Shallow Brook Intermediate

Student Handbook

2012-2013

100% of our students will graduate and be fully prepared for a post-secondary education

 
SHALLOW BROOK INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL

Fourth, Fifth, & Sixth Grade

231 South Hartman Street

Manchester, PA 17345

Phone (717) 266 –7030

Fax (717) 266 –7042

www.nesd.k12.pa.us

Student Hours (Normal Day) 8:40AM-3:15 PM

Early Dismissal Student Hours 8:40 AM-1:30 PM

Principal

Kathleen Walker

Guidance Counselor

John Carlisle

Secretary

Brenda Rauch

School Colors

Orange and Black

School Mascot

Bobcat

SHALLOW BROOK INTERMEDIATE MISSION STATEMENT

The Bobcat Way: A Strategic Direction for the Northeastern School District

100% of our students will graduate and be fully prepared for a post-secondary education.

Faculty/Staff

4^thGrade

Mrs. Davenport

Mrs. Lindsey

Mrs. Lumsargis

Mrs. McWilliams

Mrs. Peters

Mrs. Smith/Learning Support

Mrs. Trauger

 5th Grade

Mrs. Coombes

Mrs. Dietz

Mrs. Kipp

Mr. Koliscak

Mrs. Kramer

Miss Nagle/Learning Support

Mrs. Workinger

 6th Grade

Miss Aitken

Mr. Buhite

Mrs. Falenski/Learning Support

Mrs. Hale

Mrs. Long

Mrs. Martier

Mrs. Stover

Mrs. Betz-Reading Specialist

Mr. Carlisle-Guidance Counselor

Mrs. Cook-Art

Mrs. Collier-Physical Education

Mrs. Hoover-Library

Mr. Howell-Instrumental Music, Band

Mr. Mackley-Instrumental Music, Band

Mrs. Miller-Music, Instrumental Music,

 Chorus, Orchestra

 Paraprofessional

Mrs. Bain/paraprofessional

Mrs. Freeman/paraprofessional

Mrs. Grimm/paraprofessional

Mrs. Morrison/paraprofessional

 Staff

Mrs. Barse-Health Assistant

Mr. Brumbaugh-custodian

Mrs. Burkhardt -ELL

Mrs. Donaghy-Nurse

Mrs. Hudak-Technology Assistant

Mr. Mink-Occupational Therapy

Mrs. Rauch-Secretary

Dr. Rowan-School Psychologist

Mrs. Shirey-Cafeteria Manager

Ms. Srebro-Hearing Itinerant

Mrs. Wagner – Gifted Teacher

Mrs. Zayas-office assistant

TBD– Speech

 WELCOME FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Shallow Brook Students, Parents, and Guardians:

 Welcome to the 2012-2013 school year at Shallow Brook Intermediate. I’m sure your summer was relaxing and enjoyable. I hope you were able to read some good books and keep your skills sharp during the summer months. Our teachers and staff are excited for everyone to take part in the learning, events, and activities that will take place throughout the school year.

   At Shallow Brook Intermediate, we are focused on learning and making positive choices. With this in mind, students will be challenged daily to put forth the effort that is needed to be successful in both their academics and interactions with other students. If the appropriate steps are taken and the correct choices are made, each and every student will have a successful and rewarding year.

 It is our job as educators to provide opportunities for students that will help them gain knowledge and refine their skills. Our staff is dedicated to challenging each student to meet high expectations. We expect ALL students to graduate and be fully prepared for a post-secondary education! We expect each student to put forth his or her best effort each and every day. It is through the efforts ofeveryoneworking together that our students will be able to attain the goals that they set for themselves.

 It is the partnership between home and school that is at the heart of a great school. In order for the teachers and staff of Shallow Brook to provide confidence, opportunity, and success for our students, it will take the support of our students’ families. Together, and only together, will we be able to achieve success in providing an encompassing education for our students.

 I’m looking forward to a positive learning experience for everyone this year!

 Sincerely,

 Kathleen K. Walker

Principal

ATTENDANCE

1.    Please contact the office between 7:45 AM and 9:00 AM to report your student’s absence. 266-7030

2.    An excuse blank should be sent to school the next day with the reason for the absence. If an excuse blank is not sent in within 3 days of the absence, it will be considered unexcused. Please feel free to fax the excuses to 717 266-7042 or mail them to the attention of Mrs. Rauch.

3.    Unexcused absences will be considered unlawful. Three or more unexcused absences will result in Legal Offense Notices being sent, which will ultimately lead to fines being issued. This warning will not be issued again until the student moves to a different building for instruction.

4.    A doctor’s excuse will be required for any absence of three or more consecutive days. If a doctor’s excuse is not sent in for these absences, they will be marked as unexcused absences.

5.    Students are permitted one pre-approved educational trip per school year. Trip requests will be limited to five days. Forms are available in the main office and must be submitted prior to the trip.

6.    Please remember to check your child’s report card for any unexcused absences.

7.    Students that accumulate seven days of absences during the first semester will be required to present a doctor’s note for any days of absence for the rest of the school year.

8.    Students accumulating ten days of absences in the second semester will be required to present a doctor’s note for any days of absence for the rest of the school year.

9.    If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s attendance, please contact the office.

10. Doctor’s excuses and / or listed dates cannot be changed by a parent or guardian. The school will contact the doctor’ s office to verify days of excused absence if it is believed the document was changed.

ADDRESS & TELEPHONE CHANGES

Please notify the main office immediately if there is a change in home address, telephone number, place of employment, or emergency contact person. If your phone number is unlisted and you do not want your number given to anyone except school staff, please indicate so on your Emergency Form.

BICYCLES

All students are allowed to ride their bikes to school if they choose to do so. Please remind your student to use extreme caution while on school property, and to wear a helmet for safety. Also, there is a bike rack available for students to use, but they are responsible for bringing locks to secure their bikes.

BULLYING

It’s Simple……..Be Nice!!

A hot topic within the school system today is bully prevention. We, at Shallow Brook, are committed to providing a bully-free environment for all students. As part of a continuing effort to prevent bullying situations, we have a Bully Prevention Program in place. The motto of the program is, “It’s Simple……be nice!” 

 Bullying is taken very seriously at Shallow Brook. We address the topic daily throughout the school year. Each student is given a handbook at thebeginning of the school year toexplain what to do if they are the victim or witness of a bullying incident. Additionally, presentations to all students are given three to four times per school year. In these presentations, we provide information about bullying, answer questions and receive feedback from students. Students may obtain forms from all teachers to report any bullying situations. It is very important that any bullying incident be reported to an adult. If the staff is unaware of the situation, we cannot help resolve the issue. Parents are encouraged to notify the school if their child is being bullied by another individual. As part of the program, consequences are in place if one student is found to be bullying another.

 By following the program and staying true to the motto, “It’s Simple…..Be Nice”, we can achieve a bully-free environment for all students.

BUS CONDUCT

It is important for each student’s safety, as well as the safety of others, that all students follow the bus rules at all times. The bus driver will go over the rules with the students and the rules will be strictly enforced. Failure to comply with the rules could result in the student being refused bus privileges for periods of time or permanently. In either case, students must find their own ride to school. 

 In the interest of safety, students are required to conduct themselves properly while entering, riding, and leaving school buses and must follow the regulations listed below. 

1. Students may not ride any bus other than the one to which they are assigned. Walkers may not ride buses.
2. In case of inclement weather or bus mechanical failure, students are expected to wait at least one-half hour for the bus to arrive.
3. Students will stand on the side of the highway and in no way interfere with traffic while awaiting buses. Pupils will respect property rights of people who reside at or near the bus stop.
4. Students will observe regular classroom conduct, except for ordinary conversation, while riding the bus.
5. Students will be seated and remain seated, in assigned seats.
6. Students and/or their parents are responsible for damage to bus equipment.
7. Fighting, smoking, and the use of profane language are forbidden.
8. Eating in the bus is not permitted.
9. The driver on each bus has the same responsibility for maintaining discipline as the teacher in the classroom.

 The following measures will be taken when pupils are in violation of bus regulations:

          1.        Bus drivers will report, in writing, all observed justifiable discipline cases to the principal.

          2.        Upon receipt of the first referral form, principal will counsel students concerning bus conduct. Letters will be sent to parents

          3.        Students being referred for a second offense will have bus-riding privileges suspended for one to three days. 

          5.        A fourth disciplinary referral will result in suspension of the student's busriding privileges by the Superintendent for a period of timeexceeding five (5) school days and could extend through the remainder of the school year.

 The Northeastern School District will provide each child, who uses the district transportation service, with one assignment for pick-up and drop-off. The district will no longer honor writtennotes requesting children be delivered to locations other than the designated stop. In cases of an emergency, parents should contact the building administrator who will approve such requests on a case-by-case basis.

CAFETERIA PROCEDURES

Students wishing to deposit money to their point of sale account can do so by bringing their deposit the cafeteria in the morning. In addition, parents may wish to take advantage of our new on-line payment system, mySchoolBucks.com. To register on-line, please visit mySchoolBucks.com and follow the directions for registering your child.

Breakfast is provided each day at a cost of $1.15.

Regular lunch, as is listed on the menu, is available daily, as is an alternate lunch at a cost of $2.15. The cost of milk is $0.50. Water is available for an additional cost of $0.50 for 8 oz. and $1.00 for 16.9 oz. Juice is $0.70 for 6.75 oz. There are additional snacks that meet our wellness guidelines available daily for $0.80.

 Free/reduced lunch applications will be available in the Main Office.

CELL PHONES

Students areprohibitedto use cell phones during the school day. Cell phones must beturned off and kept in the student’s backpackduring the school day. If a student removes the cell phone from their backpack during school hours, it will be kept in the school office until thestudent’s parentspick it up. A phone is available in the main office for student use in the event of an emergency.

 
CHORUS, BAND AND ORCHESTRA

Chorus, band and orchestra are available for all interested students.

 Students in band or orchestra will meet for instrumental lessons during the school day for 30 minutes per six-day cycle. These lessons are for students who are currently taking lessons or who are interested in beginning to play an instrument.

All performing groups will meet for rehearsals outside of the school day, or in some instances, during the school day in the instrumental music room. Information will be sent home in the fall regarding the specifics of those rehearsals.

DETENTION

Lunch Detention –Students who violate school rules may be assigned lunch detention during their bonus recess. During this time the students will be required to complete school work.

 After School Detention –Students who violate CATS may be required to serve an after school detention. After School Detention will be held from 3:15 PM to 4:15 PM. Students will complete assignments or projects during this time period and will be monitored by a building administrator. A building administrator will also contact parents if their child is assigned an After School Detention in order to schedule the date it will be served.

EMERGENCY CLOSING

If it becomes necessary to close school due to inclement weather, announcements will be made on the following radio stations: WSBA (910AM), WQXA (105.7FM), WOYK (1300AM), WHTF (92.7FM), and WARM (103FM). Announcements can also be viewed on NBC and ABC. Closing and delay information can also be viewed on the Northeastern Web Site.www.nesd.k12.pa.us. We also have a Global Connect calling system that will be used for emergency information. Please let the office know to which phone number this call should be placed. Please make a plan for emergency dismissals and review it with your child. It is important that your child knows what he/she is to do in case of an early dismissal. 

English Language LEARNER

The Northeastern School District will provide an ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNER (ELL) program for each student whose primary language is not English. The District asks all parents to complete a Home Language Survey. Students whose dominate language is not English will be identified, assessed and if necessary, provided with the appropriate services in order for them to achieve academic success and attain the academic standards adopted by the School Board. For those students who are identified as English Language Learners (ELL), a program will be designed to meet the student’s individual needs that will include appropriate English language instruction. A student’s participation in the ELL program will continue until English proficiency and full comprehensive participation in subject area instruction are achieved.

EXPRESS MAIL

Important information, flyers and letters regarding our school, your child’s classroom and the district will be sent home via the Express Mail folder found in your child’s binder (the same binder in which your child’s agenda is located). Please check your child’s Express Mail envelope each Friday for communications from school. The report card will come home via the Express Mail folder at the end of the first three marking periods. Please sign the signature page that is inserted into the express mail folder so that we are sure you have received these communications from school.

GRADING

Shallow Brook Intermediate students will be graded on their report cards using the following scale.

A  = Advanced

P  = Proficient

B  = Basic

BB = Below Basic

Beginning with the 2012-2013 school year, the intermediate buildings will no longer have an honor roll distinction due to changes made to the report card. However, we will continue to recognize and celebrate the academic accomplishments of our students at our quarterly SuperCat rallies.

GUIDANCE

It is the goal of the guidance department to address the social, emotional, physical, and educational needs of all students. Parents are encouraged to contact the guidance counselor to discuss any questions or concerns they may have about their child or school in general. Students may request a meeting with the guidance counselor at any time. In addition to conducting individual counseling sessions as needed, group sessions are also conducted throughout the year based on student needs. Past groups have focused on self-esteem, behavior, and divorce.

HARASSMENT POLICY

The Northeastern School District is committed to maintaining an educational environment free from harassment of any kind including sexual, ethnic, or racial. All employees and students are to be treated with dignity, respect, and courtesy, regardless of age, race, gender, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. Sexual harassment or racial intimidation shall be defined as any action that interferes with an individual’s education by creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. Individuals who are found guilty of harassment or intimidation shall be subject to appropriate discipline. Any violation of the above may also violate local, state, and/or federal law and may be the basis for exclusion under that provision.

HEALTH ISSUES

Medication

Northeastern School District recognizes that parents have the primary responsibility for the health of their children. We request that medication be givenBEFOREorAFTERschool hours whenever possible. If it is essential that the student receive any medication during school hours, a formMUSTbe completed or no medication will be given. Please see the school nurse for the required form.

Parents are requested to bring the medication to school and give it directly to the nurse. Please do not bring the entire supply of medication. All prescriptions must come labeled by the pharmacy. The label on the container must include the following: 1) the student’s name, 2) name of medication, 3) amount to be given, 4) time to be given, 5) date to be given, and 6) name of physician. Non-prescription medication must be in their original container and labeled with the student’s name.

Only students withasthma and severe bee sting allergies/food allergieswill be permitted to carry and self-administer their inhalers or Epi-pens with the following conditions. The school must have on file a note from the student’s doctor stating that they may carry the medication and are qualified and able to self-administer. A note from the parent must also be on file in the health room. Forms and fax numbers can be obtained from your child’s school nurse. Students may not carry or self-administer any other medications.

Medication left at school will be discarded after a reasonable time.

Communicable Diseases in School Children

The following information is taken from the Regulations of Communicable and Non-communicable Diseases of the Pennsylvania Department of Health.    

Each teacher, principal or superintendent shall exclude students from school who have been diagnosed by a physician or are suspected of having the disease by the school nurse for the indicted time of the following diseases.

Acute contagious conjunctivitis (Pink eye)– 24 hours from institution of appropriate antibiotic therapy, must have a note from the physician.

Chicken Pox– Contagious 2 – 48 hours before vesicle appears and during active disease. Student may return to school when all sores are dry (usually 7-14 days).

Head Lice -If nits or lice are found, may return after one treatment with a shampoo specifically for killing lice. Shampoo treatment must be repeated one week later. Child must return box top of head lice shampoo used for treatment.

Impetigo– Until judged no longer infective by the child’s physician after treatment is instituted, must have a note from the physician.

Ringworm- After institution of proper treatment, must have a note from the physician.

Scabies– Excluded until physician institutes treatment, must have a note from physician.

StrepThroat and Scarlet Fever- 24 hours from institution of appropriate antibiotic therapy, must have a note from the physician.

HELPING WITH HOMEWORK

Parents who help their children with homework play a major role in boosting student achievement. 

Some guidelines: Set a regular time and place. In the primary grades, before homework is assigned, take time daily to read to your child and discuss what’s happened during the day. In upper elementary grades, a half hour should be set aside for studying and reviewing. Ask your child’s teacher how much time he or she would recommend for homework. 

If homework includes directions, read them carefully or ask your child to read them to you to make certain they are clearly understood before starting work.

Check to see if your child is following directions. If there are problems, demonstrate one as an example, do the next one together, and then have our child finish the assignment alone. Offer to read the finished work and help your child correct any mistakes. Don’t give the answer or do the work for the child.

If you don’t understand an assignment your child has received, contact the teacher—or advise your child to go to the teacher for help. Write teachers from time to time indicating what you have noted about your child’s progress with homework. 

Be certain your child has a quiet place to study with good light, necessary supplies—paper, dictionary, pencils, thesaurus—and a secure place to keep materials where they will not be disturbed. 

Conduct spelling practice, math drill, and other activities to help your child.

HOMEWORK

The amount and type of homework is at the discretion of the individual teachers. Homework assignments must be reasonable, meaningful, and extension of classroom work or activities. Strengthening of skills and an attempt to further stimulate pupil interests are criteria for homework assignments.

LATENESS/TARDINESS

Any students arriving after 8:40 AM will be marked tardy and should report to the office in order to be marked present for the day. Any student arriving at school after 11:00 PM will be marked absent for a half day. Coming to school every day on time is important. Not only is punctuality a valuable trait, but the student misses important instructions and assignments if they are late. If your child is late/tardy, you will need to sign your student into school and fill out or send a signed note explaining the reason for lateness/tardiness. 

LIBRARY

One of the school-wide goals is to promote the growth of the lifelong learner in an ever- changing world. The library program will play an important role in helping students achieve this goal by providing opportunities for independent learning. In order to become information literate, students will learn how to use a variety of print, non-print, and electronic sources. Lessons on research are integrated into the curriculum in order to reinforce the importance of these skills. 

In addition to developing information literacy, the library curriculum is designed to foster an appreciation for reading, and to promote lifelong reading skills. Students will be exposed to a variety of authors and literature. Projects, contests, and other programs encourage students to expand their reading horizons.

It is through this combination of reading and research skills that the library program can best motivate students to become lifelong learners.

MAKE-UP WORK

If a student is absent for three consecutive days, parents may call the office to request homework from the student’s teachers. It is important to call first thing in the morning in order to give the teachers adequate time to prepare the student’s class work to be sent home. All homework can be picked up in the main office. Please call the main office prior to picking up the homework.

PARENT/TEACHER ORGANIZATION

The purpose of the P.T.O. is to involve the parents and community in the day-to-day activities of the school. The P.T.O. provides many benefits to our school and students throughout the year. If you are interested in helping, please contact any of the officers or the building principal and they would be glad to help you get started.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASSES

All 4, 5, and 6^thgrade students will participate in two 30-minute physical education classes per cycle. During this time, students will practice and improve skills related to physical fitness, bowling, dance, cup stacking, basketball, volleyball, juggling, and track & field.  Technology is also integrated into our physical education program through the use of pedometers and x-arcade equipment.  Pedometers are used to teach students about healthy step counts during activities.  Video games and exercise are also combined in our lessons to showcase how easy it is to be active while using technology at home.  

It is important that your child dress appropriately on the days they have physical education. Sneakers are required and comfortable clothing is recommended.  In accordance with NORTHEASTERN SCHOOL DISTRICT policy, jewelry is not permitted to be worn during gym class. Students may be excluded from gym class if jewelry or inappropriate footwear is worn. These articles could be hazardous to your student and to other students around them when participating in class. If your child is unable to participate due to illness or injury, please provide the teacher with a dated written excuse explaining the situation.

PSSA

All students will participate in the reading and math portions of the assessments. The assessment will take place in the spring. Our fourth grade students will also participate in the Science assessment In addition, fifth grade students will participate in the writing assessment. The assessments should be viewed as additional data as to your child’s overall academic standing.

QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS

Please express all questions and concerns to the Shallow Brook Staff and Administration, as we are always happy to help you! 717-266-7030

REPORTING TO PARENTS

You may request a progress report for your child at any time throughout the school year by contacting the Guidance office. There will be conferences held at the end of the first and second marking periods. You may, however, request a conference at any time. Please call the Guidance Office to set up a conference with your child’s teachers. 

SCHOOL DAY

Northeastern School District follows a six-day cycle schedule for students: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, and Day 6. The sequence is repeated throughout the year.  The school day will begin at 8:40 AM and end at 3:15PM.

SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

A school newsletter will be sent home monthly. Topics covered will revolve around curriculum, technology, school safety issues, and yearly events.

School Wide Positive Behavior Plan/CATS

At Shallow Brook Intermediate School, we have worked as a team to create a school-wide effective behavior support (SWEBS) program. SWEBS is a process for creating safe and effective learning environments for all students using research-based strategies. SWEBS is a proactive approach to teach, monitor, and support good decision making and appropriate positive behaviors.

Our CATS code of conduct is pervasive throughout the school in each classroom, every hallway, and in areas where the student body assembles. Likewise,allstaff members provide positive support to students through the implementation of CATS!

C—communicate using kind words and actions

A—adult directions are important; Follow them the first time

T—treat people places, and property with respect

S—stay in your space and keep hands, feet, and all objects to yourself

Daily

               Students are expected to follow CATS throughout the day. Students who demonstrate exceptional citizenship and behavior can earn agenda stickers and small incentives as rewards for making good choices. 

Monthly

               SuperCat Rally:SuperCat Rallies take place each month and students earn admittance by earning at least one sticker on their CATS logo on the student agenda. Students must also have zero office referrals or bus write-ups for that month. Students will have opportunities to enter drawings for prizes at these events. Themes and activities change each month. A showcase featuring monthly prizes and events will be displayed in the lobby.

Quarterly

               The SuperCat Rally that falls at the end of the MP will be held prior to the academic piece of the rally. Students will enjoy the behavior reward and then the remainder of the student body will be invited to the gym for academic recognition.

Bi-Annually

               SuperiorCats Celebration: Students have two opportunities to make it to a SuperiorCats Celebration. Students must earn enough stickers to fill the CATS logo on their agendas each semester (Aug—Jan and/or Jan—June). Stickers are earned forexceptionalbehavior. Students must also have zero office referrals or bus write-ups for the semester. Celebrations are theme-based and vary each time. 

Class of 2019

Step 1: Verbal warning

Step 2: Parent Communication Letter (PCL)

Step 3: Office referral

Class of 2020

Step 1: Verbal warning

Step 2: Parent Communication               Letter (PCL)

Step 3: PCL & phone call to parent

Step 4: Office referral

Class of 2021

Step 1: Verbal warning

Step 2: Student flips card (yellow)

Step 3: Student flips card (orange)/Student loses SWEBS recess/Phone call and/or Parent Communication Letter

Step 4: Student flips card (red)/Office Referral

SPECIAL EDUCATION

    It is the goal of the Northeastern School District to provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to students who are in need of special education. The proper educational program for a student with special needs is determined by an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) team. This determination is made at a Multi-Disciplinary Evaluation (MDE)meeting with the team being comprised of the building administrator, regular education teacher(s), special education teacher, guidance counselors, school psychologist and most importantly the parents. 

  The pre-referral process through which a child may receive special education services begins with a referral to the school’s RtII (Response to Instruction and Intervention) Core Committee. The members of this committee, with the assistance of the classroom teacher, will determine what intervention programs and adaptations will best meet the needs of the student. As part of this pre-referral process continual progress monitoring and evaluation of students achievement will take place. If these adaptations are not successful, it may berecommendthat the student be referred for a multidisciplinary evaluation.Through the evaluation process, the Multi-Disciplinary Evaluation Team may evaluate educational assessment, ability testing, adaptive and social behavior assessment and perceptual evaluation. Upon completion of the evaluation, recommendations regarding exceptionality and programming will be made in a written Evaluation Report (ER)

   If the student is eligible and needs specially designed instruction, an Individual Education Program (IEP) meeting will be held. At this conference, the special education staff and the student’s parents will develop an Individualized Educational Plan. The IEP contains the plan for the educational program, consisting of goals, objectives and the specially designed instruction necessary for the student to be successful in the educational process. A range of educational placements is available to meet the student’s needs including: supportive intervention in the regular classroom, supplemental intervention in an itinerant/resource room setting or part-time or full-time classes within or outside the Northeastern School District.

If you have any questions regarding special education or the process, please contact the building principal or the Director of Special Education at (717) 266-3667.

STUDENT AGENDA

The agenda should be reviewed each night, as its contents will serve as a guideline in which to follow when preparing for future tests, quizzes, or homework. The cost to replace an agenda will be $6.50. Every child is required to maintain the agenda at Shallow Brook. 

STUDENT ATTIRE

Students are expected to adhere to the district policy regarding appropriate dress. Please remember, clothing which creates a hazard or injury to the wearer, or clothing displaying slogans or pictures suggesting the use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, obscene language, or lewd or illegal behavior is prohibited. In addition, pajama pants should not be worn to school.“Flip-flops”, slides, slippers & other open-backed shoes or other footwear causing a potentially dangerous condition to the wearer is prohibited. 

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

Each teacher will submit the name of one student each month to receive this award. This award is designed to honor children who show improvement and are helpful in our classrooms.

Every month we plan on recognizing these students on the morning announcements, writing letters to notify parents, and having their pictures on display in the main lobby. 

SWIMMING

Every fourth grade student will participate in a water safety course at the middle school. The course is about 9 weeks long and is designed to equip your child with the basic skills needed to swim or be around a body of water safely. For the safety of your child, absolutely NO JEWELRY is permitted in the pool. If your child is unable to participate in the course for medical reasons, please submit a note from the doctor to the swimming instructors.

TELEPHONE

There will be a phone available to students in the main office, only in the event of an emergency. Teachers will not be able to respond to phone calls during their class periods. Parents may call in and leave a message on their voice mail. Teachers can also be reached through the electronic mail system. 

TOYS/CD PLAYERS/VIDEO GAMES

Items such as toys, ipods, and video games are prohibited. Students may bring such items to school only with the written permission from a teacher for use as part of a class project.

VISITING THE SCHOOL

Parents are always welcome to visit the school. Whenever possible, please try to call at least a day in advance as a courtesy to the teachers. Please stop in the main office upon entering the school to sign in and pick up a visitor’s badge. Please remember, appropriate dress and language are required.

VOLUNTEERS

We always welcome parent volunteers and encourage you to help out whenever possible. Please call or stop in the main office to let us know when you would be available and what you are interested in doing. Please remember, appropriate dress and language are required. All volunteers must have appropriate clearances. See NESD website for more information

WEAPONS POLICY

Weapons and replicas of weapons are forbidden on school property as mandated by Act #26 of 1995. This Act contains serious consequences for students who violate its provisions.

Weapons shall include, but not be limited to: any knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool, firearm, shotgun, rifle, or any tool, instrument, or implement capable of inflicting serious bodily injury.

The school district is required by law to expel, for a period of not less than one year, any student who is determined to have brought a weapon to school property, any school sponsored activity, or any public conveyance providing transportation to a school or school sponsored activity. The Superintendent may recommend discipline short of expulsion on a case-by-case basis.

In addition, the school administrator must report the discovery of any weapon prohibited by this section to the local law enforcement officials.

Toy weapons and look-alike weapons are prohibited on school property. Possession of these may result in disciplinary action.

The drug/alcohol and weapons policies will be adhered to when students are found to be in direct violation.

WELLNESS POLICY

What is this, why do we need this, and how does this affect my child?

The Wellness Policy is a result of the state public law that required all school districts participating in the National School Lunch Program to develop a Wellness Policy. The Wellness Policy includes nutrition guidelines for all foods available on the school campus during the school day with the objectives of promoting health and reducing childhood obesity. The Wellness Policy and the Nutritional Standards can be viewed in their entirety on the district website (under the menu tab). As parents, guardians, care givers, and educators, we can be positive role models. The Northeastern School District Wellness Committee has developed goals and guidelines for all foods available on the school campus. The areas of focus are:

¨Ala Carte       

¨Classroom parties

¨Fundraisers               

¨Foods used as rewards

¨Vending Machines

¨School stores

The Nutrition Standards were fully implemented during the 2008-2009 school year. These standards only apply to the school day (30 minutes prior to the start of school and 30 minutes past the end of school). Many wonder how it affects them. The availability of vending beverages can only be water, 100% juice and milk. Fundraisers sold during the school day have specific nutritional standards, no more candy sales during the school day. Parents and teachers participating in classroom celebrations and parties are encouraged to purchase items through Child Nutrition Services Department; i.e. Birthday Baskets (K-3 buildings only offer Birthday Baskets). No longer should we be offering food as a reward for “doing something good” in the classroom. Instead, we want to be in the business of teaching and modeling good nutrition education in our schools.

Attached is a list of ideas for creative fundraising and a list of snack ideas for school/classroom parties to help with your effort(s) in accomplishing our Wellness Policy goals and Nutritional Guidelines.   As parents, guardians, care givers, and educators, we can be positive role models. Help our district promote healthy lifestyle principles. 

If you have questions regarding the Wellness Policy or nutrition standards, please contact Kimberly Alessandroni, Director of Child Nutrition Services at the Administration Center (266-3667).

Easy Snack Ideas for School/Classroom Parties

v Apples

v Nectarines or peaches

v Raisins/ Yogurt covered

v Applesauce Cups

v Grapes

v Vegetable Tray

v Pineapple Chunks

v Pretzel Wheels

v Orange Slices

v General Mills Milk & Cereal Bars

v Baby Carrots

v Low-Fat milk-flavored

v Bananas

v Melon Chunks

v Low-Fat String Cheese

v Mango Slices

v Angel Food Cake topped with Fruit

v Pizza Dippers (pizza toppings and bread on skewer with marinara dip)

v Celery Sticks w/ PB

v Graham Crackers w/ PB

v Cucumber Slices w/ Ranch Dip

v Yogurt (Trix & Yumsters)

v Low-Fat Pudding Cups

v Low-Fat Popcorn

v Animal Crackers

v Fruit & Cheese Kabobs