want a non-bus rider to accompany your child on the bus, please check with the principal at least two (2) days ahead of time. Groups of non-bus riders will not be allowed to ride bus without principal approval.

Bus notes are not valid for more than a two (2) week period. Please send a signed and dated note if you wish for your child to do something different than what they usually do after school.

STUDENTS ARE NOT TO GET OFF THE BUS ANYWHERE EXCEPT THEIR DESIGNATED STOP UNLESS THEY HAVE WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THEIR PARENT OR GUARDIAN.

The following state regulations for pupils who ride school buses will be followed.1. The driver is in charge of the pupils and the bus. Pupils must obey the driver promptly and cheerfully.2. The driver can assign a seat for which the student will be held responsible.3. Pupils must be on time; the bus cannot wait for those who are tardy.4. Never stand in roadway while waiting for the bus.5. Unnecessary conversation with the driver is prohibited.6. Outside of ordinary conversation, classroom conduct is to be observed.7. Pupils must not throw waste paper or other rubbish on the floor of the bus.8. Pupils must not at any time extend body parts out of the bus windows.9. Pupils must not try to get on or off the bus or move about within the bus while it is in motion.10. When leaving bus, pupils must observe direction of the driver.11. Any damage to the bus is to be reported at once to the driver.12. Buses are drug, alcohol and tobacco free and fall under the Safe Schools Act.13. No animals will be permitted on the bus.14. Pupils, who must cross the road after leaving the bus, must cross in front of the bus, and only upon the signal

given by the driver.15. Students should not run from the building to catch the bus. While boarding the bus, students should not crowd

or push. It is the driver’s responsibility to supervise loading and unloading.16. Students should cooperate in all safety measures.17. Students are prohibited from using obscene and unacceptable language, gestures, remarks, or signs.18. Combustible items such as matches/lighters are not allowed on the school bus.19. Weapons or firearms are not allowed on the school bus.

Bus Conduct Violations

Consequences for violation of bus regulations will be as follows:

1st Offense: After school detention2nd Offense: 5 days bus suspension and ASD3rd Offense: 10 days bus suspension and ISD4th Offense: Loss of bus riding privileges for remainder of year.

Exception: Violation of regulations 12, 17, 18 and 19 will result in suspension from school and involvement of juvenile authorities.

Care of School Property

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Students are urged at all times to take proper care of school property. Should accidental damage occur, such as breaking a window, the student should report the accident to the office immediately. Writing or cutting on desks, walls, or other items is destructive behavior and will not be tolerated. Students should maintain good housekeeping habits in classrooms and restrooms. Students cannot remain in the building after school has been dismissed unless under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Students should not be in the building at night or during the weekends unless under supervision of a faculty member.

Checking In and Out of School during the School Day

Under no circumstances shall a student leave during the school day unless accompanied by an adult who is listed on the student information sheet. Permission to leave school will not be granted unless the student presents a written request from the parent(s)/guardian(s) that they are allowed to leave school. Students who are scheduled for a doctor/dental appointment should bring prior written verification. Phone calls from parents requesting student dismissals should be for emergencies only and only if it can be verified that the authorized parent made the phone call. Parents are required to sign in their child at the office when arriving late and to sign out their child when picking them up before the end of the school day. A child leaving school without proper checkout will be considered truant. Any combination of tardies or early departures exceeding four (4) times or more in a quarter will result in a detention being assigned per tardy or early departure thereafter.

Discipline Procedures

Consequences for inappropriate/unacceptable behaviors will have limits. Each student will be limited to the following consequences:

Per quarter Per semester10 laps walking at recess 2 In-School Suspension6 lunch detentions 3 Out-of-School Suspensions3 After School Detentions (or a maximum of 18 days)

Long-term Suspension

Once a student has been assigned three ASDs and two ISSs, they will be assigned OSS up to a maximum of 18 days. A student may be assigned an ISS without having served any ASDs. Students may be suspended without having served any ASDs or ISSs.

Definition of Prohibited Acts

Level I Behavior (including but not limited to the following):

not keeping hands, feet, and objects to oneself tardiness littering talking without permission drinking or eating in class without permission disorderly/disruptive conduct on school property

disobedient – not following teacher’s instructions not being prepared for class (homework, pen, paper,

books, etc.) dress code violation violation of classroom rules

Disciplinary Action

Any exhibition of the above listed behaviors may result in time-out, loss of other classroom privileges, walking at recess, lunch detention, parent contact, and/or after school detention assigned by the teacher.

Level II Behavior (Including but not limited to the following):

the use of profane, abusive or obscene language and/or gestures (not addressed to a person)

defacing of property disrespectful attitude directed at teachers or staff pushing, shoving/rough housing truancy

the 4th incident of Level I behavior dishonesty, cheating teasing, taunting, name calling, etc. leaving class without permission public display of affection beyond hand-to-hand

contact

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leaving school grounds without permission

Disciplinary Action

Any exhibition of the above listed behaviors may result in the student being sent to the principal’s office with possible consequences ranging from ASD to OSS. Parents will be notified of the inappropriate behavior and the consequence(s).

Level III Behavior (Including but not limited to the following):

fighting destruction of property threats to teachers, staff or students theft sexual harassment involving physical action(s) verbal or physical abuse to teacher, staff, or students possession or use of tobacco, tobacco products

including lighters and matches sexual harassment - verbal or physical physical harassment

the third incident of a Level II behavior possession of or sale of a controlled substance or drug

paraphernalia possession or use of weapons possession or use of stimulants possession or use of non-prescribed inhalants the use of profane, abusive or obscene language

and/or gestures addressed to a person secretion of body fluids

Disciplinary action:

Any exhibition of the above listed behaviors will result in a mandatory visit to the principal’s office with consequences ranging from ISS to OSS with possible referral to juvenile authorities. A student will be required to make restitution following damage to or loss of property. The principal will inform the parents, superintendent, and the proper law enforcement authorities before assigning OSS or recommending extended OSS.

Students who receive two ASDs or one ISS or one OSS in a semester of a field trip or special activity could jeopardize eligibility to participate.

Deliveries to School

If you choose to have something delivered to your child at school for birthdays and special days, you must contact the school to let school officials know your child will be receiving a delivery. Distribution of delivery to child will be near the close of the school day. Valentines Day deliveries will be made to the school after 1:30 pm. Children may not receive deliveries without approval from their parent or legal guardian. As a safety precaution, balloons and glass containers are not allowed on school busses. If you send your child a balloon at school or flowers in a glass container, you will need to make arrangements for private transportation home that day.

Emergency Evacuation Procedures

Fire Evacuation

The fire evacuation bell is one long continuous bell. Teachers should walk their students out through the designated exit, take roll by name and notify the principal about any missing students.

The secretary will check the elementary hall bathrooms. Teachers with classroom bathrooms will make sure they are empty before exiting the room. The support staff will check the cafeteria, nurse’s office, computer lab and PAT room.

Once students have exited the building, teachers will walk students toward the playground area without crossing the drive in front of the school. Students that exit to the north (from the auditorium or the gym) will continue past the north parking area.

Tornado Safety

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The tornado safety alert bell is a series of short bell rings. Teachers will take their students to the designated areas, take roll by name and notify the principal if any students are missing. Students are to be in a crouched position on their knees with hands over their heads or seated with their backs to wall with a heavy book over their head. It is important that students remain calm and quiet.

Students in the main building, including the computer lab, will move to the inner hallway by their classroom between the two sets of safety doors. Students from the nurse’s office and the PAT room will move quickly to the back hallway by auditorium. Students in the 6th grade classrooms will move to the middle wing restrooms. Students in the middle wing will move to the interior hall by the auditorium. PE students in the auditorium will take shelter in the high school boys’ bathroom. PE students in the gym will take shelter in the north boys’ locker room.

In the event of a tornado watch at the end of the school day, students will be released as scheduled but will be reminded to go directly home or to their designated destination, buses will be released, and student drivers will be allowed to leave.

In the event of a tornado warning at the end of the school day for the immediate area, all students will be held at school until the warning has been lifted. Buses will be held and student drivers will not be allowed to leave.

Parents are discouraged from coming to school to pick up their children in the event of a tornado warning. However, if parents/legal guardians arrive, they will be allowed to check out and take with them their own children and other children for whom parents or guardians have specified in the emergency contact section on enrollment form. Building principals will be responsible for implementing the check-out and confirming an adult’s authority to take a child with them. This process may take considerable time in order to be carried out systematically. Therefore, parents should be prepared to wait PATIENTLY.

The official source for weather decisions will be the weather service reports available on the weather radio. Due to our geographic location, determinations will be based on information from both the Springfield, El Dorado and Pleasant Hill weather stations.

Earthquake Safety

Earthquake gives no warning so no alarm will be sounded. Students should take shelter under desks or tables. Teachers should stand in the classroom doorway.

Lockdown Procedures

In the event of an intruder in the building or on the playground, a procedure has been established for securing students and teachers. Students and teachers will practice the procedure. For security reasons, details of the procedure will not be published. Parents will not be allowed to check out students during this procedure.

Emergency Campus Evacuation (TBA)

Field Trips

Field trips within our area and to nearby points of interest are scheduled by various classroom teachers throughout the school year. These trips are designed to supplement different aspects of the classroom curriculum and to introduce students to the resources of the community. Parents will receive advance notice of any scheduled field trip and will be required to sign a field trip permission form before the student will be allowed to accompany their class on the designated trip. Parents wanting to chaperone field trips must complete a Chaperone application and be approved two weeks prior to trip.

Students who receive two ASDs or one ISS or one OSS in a semester of a field trip or special activity may not be eligible to participate.

General Rules of Conduct

Good citizens should behave the way they know to be right. Good citizens will treat others as they would like to be treated.

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Students should not bring toys, trading cards, radios, tape players, CD players, electronic devices (including cell phones) skateboards, roller blades, hard balls, bats, laser lights/pens, or any other toy that could be dangerous or disruptive to school. If cell phone is confiscated, parent will have to pick up from the office. Students should use regular book bags or backpacks (without wheels) to carry their supplies/homework.

Students should not bring live animals to school without permission from their teacher. Animals WILL NOT be transported on the school bus.

Educational programs, services, vocational opportunities and extracurricular activities will be designed to meet the varying needs of all students and will not discriminate against any individual for reasons of race, creed, sex, national origin, economic status, or disability.

Grievance Procedure

Students, parents of students or employees have the right to file a formal complaint alleging noncompliance with regulations outlined in Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Title X of Education Amendments of 1072, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Level I – A complaint first shall be presented orally and informally to the person or persons immediately involved. If the complaint is not promptly resolved, the complainant may present a formal written complaint (grievance) to the immediate supervisor of the person or persons involved, and/or the building administrator. This written charge must include the following information: date of filing, description of alleged grievances, the name of the person or persons involved and a recap of the action taken during the informal charge stage. Within five (5) working days after receiving the complaint, the supervisor or building administrator shall state a decision in writing to the complainant, with supporting evidence and reasons. In addition, the supervisor will inform the superintendent of the formal complaint and disposition.Level II – Within five (5) working days after receiving the decision at Level I, the complainant may appeal the decision to the district’s Title IX/Section 504/ADA compliance coordinator by filing a written appeals package. This package shall consist of the complainant’s grievance and the decisions rendered at Level I. The compliance coordinator will arrange for a personal conference with the complainant at their earliest mutual convenience. Within five (5) working days after receiving the complaint, the grievance officer shall state a decision in writing to the complainant, with supporting evidence and reasons. In addition, the grievance officer will inform the superintendent of the appeal and the disposition.Level III – If resolution is not reached in Level II, the grievance may be referred by either party within five (5) working days to the superintendent. At that time, a written appeals package consisting of the complainant’s grievance and the compliance coordinator’s decision shall be reviewed by the superintendent. Within five (5) working days after receiving the referral, the superintendent shall state his or her decision and reply in writing to both parties.Level IV – If resolution is not reached in Level III, a similar written appeals package shall be directed through the superintendent to the Board of Education requesting a hearing before the Board at the next regularly scheduled or specially called meeting. The decision as to whether the hearing will be open or closed to the public will be made in accordance with applicable laws. Within thirty (30) working days after receiving the appeals package, the Board shall state its decision and reply in writing to the parties involved. For district purposes, the decision of the Board of Education is final.

Head Lice

It is the policy of the Rich Hill R-IV School District to protect their students, and families from infestation of the head lice as much as possible through effective screening procedures, removal from school those students found to be infested by lice or nits (unhatched lice), as well as a follow-up determining effective measures of treatment and prevention for reoccurrence. Guidelines for head lice are as follows.

1. Screening will be done on a monthly basis by the school nurse under the supervision of a physician, registered nurse, or licensed practical nurse. If such a health care professional is not available, supervision may be provided indirectly by responsible faculty and volunteers who can provide documentation of instruction in the proper screening and treatment of lice infestation. Such a class should be taught by a health care professional and approved in advance by the Superintendent. (Classes such as this may be provided by the county health nurse.)

2. Upon identifying lice or nits, exclusion from school shall be in accordance with the following steps:A. First Occurrence – the child is to be sent home, parents notified verbally, when possible, as well as in

writing. Parents will be recommended to contact county health officials. The fact sheet on head lice

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from the Bates County Health Center will be sent home with the child. Students sent home with head lice may not return to school until they are lice and nit free. A parent MUST accompany the student to school when re-admitting and be present while the nurse verifies the treatment has been successful. Approximately ten days following re-admittance, the child will be rechecked by a qualified person (as outlined in #1).

B. Second Consecutive Occurrence – the child is to be sent home, parents notified in writing and verbally if possible, and recommended to contact county health officials. At this time, head lice facts from Bates County Health Center will be sent home with each child. Re-admittance is to occur after written verification of successful treatment by a licensed health care professional. Approximately ten days following, the child will be rechecked by a qualified person (as outlined in #1).

Health Regulations and Nursing Services

Any student who is required to take medication should bring it to the office so that it can be stored in a safe location. Please notify the nurse and the office at the beginning of the school year of any medical problems that your child may have.

Policy on use of medication at school:

1. The parent permission form for the “over the counter” drugs should identify the student, date permission given, and parent’s signature. This permission form should identify the medication, dosage, time of day to be given, and the number of days to be provided. Any changes in type of drugs, dosage, and/or administration should be accompanied by a new permission form.

2. Prescription medicine must be in the original container, labeled with the student’s name.3. School personnel may administer aid to an external wound (first aide cream) without written permission.4. On a case by case basis, medical treatment will be administered only under the direction of a licensed physician.

(ie: inhalers, nebulizers)5. Medication will not be given before 11 a.m. to avoid possible overdose if student received medication at home

before school. The nurse may contact parents before 11 a.m. for permission to medicate.

Students will not be allowed to attend school if they have a contagious disease, lice, scabies, pink eye, or impetigo. The school may require a student suspected of having a disease to be examined by a physician and/or the doctor must provide a written statement of good health before the student may re-enter the school. Students with pink eye must be on an antibiotic for 24 hours before returning to school. Students should be fever free without medication for 24 hours before returning to school. Any student not in compliance will be excluded from school.

School personnel will check vision and hearing at scheduled times during the year.

Homework

Rich Hill Elementary recognizes the fact that home study is desirable and necessary. Students at RHES will be assigned homework as a means of encouraging independent study, establishing good work habits, and reinforcing basic subject skills. All homework assignments may not be written, but could be in the form of study or review for a test, research for projects or a book report. Parents are encouraged to take an active role in their child’s education by reviewing homework as well as assignments completed in school.

Hot Lunch Program

Breakfast is served beginning at 7:35 a.m. each morning; the cost is $0.85 a day or $4.25 weekly. Lunch cost is $1.80 a day or $9.00 weekly. Students may buy their meals or bring them from home. Parents are not to send food or purchase fast food for any student other than their own. Students bringing a sack lunch will not be able to heat or have their food heated for them. A microwave will not be provided for student use. POP MAY NOT BE CONSUMED AT LUNCH TIME.

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Kindergarten will have a daily afternoon milk break. The cost of the milk is $0.35 a day. Please pay for milk each quarter by sending $14.85 with your child at the beginning of each quarter.

Please send your child’s lunch money in a sealed envelope with your child’s name and teacher on the front. A receipt will be sent home with your child. Your child is allowed to charge up to $13.00 in his/her lunch account. After this amount, your child may not charge any more breakfasts or lunches until the account has been paid. If you have any questions or do not feel your child’s account is accurate, please call the office and we will review your child’s account with you.

Applications and accompanying information concerning free and reduced lunches will be given to all parents or guardians during the first week of school. Any parent or guardian desiring to fill out this application should do so at that time or whenever the family’s financial status changes. Afternoon milk is an extra charge and is not covered under the free and reduced lunch program. You will be required to sign a permission slip stating whether your child is allowed to drink afternoon milk.

Immunization

Missouri state law requires that students have at least three (3) polio vaccinations with the last having been administered on or after 4th birthday; four (4) DPT vaccinations with the last having been administered past the age of four years; two (2) varicella; two (2) MMR. Students must present immunization records to the school. All immunizations must be up-to-date before students are permitted to attend classes.

In School Suspensions

Students are required to do work as assigned by the supervisor. Students will report to the principal’s office at 8:00 a.m. with all necessary materials to complete assignments. ISS is completed with the dismissal bell at 2:50 p.m. If the student does not successfully complete the ISS on that day, s/he will not be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities or recess until the ISS is complete or the OSS has been served. Teachers will provide the students in ISS copies of the assignments they missed while in ISS. Students will be responsible for making up the missed work that night as homework. In order to receive credit for work missed, the completed work must be handed in to the teacher the next day of school.

Library Books

Library hours are from 8 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Students are encouraged to use the books and materials available in the library. Most reading books will be checked out at two-week intervals. No reading materials of any type are to be removed from the library without checking it out through the librarian. Please return the books promptly when due so that other students may enjoy the books. When returning library books, check them in at the check-in/out desk. Do not return books directly to shelves.

A fine of ten (.10) cents per day will be assessed to the student for each calendar day their book is overdue. Students who lose library books must pay the replacement cost. Students will also be required to pay for repairs to damaged books. Students who move during the year are responsible for returning library books prior to leaving the district.

Lost and Found

Lost articles are placed in a box in the nurse’s office. Encourage your child to check the box immediately if an article is missing. Putting your child’s name on all articles of clothing and other items will help identify them.

Office Hours

The elementary office is open every school day from 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. You are encouraged to call the office with any question you may have. The phone number is (417) 395-2227.

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Out of School Suspensions

OSS is an unexcused absence from school which does count against the seven-day maximum absences allowed per semester.

Students may complete work missed while serving their OSS; however, the student is responsible for obtaining all work that will be missed and turning in said assignments upon re-admission to school. Homework missed during OSS will be worth a maximum grade of 60% (40% grade reduction). No extra time is allowed for turning in this work. It must be submitted to teachers on the first day back.

Participation in extracurricular practices or activities is not allowed during OSS. Students who are absent due to OSS may not return to the school grounds until they are readmitted to school. A parent conference is required for the student to be readmitted following OSS.

Parent/Teacher Conferences and Report Cards

Report cards will be sent home every nine (9) weeks. This is one way of keeping parents informed of their child’s progress. Parents are encouraged to review the report card with their child, giving praise and encouragement as needed. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher. Parents are asked to sign and return the report card as verification that you received the report. Parents can now view grades for their child through the STI parent portal. At the beginning of each school year, parents will be mailed log-in instructions and password information.

Another way we share information is through parent/teacher conferences. These are held at the end of the 1st quarter. All parents are encouraged to attend the conference. It is through a strong partnership between home and school that students will excel in their learning. Please do not hesitate to schedule additional conferences at any time.

Grading Scale for A 95-100 C 74-76 Grades 1-6 A- 90-94 C- 70-73

B+ 87-89 D+ 67-69B 84-86 D 64-66B- 80-83 D- 60-63 C+ 77-79 F 00-59

Grading Scale for K PS (Passing)FL (Failing)

Personal Data - Change of Address or Telephone Number

Student personal data is kept in the elementary office. All students are required to have on file a current address, home phone number, parent’s work phone, as well as names of two people who the school can notify if contact cannot be made with parents. The office must be notified immediately when a student’s address changes or when parent contact phone numbers change. It is imperative that the school be able to reach parents during the school day in case of an emergency.

Parent/guardians have the obligation to advise and provide up-to-date documentation to the building principal regarding any change in the legal and/or physical custody of the student or any change of address or parent work/home phone numbers. The building principal, at all times, has the authority to investigate and confirm the custodial status of a parent/guardian if the principal has inadequate information or reason to suspect that false or incomplete information has been provided to the School District. For parents who have legal documentation regarding custodial visitation rights, please provide a copy to the office.

Personal Dress Policy

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Personal cleanliness, grooming, and modesty are integral values in the educational process at Rich Hill Schools. The appearance of the student is primarily the responsibility of the student and the parents/guardians. We expect students to maintain an appearance which is not distracting or disruptive to the educational process.

1. All attire shall be free from violent, obscene, or suggestive writing, and advertising of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.

2. Dresses, skirts, skorts, shorts must be long enough to reach mid-thigh. Mid-thigh is defined as halfway between the bottom of the hip and the top of the knee. Students must wear modesty shorts under jumpers/skirts and dresses at all times.

3. No hats, caps, or scarves will be worn in the building.4. Clothing which is NOT appropriate for school wear includes, but not limited to: tank tops, muscle shirts, halter

tops, tube tops, spaghetti straps, and half-tops. Fabric must be opaque.5. All attire must cover the chest, shoulders, back and be of sufficient length to cover midriff and not

disclose undergarments when standing, sitting, stretching, or bending. (This includes jeans with holes.)6. All students must wear some type of footwear.

Class activities (such as PE or art) that present a concern for student safety may require the student to adjust hair and/or clothing, and remove jewelry, during the class period in the interest of maintaining safety standards.

The principal shall have discretion in dealing with all questionable clothing and clothing styles. If, in the judgment of school officials, a student’s appearance or mode of dress disrupts the educational process, the student may be required to make modifications.

Playground Rules

Swing Rules:1. Swing in back and forth motion only. Must be seated.2. No jumping from swings.3. One person on a swing.

Slide Rules:1. Do not walk or run up or down.2. Do not take toys on slide.

Playground Expectations:1. Do not walk or crawl across the top of equipment.2. Leave the gravel within the established boundaries.

Ball Games:1. Play away from the playground equipment2. Do not throw balls at buildings.3. Hardballs or hard bats are not allowed.4. No tackling or other physical contact.

General Rules:1. Play in the designated areas.2. Do not throw gravel, snowballs, or other dangerous objects.3. The teacher(s) on duty has the authority to make decisions concerning the safety of students on the playground.4. Do not run on sidewalk.

Privacy Rights of Parents and Students

Under Section 99.3 of Public Law 93.280, parents of students or eligible students (those who have reached the age of 18) may request to see the “educational records” of the student by petitioning the building principal in writing ten (10) days prior to the date of intended inspection. Educational records mean those records that are directly related to a student and

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are maintained by the school as a permanent source of reference concerning the student. The building principal is primarily responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the records. Educational personnel of the Rich Hill system will have access to the records of students under their supervision for educational purposes on a need to know basis.

Promotion, Acceleration or Retention of Students

The Rich Hill R-IV School District is committed to the continuous development of students enrolled in the district’s schools, and for a student’s achievement of the skills for the current grade assignment, to pass to the higher grade.

Students will normally progress annually from grade to grade. Retentions may be considered when, in the judgment of the professional staff, it is in the best educational interest of the students involved. Parents/guardians will receive prior notification and explanation concerning the retention. However, the final decision will rest with the school administration. Pursuant to Senate Bill 319, school districts must design a Reading Improvement Plan (RIP) for students reading at least one grade level below their current grade level beginning in the third grade and continuing through the fifth grade. Students who have been determined to read at or above grade level, special education students, students whose 504 plan addresses reading, ESL students, and students with insufficient cognitive ability to read at grade level are exempted from the ramifications of Senate Bill 319. Through the implementation of an RIP and assessment of progress towards the identified objectives, students’ reading performance should improve.

Reading Improvement Plan Implementation:1. Using the spring reading and language portions of the Stanford 10 Achievement Test, SRI and STAR, second

through fifth graders will be screened for initial reading and language arts deficits. Students scoring at least one grade level below their current grade level (using the grade equivalency score) in total reading or total language arts will qualify for initial placement.

2. Students in third grade identified as reading more than one grade level below current placement will receive an RIP, determined by the classroom teachers, Title I teacher, and principal. The RIP may include, but shall not be limited to after school tutoring, Title I programs, tutorial activities conducted by the parents at home, summer school and other such alternatives conducted by the district outside of the regular school day. The RIP must include thirty hours of reading instruction and/or practice outside the regular school day.

3. Mandatory retention in grade four will apply to students who continue to read below third grade level after extensive compensatory efforts and intensive reading concentration in after-school programs, summer school, and home activities. Mandatory retention can only occur one time.

4. A notation will be placed in the permanent records of sixth grade students that continue to read more than one level below grade placement by the end of their sixth grade year. The note will be removed as soon as the student reaches his/her appropriate reading level.

School Activities

Parents are invited to attend school activities whenever possible. This enables you to become more involved with the school and lets your child know that you are interested in what they are learning and your involvement also lets your child know that you value education.

Some of our elementary activities include: “Meet the Teacher night, holiday parties, holiday program, PTO meetings, family activity nights, spring concert, awards assemblies and other assemblies throughout the year.

School Parties

Each classroom is permitted three parties during the year. They are fall, winter and Valentine’s Day. Room mothers will be chosen and will be in charge of organizing refreshments and games for the parties. Parents will be invited to the classroom 5 minutes prior to party. Notes will be sent home with students prior to the party day. In order to promote wellness among elementary students and avoid the potential for food-born and other illnesses, elementary policy requires that no home baked snacks be brought to school for special events, holiday celebrations or birthday or classroom parties. Acceptable treats will include only those that are commercially packaged or are purchased from a state-inspected kitchen (such as those at local supermarket bakeries).

Searches by School Personnel

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School lockers and desks are the property of the Board of Education and are provided for the convenience of students, and as such, are subject to periodic inspection without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant. The lockers and desks may be searched by school administrators who have a reasonable suspicion that the lockers or desks contain drugs, drug paraphernalia, alcohol, material of a disruptive nature, stolen properties, weapons, items posing a danger to the health or safety of students and school employees, or evidence of a violation of school policy. Students or student property may be searched based on reasonable suspicion of a violation of district rules, policy or state law. Reasonable suspicion must be based on facts known to the administration, credible information provided or reasonable inference drawn from such facts or information. The privacy and dignity of students shall be respected. Searches shall be carried out in the presence of adult witnesses, if such witnesses are available. Students may be asked to empty pockets, remove jackets, coats, shoes, and other articles of exterior clothing for examination, if reasonable, under the circumstances.

Law enforcement officials shall be contacted if the search produces a controlled substance, drug paraphernalia, weapons, stolen goods or evidence of a crime, in any case involving a violation of law when a student refuses to allow a search, or where the search cannot safely be conducted. Parents may also be contacted. A student who refuses to submit to a search may be appropriately disciplined by school officials.

Student Insurance

During fall enrollment students are given information for enrolling in a low-cost student insurance plan. This is not required. Parents are responsible for mailing premiums directly to the insurance company. Claims will be filed directly with the insurance company. All questions concerning claim benefits and claim liability should be directed to the insurance agency.

Technology Use Agreement

The Rich Hill School District provides technology to our students as one of many tools to promote and encourage learning. The technology available to students is limited to activities connected with their education at RHES. Each student must have a current signed use agreement on file.

The administration may remove the privileges for technology use at any time for abusive conduct. Such conduct would include, but not limited to:

1. The placing or using of unlawful, obscene, or pornographic, abusive, or otherwise objectionable information in either public or private files.

2. Information service and features are intended for educational use only. Any commercial use (offering, providing, purchasing of, or subscribing to products or services) is expressly forbidden.

3. Adding, removing, and changing computer programs and settings without permission from the Technology Director. (This includes desktop designs, the location of icons, and monitor settings).

4. Accessing or using technology without direct teacher or staff supervision.5. Accessing or attempting to access inappropriate sites.Rules for technology use may be reviewed from time to time by the administrators. Students are subject to these modified rules and regulations. Consequences for violation of the Technology Use Agreement will be determined by the building principal.

Telephone Use

Students are encouraged NOT to use the telephone. In case of illness or other emergency, the school will contact the parents. Use of cell phones during regular school hours is not permitted and phones will be confiscated.

Textbooks

All textbooks, workbooks, and practice sets required will be issued to the students on a free basis. If books are returned at the end of the year showing damage in excess of normal use, the student will be assessed a damage fine or replacement cost. Students losing or destroying a book will need to immediately pay the replacement cost so that they may be issued a replacement.

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Transportation (non-bus)

At the end of the school day, bus riders and students who are picked up by parents/guardians will be dismissed first. During construction of the safe room, these accommodations may be adjusted. Parents must wait in one single file line while entering the circle drive in front of the elementary building. Students who are walkers or bike riders will wait in the cafeteria until dismissed. This will allow the cars and buses time to leave before the walking and bike riding students leave the building. A staff member is on duty in the afternoon to direct traffic for the safety of our children. Please follow her directions and be respectful, (remember inappropriate language should never be used at school).

Visitors/Guests Expectations

To protect the safety of our children we ask that all visitors, including parents, sign in at the elementary office when entering the building. If a parent or visitor has urgent business with their child or a teacher, the child or teacher will be called to the office. Visitors may not enter the classroom hallway, interrupt or disrupt a class in session.

For safety reasons and because not all persons in the community are known to school personnel, access to the district’s children must be limited. Parents/visitors may not converse with children at school without permission from an administrator. This applies when children are in the cafeteria and on the playground just as it does when children are in their classrooms.

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