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LATHROP ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 700 CENTER STREET LATHROP, MO 64465 PHONE 816-528-7700 OR 816-740-3935 http://schoolweb.missouri.edu/lathrop.k12.mo.us
STUDENT HANDBOOK 2009-2010
Lathrop R-II Mission Statement
The Lathrop R-II School District is dedicated to educate, inspire and challenge all students to strive for excellence.
DR. CHRIS BLACKBURN, SUPERINTENDENT CHAUNCEY RARDON, PRINCIPAL TRESA KELLY, SECRETARY
*Handbook policies are subject to revisions by the Board of Education at any time and are not intended to supersede board policy.
WELCOME TO LATHROP ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
This handbook has been compiled to answer questions you may have regarding the programs and procedures at Lathrop Elementary, as well as to provide information about the many ways parents can become involved in the educational program. As we begin an exciting new school year, the faculty, staff and administration are prepared to provide a positive learning environment and a variety of educational experiences to inspire all students to attain academic, social and personal excellence.
LATHROP ELEMENTARY SCHOOL VISION
In partnership with students, parents, staff and community members, the Lathrop Elementary School will:
* provide opportunities to inspire all students to attain academic, social and personal excellence. By engaging in risk-taking, problem solving and critical thinking, students will be prepared to be life-long learners. Students will be empowered and learn how to take responsibility for their decisions.
* provide a safe and equitable environment, conducive to learning, where all members of the school community are welcome and respected. The environment will provide opportunities for students to learn and practice integrity, responsible behavior and respect for others.
* build on the strengths within our school community to provide educational opportunities and strengthen communication within this partnership.
* Through the cooperation of this partnership of students, parents, staff and community members, individual success will be achieved.
NOTICE TO PARENTS
As a parent of a student at Lathrop R-II, you have the right to know the professional qualifications of the classroom teachers who instruct your child. Federal law allows you to ask for certain information about your child's classroom teachers, and requires us to give you this information in a timely manner if you ask for it. Specifically, you have the right to ask for the following information about each of your child's classroom teachers:
* Whether DESE has licensed or qualified the teacher for the grades and subjects he or she teaches. * Whether DESE has decided that the teacher can teach in a classroom without being licensed or qualified under state regulations because of special circumstances. * The teacher's college major; whether the teacher has any advanced degrees and, if so, the subject of the degrees. * Whether any teachers' aides or similar paraprofessionals provide services to your child and, if they do their qualifications.
If you would like to receive any of this information, please call the Superintendent's office at 528-7500.
SCHOOL HOURS Kndg-5th 8:20 A.M-3:02 P.M.
Bus riders will be dismissed at 3:02 P.M. Children who walk, ride bikes or are picked up by parents/guardians will be dismissed after the busses leave the driveway-approximately 3:08 P.M.
Parents and visitors are welcome to use the front row of parking spaces. Please do not park along the curb next to the building at any time. You are welcome to stop briefly and let your child(ren) out of the car at the curb, but please do not park along the curb and leave your car.
Parents, older siblings and/or others who prefer to pick up students after school are welcome to wait in front of the west entrance near the parking lot. Please do not go down the halls to the classrooms. Teachers walk with the children to the parking lot. We have found this to be the safest and most effective way to dismiss the students. If you wish to speak to your child's teacher, please wait until all students are dismissed and check in at the office for a visitor's pass before going to the classroom. Teachers need to give their full attention to the children at dismissal time. We appreciate your cooperation.
OFFICE HOURS
The school office is open each day at 7:45am-3: 45pm, Monday-Friday. The phone number is 528-7700 or 740-3935. For information including school closing, early dismissal and school activities, call the district information line, 528-7500.
ARRIVAL OF STUDENTS
School begins at 8:20 A.M. Students should not arrive at school before 7:55 A.M. Students that arrive after the tardy bell are to report to the office for an admittance pass to class.
ATTENDANCE
Regular and punctual attendance is essential to a child's success in school. Students' absences from school can never be fully made up because students will have missed class discussions, teacher presentations, and guided practice. Chronic absenteeism creates a genuine hardship for the student and the teacher and is regarded as a very serious problem. Students missing 20 days or more will be considered for retention. We ask for your fullest cooperation in seeing that your child attends school each day unless he/she is ill. Please notify the school by 9:00 A.M. if your child is going to be absent. If you do not notify the school, an attempt will be made to contact a parent at home or at work.
If it is necessary to remove your child during school hours, please come to the school office. All children leaving early are to be dismissed through the office. You must come into the office and sign your child(ren) out. Office personnel will call them from class. TEACHERS MAY NOT RELEASE A CHILD WITHOUT PROPER CLEARANCE. This procedure protects the safety of all children and reduces interruptions to instruction. Please avoid taking your child from school early unless it is absolutely necessary.
If students are to be picked up by someone other than parents or if they are to return home in a manner other than customary at the end of the day, the school must have written permission from their parent or guardian.
TRANSPORTATION
Peoples Transportation of Lawson, MO, provides bus service. Service is provided for students who live one mile or more from school. It is important that children ride the bus consistently because state financial aid is based on actual days transported. Students who do not observe the rules or do not obey the driver will NOT be permitted to ride the bus. Any offense committed by a student on a bus shall be punished in the same manner as if the offense had been committed at school. No student serving an out-of-school suspension shall be allowed to ride any bus during such period of suspension. Additional information concerning busing is included in the packet provided for each student at the beginning of the school year or upon initial enrollment in the district. Please review this information when received.
SCHOOL FOOD PROGRAM
Nutritious lunches and breakfasts are offered to all students in grades K - 5. Monthly menus are provided to all students. Menus are subject to change depending upon supplies on hand. Breakfast is served from 7:50-8:10 each morning.
Applications for free or reduced lunch/breakfast will be sent home with the students and are available in the school office. Application for free or reduced meals can be made at any time during the year. Eligibility determinations will be made on a family basis--all children in the same family will receive the same benefits. Children on free and reduced price meals will have cards issued by the office in the same manner as students buying meals at the regular price. Every effort is made to keep confidential the names of those students receiving free or reduced lunch. APPROVED PARENTS WHO’S INCOME CHANGES DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR ARE OBLIGATED TO CONTACT THE SCHOOL.
You are encouraged to pay for lunches/breakfasts weekly or monthly. Meals may be paid for by cash or check. Checks should be made payable to Lathrop Elementary School, also please be sure to list your student(s)name(s)on the check in the memo area or that you fill out the appropriate lunch money slip to ensure lunch money is posted to the correct student's lunch account.
Lunch charges are not allowed except on an emergency basis and by the principal's approval. Charges may not exceed three days. Once a child has exceeded the three day limit for charges they will not be served a regular menu item instead they will be served a salad along with a milk.
You are welcome to join your child for lunch. Please check in at the office to receive a visitor's pass, and if you would like to purchase a school lunch you should do so at that time.
ADMISSION AND IMMUNIZATION
SCHOOL ENTRY A child entering kindergarten must be five years old before August 1st of the school year in which he/she is enrolling. A child entering first grade must be six years old before August 1 or have completed Kindergarten in another district.
Each child must have a birth certificate as legal proof of age. If you do not have a birth certificate, write to the Bureau of Vital Statistics in the state in which the child was born. If the child was born in Missouri, a birth certificate may be obtained from the County Health Department.
Children transferring from home schooling programs or non-public schools may be required to take an achievement test to determine basic skills mastery and proper grade entry level.
EMERGENCY TREATMENT All parents should have a statement signed giving the school permission to do that which they feel is best for their child in case of an accident or injury.
IMMUNIZATION REGULATIONS Missouri Law requires all school children in the state to be adequately immunized against diphtheria, polio, rubeola (red measles), and rubella (3-day measles) before attending school. Three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine are required for all kindergarten students as of and after the 1997-98 school year. Upon enrollment, parents will be asked to complete a health record listing the dates of all immunizations received by their child. Parents will be notified if their child appears to need additional immunizations before attending school. A health record is kept on each child. If additional immunizations are received, please call or send notification to the school nurse.
Immunizations may be received from the family doctor or the County Health Department. The Health Department schedules free immunization clinics each month. Parents having religious, personal, or medical objections to the requirements may request an exemption to the statute. However, unimmunized children are subject to exclusions from school when outbreaks of immunizable diseases occur.
Missouri law requires the Lathrop R-II School District to obtain proof that every student enrolling in kindergarten or first grade has received one (1) comprehensive vision examination performed by a state-licensed optometrist or physician. Proof must be submitted to the district no later than January 1 of the year the student is first enrolled in the district. The district will provide parents/guardians a list of persons and businesses available to perform these examinations and information on free or reduced-cost examinations. Parents may request their child be excused from the vision examination by completing a form and submitting it no later than January 1.
Enrollment forms and emergency information are completed during the admission process. If we are unable to reach you during an emergency, we will turn your child over to only those people whose names you have listed on the enrollment form. PARENTS ARE ASKED TO COMPLETE UPDATED EMERGENCY INFORMATION EACH SEPTEMBER. Please notify us of any changes in telephone numbers, addresses, or other vital information.
MEDICATION AT SCHOOL With the exception of students in special education programs, or those with Section 504 Accommodation Plans, the school district is not obligated to supply or administer medication to children. However, the Lathrop R-II Board of Education recognizes that some students may require medication for chronic or short-term illness during the school day to enable them to remain in school and participate in their education. Whenever possible, arrange for the taking of medicine before and after school.
The district requires written prescription orders for the safety and welfare of all students and staff members. Physicians may use their own prescription pads or the school health room has authorization forms for medications to be taken at school that may be used for this purpose.
Any prescription medication must be brought to the Health Room in the original prescription container. Medication to be given throughout the school year must have a written doctor's order as well as written parental permission on file. THIS INCLUDES ANY MEDICATION THE PHYSICIAN HAS GIVEN WRITTEN PERMISSION FOR THE STUDENT TO CARRY AND SELF-ADMINISTER ON SCHOOL GROUNDS (e.g. inhalers for asthma). Teachers cannot administer any medications. The student who has written physician's permission (on file in the Health Room) to self-administer medications must use their medication as prescribed and be capable of doing so without the supervision of someone who is medically trained to monitor their condition. The Health Room staff may administer over the counter medications with written parental permission. All over the counter medicines must be in the original container and will be administered according to label instructions unless an order from the physician stating otherwise is on file in the Health Room.
Students must bring all medications and prescriptions to the health room except the following which the school will provide: cough drops, Tums, hydrogen peroxide, hydrocortisone cream, sterile isotonic eye wash, triple antibiotic ointment, acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Medicines will be kept in a locked container in the health room until the time it is to be taken. Students are responsible for coming to the health room at the proper time for their medicine. The school nurse or a person designated by the principal will supervise the taking of all medication.
ILLNESS The school nurse assumes the responsibility for administering first aid but is not qualified to diagnose. If your child is ill, please do not send him/her to school.
Parents will be asked to pick up their child from school in the event of illness, contagious condition, head or other serious injury. General criteria for sending a child home will be a temperature of 100 degrees, complaints of general illness, vomiting, diarrhea, severe coughing or suspicion of a communicable disease or condition. Students should not return to school until they are symptom free for 24 hours.
HEAD LICE (PEDICULUS) POLICY In cases in which it is verified by the school nurse that lice or nits are present, the parent or guardian will be notified and the student sent home. The school nurse or principal must verify that the student is lice/nit free before he/she can return to class. Students with head lice will not be permitted to ride the bus until cleared by the health room.
SAFETY
STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE The school provides you the opportunity to enroll your child in a group accident insurance plan. The applications are available in the school office.
BICYCLES AT SCHOOL Please be sure your child has the proper safety equipment (i.e. helmet) and knows bicycle safety rules before allowing them to ride to and from school. Students are to use the bike rack provided by the school.
SCHOOL CLOSING From time to time it is necessary to dismiss students early due to inclement weather. Weather is monitored constantly by school officials throughout the winter months. When conditions are questionable, the following radio & television stations will carry the information: KFEQ-AM, KMRN-AM, WDAF-AM, KUDL-FM, KQ-TV, KMBC-TV, WDAF-TV, KCTV and KSHB-TV.
SCHOOLREACH will be used to inform parents of K-5 students of school closing or when school is dismissed early in the day. The SchoolReach program uses the first number listed on your child’s enrollment form. You should have a plan for your child in the event that you will not be home. Please be sure your child knows where he/she is to go when school is dismissed.
PETS Most pets are gentle and would not harm a child; however, the excitement of a large group of children might cause them to harm a child in self-defense. Dogs should not be permitted to follow children to school. A city ordinance prohibits dogs on the playground or near the school. The animal control unit will be called for any dog on the school premises.
SCHOOL SAFETY Your school is concerned with the safety of your child. Teachers and parents should continually strive to teach good safety habits. Remember the safety of the students should be first and foremost.
1. Under no condition should children ask for or accept a ride with a stranger. 2. Be certain your child knows and practices safety rules when walking or riding his/her bicycle to and from school. 3. Cars should enter the school driveway and park in the spaces marked. Please do not block the drive-even when you remain in your vehicle. There is no parking in front of the building until all buses have arrived and departed. Please do not pull in the circle drive behind the school buses.
CROSSING GUARDS The purpose of the crossing guards is to assist students in crossing streets. Students who misbehave or do not follow proper procedures will be reported to the principal's office for disciplinary action.
FIRE AND EMERGENCY DRILLS Drills will be conducted throughout the school year for emergencies, including fire, tornado, earthquake, lock down and bus evacuation. Plans for evacuating the building will be posted. Each faculty member will be familiar with the evacuation plans for his/her area and will review this with his/her classes periodically throughout the year.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT AND COMMUNICATION
There are many ways that you can become informed and involved in your child's school and his/her education. When you are actively involved, your child is more likely to be successful in school, to behave better, and to have more positive attitudes about him/herself and the future.
COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS We believe cooperation between parents and school staff is vital if a school is to function in the best interest of the child. Part of this cooperation has to be "open" lines of communication. You are encouraged to request a conference with the teacher(s) or principal or both any time such a conference would benefit your child.
You will receive numerous communications from the school throughout the year. The Muleskinner Newsletter is distributed monthly. It contains "happenings" in the classrooms as well as special news items. The Lathrop PTO will keep you informed of various activities and events they sponsor. Teachers will send home information to let you know of specific classroom happenings. Please make every effort to read the materials distributed through the school.
PROGRESS REPORTS AND PARENT CONFERENCES You will be provided progress reports on your child four times a year, at the end of each 9-week period. The purpose of the child's progress report card is to keep you informed regarding your child's progress in school. Do not hesitate to contact your child's teacher or the building principal with any questions or concerns regarding your child's progress. Students are also given citizenship grades. The following standard is used when issuing citizenship grades.
1-Outstanding school citizenship 2-Good school citizenship 3-Fair, improvement needed 4-Inferior, much improvement needed 5-Very disturbing to class, poor attitude toward work and fellow students
Parents are also notified mid-quarter when a student is making inferior or failing progress or has need for improved citizenship.
Every effort will be made to enable students to progress annually from grade to grade. Students may be retained when, in the judgment of the professional staff, it is in the best educational interest of the students involved. Parents will receive prior notification and explanation concerning the retention.
Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled in the fall and spring. Parents should feel free to call the school for additional conferences whenever necessary throughout the year.
SCHOOL VISITATION You are invited to visit school at any time by arrangement with the school. It is recommended, however, that a school visitation not be made during the beginning weeks, closing weeks, or before holidays. As a matter of convenience, it is advised that the teacher be contacted in advance for the most appropriate day and time. You should not expect the teacher to interrupt his/her instruction for a greeting or to hold parent/teacher conferences at this time. Pre-school children should be left at home since a small child in the classroom is much too interesting to pupils to allow normal classroom work. School age children may not visit school. Please check in at the office upon arrival in the building, sign-in and receive a visitor's pass.
PARENTS' RIGHTS TO STUDENT RECORDS Parents or legal guardians of students in the Lathrop School District are reminded that upon written request they may examine their child's permanent record. Arrangements for examining records are to be made with the principal. In order to avoid disruption of the daily routine and to give time to compile and update information, parents should make an appointment to review records at least one day in advance.
GUIDELINES FOR HOMEWORK You can help your child extend his/her learning experience beyond the classroom by:
1. Establishing with your child a specific agreement on time and place to complete homework. 2. Allowing little deviation from the mutually established routine. 3. Supporting the school and teacher by reinforcing the value of homework and learning. 4. Monitoring, but not doing, the homework. 5. Initiating communication with the teacher when concerns arise.
STUDENT MANAGEMENT Another vital way that you can be involved in supporting your child's educational success is through collaborative management of discipline problems. Sometimes no matter how hard parents and teachers try, behavior problems occur. If this happens, the teacher or principal will contact you. School personnel are charged by the Board of Education with the responsibility of maintaining proper discipline.
The following forms of discipline may be used by the teacher and/or administration: 1) loss of privileges or free time. 2) before, after or during school detention. 3) in-school or out-of-school suspension. Students are required to report on time and to do school work during detention. Students are responsible for completing regular class assignments during in-school and out-of-school suspension.
Teachers are in charge of their own classroom discipline. Their classroom management plans will be submitted to the building principal for approval, explained to the students and sent home to the parents. Lathrop Elementary strives to provide positive, consistent, reasonable and fair discipline practices. Our goal is to help children construct an understanding of rules, their purposes and an ability to consider other people's perspectives in their decision-making. Our intent is not to punish but to help guide children into greater understanding of their role in a democratic society.
DISTRICT POLICY FOR STUDENT DISCIPLINE
1. Arson - Starting or attempting to start a fire or causing or attempting to cause an explosion. First Offense: Detention, ISS, 1-180 days OSS or expulsion. Restitution if appropriate. Subsequent Offense: 1-180 days OSS or expulsion. Restitution if appropriate
2. Assault/Threats of Violence - a. Use of words or actions (verbal, written, pictorial or symbolic) meant to harass, threaten or convey the intent to harm another person or group of people: i.e., threats of violence; or hitting, striking and/or attempting to cause injury to another person - placing a person in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury; physically injuring another person. First Offense: Principal/Student conference, ISS, 1-180 days OSS, or expulsion. Subsequent Offense: ISS, 1-180 days OSS or expulsion.
b. Attempting to kill or cause serious physical injury to another; killing or causing serious physical injury to another. First Offense: Expulsion
3. Bullying (see Board policy JFCF) - Repeated and systematic intimidation, harassment and attacks on a student or multiple students, perpetuated by individuals or groups. Bullying includes, but is not limited to: physical violence, verbal taunts, name-calling and put-downs, threats, extortion or theft, damaging property, and exclusion from a peer group. First Offense: Detention, ISS or 1-180 days OSS Subsequent Offense: 1-180 days OSS or expulsion
4. Bus Misconduct (see Board policy JFCC) - Any offense committed by a student on transportation provided by or through the district shall be punished in the same manner as if the offense had been committed at the student's assigned school. In addition, transportation privileges may be suspended or revoked.
5. Dishonesty - Any act of lying, whether verbal or written, including forgery. First Offense: Nullification of forged document. Principal/Student conference, ISS, or 1-10 days OSS Subsequent Offense: Nullification of forged document. ISS, 1-180 days OSS, or expulsion.
6. Disrespectful or Disruptive Conduct or Speech (see Board policy AC if illegal harassment or discrimination is involved) - Verbal, written, pictorial or symbolic language or gesture that is directed at any person and that is rude, vulgar, defiant, in violation of district policy or considered inappropriate in educational settings or that is materially and substantially disrupts classroom work, school activities or school functions. Students will not be disciplined for speech in situations where it is protected by law. First Offense: Principal/Student conference, detention, ISS, or 1-10 days OSS. Subsequent Offense: Detention, ISS, 1-180 days OSS or expulsion
7. Drugs/Alcohol (See Board policies JFCH and JHCD) a. Possession, sale, purchase or distribution of any over-the-counter drug, herbal preparation or imitation drug or herbal preparation. First Offense: ISS or 1-180 days OSS Subsequent Offense: 1-180 days OSS or expulsion
b. Possession of or attendance while under the influence of or soon after consuming any unauthorized prescription drug, alcohol, narcotic substance, unauthorized inhalants, counterfeit drugs, imitation controlled substances or drug-related paraphernalia, including controlled substances and illegal drugs defined as substances identified under schedules I, II, III, IV or V in section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act. First Offense: ISS, 1-180 days OSS Subsequent Offense: 1-180 days OSS or expulsion
c. Sale, purchase or distribution of any prescription drug, alcohol, narcotic substance, unauthorized inhalants, counterfeit drugs, imitation controlled substances or drug-related paraphernalia including controlled substances and illegal drugs defined as substances identified under schedules, I, II, III, IV, or V in section 202 of the Controlled Substance Act. First Offense: 1-180 days OSS or expulsion Subsequent Offense: 1-180 days OSS or expulsion
8. Extortion - Threatening or intimidating any person for the purpose of obtaining money or anything of value. First Offense: Principal/Student conference, detention, ISS, or 1-10 days OSS Subsequent Offense: ISS, 1-180 days OSS, or expulsion
9. Failure to Meet Conditions of Suspension - Coming within 1,000 feet of any public school in the district while on suspension for an offense that requires reporting to law enforcement or for an act of school violence or drug-related activity defined by district policy as a serious violation of the district's discipline policy. See section of the regulation entitled, "Prohibition against Being on or near School Property during Suspension." In determining whether to suspend or expel a student, consideration shall be given to whether the student poses a threat to the safety of any child or school employee and whether the student's presence within 1,000 feet of the school is disruptive to the educational process or undermines the effectiveness of the school's disciplinary policy. First Offense: Verbal warning, detention, ISS, 1-180 days OSS, or expulsion Subsequent Offense: Verbal warning, detention, ISS, 1-180 days OSS, or expulsion
10. False Alarm - Tampering with emergency equipment, setting off false alarms, making false reports; communicating a threat or false report for the purpose of frightening, disturbing, disrupting or causing the evacuation or closure of school property. First Offense: Restitution, Principal/Student conference, detention, ISS, 1-180 days OSS or expulsion Subsequent Offense: Restitution, ISS, 1-180 days OSS, or expulsion
11. Fighting (see also, Assault/Threats of Violence) - Mutual combat in which both parties have contributed to the conflict either verbally or by physical action. First Offense: Principal/Student conference, detention, ISS, or 1-180 days OSS Subsequent Offense: ISS, 1-180 days OSS, or expulsion
12. Hazing (see Board policy JFCF) - Any willful activity, on or off school grounds, that recklessly, intentionally or knowingly endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purposes of initiation or admission into or continued membership in any organization, including all student organizations or school-sponsored organization. Hazing also includes activities that put another in a ridiculous, humiliating or disconcerting position. Hazing occurs even when all students involved are willing participants.
All violations are cumulative and include the student's secondary enrollment history (grades 9-12) in Lathrop R-II School District. Students will be subject to the following:
First Offense: 2 day school suspension and 1game/event suspension at the highest level. Second Offense: 3-5 day school suspension and 3-game/event suspension at the highest level. Third Offense: 5-10 day school suspension and lost of all extracurricular participation and attendance at extracurricular events for 365 days. Subsequent Offense: Recommendation for long-term suspension/expulsion; no further eligibility for extracurricular activities.
A student may be disciplined above and beyond the consequences listed if the superintendent determines that the behavior is serious. Competition at any level will not be permitted until all consequences have been completed.
13. Public Display of Affection - Physical contact that is inappropriate for the school setting, including, but not limited to, kissing and groping. First Offense: Principal/Student conference, detention, ISS, or 1-180 days OSS Subsequent Offense: Detention, ISS, 1-180 days OSS, or expulsion
14. Sexual Harassment (see Board policy AC and regulation AC-R) a. Use of unwelcome verbal, written or symbolic language based on gender or of a sexual nature that has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a student's educational environment or created an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment. Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to, sexual jokes or comments, requests for sexual favors and other unwelcome sexual advances. First Offense: Principal/Student conference, detention, ISS, or 1-180 days OSS, expulsion Subsequent Offense: ISS, 1-180 days OSS, or expulsion
b. Unwelcome physical contact on gender or of a sexual nature when such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a student's educational performance or creates an intimidating hostile or offensive educational environment. Examples include, but are not limited to, touching or fondling of the genital areas, breasts or undergarments, regardless of whether or not the touching occurred through or under clothing. First Offense: ISS, 1-180 days OSS or expulsion Subsequent Offense: 11-180 OSS or expulsion
15. Technology Misconduct (See Board policy EHB and regulation EHB-R) a. Attempting, regardless of success, to gain unauthorized access to a technology system or information; to use district technology to connect to other systems in evasion of the physical limitations of the remote system; to copy district files without authorization; to interfere with the ability of others to utilize district technology; to secure a higher level of privilege without authorization; to introduce computer “viruses,” “hacking” tools, or other disruptive/destructive programs onto or using district technology; or to evade or disable a filtering/blocking device. First Offense: Restitution. Principal/Student conference, loss of user privileges, detention, ISS, or 1-180 days OSS Subsequent Offense: Restitution. Loss of user privileges, 1-180 days OSS, or expulsion
b. Using, displaying or turning on pagers, phones, personal digital assistants, personal laptops or any other communication devices during the regular school day, including instructional time, class change time, breakfast or lunch. First Offense: Confiscation, principal/student conference, detention, or ISS Subsequent Offenses: Confiscation, principal/student conference, detention, ISS or OSS or expulsion.
c. Violation other than those listed in “a.” “b” or of board policy EHB-AP. First Offense: Restitution. Principal/Student conference, Detention, or ISS. Subsequent Offense: Restitution. Loss of user privileges, ISS, 1-180 days OSS, or expulsion
16. Theft - Theft, attempted theft or knowing possession of stolen property. First Offense: Return of or restitution for property. Principal/Student conference, detention, ISS or 1-180 days OSS Subsequent Offense: Return of or restitution for property. 1-180 days OSS, or expulsion
17. Tobacco a. Possession of any tobacco products on school grounds, school transportation or at any school activity. First Offense: Confiscation of tobacco product. Principal/Student conference, detention, or ISS Subsequent Offense: Confiscation of tobacco product. Detention, ISS or 1-10 days OSS
b. Use of any tobacco products on school grounds, school transportation or at any school activity. First Offense: Confiscation of tobacco product. Principal/Student conference, detention, ISS or 1-3 days OSS Subsequent Offense: Confiscation of tobacco product. ISS or 1-10 days OSS
18. Truancy (See Board policy JEDA) - Absence from school without the knowledge and consent of parents/guardian and/or the school administration; excessive non-justifiable absences, even with the consent of parents/guardians. First Offense: Principal/Student conference, detention, or 1-3 days ISS Subsequent Offense: Detention or 3-10 days ISS After the 10th truancy or unexcused absence from school during a single semester, the student will be subject to 1-180 days OSS or expulsion.
19. Unauthorized Entry - Entering or assisting any other person to enter a district facility, office, locker or other area that is locked or not open to the general public; entering or assisting any other person to enter a district facility through an unauthorized entrance; assisting unauthorized persons to enter a district facility through any entrance. First Offense: Principal/Student conference, detention, ISS or 1-180 days OSS Subsequent Offense: 1-180 days OSS or expulsion
20. Vandalism (see Board policy ECA) - Willful damage or the attempt to cause damage to real or personal property belonging to the school, staff or students. First Offense: Restitution. Principal/Student conference, detention, ISS, 1-180 days OSS, or expulsion Subsequent Offense: Restitution. ISS, 1-180 days OSS or expulsion
21. Weapons (see Board policy JFCJ) a. Possession or use of any instrument or device, other than those defined in U.S.C. § 921, 18 U.S.C. § 930(g)(2) or § 571.010, RSMo, which is customarily used for attack or defense against another person; any instrument or device used to inflict physical injury to another person. First Offense: ISS, 1-180 days OSS, or expulsion Subsequent Offense: 1-180 days OSS or expulsion
b. Possession or use of a firearm as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 921 or any instrument or device defined in § 571.010 RSMo. Or any instrument or device defined as a dangerous weapon in 18 U.S.C. § 930(g)(2). First Offense: One calendar year suspension or expulsion, unless modified by the Board upon recommendation by the superintendent Subsequent Offense: Expulsion SAFE SCHOOL ACT 1996 This legislation (MO House Bills 1301 & 1298) effective August 28, 1996, provides guidelines for policy requirements in Missouri schools focusing on promoting a safe school environment. An outline of items contained in the Safe Schools Act is included in the packet provided for each student at the beginning of the school year or upon initial enrollment in the district. Please review this information when it is received.
ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL The Lathrop R-II School District and the Plattsburg School District have combined resources to provide our two districts with an Alternative School. This is a part of our school district but is located in the city of Plattsburg. Students with chronic disciplinary issues as well as those students with major policy violations may be assigned to the Alternative School. A student may be assigned for as little as nine weeks or up to the entire school year. Every effort will be made to work with the students and parents, but ultimately the school district will decide if a student will need to attend the Alternative School. Transportation to and from Plattsburg may be provided by the school district.
STANDARDS OF DRESS We encourage a high standard of dress, grooming, and cleanliness at school and school activities. Please dress your child so that s/he can participate in the total school program. Please LABEL your child's clothing, especially coats, hats, gloves, boots, sweaters, and jackets. For the student's safety, tennis shoes need to be worn on physical education days. Slippery dress shoes pose a hazard, especially on the playground. Acceptable shorts may be worn anytime during the school year.
The following types of clothing will be unacceptable at anytime:
1. Clothing with cigarette, alcohol or drug advertising.
2. Clothing with profanity, satanic symbols, acts of violence or offensive designs.
3. Clothing that does not properly cover the body. Muscle or fishnet shirts are not allowed. Clothing must cover the stomach. Shirts and tops must cover the entire front and back of the student. Straps on shirts must be at least three inches wide (no spaghetti straps).
4. Caps or hats worn by boys or girls in the building during the school day or at school activities.
5. Any manner of dress, hairstyle or facial makeup, which tends to be a distraction, has gang related connotations or which may impair the health or safety of the student.
6. Clothes that are too short, too baggy or loose hang too low or have holes.
7. Coats are not to be worn during class.
NOTE: The principal will use his/her discretion in defining appropriate school apparel. The above policies may be altered from time to time depending upon school activities.
VANDALISM AND LOSS Students found guilty of taking or willfully defacing or injuring personal property of students and staff shall pay for damages caused thereby; and may law provide suspended, expelled, or reported to juvenile authorities as. The school district will not be held responsible for the compensation of personal items of students or staff that may be lost or stolen.
YEARBOOK AND PICTURES Individual pictures of all students are taken in the fall of the school year. Group pictures K-5 are taken in the spring of the school year. A yearbook consisting of class groups, faculty members, and school activities for the Elementary and Middle School is sold during the school year and delivered before the end of school.
PARENTS GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
1. In the event that a parent believes that there is a basis for a grievance, he/she shall first discuss the problem with the teacher.
2. If as a result of the informal discussion above, the grievance still exists, the parent should then discuss his/her grievance with the building principal.
3. If the grievance still exists, the parent may ask for a formal discussion with the teacher and principal at a mutually agreeable time.
4. After the above steps have been followed and if a grievance still exists, the parent should arrange a conference with the superintendent.
5. If as a result of the formal discussion above, the grievance still exists, the parent may ask for a hearing before the school board.
TELEPHONE USE All students using the telephone during the school day must have permission from their teacher, counselor, and school nurse or from the office. Students are not to use the telephone during school except for an emergency or with permission. Students are not permitted to bring beepers, pagers or cellular phones to school, unless previously arranged with the building principal or classroom teacher. Cell phones are to be kept turned off and left with the teacher, in a locker or book bag until after school hours. Personal calls should not be made or accepted through the school telephones. Long distance calls should not be charged to the school. Students will not be called from class to answer calls except in emergencies or unusual cases.
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
PARTIES AND CELEBRATIONS Each class celebrates four parties: fall, Valentine's Day, and spring sponsored by PTO and a winter party provided by the classroom teacher. Please let us know if you do not wish your child to participate in classroom parties or other celebrations. Parents may arrange a birthday treat for their child by consulting with the teacher. Unopened prepackaged treats rather than homemade items are required for distribution at school. Contributions toward the purchase of a book for the class or library are suggested rather than class treats or parties. Any additional parties must be cleared through the school office.
BACKGROUND CHECKS The Lathrop Elementary School would like to thank all parents that take time to volunteer and help both in the classroom and on field trips. It is now required by the state that any volunteer, left with a group of children without the supervision of a teacher, must have a criminal background check to ensure the safety of our students. If you would like to get a background check in order to help with small groups on a field trip, you need to stop by Central Office and sign a form that allows the Missouri Highway Patrol to conduct a Child Abuse or Neglect/Criminal Records check. The cost is $9.00 and is a one time fee. As always, parents are welcome to come on our field trips and volunteer in the classroom under the supervision of a teacher.
FIELD TRIPS Students have the opportunity to go on school-approved field trips for educational experiences each year. All students who participate must have a signed permission slip. Parents will be asked to help supervise students and will be chosen by the classroom teacher. Parents attending field trips will not be allowed to bring along other children. Adults should refrain from the use of tobacco while attending field trips.
SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES A wide variety of services is offered to children whose maximum growth cannot be attained without special educational opportunities or an individualized educational program designed to meet their special needs. These services include: Gifted and Talented, Behavioral Disordered, Learning Disabled, Speech or Language Impaired, and Educable Mentally Handicapped. Please contact the Coordinator of Special Services at 528-7781 or the principal if you believe your child is in need of any of these services.
SPECIAL LEARNING PROGRAMS A federally funded Title I reading program is offered for students who qualify. The regular classroom teacher and special reading teacher determine which students would benefit most from this help through formal and informal assessments of academic performance.
A Title I preschool program is also available for children three and four years of age who qualify. This developmentally appropriate program provides active learning methods of instruction that stress school readiness skills. Eligibility for the program is determined at the preschool screening offered in the spring of the year through the Parents As Teachers Program.
Parents of children who qualify for Title I services are notified and encouraged to provide support and input for these programs.
PARENTS AS TEACHERS The Parents As Teachers program is available to all families in the Lathrop School District who are expecting a baby or have newborns, toddlers or children through kindergarten age. The program is free and voluntary and is offered in every school district in Missouri. Included are personal visits, free developmental screenings, group meetings and help finding information on any questions parents might have regarding their children. Three, four and five-year-old children are invited to come to school periodically throughout the school year for Activity Days that are designed to acquaint the parent with kindergarten readiness skills. Contact the office of the Coordinator of Special Services at 528-7781 to enroll in the Parents As Teachers Program.
COUNSELING SERVICES Individual and group counseling services are available for Lathrop students. In addition, the counselor visits classrooms regularly. The intent of the counseling program is to enhance the child's ability to enjoy life and effectively meet life's challenges by developing communication skills, understanding and expressing feelings, responsibility, and effective resourcefulness. Please notify the counselor, principal or your child's teacher if there are conditions outside school that may have an impact on your child's behavior or academic performance at school.
EXPANDING HORIZONS PROGRAM The needs of the academically exceptional student will be met through a program in which each child may research or investigate areas where his/her interests lie. The objectives will follow the format in Bloom's Taxonomy of Cognitive Growth with emphasis on analysis, synthesis and evaluation. A creative, innovative approach to learning will be utilized (i.e., research projects, field trips, simulations, problem solving, computer activities, "brain storming" games, community involvement, etc.).
Students in grades 1 through 8 will work approximately three hours per week in the resource room with outside work expected. Students in kindergarten will be served in the regular classroom with the gifted teacher serving as a resource teacher. The Expanding Horizons teacher in their classrooms will serve all kindergarten students with weekly activities lead. High school gifted students will be served in an elective course called "Exploratory Studies for Expanding Horizons".
LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER The Library Media Center provides students and teacher’s access to information in a variety of formats and empowers them to use this information effectively and confidently. Resources available include: books, magazines, newspapers, educational videos, computer software and access through MORENet to Web sites and distance communications.
Students are expected to be responsible users and show consideration for others by returning materials on time and by sharing the use of technological resources. The cooperation and support of parents will help to maintain an efficient and effective atmosphere for learning in the Library Media Center.
VOLUNTEERS Parental involvement is encouraged in the Lathrop R-II District. Volunteering your time and/or talents is one of the ways you can become involved in your child's school experience. If you have a special interest, hobby, or career, you may want to volunteer to come to school and speak to a class on this topic. If your area of interest coincides with what's being taught in the classroom, teachers will contact you to set up a mutually agreeable date and time. Parents are welcome to volunteer at school one or two days per week. Throughout the school year volunteers are needed to help with special activities such as Science Fun Day, classroom, music and/or P.E. activities, etc. You will receive additional information and forms for indicating your choice of activities in the Lathrop PTO Handbook that will be sent home with your child. All parent volunteers are asked to check in at the office, sign-in and receive a visitor's pass before going to any classroom.
NON DISCRIMINATION POLICY The Lathrop R-II School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
Dr. Ken Quick Director Special Services 700 Center Street Lathrop, MO 64465 816-528-7725
For further information on notice of non-discrimination, you may contact:
The Office for Civil Rights Region VII 8930 Ward Parkway Suite 2037 Kansas City, MO 64114-3302 816-268-0592
RELEASE OF STUDENT RECORDS ANNUAL NOTIFICATION OF DIRECTORY INFORMATION
School Board Policy File: JO-R The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, requires that the Lathrop R-II School District, with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child's education records. However, the Lathrop R-II School District may disclose appropriately designated "directory information" without written consent, unless you have advised the District to the contrary in accordance with District procedures. The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the Lathrop R-II School District to include this type of information from your child's education records in certain school publications. Examples include: * A playbill, showing your student's role in a drama production; * The annual yearbook; * Honor roll or other recognition lists; * Graduation programs; * and Sports activity sheets, such as for wrestling, showing weight and height of team members. Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent's prior written consent. Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks. In addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with three directory information categories - names, addresses and telephone listings - unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student's information disclosed without their prior written consent.
If you do not want the Lathrop R-II School District to disclose directory information from your child's education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the District in writing by September 4, 2009. The Lathrop R-II School District has designated the following information as directory information: * Student's name and address * Participation in officially recognized activities and sports * Telephone listing * Weight and height of members of athletic teams * Electronic mail address * Photograph * Degrees, honors, and awards received * Date and place of birth * Major field of study * Dates of attendance * Grade level * The most recent educational agency or institution attended **** Please sign, date and return to the Elementary School office no later than September 4, 2009 if you do not wish to have student directory information released.****
We (I), the parent(s)/legal guardian of _______________________________________________ request that Directory Information NOT BE RELEASED regarding my son(s)/daughter(s) to any college, armed forces, newspaper, etc. Parent/Guardian Signature_________________________________________ Date ______________ Lathrop Elementary School2009-2010 Calendar
August 18 Open House 6:00-7:00 PTO meeting 7:00 August 20 First Day of Classes August 27 Elementary Pictures September 2 1:10 Release for Teacher In-Service September 7 Labor Day (No School)
September 23 1:10 Release for Teacher In-Service October 14 1:10 Release for Teacher In-Service October 16 End First Quarter/Grades given at P-T Conferences October 19 Fall Book Fair begins October 22 11:30 Dismissal October 22 Parent/Teacher Conf. 1:00-8:00 P.M. October 23 No School October 30 Fall Parties 2:20-2:55 November 3 Fall Book Fair ends November 4 1:10 Release for Teacher In-Service November 18 1:10 Release for Teacher In-Service November 19 3rd grade program 7:00 November 25 11:30 Dismissal November 26,27 Thanksgiving Holiday – (No School) December 3 1st grade program 7:00 December 9 1:10 Release for Teacher In-Service December 10 5th grade program 7:00 December 22 11:30 Dismissal End of 2nd Quarter grades sent home 1/8/10 Dec. 23 – Jan. 1 Winter Break (No School) January 4 Classes Resume/Beginning of 3rd Quarter January 13 1:10 Release for Teacher In-Service January 18 No School Martin Luther King Day January 27 1:10 Release for Teacher In-Service February 2 Lathrop Spelling Bee – 7:00 P.M. February 3 1:10 Release for Teacher In-Service February 10 Valentines Party 2:20-2:55 February 11 11:30 Dismissal February 11 Mid-Term Parent-Teacher Conferences 1:00 – 8:00 February 12 No School February 15 No School/President’s Day February 16 Jump Rope for Heart 1st and 2nd grade (during specials) February 18 Jump Rope for Heart 3rd-5th grades 3:15-4:45 February 24 1:10 Release for Teacher In-Service March 3 4th grade recorder program 9:30 March 5 Community Talent Show 7:00 March 10 1:10 Release for Teacher In-Service March 19 No School – Lathrop Ag Competition March 22 Spring Book Fair begins March 31 Spring Book Fair ends March 31 1:10 Release for Teacher In-Service April 2, 5 No School - Spring Break April 21 1:10 Release for Teacher In-Service April 22 Kindergarten program 7:00 May 5 11:30 Dismissal for Teacher In-Service May 18 Track and Field Day May 20 11:30 Dismissal/End of 4th Quarter
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