Lake Alice School
50033 County Road 26, Scottsbluff, NE 69361
(308) 632-4295
This handbook will provide you with the information concerning policies, regulations, and services, which relate to the successful operation of Lake Alice School. Communication and cooperation between home and school are essential in providing our students with a quality education. If a problem arises or if clarification is needed, please, first, contact your child’s teacher. Each Thursday you will receive a school notice informing you of upcoming events, activities, and other information you may need. Together we can make this a great year for our children!
The mission of Lake Alice School is to work with family and community to provide an opportunity for each child to reach their individual potential as a responsible student, citizen, and person. We believe this is best achieved through consistent example and instruction in the following.
¨ Acceptance of academic challenge.
¨ Respect for people and property.
¨ Responsibility for one’s own actions and words.
¨ Putting forth the best effort in life.
SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT ACTION PLAN
Target Area=Student to Student Relations
Target Area Goal=Create a school wide climate by developing a process that will encourage students to demonstrate behavior by considering choices and consequences that show respect for themselves and those around them.
Areas of Emphasis=There are a multitude of situations in a school environment that offer opportunities for showing respect for people and property. We see the following as important but by no means the only areas:
¨ Respecting speakers in the classroom/assemblies.
¨ Using common courtesy in the hallways.
¨ Safety and self-discipline while boarding/seated on the bus.
¨ Instruction and modeling of citizenship.
Target Area=Reading Achievement
Target Area Goal=Improve reading achievement of students whose reading scores are below grade level while maintaining/improving reading achievement for all students..
Areas of Emphasis=We realize that achievement in reading involves complex skills, attitudes, motivation, and exposure to diverse reading materials and accessibility of materials. We see the following areas as important, but not all encompassing:
¨ Motivation and interesting reading for information and enjoyment.
¨ Acquisition of appropriate decoding skills.
¨ Increase in reading comprehension and higher reading level skills.
Target Area=Math Application
Target Area Goal=Improve the math application achievement of students whose math grades are below grade level while maintaining and/or improving math application achievement of all students.
Area of Emphasis=We hope to broaden the use of math skills in all subject areas, encourage problem-solving and offer more opportunities for the practical application of math skills.
ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS
A pupil must be 5 years of age on or before October 15th to enroll in kindergarten.
Kindergartners need: 1. Certified birth certificate.
2. Record of immunizations.
3. Physical Exam.
Seventh graders need: 1. Physical Exam.
Out of State Transfers need: 1. Physical Exam.
All of the above must be presented or be on file in the office on the first day of school. If not, the parent will be notified and the student will be sent home and not allowed to attend until such forms are in the office.
Lake Alice will only accept option students prior to the opening of that school year. We will begin accepting option papers for the following year in September.
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS
See attached chart (last page of handbook)
FLUORIDE RINSE
This service is available “free” of charge to all Lake Alice students. It is given to those students that have a signed permission slip on file in the office. The rinse is done once a week depending on which of those two days are Kindergarten days.
SCHOOL DAY HOURS
School Day = 8:20 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.
Parents bringing students to school should arrive around 8:15 or so. Teachers will be on duty at that time and not before. NO students are allowed in the building before 8:20 a.m. with the exception of those students in charge of putting up the flags.
Parents picking up students after school should do so at 3:20 p.m. Buses leave at 3:25 p.m. There is no teacher on duty after the buses leave the school grounds. Students waiting for their ride must sit quietly on the steps.
SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM
The school district provides daily transportation for all students in the school district. To carry out this function, two bus routes have been established. Buses will run on a regular schedule each day. The buses are well maintained and driven by qualified drivers. In order to maintain a daily bus schedule, the cooperation of parents and students is greatly needed. Specifically:
1. Students must be on time. The bus can not stop for an extended period of time.
2. The bus driver should be notified in advance if a student is not going to ride or is getting off at a different stop.
3. Students should report any damage so repairs can be made.
4. Students should strive to make the bus driver’s job easy and pleasant.
5. Students crossing the road should look both ways to make sure it is safe to cross.
The same discipline code required in the building and on the grounds is also required on the bus.
Specifically:
1. Assist the driver in having a pleasant bus ride free of loud noise and disturbances.
2. Remain seated at ALL times while bus is moving.
3. Be courteous. Do not distract the driver..
4. No eating or drinking on the bus.
5. Hands to yourself and feet out of the aisle.
6. Strive in keeping the bus in good condition and in no way damage the bus.
The bus driver is in charge of discipline on the bus and is to be respected. Continued violation of rules or serious misbehavior will be brought to the attention of the administrator. Warning slips will be given which require a parent signature. Slips may result in temporary or permanent removal of a child from the bus.
It is absolutely essential that the school be able to account for each child’s transportation home after school. If your child regularly rides the bus route then we will be taking that child home on the bus unless we have a written, or in extenuating circumstances, a verbal phone call with authorization to do otherwise. This authorization should include the date of the change in transportation and the person with whom the child will be going, and the signature of the child’s parent. Notes are to be given to the classroom teacher who will then see that the bus driver of the “affected” route receives them. NO CHILD MAY MAKE CHANGES IN TRANSPORTATION WITHOUT PRIOR NOTIFICATION FROM HIS/HER PARENT. If we do not have proper authorization we will send your child home on his/her regular bus route. Make any plans ahead of time so that we have a written note.
If you decide to pick your child up at 3:20 p.m. instead of having him/her go home on the bus, please tell the bus driver personally so that we know your child is accounted for.
PARENTS: IF YOUR CHILD IS NOT RIDING THE BUS IN THE MORNING PLEASE CALL YOUR BUS DRIVER BY 6:30 A.M. THIS IS COMMON COURTESY TO THE BUS DRIVERS, AS IT WILL CHANGE THEIR ROUTE AND TIMING.
STUDENT DRIVERS
Lake Alice School adheres to county policy for student drivers. Students must:
¨ Live ½ mile or more from school.
¨ Live outside city limits.
¨ Be 14 years old.
¨ Have a valid school permit.
Only siblings are allowed in the vehicle. No motorcycles are allowed. Student drivers may only drive to and from school.
BICYCLES
Students are allowed to ride bicycles to school under parent/guardian responsibility. The bicycles must be parked in a designated area and remain there until dismissal time.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
To prevent unexcused absences, parents are required to inform the school by 9:00 a.m. when their child is absent. If we have not heard from you by 9:00 a.m., we will contact you as to the whereabouts of your child.
Parents MUST send a note or call the school to inform the teacher that your child will not be riding the bus. If there is no note/call, your child will be put on the bus!
NO students will be allowed to leave the school grounds early unless a parent has made such arrangements. The parent may designate responsible parties to do so upon informing the school of such an arrangement in writing.
Lake Alice School recognizes the importance of regular attendance and participation in the school program. We feel that regular attendance benefits each individual as well as the class as a whole and that the lack of being in school and on time is detrimental to both. We have had a significant number of absences/tardies this year. Therefore, in addition to the existing attendance policies in our school handbook the board has passed the following policy. Other Class I school policies were considered in the writing of this policy.
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES
An unexcused absence is when the school is not notified by a parent or legal guardian by 9:00 a.m. on the day of absence. If the secretary or other school personnel have to call parents of an absent student in order to determine whereabouts, it will be recorded as unexcused. Each unexcused absence equals 3 excused absences in terms of board policy regarding absenteeism. After 6 days of unexcused absence within a semester, a letter of notification will go to the parents. After the 10th total day of absence in a semester, whether unexcused or excused, parents will have to meet with the board to discuss absences. Promotion and other school activities will be in jeopardy if there are 10 absences in a semester. Failure to meet with the board and/or failure to correct the attendance situation will result in the school contacting the county attorney for intervention under the state’s child neglect laws.
Additionally, students who are tardy with no valid excuse will receive zeros for any work/testing done during their absence; no make-up work or re-teaching will be scheduled. Students who are tardy five times during a semester with no valid excuse will be required, with parents, to meet with the board. Failure to do so will result in the intervention of the county attorney under the state’s child neglect laws.
Every person residing in the school district, has children attending, or legal charge of any child shall cause such child to attend school each day that school is in session, except when excused by school authorities (School Law 79-201). Parents are required to notify the school when absence is anticipated. If a child is gone more than 5 consecutive days for any illness, infectious or otherwise he/she will not be readmitted until a written statement from a doctor is presented. Generally, a child should not return to school after an illness until he/she is ready to participate in the regular school program. If an absence is anticipated, arrangements must be made for the make-up work prior to the absence. Parents are asked to talk with the teacher or send a note if a student will be absent due to a pre-arranged trip. Upon returning from such a trip, make-up work should be completed in a reasonable amount of time. If absences are excessive, the administrator will contact the parents.
PERFECT ATTENDANCE
Perfect attendance will be based on the student’s presence in class and at other classroom functions during normal school hours. Any student who misses any part of a class period or other activity during normal school day hours will not be considered eligible for this award. Perfect means just that-perfect!
MAKE-UP WORK
When a student returns to school after an absence. All make-up work should be completed as soon as possible. A student will be allowed 1 (one) day for each missed, except when the make-up work must be completed sooner because it is impeding the student’s progress. The student will have a maximum of 2 (two) weeks to finish make-up work for absences of extended length, unless special circumstances prevent it. A student may be required to stay in at recess or after school to get make-up work completed. If a student has to stay after school, parents will be notified 1 (one) day in advance.
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips will be posted in Thursday notes two weeks prior to the trip if possible. A generic slip will be kept in the office for each child with a parent signature.
SCHOOL CLOSING
Any announcement pertaining to the closing of school will be on KQAQ, KNEB, KMOR, and KCMI by 6:30 a.m. It will also be on KSTF and KDUH. Please do not call the administrator. The phone lines must be kept open for communication with the board, radio and TV.
TELEPHONE USE
CONTACTING TEACHERS
Teachers are happy to talk to parents about their children or concerns, provided it is during a time in which the teacher is free. It is best to call and leave a message. The teacher can then return your call during recess, lunch break or after school.
STUDENT TELEPHONE USE
In order to minimize class disruption, students are not allowed to use the phone during school hours unless given permission by a teacher. If a parent calls during the school day, a message will be taken to the child. The student may then return the call when his/her teacher decides it is an appropriate time. In an effort to teach students responsibility, there will be no calls home for homework, sports equipment or clothes. All after school plans should be determined before the child arrives at school.
PE/RECESS
PE is required by state guidelines and is important to your child’s health and development. Recess is at 10:00, noon and 2:00. All students are expected to go outside for recess or PE if weather permits. All children will be sent outside unless the teacher is notified otherwise. On questionable days (temperature, wind chill, etc.) it is the teacher’s decision to send children out or not.
Children need to be dressed appropriately for the weather, as they will be sent outside regardless of dress. If a child must remain inside, the parent must send a note stating the reason. After 2 days, the school has the right to require a note form the doctor in order to keep a child indoors at recess. In general, children who do not feel well enough to go out for recess are probably not well enough to participate in the normal school day.
DRESS CODE/ID CLOTHING
Hats, t-shirts, etc. with suggestive phrases, slogans, pictures are not permitted in school. Dress shorts are permitted as weather indicates. Hats or caps are not to be worn in the buildings.
Variance form rules will result in parents being called to bring proper clothing or a student being sent home to change.
LOST AND FOUND
Please mark all outer garments for identification. At the end of the school year, all unmarked clothing will set in hallways for a period of 1 (one) week. After that the custodian will dispose of it.
DISCIPLINE
Lake Alice School encourages students to take responsibility for their behavior (words or actions). Our goal is that students learn self-discipline. But in the interest of maintaining a learning environment for all students, we have established written rules, which will be enforced on the school grounds and during school activities regardless of location, date or time.
STATEMENT OF ZERO TOLERANCE OF VIOLENCE
We do not tolerate violence! Violence is any mean look, sin, word, or act that hurts a person’s feelings, body or causes loss or damage to property.
SEARCH AND SEIZURE
To maintain order and discipline in schools and to protect the safety and welfare of students and personnel, school authorities may search a student, or student lockers, under the circumstances outline below and may seize illegal, unauthorized, or contraband materials discovered in the search. A student’s failure to permit searches and seizures as provided in the policy will be considered grounds for disciplinary action.
Personal Searches:
A student’s person and/or personal affects (e.g. purse, book, etc.) may be searched whenever a school authority has reasonable suspicion to believe that the student is in possession of illegal or unauthorized materials. If a pat down search of a student’s person is conducted, it will be conducted in private by a school official of the same sex and with an adult witness present.
Seizure of Illegal Materials:
If a properly conducted search yields illegal or contraband materials, such findings shall be turned over the proper legal authorities for ultimate disposition.
RULES AND EXPECTATIONS
1. Every student will show courtesy, proper manners and respect to adults and fellow students.
2. Students will be considerate of other people’s rights and property.
3. Lying, profanity, foul language or derogatory language is prohibited.
4. Students will be asked to pay for any damage they have done to school, staff, or student property.
5. Fighting, play fighting, wrestling, kicking, tackling, pushing or other games or actions, which are aggressive, are not permitted.
6. Any weapons or articles (including fireworks) which might be injurious to a person or property is prohibited.
7. Personal possessions may not be brought to school unless requested by the teacher or administrator for specific purpose.
8. Student may not pass out party invitations at school unless every student is invited.
9. Student may not throw sand, rocks, snowballs, or other objects on the playground,
10. Dress, apparel, possessions and behavior that represent gang activity or other illegal or inappropriate activity or that distracts from the learning environment will not be allowed. Since gang-related clothing and behaviors vary from year to year, the administrator will determine the appropriateness of questionable apparel.
11. Students are expected to read the handbook which details other rules and regulations regarding the lunchroom, buses, sports, etc. All rules in the handbook will follow the same course of consequences.
CONSEQUENCES
FIRST OFFENSE: The teacher or adult who witnessed the behavior writes up a discipline slip. The behavior and consequences are written on the slip and explained. This is signed by a teacher/adult. This slip is sent home to be signed by the parents and student,and returned to school. Additional follow-up measures may be taken at the discretion of the administrator.
SECOND OFFENSE: The slip is mailed. The parent is called and a conference is arranged to determine action necessary to remediate behavior.
THIRD OFFENSE: The administrator may discipline by exclusion, suspension, mandatory reassignment or expulsion. If an act is committed that endangers the student, staff, or prevents others from pursuing an education, the administrator may remove the student from the classroom by emergency exclusion and call parents immediately.
At the end of each semester, the record of offenses begins anew so those students are given a fresh start toward positive behavior.
***PLEASE NOTE***
Behavior that threatens others or disrupts the education of others may warrant immediate removal from the classroom, building, or grounds. This may include but not be limited to fighting, threatening to fight, verbal abuse, or damage to property. In these instances parents will be called immediately and emergency exclusion will be enforced.
EXCLUSION, EXPULSION, SUSPENSION
School officials have the authority to discipline students by suspension, exclusion, expulsion, or mandatory reassignment. Conduct constituting grounds for these actions is outlined in Nebraska Revised Statues 79-4180 (following term definitions)
These terms have the following meanings:
1. Emergency Exclusion: Immediate exclusion for up to five (5) days of the student who has a communicable disease transmissible through normal school contact is an immediate threat to the health and safety of himself, or others, or is so extremely disruptive as to make temporary removal necessary to preserve the rights of other students to pursue an education. Because Lake Alice does not employ a behavioral assistant, exclusion will take place outside the school under the supervision of parents, guardian, or other appropriate placement.
2. Short Term Suspension: Up to and including 5 (five) school days.
3. Long Term Suspension: More than 5 (five) days but less than 20 (twenty).
4. Mandatory Reassignment: Assignment to another educational setting.
5. Expulsion: Removal of educational opportunities for the balance of the current semester with loss of all credits.
Realize that the administration of any written policy cannot be an absolute for all students in all situations. Therefore, the administrator will consider mitigating circumstances when assigning discipline to individual students.
Nebraska Revised Statue 79-4180
The following conduct constitutes grounds for any of the preceding disciplinary actions:
1. Use of violence, force, coercion, threat, intimidation, or similar conduct that constitutes a substantial interference with school purposes.
2. Willful damage to private or school property, stealing of substantial values, or repeated damage or theft of small value.
3. Causing or attempting to cause physical injury to a school employee or student.
4. Threatening or intimidating a student; trying to get money or other valuables from a student.
5. Possession, handling, or transmitting any object or materials generally considered a weapon.
6. Unlawful possession, selling, dispensing, or use of a controlled substance or alcoholic beverage.
7. Engaging in any other activity forbidden by law which activity constitutes a danger to other students or interferes with school purpose.
8. Repeated violations of any established school rule.
9. Possessing, handling, or detonating any object which explodes as stated in Criminal Code Section 28-1242: “It is unlawful to throw firecrackers or any object which explodes upon contact with another object (a) from a motor vehicle or, (b) onto a street, highway, or sidewalk.” Unlawful throwing of firecrackers is a Class III misdemeanor. The punishment is up to 3 (three) months imprisonment or up to $500 fine or both.
10. Public indecency.
FIREARM POLICY
It shall be the policy of Lake Alice School to undertake all reasonable efforts to prohibit the unlawful possession, the knowingly and intentionally selling, attempting to sell, providing, loaning, delivering, or in any other way transferring the possession of a firearm to a student and to prevent the unlawful possession of a firearm on a Lake Alice program, on Lake Alice grounds, in a Lake Alice owned vehicle, or at a Lake Alice sponsored activity or event. Any student enrolled at Lake Alice and possessing a firearm on the grounds will be removed from the Lake Alice program immediately! The appropriate school personnel will be notified of such action and a report will be made to the proper authorities as soon as possible.
State law requires the expulsion from school for a period of not less than one year for any student who is determined to have knowingly and intentionally possessed, used, or transmitted a firearm on school grounds, in a school owned vehicle being used for a school purpose or at a school sponsored activity or athletic event. While the school board does not necessarily agree with this policy, the state has given no other choice but to make it policy.
It shall further be the policy of Lake Alice School to not accept any student who is interested in contracting or optioning into our district after committing a firearm offense at another school.
The firearm policy of Lake Alice shall not be applied to school approved gun safety, hunter safety, police and other demonstration purposes on the school grounds.
According to statue, no required action is necessary as to firearms contained within a private vehicle operated by a nonstudent adult when the firearm is not loaded, is encased, and is either in a locked forearm rack that is on a motor vehicle or is in a case that is expressly made for the purpose of containing a firearm and that is completely zipped, snapped, buckled, tied or otherwise fastened with no part of the firearm exposed.
STUDENT FEES
The Lade Alice Public School Board of Education realizes some activities may require additional expenditures which are properly to be borne by students as a separate charge. Such charges may be waived as specified below depending upon the student’s eligibility for free and reduced price lunch program. No fees, specialized or non-specialized attire or equipment shall be required of students outside this policy. This policy does not apply to tuition payments by nonresident students.
For the purpose of this policy, the following definitions shall apply.
1. Extracurricular activities means student activities or organizations which are supervised or administered by the school district, which do not count toward advancement between grades, and in which participation is not otherwise required by the school district.
The district may charge student fees or require students to provide specialized equipment or attire in the following areas:
1. Admission fees and transportation charges for spectators attending extracurricular activities;
2. Transportation fee for option students not qualifying for free lunches and nonresident students as allowed by state statute;
3. Copies of student files or records as allowed by state statute;
4. Reimbursement to the district for property lost or damaged by the student;
5. Before and after school or pre-kindergarten services in accordance with state statue;
6. Summer School;
7. Breakfast and lunch programs.
Waiver for any of the following shall be provided for students who qualify for free or reduced price lunches.
¨ Fees and specialized equipment and specialized attire required for participation in extracurricular activities;
¨ Admission fees for onsite district sponsored extracurricular activities and transportation charges for spectators attending offsite extracurricular activities; and
¨ Materials required for course projects where the project becomes the property of the student upon completion.
The administrator shall develop regulations to be published annually in the student handbook authorizing and governing:
1. Any personal or consumable items a student will be required to furnish for specified course and activities;
2. Any materials required for course projects if the project is to become property of the student upon completion; and
3. Any specialized equipment or specialized attire which a student will be required to provide for any extracurricular activity.
The administrator shall also develop regulations authorizing and governing the following areas:
1. All fees to be collected within the seven numbered areas of the third paragraph of this policy;
2. Procedures and forms for students or parents/guardians to apply for waivers under this policy;
3. Deadlines for waivers for all types of fees;
4. Procedures for handling of fees for summer school;
5. Procedures for admitting students on waiver to extracurricular activities.
FINES FOR LOST OR DAMAGED ITEMS: The board believes students should respect school district property and assist in its preservation for future use by others. Students may be assessed fines, charges, or fees for damage beyond normal wear and tear to materials needed in a course, for overdue school materials, or for misuse of school property. The charges shall not exceed the actual cost of the materials or equipment incurring damage.
Any schedule of fines shall be set prior to the start of the school year and shall be published in the student handbook. It shall be the responsibility of the administrator to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
This policy shall be reviewed and adopted annually by August 1 at a regular or special meeting of the board. This shall include a review of the amount of money collected under this policy and the use of waivers as provided by this policy. The policy shall be published in the student handbook provided at no cost to each student.
ACCIDENT/ILLNESS/MEDICATION
In case of illness or injury indicating inadvisability for the child to remain in the classroom, the parent/guardian will be contacted by telephone to come to school and get the child. In cases where parent/guardian are not available by telephone, emergency numbers which parents/guardians have given will be used. These people will be asked to come to school to get the child. If parents are contacted but are unable to get the child, the school will provide transportation, as permitted by the parent/guardian, using available personnel and equipment. If parents cannot be contacted, the child will remain at school during school hours and will return home by regular means except in such cases where, in the opinion of the school officials, medical aide is needed immediately. Then an ambulance will be called at the expense of the parent/guardian. The child will be sent to the emergency room at the hospital. Under no circumstances will an ill or injured child be allowed to walk home during school hours without parental permission.
INFECTIOUS AND COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
We will follow the guidelines from the State Department of Health. Children with any communicable diseases including but not limited to the following must present permission slips from a doctor or a registered health professional before returning to school: chicken pox, pink eye, diphtheria, pin worm, German measles, hepatitis, meningitis, measles, mumps, head or body lice, whooping cough, polio, ringworm, scabies, streptococcal infections (strep throat), tuberculosis, impetigo, staph infection of the skin, and giardiasis.
Nebraska laws and regulations require immunizations before entering school.
MEDICATION IN THE SCHOOL
The Lake Alice board recognizes that many students are able to attend school because of the effective use of medication for the treatment of illness and/or disabilities.
Therefore, the following policy is in place:
1. If at all possible all, prescription medications should be given at home outside of school hours.
2. NO over the counter medicines will be given at school including: Tylenol, aspirin, vitamins, cough drops, and cough syrup.
3. A student may bring any one of these as needed as long as there is a note attached and the item is left at the teacher’s desk or in the office.
4. Students who bring over the counter medications MAY NOT dispense these to other students!
The board further recognizes that some medication regimes necessitate the administering of medication during school hours therefore requiring a safe and effective means of administering the medication.
WHEN MEDICATION IS REQUIRED DURING SCHOOL HOURS THE FOLLOWING APPLIES:
1. Signed authorization sheet is on file in office BEFORE any medication is given out.
2. Written orders from the physician are required and MUST include the name of the drug, dosage, and time interval that the medication is to be taken.
3. Medication MUST be brought to school in a container appropriately labeled by the pharmacy and physician.
4. Trained staff will administer the medication. The ultimate responsibility for monitoring effects of the medication belongs to the parents/guardian.
5. A locked cabinet will be provided for the storage of medication.
6. Trained staff will physically watch the child administer the medication.
7. If the child refuses to take his/her medication, the parent will be required to come to school and dispense the medication.
SCHOOL VISITATION
Parents are encouraged to visit school. Short visits, well planned, provide better understanding of your child’s experience. Visitations just prior to or after holiday vacations are not usually the most profitable time to visit. Visitations should be scheduled with the office or teacher to make sure there are no field trips or special activities that would prohibit you from seeing the child in the normal instructional day and setting. Visitations from students outside the school district or by preschool children are discouraged.
ALL visitors must report to the office before entering classrooms. If you come to school unannounced and classes are in session, we ask that you please wait outside the classroom in the hall or in the school office until a break in class or until your child can be dismissed to you.
REPORTING TO PARENTS
Student progress will be reported to parents every 9 weeks by use of a report card. When teachers feel that progress of a student is unsatisfactory, they should arrange for a parent conference or send the parents a letter of unsatisfactory performance midway between the reporting periods in order to allow the parents the opportunity to be aware of their child’s difficulties. It will also assist the teacher in solving the problem. After the first and third nine weeks, there will be a parent-teacher conference. At this time, the parent must pick up the student’s report card. If parents are unable to attend these meetings at the designated time, other arrangements should be made with the teacher. If other arrangements are not made, report cards will be mailed home.
GRADING SYSTEM
Kindergarten 1-2nd 3-8th
E: Excellent S+: Above average A: 94-100
S+: Above Average S: Average B: 93-86
S: Satisfactory S-: Below average C: 85-78
I: Improvement needed IN: Needs improvement D: 77-70
U: Unsatisfactory U: Unsatisfactory F: Below 70
STUDENT RETENTION AND PROMOTION
The board recognizes that the teachers of the district, as those responsible for assessment of student progress, must be responsible for recommending promotion or retention of student. It is the policy of the board to support the professional staff and to rely upon the staff to make decisions in the best interests of the students. The board also considers it important to good relations that the parents be consulted well in advance in all cases where retention is being considered and to report all such retention’s being considered to the board president. Similar procedures should be followed when the teacher feels a student is in need of special education or special services.
SPECIAL SERVICES (SPEECH, HEARING, COUNSELING, SPECIAL ED., TITLE I)
The staff of special services has a goal of helping each student develop appropriate academic and behavior adjustment skills. Services are designed to compliment regular instruction by offering these special services for students with needs, including testing and diagnosis, developing individual education plans for each student, and providing placement in appropriate educational settings. Children who have need of service from the Special Education, Title I or Speech Pathways personnel may be recommended by the regular classroom teacher. Any planning of the educational program of a child with special educational needs will included a conference with specified special education staff, classroom teacher, administrator, and parents/guardians.
SPORTS
Students in kindergarten through fourth grade shall not participate in any kind of athletic contests between schools within a school system or between school districts. Annual field days or play days shall be excluded from this regulation. A limit of 8 (eight) games of volleyball and basketball will apply to fifth through eighth graders. Each tournament will count as one game. In order for a student to participate in sports, schoolwork must be kept up to date. If a student fails to keep schoolwork up, the teacher may hold that student out of sports until the work is done. In addition, the school will abide by state regulations on eligibility (number of subjects passed). In addition, the student must agree to abide by rules of sportsmanship and training as set down by the coach. A physical examination is required yearly to participate in sports and must be on file in the office before a student will be allowed to practice or play. A student will not be allowed to practice or play that night if they have not attended school that day. However, a student absent the day before a track meet will be allowed to participate in the meet the following day. The style and purchase of all sports uniforms is up to the student and the parents/guardians of those students participating in the sport.
No student will participate in any practice or sport activity until:
1. We have a physical on file in the school office.
2. He/She has paid the required sport activity fee.
When students attend a sporting event at home or away, they should sit in the pep rally section or with parents. Students should sit and watch the games. They may get up to get refreshments at the end of the volleyball game and at half time of the basketball games. They should not be outside or running around. Parents are urged to attend all school activities.
ELIGIBILITY FOR SPORTS/FIELD TRIPS
1. Grades are averaged for Monday through Friday of the week prior to the sport event in order to determine eligibility.
2. Any make up or do-over work is due no later than 1 (one) day after it is handed back.
3. Teacher will do final averages on Monday or Tuesday.
4. Students will be informed of ineligibility Monday or Tuesday.
5. Parents will receive a note or telephone call if their child is ineligible.
6. If you suspect that your child may be ineligible, please make sure you ask him/her if they have a note, if you haven’t received a phone call.
7. Eligibility covers all sports, cheerleading, and field trips that are of entertainment variety and not specifically labeled as course work by the teachers.
8. A complete list of ineligible students will be available to the coaches.
9. A 78% or above overall grade average constitutes eligibility.
10. The administrator reserves an unquestionable open prerogative to deny participation for reasons other than stated above.
11. In the case of prearranged field trips where advance reservations are needed (in addition to the above) the most recent report card will be used to qualify the student.
CHEERLEADERS
Girls in 7th and 8th grade will be allowed to be cheerleaders. NO official mascots will be chosen from any other grades.
DISRUPTIVE CONDUCT
The board of education will, to the full extent of its legal powers, insure that every student shall have an opportunity to attend school and receive an education without fear of harm or injury to person or property. The board will not allow persons with disruptive intent to endanger the safety of pupils or school personnel, to damage property, interfere with the education, or attempt to close school. Disorder and disruption of the school process will not be tolerated, Persons attempting such action must be held accountable. When it becomes necessary to protect pupils and staff and to take steps to insure effective operation of the school, the board will seek prosecution of those who violate the law. Violation of laws and regulations will be referred to the County Sheriff’s office. If or when such incidents occur, which in the administrator’s opinion warrant outside assistance, the board president should be contacted. If he/she is not available and the administrator believes it necessary, the administrator may contact the sheriff’s office directly.
TEXTBOOKS
Textbooks and workbooks are provided for basic subject areas. IF a textbook is lost, destroyed or damaged, the student involved will be assessed a fee:
Ink Marks 25 cents per page.
Torn pages 20 cents per page.
Broken covers 50 cents.
Lost or destroyed books Purchase price less 20% for each year of
use.
SCHOOL PARTIES
Students may bring treats to school only for birthdays and class parties. There must be enough treats for everyone in the class. NO gum is allowed.
LIBRARY POLICY
Students are encouraged to check out books for pleasure and personal growth. Parents should encourage their children to use the library.
1. Check-out is two books for 7 (seven) days.
2. Check-in day is same as library day.
3. Books can be renewed only one time.
4. If a child needs a book on a non-library day, the classroom teacher may take the student to the library and oversee the checkout..
5. Students will be assessed replacement cost for lost or damaged books beyond repair.
6. Because of the short library time, there will be no bathroom or water breaks during this time.
7. Students who misbehave in the library will be returned to the classroom without checking out books.
SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS
The Lake Alice School board regularly meets on the second Thursday of each month at the school at 7:00 p.m. in the library. Any changes in time shall be made public in the Star-Herald with the regular notice of the meeting.
ASBESTOS
Lake Alice School is required by law to inform you that we do have some asbestos in the building. We have an EPA approved management plan on file in the office. This plan is available upon request. We have been assured that the asbestos that is present is contained and does in no way pose any health threats to students or staff. Our buildings are inspected periodically by certified personnel.
CONCERN POLICY
The following procedure will be used in handling ALL concerns at Lake Alice School:
All concerns shall first be referred to the staff member most closely associated with the concern. If the person bringing the concern is unwilling for any reason to discuss the concern with that individual, they shall then be referred to the administrator who will arrange for a joint conference. If there is no resolution or satisfactory response, then a written complaint shall be given to the administrator. If there is no resolution following the written complaint, the person shall address the concern, in writing and signed, to the school board. All concerns brought to the administrator from the public shall have a report involved, and the action taken to address the concern. Staff members have five (5) days to respond to any written concern and the response will be dated and filed with the concern. Parties involved will sign and date the report. This file will be accessible by the administrator and the board by majority vote.
A brief report shall then be available at the monthly board meeting to the school board to acknowledge, in general, the concern and the action.
Finally, concerns may come before the board at the request of any party AFTER following the above-prescribed procedure. Any reports or instances in which concerns are not addressed in the manner agreed upon by the staff member, administrator, and person bringing the concern should not become part of the individual’s annual review or personal file. No concern shall become part of the individual’s review or personal file unless all above procedures have been followed.
MUSIC PROGRAMS/AWARDS NIGHT
During our Christmas program and other events that take place at Lake Alice, students are expected to be seated with their parents and behave in a manner that is acceptable as outlined by school expectations and policy. Parents are asked to help in watching their children at these functions.
LUNCH PROGRAM
Student lunches: $1.25 per day.
Adult lunches $2.25 per day.
Extra milk $ .25 per milk
Sack lunches Acceptable but must not contain a soft drink. Juice, etc. is permitted but not in glass containers.
Lunch menus are posted weekly and sent home monthly. Applications for free and reduced lunches are available in the office.
Lunches may be purchased by the week or by the month. An average month is 20 lunches. Parents will be notified by mail when a student has 5 lunches left. Following notification by mail, the student will be given daily notices up to four charged lunches. After the fourth charged, lunch will not be served until money is brought to cover past, present and future lunches! Please do not call the kitchen between 11:20 a.m.-12:10 p.m. The cooks are very busy serving lunch.
Competitive Food Regulations: The US Department of Agriculture regulates foods in competition with the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs. Competitive foods shall not be made available to students anywhere on the school premises during the period beginning ½ hour prior to serving breakfast/lunch and lasting until ½ hour after the serving of breakfast/lunch. State and Federal reimbursement may be withheld form schools found in violation of this policy!
Lunch Room Guidelines: In addition to the regular student expectations posted in the cafeteria, the following apply:
1. A relaxed atmosphere will be maintained so that students may enjoy their lunchtime.
2. After trays are handed out, students are to go directly to assigned tables.
3. Students are not allowed to get out of their seats unless the lunch monitor has given them permission to do so.
4. Students stay at tables until dismissed to empty their tray, use restroom, or go outside.
5. Students may talk while eating but no excessive noise is permitted! Food is not to be played with or thrown. This behavior will not be tolerated.
6. Seconds are given at the discretion of the cooks.
7. Coats, hats, gloves, etc. are placed on the bleachers unless the gym is cold.
Violation of the above rules and/or student expectations will be punished by lunch monitor and the administrator according to the severity of the violation.
Student Internet Safety and Acceptable Use Policy
Lake Alice School
The intent of these rules is to provide students with general requirements for using the district’s computers, networks and Internet services, and other technology services and equipment, which use is a privilege, not a right. The rules may be supplemented by more specific procedures and rules governing day-to-day management and operation of the computer system.
These rules provide general guidelines and examples of prohibited uses, but do not attempt to state all required or prohibited activities by users. Students who have questions regarding whether a particular activity or use is acceptable should ask the computer teacher or building administrator for guidance.
Failure to comply with these rules and/or other established procedures or rules governing computer use may result in disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion. Illegal use of the district’s computers will also result in referral to law enforcement authorities.
A. Access to School Computers, Networks and Internet Services and Other Technology Equipment and Services
The level of access that students have to district computers, networks and Internet services, and other technology services and equipment is based upon specific educational requirements and needs.
B. Acceptable Use
Student access to the district’s computers, networks and Internet services, and other technology services and equipment is provided for educational purposes consistent with the district’s educational mission, curriculum and instructional goals. General rules and expectations for student behavior and communication apply to use of the district’s computers, networks and Internet services, and other technology services and equipment for school-related purposes. Personal use of school equipment and services will not be permitted.
C. Prohibited Use
The student is responsible for his/her actions and activities involving district computers, networks and Internet services, other technology services and equipment, and for his/her computer files, passwords and accounts. General examples of unacceptable uses include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Any use that is illegal or in violation of other board policies, including harassing, discriminatory or threatening communications and behavior; violations of copyright laws, etc.;
2. Any use involving materials that are obscene, pornographic, sexually explicit or sexually suggestive;
3. Any use for private financial gain, or commercial, advertising or solicitation purposes.;
4. Any use as a forum for communicating by e-mail or any other medium with other school users or outside parties to solicit, proselytize, advocate or communicate the views of an individual or non-school sponsored organization; to solicit membership in or support of any non-school sponsored organization; or to raise funds for any non-school sponsored purpose, whether profit or non-for-profit. No student shall knowingly provide school e-mail addresses to outside parties whose intent is to communicate with school employees, students and/or their families for non-school purposes. Students who are uncertain as to whether particular activities are acceptable should seek further guidance from the building principal or other appropriate administrator;
5. Any communication that represent personal views as those of the general student body or that could be misinterpreted as such;
6. Sending mass e-mails or other messages to school users or outside parties for school or non-school purposes without the permission of the superintendent or his or her designee;
7. Any malicious use or disruption of the district’s computers, networks and Internet services or breach of security features;
8. Any misuse or damage of the district’s computer equipment;
9. Misuse of the computer passwords or accounts (employee, students or other users);
10. Any communications that are in violation of generally accepted rules of network etiquette and/or civil conduct;
11. Any attempt to access unauthorized sites;
12. Failing to report a known breach of computer security to a teacher or building administrator;
13. Using school computers, networks and Internet services, or other technology services and equipment after such access has been denied or revoked: and
14. Any attempt to delete, erase or otherwise conceal any information stored on a school computer that violates these rules.
D. No Expectation of Privacy
The district retains control, custody and supervision of all computers, networks and Internet services, and other technology services and equipment owned or leased by the district. The district reserves the right to monitor all computer and Internet activity by students and other system users. Students have NO expectation of privacy in their use of school computers, including e-mail and stored files.
E. Access to Inappropriate Material
To the extent practical, technology protection measures shall be used to block or filter Internet or other form of electronic communications, access to in appropriate information.
F. Compensation for Losses, Cost and/or Damages
The student shall be responsible for any losses, costs or damages incurred by the district related to violations of these rules.
G. District Assumes No Responsibility for Unauthorized Charges, Costs or Illegal Use
The district assumes no responsibility for any unauthorized charges made by students, including but not limited to credit card charges, subscriptions, long distance telephone charges, equipment and line costs, or for any illegal use of its computers such as copyright violations.
H. Student and Parent/Guardian Acknowledgment Requirement
Each student authorized to access the district’s computers, networks and Internet services is required to sign an acknowledgment form stating that they and their parent or guardian have read these rules. The acknowledgment form will be retained in the student’s file.
I acknowledge that I have read these rules and agree to them.
_________________________________________________Student
_________________________________________________Parent
_________________________________________________