1

Swarthmore-Rutledge School PARENT-STUDENT HANDBOOK

2015—2016

SRS Mission Statement

Our mission at the Swarthmore-Rutledge School (SRS) is to enable our students to

experience academic and social success through a sound, student-centered instructional

program. Character education and social awareness learning opportunities are provided

within a positive and supportive school community. The goal is for our students to

become critical thinkers and problem solvers, with genuine respect for diversity and

social responsibility, and a life-long love of learning.

SRS Guiding Principles

1. Each student’s academic and social progress is our SRS common goal.

We value each student’s unique strengths and talents.

Teachers balance the needs of the entire classroom with the needs of each

student.

2. We value and practice open two-way communication by using an Inform-Invite

Listen Communication Model.

Inform: We proactively share and disclose information.

Invite: Parents and teachers ask for relevant information and seek each other’s input.

Listen: We check for full and complete understanding through active listening.

3. We respect each other’s perspectives

We recognize that both parents and teachers bring valuable experience and

knowledge to the relationship.

Parents and teachers work together on all student concerns before involving the

principal.

2

ARRIVAL

We look forward to receiving your children in grades 1 through 5 on the

playground at 8:20 a.m. when supervision is provided. These students will line up

at 8:40 a.m. and be escorted by staff into the school.

Morning kindergarten students who do not ride the bus will be picked up in the

lobby at 8:35 a.m. and escorted by staff to their classroom. Afternoon

kindergarten students who did not ride the bus will be picked up in the lobby at

12:35 p.m. and escorted by staff to their classroom.

ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance is essential for success in school. Regular and prompt attendance is a

habit that needs to be cultivated early in a child’s school career.

ABSENCE

Absence notes will be received through the Parent/Student Portal. Please log in to your

child’s account to complete the Absence Form.

This email will fulfill the state requirement for an absence note. No further action

is necessary.

If an email is not received in regard to your child’s absence, Contact 1, listed in

the Parent/Student Portal, will receive an Attendance Notification email on the

day of the absence. You may reply to this email with the above information.

Please remember that a doctor’s note is required to excuse absences extending

beyond two consecutive days. Doctor’s notes and medical forms may be

submitted as an attachment of the email or faxed to the SRS FAX number

610.338.0609.

Pre-approval for educational trips is necessary. Please submit your request

electronically or in writing two weeks prior to the first day of absence. Please

include a brief summary of the educational nature of the trip.

Please update and confirm all information in the Parent/Student Portal prior to your

child’s first day of school and throughout the school year when necessary. This will

ensure communication will be received according to your input.

Honeywell Attendance Alert

A Honeywell Attendance Alert will be sent to the parent listed in the Honeywell Alert

System. This alert will notify the parent that their child has been marked absent. If this is

in error, please call the office at 610.544.5700. This system will help ensure the accuracy

of the attendance report.

Please update and confirm all information in the Honeywell Alert System prior to your

child’s first day of school and throughout the school year when necessary. This will

ensure communication will be received according to your input.

3

EXCUSED ABSENCES

The Board considers the following conditions to constitute reasonable cause for absence

from school:

1. Personal illness.

Absences of three (3) or more consecutive days will require a doctor’s note.

2. Medical, dental, clinic or hospital appointment.

Please attempt to schedule appointments before or after school hours.

Medical office may confirm appointment by FAX (610.338.0609) or parent/guardian may sign a written excuse stating date and time of appointment.

3. Funeral of a relative.

Excuse must state relationship of relative to student and include date and time

of funeral.

4. Educational trip.

Approval of the building principal, one week in advance of the first day

of absence, is required.

Written request must be submitted by parent/guardian, stating nature and

purpose of the trip.

5. Family trip.

Approval of the building principal, one week in advance of the first day of

absence is required.

Family trips of an entertainment nature may not exceed two (2) school

days per trip. If a family trip exceeds two (2) unexcused school days, the

student’s parents will receive a First Notice truancy letter as stated in the

WSSD Board Policy 204.

6. Religious holidays.

A pupil’s absence from school on a religious holiday shall be recognized as an

excused absence, without penalty on scholastic or attendance records.

Students will not be penalized for religious observance. Scheduling of

examinations, assemblies, field trips, graduation exercises, and other special

events, including school-related programs for parents/guardians, shall not be

held on religious holidays.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

Absences for reasons other than those listed under “Excused Absences” will be

considered unexcused. Excessive unexcused absence, regardless of the reason, may be

referred to the District Magistrate for a truancy citation.

4

TRUANCY AND ABSENCE

Truancy – Absence without sufficient reason as outlined previously for students 16 years

of age or younger is considered illegal. In accordance with Pennsylvania Regulations,

penalties for truancy are as follows:

After accumulation of three (3) illegal/unexcused days of absence from

school, the student’s parents will receive a First Notice and his/her counselor

will be notified.

After accumulation of five (5) illegal/unexcused days of absence from school,

the student’s parents will receive a Second Notice, his/her counselor will be

notified, and the student will be referred to a Truancy Prevention program.

After accumulation of seven (7) illegal/unexcused days of absence from

school, the student’s parents will receive a Third Notice, his/her counselor

will be notified, and the student will be referred to court for a Truancy

Citation.

Absence in Excess of Ten Days – When a student is absent for 10 days or more in a

school year, the principal will send a letter to the student’s parents informing them that

any further absence will be considered illegal or unexcused, unless a doctor’s excuse

covering the absence is furnished. In consultation with the counselor, the principal will

take action when the 10 absences have not been justified, even if excused by the parent.

Students whose excessive absences have not been justified may be referred to one of the

following programs:

Truancy Prevention

Truancy Court

Counseling

TARDINESS

Punctuality is of utmost importance. Lateness to school violates school attendance

regulations.

Attendance is recorded promptly at 8:45 a.m.

Students arriving late should be accompanied by a parent/guardian who will sign

the student into school and submit a doctor’s note when applicable.

UNEXCUSED TARDINESS

Excuses such as “woke up late” or “missed the bus” are not valid and will result in

unexcused tardiness.

BEFORE SCHOOL SUPERVISION

Supervision will be provided starting at 8:20 a.m. Please do not bring your child to school

prior to that time.

BICYCLES Only students in grades 3-5 may ride bicycles to school. Primary grade students (1st and

2nd graders) may ride bicycles if accompanied by an adult. Racks are provided in the

school courtyard. It is recommended that all bicycles be securely locked at the rack. The

5

school assumes no liability for damage and/or theft. Children must wear a helmet as

required by PA Law.

BULLY PREVENTION

The Wallingford-Swarthmore School District Board of Education is committed to

providing a safe, positive learning environment for district students. Bullying creates an

atmosphere of fear and intimidation, detracts from the safe environment necessary for

student learning, and may lead to more serious violence. Therefore, the Board of

Education prohibits bullying by district students in the school setting which includes the

school, on school grounds, in school vehicles, at a designated bus stop or at any activity

sponsored, supervised, or sanctioned by the school. Bullying, as defined in this policy,

includes cyber bullying (WSSD Board Policy 249).

Bullying means an intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act or series of acts

directed at another student or students, which occurs in a school setting that is severe,

persistent or pervasive and has the effect of doing any of the following:

1. Substantial interference with a student’s education

2. Creation of a threatening environment

3. Substantial disruption of the orderly operation of the school

Disciplinary Consequences – If an investigation substantiates that bullying has occurred,

a written record of the incident should be placed in the discipline record of the offending

student(s). The parents/guardians of each offending student should be informed, and the

parents/guardians will be asked to attend one (1) or more conferences with the principal,

or designee, to review the bullying behavior and strategies for correcting it. Disciplinary

action will be in accordance with the building’s discipline policy. In addition to imposing

disciplinary action, the building principal, or designee will discuss the bullying behavior

with the offending student.

CAR RIDERS Morning Drop-Off: Parents are permitted to drive their vehicles through the staff parking

lot (front) to release their children between the designated car line cones located on the

sidewalk. Staff members will be positioned at the front door from 8:20 to 8:40 a.m. to

help keep the flow of traffic moving and to keep our students safe.

Afternoon Dismissal: Car riders should use the College Avenue exits to meet their

parents/families after school. Students are to cross at the corner of Princeton and College

Avenues with the crossing guard when the vehicle is parked on the opposite side of the

street. Princeton Avenue is used only for bus pickup and drop-off.

Kindergartners

Parents are to park on College Avenue and walk to the lobby. A kindergarten staff

member will meet students (8:45 for AM session and 12:45 for PM session) and will

walk students to their classrooms. Children should not be left unattended in the SRS

lobby prior to a kindergarten staff member arriving to receive them.

6

If a child is late and a kindergarten staff member is no longer in the lobby, parents are

required to sign in at the office or Welcome Desk and must walk their kindergartner to

their classroom. Parents will be asked to sign their child in if attendance has already been

taken.

At dismissal time, kindergarten students are not permitted to leave the building until a

parent is present. No vehicles are to be driven through the faculty parking area for pick-

up. Parents should park and walk to the lobby to receive their child from a kindergarten

staff member.

CELEBRATIONS

In the course of the year, we have five (5) All-School Celebrations. Currently those five

celebrations are:

1. Back to School Picnic - Held on a week day at the beginning of the year on the

college grounds adjacent to SRS.

2. Halloween - All school parade and in-class activity.

3. Winter - In-class celebration any time before winter recess.

4. Valentine's Day - In-class activity.

5. Field Day - Sport activities held on college field adjacent to SRS during the

school day in May of each year.

Birthday invitations should not be brought into school for distribution. They should be

mailed to avoid hurt feelings and so they do not disrupt the instructional program.

Birthday children may bring enough treats for their own classroom and may visit the

principal.

Class parties are a time for sharing and celebration. Please consider serving healthy treats

and limiting the amount of treats that might be considered junk food. Parents are

encouraged to donate game and craft ideas, party supplies, or volunteer their time for the

party, rather than donating extra unnecessary treats.

DELIVERING ARTICLES TO SCHOOL Should you need to deliver a forgotten item to school, leave it in the office instead of

disrupting classes. Your child will pick up the item in the office when given permission

by his/her classroom teacher.

DISMISSAL PROCEDURES (for Kindergarten “Car Riders”, please see “Car Riders”

section)

Every student should bring a completed Student Dismissal Form on the first

day of school and give it to their teacher.

Students will be dismissed accordingly for the rest of the year.

7

o Any changes to this schedule should be made known by a note given to

the student’s teacher upon the student’s arrival in the classroom at

8:45a.m.

o Children should arrive at school knowing how they will be dismissed;

reducing their anxiety concerning this issue throughout their day.

o If dismissal plans change, please notify the office before 3:00p.m. We

thank you in advance for your assistance.

The classroom teacher or assistant will assist students to safely exit the

building.

Walkers will be dismissed through the doors in front of the auditorium on the

College Avenue side of the building or through the main lobby.

First and second graders should line up on the sidewalk between the two front

gardens where they can be supervised.

Bus riders will go to their designated waiting areas.

Students participating in after school clubs will be dismissed as follows:

o Kindergarten students will be escorted by an SRS staff member to the

After School Club.

o Students in grades 1, 2, and 3 who attend Trinity Cooperative Day Nursery

will be met in the cafeteria by a Trinity staff member before walking

together to the After School Club.

o Students in grades 4 and 5 who attend the Older After School Club leave

the building with the other bus riders and take the designated bus to the

OASC.

o Students who attend Crossroads after school leave the building with the

other bus riders and take the designated bus to Crossroads.

Students are not allowed to use the stairwell exit off the faculty parking lot for

safety reasons.

Siblings should arrange to meet at a specific location outdoors (e.g., by the

flagpole or by the Butterfly Garden).

Parents who meet their children at the end of the day are asked to meet them

at a specific location outside of the building.

Parents are asked not to congregate in the hallways at dismissal time so that

dismissal can be handled in an orderly fashion.

8

Parents driving to pick up their children should stop on College Ave. and

remain in their cars. Parents parked on the opposite side of College Ave. are

asked to have their child cross with the crossing guard. Parents should not

double park to pick up their children. Please do not drive into the faculty

parking lot.

Students who walk and exit the front of the school should only cross College

Avenue with the crossing guard who is positioned at the intersection of

Princeton and College Avenues. Students should not cross in the middle of

the block or at Chestnut Avenue.

EARLY DISMISSAL

Any appointments that cannot be scheduled outside of school hours should be

made known by a note given to the student’s teacher upon the student’s arrival

in the classroom at 8:45a.m.

If a student needs to leave school early, a note must be given to the classroom

teacher. Please remind your child to give the note to their teacher when he or

she arrives in the classroom at 8:45.

Student may be dismissed early when parent/guardian shows photo ID and

signs the student out on the Early Dismissal form. The student will then be

called to the office for dismissal.

Advance approval from the principal will be needed for a student’s early

dismissal to anyone other than a parent or guardian.

Upon return to school on the same day as early dismissal, the student should

be accompanied by parent/guardian to sign the student back in to school by

inserting the time of return on the Early Dismissal form. The student will then

be given a pass or the teacher will be notified by intercom to expect the

student to arrive in the classroom.

Medical forms may be faxed to the SRS FAX number 610.338.0609

BUS DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

Pupils are to:

Exit the building to the loading point on Princeton Avenue.

Line up in a quiet, orderly line designated with their bus number.

Teacher on duty will take attendance and prepare students to load buses.

Be seated upon entering the bus and remain seated until leaving the bus to

ensure a safe ride.

9

CELL PHONES

In the interest of safety, some SRS parents allow their children to bring cell phones to

school. Cell phones must be in the off mode (including all functions and features of the

device) and out of sight from the time the student arrives at school until dismissal.

Students are not allowed to make calls or text on cell phones while at school. Students

who do not adhere to these guidelines will be asked to leave their phones in the office

during the school day. Students may receive permission to use an office phone on an

emergency basis.

DISCIPLINE: THE SRS SCHOOL GUIDELINES Our community has four cornerstones that enable us to live and learn together well:

manners, kindness, courage and self-control. Teachers and administrators expect

courtesy, good behavior, sportsmanship and proper care of materials and property. A

copy of the school rules is sent home in the fall for children and their parents to read

together. The School Guidelines form is then signed and returned. By signing this, they

are agreeing to live by the school rules and cornerstones of our community that will help

them to grow into active, responsible members of the community.

It is our desire to create a respectful and peaceful school environment for all students.

Offensive and derogatory comments regarding gender, race, ethnicity or cultural groups

are inappropriate and unacceptable. Written or spoken degrading comments will not be

tolerated. Students exhibiting this type of behavior may receive possible consequences

such as detention, loss of privileges and/or suspension. Parents will be contacted to

discuss the behavior and strategies to help the student.

SRS SCHOOL GUIDELINES

1. We show respect for ourselves when we use positive self-talk and choose safe

activities.

2. We show respect for adults in our school community when we listen attentively,

follow directions, and use good manners.

3. We show respect in our language when we tell the truth, encourage others (no put

downs), and use appropriate language.

4. We show respect in our actions when we share, show good sportsmanship, and

consider the feelings of others.

5. We show respect for other’s property when we get permission to use another

person’s property and return things to where they belong in good condition.

6. We show respect for our environment when we take care of our school supplies,

keep our school community neat and clean, and take pride in our surroundings.

10

All classrooms at SRS are involved in the implementation of a school-wide pro-social

skills program that teaches students to "Stop and Think" and problem-solve. Appropriate

discipline action will be taken when a student violates the school rules.

Consequences 1. The teacher will talk with the student about the behavior problem, and may:

a. use conflict resolution strategies

b. remove student from setting

c. inform parents and discuss concerns

d. loss of recess privileges

e. assign the student to perform community services

2. If this behavior continues or is serious, the teacher will contact the student's

parents and inform the principal and may:

a. arrange for a student-teacher parent conference

b. send the student to the principal

3. If the student swears, the teacher will warn the student against using this language.

If the language persists, the teacher may:

a. inform parents

b. require the student to write a letter to his/her parents telling what they said

c. take away a privilege and/or remove the child from setting

4. When the student is sent to the office, the principal will have a conference with

the student, keep a record of the incident, and may notify the parent.

5. For very serious rule-breaking, parents will be notified right away and the student

will be suspended.

SRS BUS RULES

Be respectful and courteous to the bus driver, bus aide and fellow passengers in

your conduct and language.

Remain seated when the bus is in motion.

Keep hands and arms inside the bus at all times.

Do not make, or cause unnecessary noise such as loud talking, screaming,

stamping of feet, loud singing, or any other noise which could distract the driver.

No fighting or scuffling on the bus.

Do not throw any object on or out of the bus.

Refrain from eating or drinking on the bus.

11

Keep bus clean. Do not litter on the bus.

Do not use bad words or inappropriate language.

Consequences

Minor Offense: One that demonstrates a lack of respect for authority and for fellow

students. There will be a pupil conference and the student’s parents will be informed. A

lunch recess detention will be given.

Repeated Minor Offenses: There will be a pupil and parent conference. The student will

lose bus privileges for 1-2 days.

Serious Offense: One that endangers the health and safety of passengers. There will be a

pupil and parent conference. The student will lose bus privileges for 1-2 days.

Repeated Serious Offenses: There will be a pupil and parent conference. Student will be

given an in-school or out of school suspension. The student will lose bus privileges.

DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY School district policy regarding controlled substance use (alcohol and other drugs) states

that the possession, distribution, use or being under the influence of controlled substances

is both harmful to a child's development and illegal. Strict penalties are incorporated in

the policy, which include severe disciplinary actions of suspension or expulsion from

school, restriction from participation in all school activities, and criminal prosecution. If

you or any member of your family needs alcohol or other drug counseling, you may

contact the building school psychologist or guidance counselor for a list of community

resources and/or a referral. They can also provide you with more information on this

policy if it is needed.

EMERGENCY CLOSINGS ~ Honeywell Instant Alert Decisions about closing school for the day due to inclement weather are made

approximately 2 hours before the buses leave the compound, based on advice from the

weather bureau and the police, and actual road checks by members of our staff. Delayed

openings are used when possible, as road conditions often improve after the rush of

morning traffic has passed. The Wallingford-Swarthmore School District has

implemented a messaging system that enables us to instantly communicate with all of our

families and staff members. We will use this messaging system in the event of closings

due to inclement weather and any school related emergencies. The system,

Honeywell Instant Alert, enables us to rapidly deliver a single clear message to all

students’ parents or guardians by telephone, cell phone, e-mail, pager or PDA.

Each family’s main contact phone number has been entered to the Alert System. The

system will deliver phone messages to that number unless you take additional steps. To

add additional phone numbers, or to have messages delivered via e-mail or phone text,

follow the simple instructions provided on the district’s website. Once completed, you

can continue to customize your profile in the future via our website. If you do not have

access to a computer, please feel free to contact the school office for help.

12

We intend to use the Honeywell Instant Alert messaging system to immediately deliver a

closing message once a closing decision has been made. This typically occurs prior to

5:30 AM. If you do not wish to receive a phone message at that time you can customize

your profile to receive an e-mail or text message.

Local radio stations give notice of delayed opening or closing of school by announcing

our school district number - 460. Cable channel 11 (in the district) and KYW radio

broadcast the emergency information.

If an early dismissal is called due to an emergency, A.M. kindergarten students will be

dismissed at the regular time, and there will be no P.M. kindergarten. The telephone tree

will be activated for an early dismissal only.

EMERGENCY EARLY DISMISSAL

At times, hazardous conditions develop during the day, requiring that schools be closed

early. Parents must develop a plan with their children of what to do in this situation,

especially if no one is home. In the fall, families are given a form to notify the teachers

about plans for where their children will go and how they will get there if school is

closed. The plans are kept by the children's teachers.

EMERGENCY AND STUDENT INFORMATION FORMS These forms contain vital information about the parent and/or guardian to contact in case

of an emergency. To assist school officials in meeting the needs of your child, these

forms provide us with any special health needs, the physician’s name and number, and

permission to give acetaminophen, ibuprofen, Tums and throat lozenges.

Please notify the office with any changes to the original forms.

ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL) Diagnostic and tutorial services are provided as needed for students whose second

language is English. Services may be provided by an assistant or an itinerant resource

person employed by the school district.

FIELD TRIPS Field trips vary from year to year based on their suitability for the grade level and

curriculum. Private cars may not be used for student transportation. All parents must sign

a field trip permission form to permit the student to participate. No student will be denied

from a field trip because of financial constraints. If there is a financial need, please make

that need known to the teachers.

If you have acted as a chaperone during the prior year, please consider giving the

opportunity to another parent the following year.

Note: For liability reasons, siblings cannot be accommodated on field trips.

13

FOOTWEAR

For the safety of all students, it is important that children wear shoes, such as sneakers,

that are safe and appropriate for physical activity. The children spend time on the

playground on most school days and the building has numerous stairs/steps, therefore

proper footwear is essential. Shoes without backs, flip-flops or clogs are not

recommended. To reduce injuries, we recommend that flip flops and open-toed shoes

not be worn on the playground.

GIFTED EDUCATION

All students who have been evaluated and identified as gifted, are eligible for a Gifted

Individual Education Plan (GIEP). The purpose of the GIEP is to set forth yearly goals

for students exhibiting exceptional learning abilities. The GIEP is developed by the

Gifted Multidisciplinary Team which includes the parents of children eligible for Gifted

Education.

HEALTH SERVICES First aid will be given for illnesses and injuries that occur at school. When medication is

to be taken in school, please adhere to the following district policy:

1. A written order from a physician is needed for physician prescribed and over-

the-counter medications.

2. Written permission from the parent is required.

3. Medication must be in its original container.

4. All medication must be given in the Health Office.

5. Medication must be brought in and picked up by an adult or the parent/guardian

of the child.

Health screening. Your child will be periodically checked by the school nurse for vision,

hearing, height and weight. If any problems are found, you will be notified. In addition,

physical and dental examinations will be required in some grades. Parents are encouraged

to have their children examined by their family physician and dentist.

When to Keep your Child at Home

It is important to maintain a healthy environment in the classroom to protect all students.

Please seriously evaluate your child's health and ability to be productive in school when

he or she complains of a headache, stomach pain, sore throat, or cold symptoms without a

fever. Children often have no fever in the morning, but, as the day progresses, can

develop a fever. Keeping your sick child home will help him/her recover sooner and

will help to prevent the spread of germs to others. The following symptoms may indicate

a contagious illness. Your child should be kept at home if any of the following occur:

14

Fever of 100° the night prior to or the morning of school; student must be fever-

free for 24 hours before returning to school. Headache unrelieved by Tylenol or Ibuprofen.

Vomiting and/or diarrhea within the past 24 hours; student must be

vomit/diarrhea-free for 24 hours before returning to school. Sore throat lasting 2-3 days; a visit to the doctor may be needed to rule out strep

throat.

Drainage from the eyes; red, itchy, and/or crusty eyes

Excessive coughing unrelieved by cough drops or cough medicine.

Rash (unless determined to be non-communicable by a physician)

Abdominal pain

Dizziness or chills

Stiff neck or headache not caused by an accident or fall

Having your sick child rest at home with any of the above conditions will likely help with

his/her recovery. It will also help to prevent the spread of germs to other students and

staff members.

Crutches, Wheelchair and/or Elevator Use

Any student experiencing mobility problems or having a physical condition

requiring the use of crutches/wheelchair and/or the elevator, should bring a

doctor’s note to their school nurse with the following information:

diagnosis and/or reason for crutches/wheelchair and/or elevator

duration of crutches/wheelchair and/or elevator use

physician’s signature and contact information

After the school nurse obtains and verifies the doctor’s note, the nurse will

contact the main office to assist the student with the elevator.

Please contact our school nurse with any questions or concerns.

HOMEBOUND PUPILS

Upon approval by the Board of School Directors, qualified teachers are provided to give

instruction to students who are confined at home for an extended period. Parents should

contact the school for complete information.

HOMEWORK

Homework assignments should complement classroom instruction. Assignments should

develop student responsibility, good study habits and organizational skills.

Following are suggested times that SRS students at each grade level should generally be

expected to spend on homework, Monday through Thursday:

Grade Time

1st 20 minutes

2nd

20 minutes

15

3rd

30 minutes

4th

45 minutes

5th

45-60 minutes

INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT TEAM

The Instructional Support Team is part of a statewide initiative whose goals are to

maximize individual student success in the regular classroom, while at the same time

serving as a screening process for students who may be in need of special education

services. IST is a success-oriented program which uses specific assessment and

intervention techniques to help remove educational, behavioral, or affective stumbling

blocks for all students in the classroom. The team consists of the classroom teacher, the

parent(s), the school psychologist, the principal, the instructional support teacher, and

other professional personnel who may be helpful in planning instruction to meet the

student's needs.

LIBRARY

Children are responsible for all materials signed out in the SRS school library. If a book

or magazine is lost or damaged beyond repair, a student obligation form is sent home

with the amount of obligation noted.

LOST AND FOUND

Please mark all articles of clothing, books, backpacks, and lunch boxes with the student's

name so that they can be returned when found. Unmarked articles found at school are

taken to the Lost and Found (located in the student dining room), where they may be

claimed. Students should check the Lost and Found for several weeks after losing an

article. Unclaimed items will be donated to charitable organizations over the holiday

breaks.

LUNCH

Students in grades 1—5 remain at school for lunch. Daily hot and cold lunches are

available in the dining room, in addition to milk and juice. Menus are distributed ahead of

time. Students may choose to bring their own lunch, but, please, no glass containers. If

your child forgets his/her lunch or lunch money, a limited food choice will be offered.

MEDIA RELEASE

At various times during the school year, district students and/or their school work

(writing, art work, project, etc.) may be photographed and/or acknowledged by the media

(local/regional newspapers, TV stations, and/or school district publications. In addition,

photographic images of students may be used in classroom presentations, weekly Home

and School e-mail communications and school district web pages.

Please complete the media release form to indicate whether you do or do not wish to have

your child’s photograph or school work used for any of the purposes described above.

16

PARENT INVOLVEMENT AT SRS

Parent involvement is an important part of an effective school experience for children.

All parents, faculty, and administrators are members of the Home and School

Association. Attendance at Home and School Association meetings promotes a better

understanding among parents, teachers, and administrators by providing a forum for

discussion of school issues.

The Home and School Association supports school programs by raising funds and

providing volunteers. Parents are encouraged to become involved with the Home and

School Association as grade representatives or room parents, and for fundraisers such as

the Book Fair.

Parents can also volunteer in the classroom, nurse’s office, library and in enrichment

programs. The Home and School Association offers enrichment opportunities for

students through Dimensions in Art, Dimensions in Science, Dimensions in Math,

Dimensions in Social Studies, and Dimensions in Technology.

Communication about special events is provided through the Home and School weekly e-

mail blast.

The Home and School Association also publishes a school telephone directory each year,

which includes students' names, their classes, addresses, e-mail addresses and telephone

numbers.

Parent participation is encouraged in every activity of the Home and School Association.

Just call your grade representative for more information or to volunteer, or leave your

name in the office.

Volunteers:

Volunteers are always welcome to help support the students and staff at SRS. We

appreciate your valuable time and talents that you have shared with the students and staff

of SRS. The children look forward to seeing their family members and neighbors share

their educational experiences. This will be a memorable time in our students’

development.

All volunteers and chaperones are required to complete a WSSD Volunteer form located

on the website (www.wssd.org) under the Departments tab. Select the Human Resources

option, then choose District Forms located on the right side of the page. The Volunteer

Form is located at the bottom of the list. Please complete the form and submit it to your

child’s teacher or the school office. The forms will be reviewed to determine if additional

clearances are required. Volunteer forms must be completed annually.

(All volunteers, including one-time volunteers and visitors must: Sign in and out at the

office and wear an identification badge during their volunteer activity or experience.)

17

PERSONAL PROPERTY

If a student brings any personal property such as athletic equipment or electronic devices,

he or she must be responsible for their safekeeping. The school assumes no liability for

damage and/or theft. Students are not to bring trading cards, such as Pokemon cards, to

school. It is suggested that any money sent into school be in a change purse or envelope

with the student’s name.

PETS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

For safety reasons, please do not bring pets on school property.

PLAY DATES

Bus assignments and stops are prepared by the Supervisor of Transportation. When

arranging play dates, please make arrangements to have the children driven to their

destination by a designated parent or family member. Thank you for your cooperation.

READING SPECIALISTS

The reading specialists coordinate the reading/language arts program. The reading

specialists also administer reading inventories to new entrants beyond kindergarten and

provides diagnostic testing for students as needed. The reading specialists meet with

individuals and small groups for diagnostic and instructional purposes.

RECESS Recess is one of the student’s favorite parts of a school day and essential to a child’s

learning success. Many teachers also take their classes out for another recess during the

day. We encourage families to dress their children appropriately for outdoor play during

each season of the school year. If it is raining, muddy, excessively wet or if the wind-chill

is 20 degrees or below, recess is held inside the dining room (games are available and

many students bring activities from their classrooms) and gym (when available).

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST The school psychologist acts upon referrals for assessment of abilities, aptitudes,

interests, achievements, personality, and adjustment of designated pupils referred by

authorized school personnel, usually through the Instructional Support Team. The

psychologist interprets the findings to appropriate school personnel and parents. The

psychologist is also a resource person for teachers and parents and may provide

counseling for developmental issues with parental permission.

SCHOOL SAFETY

The following safety plans are in effect at SRS:

Limited Entry into SRS: All doors remain locked while school is in session

(8:45a.m. – 3:30p.m.).

Strict Observance of Visitor Guidelines: Visitors can access the office through the

main lobby after ‘buzzing’ the intercom located to the left of the doors. All

visitors must show photo identification, sign the Visitor’s Form and wear a

visitor’s badge while in the building.

18

Regular Lockdown Drills and Fire Drills: Students, staff and faculty regularly

practice lockdown drills and fire drills so that we can respond quickly and calmly

in the event of a threatening situation or fire.

SKATEBOARDS, ROLLER BLADES, AND SCOOTERS

Only students in grades 3-5 may ride their skateboards, roller blades, and scooters to

school. Roller shoes (“Heelies”) are not permitted in the school. It is highly

recommended that your child wear a helmet and other protective gear when using any of

this equipment. The school assumes no responsibility for any lost or stolen property.

Scooters, skateboards and roller blades should be placed in the alcoves at the bottom of

the Princeton Avenue and College Avenue stairwells when students enter the building.

SNACK

Children may bring a nutritious snack with them for a snack break. Classroom teachers

will send notification if there are students with allergies in the classrooms. We will ask

that you avoid sending in any snack or class treat with the specific ingredients which may

trigger an allergic reaction. Families may purchase milk for snack through the WSSD

Food Service. The program allows students to purchase milk per semester or per school

year.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Students identified as having a disability that affects academic progress may receive

instructional support from the special education teacher.

SPEECH THERAPY The speech and language therapist provides evaluations, consultation and direct therapy

services to students at all grade levels. Services are available for disorders or delays in

development, voice problems, and fluency difficulties. Written permission to evaluate is

obtained from the parent before the evaluation process begins.

STANDARD OF DRESS Choosing the proper attire is part of a student's learning experience, therefore we believe

our students should be dressed in clean, moderate styles, appropriate to the occasion.

Tank tops and spaghetti strap tops are discouraged. Appropriate outerwear and footwear

are required in snow and inclement weather, and students are encouraged to layer

clothing to insure comfort in and out of the classroom. All students should bring sneakers

or rubber-soled shoes for physical education. Label articles of clothing to avoid loss.

STUDENT PLACEMENT Parents may discuss placement with teachers focusing the discussion on "suitable

environments" rather than personalities, gender, or request for specific teachers. This

discussion will be undertaken with the understanding that final decisions are made by the

faculty and the principal. As a public school, our goal is to ensure heterogeneous and

balanced classes so that all children have an optimum learning environment.

19

Note: With the above guidelines in mind, parents are asked to communicate in writing

any specific placement concerns/requests to the principal by the beginning of May of the

preceding school year. Please do not request specific teachers.

TELEPHONING If you need to telephone your child for an emergency during school hours, the message

will be relayed through the office. Office phones are for school business; however,

students will be allowed to use school phones on an emergency basis. Emergencies do

not include forgotten homework, lunches, instruments, or planning after school activities.

TRANSFERRING TO ANOTHER SCHOOL

Students transferring to another school must notify the school office and complete a

withdrawal form in sufficient time for transfer information to be prepared. Books and

supplies must be returned in good condition and all obligations, financial and otherwise,

must be fulfilled before records can be forwarded to the new school.

TRANSPORTATION

Bus assignments and stops are prepared by the Supervisor of Transportation. When

arranging play dates, please make arrangements to have the children driven to their

destination by a designated parent or family member. Thank you for your cooperation.

VACATIONS DURING SCHOOL DAYS

Please refer to the Excused Absences section on page 2, #5.

VISITORS AND PARKING

Please park on College Avenue or surrounding streets. This ensures the safety of

our students and staff.

Please be prepared to show your photo identification upon your arrival.

We ask all visitors to sign in on the Visitor’s Form in the main office.

A visitor’s badge must be worn at all times during your visit.

It is necessary to make arrangements in advance with classroom teachers before

visiting classrooms.