South Sioux
City Elementary Schools Parent & Student Handbook 0405
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Revised 6-2-04
Intent of
Handbook
Mission
Statement
School
Goals
Staff
Qualifications
Time
Schedule
Arrival
and Departure
Messages
Visitors
Persons
Coming for Children
Absence/Tardy
Times
Report
Cards/Conferences
Closing of
School/Late Start
Field
Trips
Breakfast/Lunch
Program
Withdrawals
Child
Custody
Volunteers
Bicycles,
Skateboards, Scooters & Rollerblades
Health
Policies
Immunization
Rules and Regulations
Insurance
Request to
Stay Indoors at Recess
Protective
Clothing for Bad Weather
Dress Code
Search and
Seizure
Bus
Payments
Bus Rules
and Regulations
Damages to
School Property
School
Rules
Mutual
Respect
Kindergarten
Entrance Requirements
Registration
Special
Education
Gun Free
School
Threats of
Violence
Nebraska
Department of Education Complaint Procedure
Supplements
Asbestos Notification
Assessment
Computer Use Policy
Drug Free School
Parent Student Teacher Compact
School Calendar
Student Fees
State and Federal Program
Requirements
Supply List
INTENT OF HANDBOOK
This
handbook is intended to be used by students, parents and staff as a guide to
the rules, regulations, and general information about South Sioux City
Community Schools. Each student is
responsible for becoming familiar with the handbook and knowing the information
contained in it. Parents are encouraged
to use this handbook as a resource and to assist their child in following the
rules contained in this handbook.
Although
the information found in this handbook is detailed and specific on many topics,
the handbook is not intended to be all encompassing so as to cover every
situation and circumstance that may arise during any school day, or school
year. This handbook does not create a
“contract.” The administration reserves
the right to make decisions and make rule revisions at any time to implement
the educational program and to assure the well being of all students. The administration will be responsible for
interpreting the rules contained in the handbook. Should a situation or circumstance arise that is not specifically
covered in this handbook, the administration will make a decision based upon
all applicable school district policies, and state and federal statutes and
regulations.
MISSION STATEMENT
Getting
the right results by doing the right things for all students. It is the mission of the South Sioux City
Community School District to provide all students with a safe educational
environment that recognizes their ability to learn, encourages personal growth,
is judged by its outcomes, and is a cooperative venture between home, school
and community.
SCHOOL GOALS
1. To foster
and develop self-esteem, confidence and responsibility in each child.
2. To develop
effective, positive communication and cooperation throughout the school
community and use the community as a learning resource.
3. To provide
quality learning opportunities for each child across the curriculum.
4. To provide a
safe, caring environment for all.
5. To develop skills, knowledge and understanding which will assist
each child to live successfully and productively in our community.
As the parent of a student in the South Sioux City
Community Schools, you have the right to know of the professional
qualifications of the teachers and paraprofessionals who instruct your
child. Federal legislation, the No
Child Left Behind Act of 2001, gives you the right to request information about
whether a teacher is certified in Nebraska, the college major of the teacher,
and if the teacher holds an advanced degree.
If you would like to receive any of this information, please contact the
building principal and ask him/her to provide this information to you.
TIME SCHEDULE
Convene Dismiss Telephone Number
Cardinal
Elementary 8:00 A.M. 2:45 P.M. 494-1662
Covington
Elementary 8:15
A.M. 3:00 P.M. 494-4238
Dakota
City Elementary 8:15
A.M. 3:00 P.M. 987-3363
E.
N. Swett Elementary 8:15
A.M. 3:00 P.M. 494-3501
Harney
Elementary 8:15 A.M. 3:00 P.M. 494-1446
Lewis
& Clark Elementary 8:15
A.M. 3:00 P.M. 494-1917
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
Children
should be sent to school so that they arrive as close to entrance time as
possible. For children participating in
the Breakfast Program, breakfast is served at 7:45 A.M. (7:30 A.M. at Cardinal) If children do not participate in the
Breakfast Program, they should not be on the school grounds before 7:45 A.M. (7:30 A.M. at
Cardinal). No supervision will be
provided until that time.
All children are expected
to start home immediately after school is dismissed unless asked by the teacher
to stay. They may not wait for other
children who are detained in the room.
MESSAGES
Parents
are urged to call if there is a problem or a matter of urgency in which the
school staff may be of assistance. However,
it will be appreciated if routine matters are taken care of before your child
comes to school.
If
it is necessary to talk to your child’s teacher, please call during the 15
minutes before or 30-45 minutes after school.
During school hours teachers are responsible for classrooms and are
seldom available for calls.
VISITORS
Visitors are welcome at
school. All visitors should enter
through the front doors and report to the office. For your child’s safety, other doors may be locked.
PERSONS COMING FOR CHILDREN
We
request that the school be notified if anyone other than parents or legal
guardians pick up a child during school hours.
Parents should impress upon their children the need for caution in
offers of help, rides, etc. coming from strangers.
School
attendance is important in order to allow children to learn. Excessive and unnecessary absences or
tardies can only hinder a child's growth in education. Parents are urged to cooperate by having
their children attend school regularly, and to be at school on time. Please avoid appointments during the school
hours.
OUR POLICY REGARDING TARDY AND ABSENCE
TIMES IS AS FOLLOWS:
1. Students
coming to school after the specified start time are considered tardy.
2. If the
student comes to school after 10:00 AM or leaves before 1:00 PM he/she will be
recorded as absent 1/2 day
3. A student
receiving five tardies or more will not earn a perfect attendance award
4. It will be
considered a full day absent if a child leaves before 10:00 AM for the rest of
the day
5. Students
who are taken to the doctor or dentist will not be counted as tardy or absent
unless they are gone for more than two hours
If a
student is absent from school:
1. Parents
should notify the school by 8:00 AM.
2. Students must
make up all work missed.
If a
student knows in advance that he/she will be absent:
1. Parents
should call or send a written notice prior to the absence.
2. Students
should make arrangements for his/her assignments to be completed after returning
to school.
In
the event that an appointment is scheduled during the day, please inform the
office as to the time you will be picking up your child and an approximate time
when the child will be returning. PLEASE PICK YOUR CHILD UP AT THE
OFFICE. DO NOT ASK TO HAVE YOUR CHILD
WAIT AT THE DOOR OR TO WALK HOME.
REPORT CARDS - PARENT/TEACHER
CONFERENCES
Report
cards for Grades K-5 are issued at the end of each quarter. Parent/Teacher Conferences are held at the
end of the first and third quarters of school.
Parents are invited to come to school for a conference with their
child's teacher. Academic progress,
social adjustment and general well-being will be discussed.
If
you feel your child is having a problem with schoolwork at any time, please
arrange a meeting with the teacher or call the school between 7:45 AM - 8:00 AM
or 2:45 PM - 3:30 PM.
CLOSING OF SCHOOL OR LATE START
Occasionally,
it may be necessary to close school or have a late start because of weather,
for furnace or water problems, etc. In
this event it would be well for you to plan with your child what to do in an
emergency of this type.
As
soon as a decision is made to cancel school or have a late start due to weather
condition, it will be announced on the Sioux City radio and/or television
stations.
FIELD TRIPS
Field
trips are part of the child's learning experience and are part of the school
curriculum. They are planned and
supervised by the classroom teacher. A
permission slip must be signed by the parent at the beginning the year or at
registration to allow the child to participate. Students may be required to bring money or food for field trip
lunches and similar activities. Field
trips are an extension of the school program and all school rules apply.
BREAKFAST/LUNCH PROGRAM
Breakfast is offered at
all elementary schools. Breakfast
tickets for 5 or 20 days may be purchased.
Hot
lunches are served at all the elementary schools. Lunch tickets for 5 or 20
meals may be purchased. Payments should
be paid to the cashier on Mondays.
Extra milk may also be purchased.
Some
parents may qualify to receive free or reduced price breakfast/lunch tickets
for their children. If you believe you
are eligible for this assistance, please complete and return the application
form. A free/reduced breakfast/lunch
application form will be sent home with every child on the first day of school.
Children
who bring lunches must eat in the area provided at school. They may not leave the school grounds at
noon without permission of the Principal.
Students
are also responsible for the cost of food, beverages, and personal or
consumable items which the students purchase from the District or at school,
whether from a “school store,” a vending machine, a booster club or parent
group sale, a book order club, or the like.
In
accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this
institution is prohibited from discrimination on the basis of race, color,
national origin, sex, age, or disability.
To
file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil
Rights,
Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
WITHDRAWALS
The
school should be notified by the parent in advance of withdrawal stating where
the parents are moving and the address of the new school, if possible.
Your child's records and report card will be sent to the new school upon request from that Principal's office. A Withdrawal Form indicating a general statement about the child's classroom performance will be sent with the records. Please return all books and school materials prior to moving.
CHILD CUSTODY
In
most cases, when parents are divorced, both parents retain parental rights.
If
you have a Court Order that limits the rights of one parent in matters such as
custody or visitation, please bring a copy to the office. Unless your Court Order is on file with us,
we must provide the rights that the law allows to parents concerning records,
visitation and information about the child.
VOLUNTEERS
We
encourage and welcome parent volunteers to help in the classroom, library and
office. Some of the ways you can help
would be to listen to children read, duplicate papers, shelve library books,
hold flash card drills, and help with typing.
If you are interested in helping on a volunteer basis, please notify the
school office.
BICYCLES, SKATEBOARDS, SCOOTERS
& ROLLERBLADES
Children
riding bicycles to school must park them immediately upon arrival at school by
walking them onto the school grounds.
Kindergarten through 2nd grade are not permitted to ride
bicycles to school. Skateboards,
scooters, and rollerblades are not permitted at school due to safety concerns
and a lack of storage space.
HEALTH POLICIES
MEDICINE AT SCHOOL
To
assist us in providing the best care for your child, the following is our
policy on administering medications at school:
The
term "medication" includes any substance for use in the diagnosis,
cure, treatment or prevention of human disease which includes aspirin,
vitamins, cough drops, and any other non-prescription drugs.
1. All
medications will only be administered upon a SIGNED REQUEST OF THE PARENT OR
GUARDIAN stating the student's name. the dates to be
administered, and the amount of each dosage. Parents must fill out and sign a medication form allowing the
school to dispense the medication to their child. A medication form has to be filled out each time a child brings
new medication to school.
2. All
medication must be in the original containers.
Do not send medication in a baggy or envelope.
3. Any
medication which can be taken at home and still get in the required number of
doses per day should not be sent to school.
4. All
medications should be brought to the school office immediately upon arrival.
5. Medication is kept only in the office and is dispensed only there.
MINOR ILLNESSES
In
the event a child becomes ill at school, he/she will be monitored until the
parent can be contacted. No child
is ever sent home alone when ill
unless a parent is contacted.
In
case of a serious accident or medical emergency, it is the policy of the South
Sioux City Schools to have the school administer any necessary first aid. Every possible effort is made to contact the
parents to find out what their wishes are in this matter. If a parent cannot be contacted, the school
assumes the right to call 911 to administer emergency treatment. The school does not assume financial
obligations.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION
The
State of Nebraska Law requires a physical examination by a qualified physician
within six months prior to the entrance of a child into the beginning grade or
in the case of a transfer from out-of-state to any other grade of the local
school. However, any parent who does
not want their child to have a physical examination may sign a statement
refusing a physical examination for their child. EITHER A DOCTOR'S REPORT OR A
PARENT SIGNED WAIVER MUST BE PROVIDED TO THE SCHOOL BEFORE THE CHILD CAN
ENROLL.
INSURANCE
A school insurance policy
is again available for your child this year.
Student Assurance Services Incorporated is the company that will be
providing the insurance for students.
Information will be sent home early the first week of school. If you wish to enroll your child, please
detach and keep the policy, enclose the premium in the envelope and return it
to school. These must be returned by
the specified due date. Please make
checks payable to the insurance company.
REQUESTS TO STAY INSIDE AT RECESS
It
is our thinking that if a child is well enough to come to school, he/she is
well enough to participate in the daily program. Exceptions are made in certain cases where the family physician
requests that a child be excused from outdoor activity. Fresh air and a chance to "run
off" excess energy is a must for elementary children. Please be sure that
your child is dressed appropriately for recess.
If
for some medical reason your child cannot participate in outdoor activity, please
send a note to your child's teacher so stating, so the nurse can keep it as
part of the health record.
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING FOR BAD WEATHER
Children
are expected to participate in outdoor activity at recess time when the weather
is favorable. Therefore, we suggest
warm caps, jackets, and mittens as well as some type of protective footwear for
the following reasons:
1. A child can
be very uncomfortable in the classroom sitting with wet or damp shoes.
2. Tennis
shoes do not afford enough protection in cold, snowy or wet weather.
3. A child is
more apt to catch cold and runs a greater chance for illness when the feet are
cold or damp for a long period of time.
DRESS CODE
Clothing judged by school
personnel to be inappropriate is not allowed.
Students are asked to be clean, neat and dressed in good taste. Students are prohibited from wearing
clothing advertising or promoting items illegal for use by minors including,
but not limited to alcohol and tobacco.
Students will not be allowed to wear clothing that displays obscenity,
profanity, vulgarity, double-meanings, racial or sexual slurs, derogatory
remarks and clothing specific to gang involvement or any references to
prohibited conduct.
Examples
of inappropriate clothing would be halter tops, tank tops, bare midriff tops,
pants that don’t fit around the waist and items of underwear worn as outerwear.
The school has the legal
right and obligation to search student property and person when there is
reasonable cause to believe a student is in possession of an object or
substance in violation of school policy.
Such material will be seized.
BUS PAYMENTS
Bus
service is a contracted service.
Monthly, semester or yearly payments may be made. Please contact your child's school for further
information.
SCHOOL BUS RULES AND REGULATIONS
1. The driver is in charge of the pupils and the
bus. Pupils must obey the driver
promptly and cheerfully.
2. Pupils
must be on time. The bus cannot wait
beyond its regular schedule for those who are tardy.
3. Pupils
should never stand in the roadway while waiting for the bus.
4. No
smoking or eating on the bus at any time.
5. Unnecessary
conversation with the driver is prohibited.
6. Classroom conduct is to be observed by pupils
while riding in the bus, except for ordinary conversation. No "horseplay" permitted.
7. Pupils
must not at any time extend arms or head out of bus windows.
8. Pupils
must not try to get off the bus, or move about within the bus while it is in
motion.
9. Pupils
must observe instructions from driver when leaving bus.
10. Any
damage to a bus by a student must be paid for by the student responsible for
the damage.
11. The
driver will not discharge riders at places other than the regular bus stop near
the home, or at school, unless by proper authorization from parent, the
superintendent or principal of the school.
NOTE: Failure to follow
these regulations may result in suspension from school bus transportation.
Students and their parents
or guardian will be held responsible for damages to school property caused or
aided by the student and will also be held responsible for the reasonable
replacement cost of school property which is placed in the care of and lost by
the student.
SCHOOL RULES
The
staff, children and parents believe that children need to learn and grow in a
safe, just and cooperative environment.
They believe that living within society’s behavioral framework is an
important life experience, which will influence their development toward
becoming responsible citizens. Children
must learn to take responsibility for their actions, and parents in our school
are important co-teachers of this. To
assist children's development, the South Sioux City Community Schools expect
each child to:
1. Behave
responsibly and play safely.
2. Respect
one's own and others property.
3. Listen,
obey, and respect all school staff members.
4. Tell the truth.
5. Care
for others as well as oneself.
6. Only use
appropriate and acceptable language.
If
children choose not to obey these rules, then the school will impose
consequences according to the seriousness of the problem, in order to help the
child learn to take responsibility.
A. Teacher will stop the child and
counsel him/her.
B. If the action is repeated, then the
teacher will further counsel and impose an appropriate penalty.
C. If a further problem occurs, the
Principal involved, will contact the parents and impose further sanctions.
If the teacher judges there is a serious problem, the Principal and/or the parents will be immediately contacted.
MUTUAL RESPECT
The South Sioux City Community School District expects
every staff member and student to be treated with respect and
dignity. A show of disrespect toward a
staff member or insubordination on the part of the student will not be
tolerated.
KINDERGARTEN ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS
Nebraska
State Law requires that a child be five years of age on or before October
15. No test results of any type will be
accepted in lieu of this age requirement.
The child's' Certified Birth Certificate must be presented to the school
at the time of enrollment as proof of age and legal name.
REGISTRATION
The
registration forms should be filled out in detail prior to the child attending classes
and, in particular, parents should give PHONE NUMBERS or places of employment
of parents or persons the school may call if parents cannot be reached by
phone. If during the year the parent
changes employment, address or phone number, the school office should be
informed.
The South Sioux City
School District offers a comprehensive spectrum of special programs. Students receive services in a least
restrictive environment, as determined by the IEP team. If you have any questions regarding special
education, please call the Special Services Office.
GUN FREE
SCHOOLS
Federal, state and local law
requires that a student be expelled for a period of one calendar year for
possession of a gun on school property subject only to due process and any
other existing law.
THREATS OF
VIOLENCE
Any student who makes
threats of violence toward another student, group of students, or the school in
general will be subject to severe disciplinary action.
Students are not to bring
items that could potentially be perceived as threatening to another
individual. Examples of these items are
knives, toy guns, swords, etc.
The following document
explains the procedures for expressing concerns in regards to those federal
programs provided for under the Improving America’s Schools Acts. If you have any questions regarding these
procedures or any aspect of your child’s education, you are encouraged to speak
with your child’s building principal.
Complaint Procedure
Chapter 34 of the Code of
Federal Regulations, Section 299.10 requires each State Education Agency (SEA)
such as the Nebraska Department of Education to adopt written procedures for
receiving and resolving any complaint from an organization or individual that
the Department of Education or any school district, agency or consortium of
agencies that receives a grant is violating a federal statute or regulation
that applies to the federal programs listed below.
Which federal programs?
Improving America’s
Schools Act (IASA)
Title I:
Part
A (Educationally Disadvantaged Children)
Part
B (Even Start)
Part
C (Migrant)
Part
D (Neglected or Delinquent)
Title II (Eisenhower)
Title III – Subpart 2 of Part A (State
and local programs for School Technology Resources)
Part A of Title IV (Safe and
Drug-Free Schools and Communities)
Title IV (Innovative Education
Program Strategies)
Part C of Title VII (Emergency
Immigrant Education)
McKinney-Vento Homeless Education
What is required?
Requirements of 34 CFR
299.10:
·
The Department of
Education develop a procedure and share that information with
every agency and district receiving a federal grant. The complete description of the complaint
procedure is available on the Nebraska Development of Education homepage
at: http://www.nde.state.ne.us
·
An assurance that the
recipient of the federal funds will distribute notice about the complaint
procedure to parents of students and appropriate private school officials and representatives. Federal programs will include an additional
assurance on their grant applications.
·
This notice that a
complaint procedure exists can be provided in any format that reaches parents
and all other required persons such as a district-wide student handbook. There should be only one notice from the
district or agency – not a notice from each program.
How to submit a complaint?
A complaint submitted to
the Department must include:
1)
The name of the federal
program,
2)
The recipient of the
grant (i.e., Nebraska Department of Education, school district, agency,
consortium of agencies
3)
A description of the
alleged violation of statute or regulation with supporting information – facts
and dates, and
4)
The name and address
and signature of the person making the complaint.
Asbestos Notification
South Sioux City Schools
As part of the guidelines
established by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986, all
buildings in the South Sioux City School District have been inspected by a
certified asbestos inspector.
The inspector located,
sampled, and rated the condition and hazard potential of all material suspected
of containing asbestos.
We have had an accredited
professional incorporate the results of this inspection into an asbestos
management plan for our facilities. The
plan addresses notification requirements, education and training of our
employees, and sets forth plans and procedures to control and minimize the
disturbance of the asbestos containing materials.
To comply with the law,
South Sioux City Community Schools will also have an accredited inspector
completely reinspect the schools every three years. In addition, the District will examine all asbestos containing
materials every six months to ensure no deterioration or damage has taken place. At this time no abatement projects are
recommended.
A copy of the asbestos
management plan is available for inspection in the LEA administration offices
in each building during regular school hours.
All inquiries regarding the plan should be directed to Gerald Archer,
designated asbestos coordinator.
Our intent is to comply with
federal, state and local regulations.
We will continue to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure the
safety of everyone that enters our facilities.
This notification will be
made available to all District personnel at the annual pre-school mandatory
meeting held each year.
Asbestos Designated person
for the District. Building location
_________________________
___________________________________ Date_______________________
Gerald Archer
______________________________________ signed,
Parent Staff Student
Short Term Worker (Circle One)
South Sioux City Schools
Serving Dakota City and South Sioux City
Asbestos Inspection Record
March 2004
Building Inspected Response Action, repair-removal Inspected By
E.N. Swett 3-1-04 None Jeb
Archer
Covington 3-1-04 None Jeb
Archer
Dakota City 3-1-04 None Jeb
Archer
Lewis & Clark 3-3-04 None Jeb
Archer
Middle School 3-3-04 None Jeb
Archer
Senior High 3-3-04 Pipe
wrap in boiler room, pipe wrap on gym units
See Sr. High Asbestos File, Supt. of
Buildings and
Grounds office. Work done in 02 Jeb Archer
Cardinal – Harney No Asbestos Material Present
Indoor Pool No Asbestos Material Present
Bryan School 3-5-04 None Jeb
Archer
State and Federal Requirements
Section 1 Notice of Nondiscrimination:
Students,
parents, employees, volunteers, school patrons, applicants for student
admission or employment, sources of referral of applicants for admission and
employment, professional organizations holding collective bargaining or
professional agreements with the South Sioux City Community Schools, and all
others who interact with South Sioux City Community Schools are hereby notified
that the South Sioux City Community Schools does not discriminate on the basis
of race, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, religion, or
disability in the admission, access to its facilities or programs, treatment,
or employment in its programs or activities.
If you feel you have been discriminated against, or have inquiries,
regarding grievance procedures, or compliance with IX, Title VI, or Section 504
please contact the Assistant Superintendent, South Sioux City Community
Schools, 820 East 29th St., South Sioux City, NE 68776.
Section 2 Designation of Coordinator(s):
Any
person having inquiries concerning this district’s compliance with
anti-discrimination laws or policies or other programs should contact or notify
the following person(s) who are designated as the coordinator for such laws,
policies or programs. The contact
address for the coordinator is South Sioux City Community Schools, 820 East 29th
St., South Sioux City, NE 68776, (402) 494-2425.
|
Law, Policy or Program |
Issue or Concern |
Coordinator |
|
Title VI |
Discrimination or
harassment based on race, color, or national origin; harassment |
Assistant Superintendent |
|
Title IX |
Discrimination or
harassment based on sex; gender equity |
Assistant Superintendent |
|
Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) |
Discrimination, harassment
or reasonable accommodations of persons with disabilities |
Assistant Superintendent |
|
Homeless student laws |
Children who are homeless |
Assistant Superintendent |
|
Safe and Drug Free Schools
and Communities |
Safe and drug free schools |
Assistant Superintendent |
Section 3 Anti-discrimination & Harassment
Policy:
Elimination
of Discrimination. The South Sioux City
Community Schools hereby gives this statement of compliance and intent to
comply with all state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination or harassment
and requiring accommodations. This
school district intends to take necessary measures to assure compliance with
such laws against any prohibited form of discrimination or harassment or which
require accommodations.
Preventing Harass