1. Healthcare

Student Handbook
2014-2015
Dr. David Reitz, Principal – [email protected]
Gwendolyn Williams, Assistant Principal – [email protected]
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Booker T. Washington Elementary School
204 Walnut Street
Suffolk, Virginia 23434
(757) 934-6226
July 2014
Dear Parents and Guardians,
It is our pleasure to welcome you to Booker T. Washington Elementary School. Our
dedicated staff works very hard to meet the individual needs of all students, and
maintain personal connections with their families.
We invite you to become an active participant in our school community through
volunteering, joining our PTA, or attending and supporting school events. Research
clearly supports that when parents/guardians participate and are involved in their child’s
education, there is a greater likelihood of academic success for the child.
We truly believe that communication is the key to a successful educational experience.
Together, we will continue to improve the quality of our school community and provide
the best for the children of Booker T. Washington Elementary School. Education is a
partnership between the school, students, parents/guardians, and community. All
children are more successful when we work as a team to achieve educational goals.
We embrace the challenges of the future while we continue to cherish and celebrate the
traditions of the past. Our remarkable staff, involved parents and committed students
come together to make Booker T. Washington a wonderful and unique place.
We hope your visit to our website will give you a quick snapshot of life at our school.
Please explore our links to find out more about curriculum, programs, and daily events
at Booker T. Washington Elementary School.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.
Respectfully,
Dr. David Reitz
Principal
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BOOKER T. WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Office Staff: Dr. David Reitz
Principal
Ms. Gwendolyn Williams, Ed.S. Assistant Principal
Denise W. Singleton
Guidance Counselor
Patrice Jones
Secretary
Crystal Wiedenhoeft
Bookkeeper
SCHOOL PHONE NUMBER: 757-934-6226
SCHOOL FAX NUMBER: 757-925-5558
SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS: 8:30 a.m.—5:00p.m.
SCHOOL COLORS: Blue and Red
SCHOOL MASCOT: Booker the Bear
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SCHOOL NEWSLETTER: Bear Tracks
BOOKER T. WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
MISSION, BELIEFS AND VISION STATEMENT
Our Mission:
Our mission is to provide a safe and positive environment, the resources
and the instruction to help each student succeed to his or her potential.
We Believe:
 Positive attitudes towards self and others enhance learning.
 Parental and community involvement in our school is essential.
 We must meet the academic needs of all children in a safe
environment.
 All children are capable of learning and achieving.
 Individual learning styles are addressed through all facets of
curriculum and instruction.
 Objectives are based on the needs of the students, the local
community, and society at large.
 Students are recognized for appropriate behaviors, achievement, and
success.
 Our curriculum is derived from a basic pool of knowledge, which
includes the Virginia Standards of Learning.
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 As we prepare for the future, we shape the future.
Our Vision:
Our vision is to educate all children; physically, mentally and socially, to
prepare them for the challenges of the future.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
ACCELERATED MATH PROGRAM
The Accelerated Math program is a skills-based program for students in grades 3-5.
Students are able to work on various math levels according to their abilities.
ACCELERATED READER PROGRAM (AR)
Accelerated Reader Program (AR) is a computer-based reading program for students in
grades 1-5. Students choose and read AR books from a selected AR list. Students
participate in computer-based assessments to determine adequate comprehension of
the books they read. They earn points to help inspire their love for reading. Students
are also tested with the STAR program to determine the reading level or zone.
ARRIVAL and DISMISSAL
Arrival
The instructional day begins at 9:35 a.m. Students should not arrive prior to 8:30 a.m.,
as staff supervision is not in place until 8:30 a.m. Students arriving prior 8:30 a.m.
will be given a written warning on the first offense, an absence before conference
for the second offense, (Social Services will be called if necessary, depending on
the circumstance). If a student arrives after 9:35 a.m., he/she is considered tardy.
When bringing a child to school after 8:30 a.m., a parent must accompany the student
into the building to sign him/her in. Assigned personnel will be present when possible to
control traffic in the morning and afternoon. Parking is only allowed in the designated
spaces. Parking in other areas may result in being ticketed or towed. The Suffolk Police
Department will periodically monitor traffic and excessive speeding in the neighborhood.
This is necessary to maintain a safe and orderly environment in which parents can
safely retrieve their children.
Dismissal
Students are dismissed each day at 3:50 p.m. Please make every effort not to
take your child from school during instructional time. Students miss valuable
instruction when picked up early from school.
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If your child’s mode of transportation home changes at the last minute (ex: being picked
up instead of riding the bus or riding the bus; instead, of being picked up), you must
contact the office by 3:20 p.m. This will allow office personnel sufficient time to notify
the child’s teacher and write any needed correspondence to the bus driver. Students
will not be called to the office for pick-up until the parent or guardian arrives to
physically pick them up.
Student Release: For your child’s safety and well being, it is necessary to require
the following procedures:
•
Any adult picking up a student from school must be indicated on the student’s
emergency card. If someone not indicated on the emergency card is picking up
your child, you must submit a written notice. The adult must also bring a valid
picture I.D. A written note from a parent or guardian must be received before a
child can be released to any adult, whose name is not on the Emergency Card.
It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to keep the school updated
on current phone numbers and emergency contacts.
•
An adult, 18 years or older, must sign the necessary release ledger in the office
and the student will be called to the office. All students must be signed out in the
office before leaving school.
AGENDAS
Students in grades 3-5 will be required to purchase an agenda. The cost of the agenda
is $5.00. Agendas can be purchased during our Orientation scheduled on August 29th,
during Open House on October 1st or from the office.
ATTENDANCE
Students are expected to be in school except when ill or in cases of family emergencies.
Regular attendance is an important factor in your child’s achievement at school. Under
the promotion policy, a student who misses more than twenty (20) unexcused days can
be retained.
a. Absences: Parents are requested to send a note to school when the child
returns explaining the absence or no later than 5 days after the absence, if it is to
be considered an excused absence. Also, please notify the school if your child
will be absent for more than one day so that school work may be sent home.
b. Tardiness: Pupils must report to the office if they arrive after 8:30 a.m., to
receive a class admittance pass. Delayed bus arrivals do not constitute
tardiness.
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B.E.A.R. TIME
Be Excited About Reading is scheduled daily from 9:35 a.m.—9:50 a.m. for all students
and staff to provide personal enrichment reading. Everyone (teachers, teacher
assistants and volunteers), during this time, reads for enjoyment.
BICYCLES
For safety reasons, students are not allowed to ride bicycles to and from school.
BOOK FEES
Students will be issued textbooks for the year at no charge. Students are responsible
for lost and/or damaged books and will be assessed a fee accordingly. These charges
also apply to library books.
B.T.W. CUB CORNER
The B.T.W. Cub Corner is a school store sponsored by the school. School supplies
such as pencils, erasers, rulers and paper are available.
BUSES
School buses are provided for the convenience of students and parents. This privilege
can be taken away from any student who endangers his/her own safety or the safety of
others. Should a student be suspended from riding a bus, it becomes the
responsibility of the parent to provide transportation for the child to and from
school. Please review the following regulations with your child.
Regulations
• All students must remain seated when the bus is in motion.
• All students should sit in their assigned seat.
• Keep hands, arms, and head inside the bus.
• Touching, fighting, and obscene language are forbidden.
• Students are not allowed to eat on the bus.
• The bus driver is in complete charge at all times and students must cooperate
with the bus driver at all times.
• Parents shall be notified if misconduct of a student continues. Students may be
denied the privilege of riding the bus temporarily or permanently.
• Any damage to the bus other than from regular usage will be paid for by the
student or his/her parents.
• Students must be at the bus stop at the scheduled time, both in the morning and
the afternoon.
• Students shall be prohibited from bringing unnecessary items or dangerous
objects on the school bus.
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PARENTS ARE PROHIBITED FROM BOARDING A SCHOOL BUS.
school administration for information or to express a concern.
Please call
Permission to Ride a Different Bus:
A note signed by the parent/guardian must be presented to the teacher during
homeroom period in the morning. Examples of the details that are needed in a bus note
are shown below:
Please allow my child, (Student’s Name), to ride (Bus Number/Color), to/from
(Address Where You Want Child Dropped Off and/or Picked Up) on (Days and
Dates).
I may be contacted at the following (Daytime Phone Number).
__________________ (Parent Signature)
Students will then be issued a bus pass to ride a different bus if space permits. No
student is to ride a different bus without an approved pass from the school office.
Parents should notify the school, not the bus driver, if they have a concern about a bus
situation.
CAFETERIA
The cafeteria serves breakfast and lunch. A menu is sent home each month. Meals
may be paid for by the day, week, or month in the cafeteria. Parents may choose to
place any amount into the student’s account. Checks must be made payable to Booker
T. Washington Elementary Cafeteria. Suffolk Public Schools also has an online prepayment option for student meal accounts. The web-based program is called
myLunchMoney.com. Parents have the capability to view their child’s purchasing
history; as well as, put money on their child’s account via credit card.
The costs of student meals are as follows:
Breakfast
Full price
Reduced price
Lunch
Full price
Reduced price
$.85
$.30
$1.60
$ .40
Applications for free and reduced meals will be issued to each student on the first day of
school or upon enrollment. Those wishing to apply should complete and return the form
to school; as soon as possible. All information requested must be given; in order, for the
application to be processed. You may now apply online for free and reduced meal
benefits! Suffolk Public Schools is pleased to announce the availability for Free
and Reduced Price Meals online at www.sps.heartlandapps.com. The process is
SAFE, SECURE, PRIVATE, and AVAILABLE anytime, anywhere!
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To maintain nourishing lunches, the school provides a variety of beverages
including milk, juice, and water. For health and safety, it is recommended that
carbonated beverages not be a part of your child’s lunch. Beverages in glass
containers should not be sent to school as a part of a child’s lunch.
CHILD CUSTODY
If you have legal custody of your child through a court order (or deed or separation),
please see that the administration (principal/assistant principal) has a current copy of
this document.
Please do not assume that school employees know about custody issues. Be sure we
know if any family member is not to pick-up your child from school. Please make sure
that this information is included on the school’s Emergency Information Card.
CLINIC
The school nurse may conduct vision, hearing, and dental screenings throughout the
year. The clinic is open every day during school hours; however, parents must make
arrangements to pick up sick or injured children. Emergency cards are due in the office
and must be updated as needed. Parents or emergency contact persons will be notified
in case of an emergency. All medication must be brought in by a parent, and picked up
at the end of the year by a parent. If the student becomes ill during the school day, the
school nurse will assess him/her and determine the best course of action. Upon
determining the need to go home, the nurse or designee will make the proper
arrangements for contacting the student’s parents. If the parent cannot be contacted,
other person(s) on the student’s emergency card will be contacted. It is important to
update emergency contact information throughout the year.
State law prohibits the school nurse from dispensing any medication to students unless
the nurse has written permission from the child’s doctor.
Medication is never to be
sent to school by a student.
COMMUNICATION ENVELOPES
The Weekly Communication Envelope will be sent home every Tuesday. The envelope
may contain graded papers, progress reports, teacher’s notes, etc. The envelopes
should be returned signed, with a parent signature, the next school day.
CONFERENCES
Your child's teacher welcomes the opportunity to discuss your child's progress with you.
Although two conference days have been scheduled, we encourage you to arrange
conferences when you have concerns. Parents must contact the teacher to schedule a
conference date. Instructional time will not be interrupted to hold parent
conferences. Conferences may be scheduled before 9:35 a.m. or after 3:50 p.m.
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DAILY SCHEDULE
9:05 a.m.
Students arrive at school
Breakfast begins
9:35 a.m.
Breakfast ends
B.E.A.R. Time
Instruction begins
3:50 p.m.
Dismissal
Parents are urged NOT to pick up students before 3:50 p.m.
DISCIPLINE
It is believed that self-discipline is the best form of control for any group of individuals.
When students do not exercise self-control, it becomes our duty to impose methods; to
insure proper individual and group behavior. Conduct Notices or Discipline Referrals will
be sent home to inform parents about their child's behavior. Parent conferences can be
requested by either the teacher or principal to discuss student conduct.
The following school-wide rules are enforced to assure a safe and orderly environment:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Follow directions the first time given.
Keep hands, feet, body and objects to yourself.
Show respect to others: avoid teasing, name calling or unkind gestures.
Follow the 3 S’s (single, straight and silent lines) while walking the halls.
Fighting, hitting, use of profanity, vulgar acts, bullying or severe cases of disrespect to
an adult could result in Out-of-School Suspension the first time.
Any violations of the above policies may result in disciplinary action.
Possible Disciplinary Consequences
• Written Warning
• Parent Conference with Teacher and/or Administrator
• In-School Suspension
• Out-of- School Suspension Pending Parent Conference
• Out-of-School Suspension
• Administrative Hearing
The teacher will attempt to make a phone call to the parent when a referral is turned in
to the office. School administration will attempt to make phone contact; as well. A
message will be left if parents are unavailable. If administrators are unable to contact
parents, the referral will be mailed to the address on file.
Students are not permitted to bring toys, games, MP3 players, cell phones, iPods,
sports cards, pets, Playstations or any other similar device to school. If items are
brought to school, they will be confiscated and kept for parents to pick up. Loss of such
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items is the sole responsibility of the student. Students are strongly encouraged to
leave excess money at home. Toy guns and knives will be dealt with as real
weapons.
DISCIPLINE AND SCHOOL JURISDICTION
The authority of the school over the conduct of students extends to the following
locations:
1. On the school grounds before, during, and after school hours.
2. On the school grounds; as either a spectator or a participant, and any
other time when the school is being used by a school group.
3. Off the school grounds at any school-related activity, function, or event as
a participant or a spectator.
4. During the time spent at bus stops waiting for the bus and on school bus
transportation.
DISTRICT WELLNESS POLICY
Special celebrations may not take the place of school lunch. Any special celebrations
must be coordinated with Food & Nutrition Services or be conducted after the last lunch
period. All special celebrations must first be approved by the building principal. Only
pre-packaged snacks which meet the nutritional requirements will be allowed when
snacks are solicited.
DRESS CODE FOR STUDENTS
All students are expected to maintain good grooming habits and appropriate dress.
Clothing should promote a positive image, be of acceptable social standards, and
should not be offensive or distracting to the learning environment. Students failing to
comply with the Student Dress Code will be advised accordingly and parents may be
contacted to bring a change of clothing.
The following clothing will not be worn in school:
1.
Suggestive or revealing attire, which shall include any article of clothing that
does not cover the midriff, back, or shoulders, reveals cleavage, or exposes
undergarments
2.
Clothes having rips or tears above the knees
3.
“Sagging” pants and shorts not securely fastened around the waist
4.
Skirts, dresses, and shorts that rise above the fingertips when the arms are
stretched downward
5.
Any article of clothing that advertises alcohol, or an illegal substance, depicts
lewd graphics, displays offensive or obscene language, promotes violence or is
gang related
6.
Clothing with slogans or words across the buttocks
7.
Head coverings unless worn for religious or medical reasons
8.
Flip flops, open toed shoes, slippers, athletic slides, and roller shoes (Heely’s)
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9.
10.
11.
Any accessory that advertises alcohol, or an illegal substance, depicts lewd
graphics, displays offensive or obscene language, promotes violence or is gang
related
Sunglasses, wallet chains, and necklaces that hang below the sternum
Sleepwear
FAMILY LIFE
The Family Life program taught to students in grades 4 and 5. This program is an OPTOUT program for all students. If a parent wishes his/her child not to participate, the
appropriate opt-out form must be completed and submitted to the school office
prior to the first Family Life class day. The opt-out form is available in the office.
FIRE/WEATHER DRILLS
During the first month of school, fire drills will be practiced weekly and once a month
thereafter. Weather drills will be held at least twice a semester.
HOMEWORK
Homework is an important and beneficial way to reinforce skills, practice, research and
study. The Suffolk School Board has established a division-wide policy, which provides
for individual student differences.
The following time allocations are recommended:
Kindergarten
Grade 1
Grade 2
Grades 3, 4, & 5
up to 30 minutes per day
up to 45 minutes per day
up to 60 minutes per day
up to 90 minutes per day
INTERIM REPORTS
Students will receive interim reports mid-way through each nine week grading period.
The bottom portion of the interim reports is to be signed and returned to the student’s
teacher. Interim reports will go home on the following dates:
October 1, 2013
February 27, 2014
December 9, 2013
May 11, 2014
LIBRARY
Students attend regularly scheduled library classes, at least once each week. Students
are instructed on the use of the library, they check out books for reading enjoyment, and
they check out books to participate in the Accelerated Reader Program. Although there
are no overdue fines charged, books that are lost or damaged must be paid for by the
student. Students may come each day to exchange books during a scheduled open
library time. The open library time is set according to library classes.
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MEDICATION
The school does not have the staff or facilities to care for children who are sick. In case
of illness or accident, parents will be contacted to arrange transportation home. We
need your telephone number at home, at work, and the number of a friend or relative if
we are unable to get in touch with either parent.
a.) MEDICAL TREATMENT: When a student becomes seriously ill or injured,
the parent/guardian will be contacted immediately by the school nurse.
School personnel may not diagnose, give medication, nor administer
treatment beyond basic first aid.
b.) MEDICATION: School employees may not administer internal medicine to a
student. If routine medication must be taken by a child during the school day,
it must be given by the school nurse. In these cases a medication form must
be completed by the physician and signed by the parent. Parents must bring
any routine medication to the office in a prescription bottle and give it to the
school nurse. Do not send cough drops, cough medicine or aspirin to school
with a child. All students taking medication (including inhalers) must have a
doctor’s note on file in the clinic at the beginning of the school year. Do not
send medication to school with your child on the bus. Over the counter
medication such as aspirin, cough syrups, etc. cannot be given at school.
PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA)
The PTA is a vital part of the Booker T. Washington team and plays an important role in
fostering positive school-community relations. Participation at regular meetings and
special activities of this organization signifies your interest and concern regarding your
child's education. Your time, energy, and special talents may help make lasting
contributions to his/her elementary years. We encourage all parents to join our P.T.A.
Membership dues are $6.00 per adult.
PTA meetings will be held on the first Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. unless
otherwise stated in the school newsletter or special announcements. P.T.A. dates for
the 2013-2014 school year are as follows:
September 6, 2013
October 1, 2013
November 12, 2013
December 3, 2013
February 4, 2014
March 11, 2014
April 1, 2014
May 6, 2014
PTA Meeting
OPEN HOUSE/PTA Meeting
PTA Meeting
PTA Meeting/Grade Level Performance
PTA Meeting
PTA Meeting/Grade Level Performance
PTA Meeting
PTA Meeting/Grade Level Performance
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PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCE
Parent Teacher Conferences will be held twice during the school year. Parent Teacher
Conference Days will take place on November 14, 2014 and February 13, 2015 from
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Staff members will have lunch from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
PROGRESS REPORTS & REPORT CARDS
Please review Suffolk Public School’s Promotion Policy. Report Cards are distributed
every 9 weeks and Interim Reports are distributed every 4½ weeks before the end of
each reporting period. Look for these reports on the following dates:
Interim Reports
Report Card
October 1, 2014
November 14, 2014
December 9, 2014
February 13, 2014
February 27, 2015
April 17, 2015
May 11, 2015
June 12, 2015
RECOGNITIONS
Students are recognized for the following accomplishments throughout the school year:
Character Counts, Principal’s List, Honor Roll, Perfect Attendance, and B.U.G. Club.
An awards assembly will be held after report cards are issued each nine weeks.
The criteria for Principal’s List, Honor Roll, B.U.G. Club, and Perfect Attendance
are as follows:
•
•
•
•
•
Principal’s List- Students receive this award if they earn all A’s and checks in all
categories of Citizenship and conduct.
Honor Roll- Students receive this award if they earn all A’s and B’s (Citizenship
and conduct grades do not factor into this award).
STAR Award-(kindergarten only) Students receive this award if they earn all G’s
B.U.G. Club – Starting the second nine-weeks grading period, students in
grades 1-5 may earn B.U.G. Club status by “Bringing Up Grades”. To qualify,
students must raise one letter grade in at least one subject area without the other
subject areas dropping.
Perfect Attendance- Students receive this award if they have not missed any
school days for the entire nine-weeks grading period.
Character Traits
September—Respect
October-Responsibility
November-Self Discipline
December-Kindness
January-Perseverance
February-Honesty
March-Courtesy
April-Cooperation
May-Fairness
June-School Safety
STANDARDS OF LEARNING
The Standards of Learning (SOL) represent the minimum learning objectives for every
Virginia school child in the key academic areas of language arts, reading, mathematics,
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science, and social studies. Elementary students in grades three, four, and five
participate in the Virginia Standards of Learning Assessment Program. Students in
grades one and two participate in locally developed SOL assessments.
VISITORS
All visitors and parents must to report to the school’s main office upon entering the
school building. When visiting any area outside of the office, visitors will have to sign-in
and receive a visitor’s pass from office personnel. Parents will not be allowed to visit
classrooms during instructional time unless an appointment has been scheduled
with the teacher.
VOLUNTEERS
All volunteers need to complete a Suffolk Public schools volunteer form. Volunteers
must be checked by the Virginia Sex Registry for approval.
WALKING STUDENTS
Several students walk to and from school daily. A staff member monitors the crossing
of Walnut Street each day. Written permission is needed from parents who wish for
their child to walk home.
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