07-08 LES Student/Parent Handbook

 

Table of Contents

 

Letter to Parents..........................................................................................................	Page 2
Important Information and USD #343 Board Information ..............................................	Page 2
Lecompton Elementary School Mission Statement ......................................................	Page 3
Lecompton Elementary SchoolBelief Statements .........................................................	Page 3
Welcome.......................................................................................................................	Page 4
School Hours.................................................................................................................	Page 4
Arrival at School.........................................................................................................	Page 4
Tardiness....................................................................................................................	Page 4
Attendance..................................................................................................................	Page 5
Truancy........................................................................................................................	Page 5
Dismissal During School Hours....................................................................................	Page 5
First Time Enrollments ..................................................................................................	Page 6
Immunization and Health Assessment Requirements..................................................	Page 6
Positive Discipline.........................................................................................................	Page 6
School Rules for Behavior...........................................................................................	Page 6
School Procedures for Behavior.................................................................................	Page 7
Perry Public SchoolsTransportation ...........................................................................	Page 8
Cold Weather Recess ..................................................................................................	Page 9
Absences from Physical Education Class...................................................................	Page 9
School Lunch Program.................................................................................................	Page 9
Homework....................................................................................................................	Page 10
Field Trips....................................................................................................................	Page 10
Reporting Student Progress.........................................................................................	Page 10
School to Home Communication..................................................................................	Page 11
Report Cards and Grades ...........................................................................................	Page 11
Parent-Teacher Conferences ......................................................................................	Page 11
Non-School Personal Items ..........................................................................................	Page 11
Personal Appearance .................................................................................................	Page 11
Fire Drills ......................................................................................................................	Page 12
Tornado Alert ...............................................................................................................	Page 12
Telephone Usage.........................................................................................................	Page 12
Lost and Found ............................................................................................................	Page 12
Bicycle Safety ..............................................................................................................	Page 12
Emergency SchoolClosing...........................................................................................	Page 12
Birthday Celebrations ...................................................................................................	Page 12
The School Library .......................................................................................................	Page 13
Care of Textbooks.......................................................................................................	Page 13
Illness and Health Policies............................................................................................	Page 13
Guidelines for Dispensing All Medications ..................................................................	Page 14
School Counselor.........................................................................................................	Page 14
School Counseling Policy and Procedures.................................................................	Page 14
School Site Council.......................................................................................................	Page 15
Nondiscrimination.........................................................................................................	Page 15
Visitors..........................................................................................................................	Page 16
Animals and Plants in the School................................................................................	Page 16
Safe Schools..............................................................................................................	Page 16
Weapons.....................................................................................................................	Page 17
Drug Free Schools......................................................................................................	Page 17
Student Conduct. ........................................................................................................	Page 17
Technology Acceptable Use Policy............................................................................	Page 18
Student Computer Usage............................................................................................	Page 20
District or School Web Sites........................................................................................	Page 20
Sexual Harassment.....................................................................................................	Page 20
Employee and/or Student Racial Harassment.. ............................................................	Page 20
APPENDICES    Sexual Harassment (Complete Policy) .............................................	Item A
.............................. Racial Harassment: Students (Complete Policy)............................	Item B
.............................. Racial Harassment: Employees (Complete Policy) ........................	Item C
.............................. School Web Sites (Complete Policy) ............................................	Item D
.............................. Animals and Plants in the School (Complete Policy).......................	Item E
.............................. USD #343 Medication Administration Request Form ......................	Item F
.............................. Health Education or Counseling OPT-OUT Form.............................	Item G
.............................. USD #343 2007-2008 District Calendar .................................. .....	Item H
.............................. Map of the LES Intermediate Wing.................................................	Item I
.............................. Map of the LES Primary Wing .......................................................	Item J
.............................. LES Homework Guidelines ...........................................................	Item K

 

Dear Parents and Students,

 

It is my privilege, on behalf of the Lecompton Elementary School staff, to welcome you and your child to our school and the 2007-2008 school year.  The purpose of this handbook is for you to become more familiar with the general procedures at our school.  It contains information that should be known by all those connected with Lecompton Elementary School. 

Schools were created to meet the needs of our children.  The people that work at Lecompton Elementary, whether we teach classes, serve meals, clean the building or work in the office, have meeting the educational needs of our students as the fundamental reason behind our every move.  Our main objective is making sure that every student at Lecompton Elementary receives the best education possible.  In order to reach our students’ educational goals, we must all work together.  There must be active cooperation and participation from the school staff, the parents, and most importantly, the child. 

This handbook is as complete as possible, but it cannot answer all the questions that might arise during the school year.  If you have any questions or concerns at any time during the school year, please feel free to call the school office at the number listed below.  

 Sincerely,

Sharon Keagy

L.E.S. Principal 

 

 

IMPORTANT  INFORMATION 

LecomptonElementary School Office:  785-887-6343     

Lecompton Elementary School Fax:  785-887-6755

LecomptonElementary School Toll Free Number:  866-282-2232         

N.E.K.E.S.C. Administrative Offices:  785-863-3410

USD #343 Bus Garage:  785—597-5303                          

USD #343 Food Service:  785-597-5872

USD #343 District Office:  788-5-597-5138                        

Jefferson County Health Department:  785-863-2447

USD #343 Web Site Address:  www.usd343.org

  

USD#343 BOARD of EDUCATION 

 

Kevin Wade – 246-3049	Kevin Morgison – 597-5282
Linda Baranski – 887-6010	Travis Daniels – 246-2616
Matt Erickson – 246-3619	Jamie Harwood – 597-5108
Jenny Morgison – 887-3959	Marty Blosser, Treasurer

LecomptonElementary School

MISSION STATEMENT

Lecompton Elementary School will provide a safe and a caring environment where students are encouraged to reach academic and personal excellence thereby fostering responsible, self-motivated and respectful citizens.

 

LecomptonElementary School

BELIEF STATEMENTS

 1.  All students can learn the essential curriculum at defined levels of success given instruction, time, support and encouragement.

2.  All children will be provided opportunities to develop positive, healthy self-concepts based on curriculum success and meaningful interaction with others.

3.  Given the belief that all children learn differently and at different rates, a variety of teaching techniques will be utilized based on current research and validated practice.

4.  We believe that both cooperation and competition have a place in the educational process.

5.  We believe parents, students and teachers are essential and accountable for each child's education.

6.  We believe a spirit of cooperation among parents, community and school can enhance student achievement and school climate.  

Updated November 7, 2001

WELCOME TO LECOMPTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL! 

Welcome to Lecompton Elementary School, where kindergarten through fourth grade is taught. If you are new, we hope you find our teachers and students friendly, concerned and willing to help you and your child get acquainted with our school. To all parents and students of Lecompton Elementary, we hope to have an enjoyable and successful school year. If you have any questions or concerns about any part of the school program, please call the school office at 785-887-6343.  Teachers are available for conferences according to their teaching schedule and the principal's door is open for your visits at any time.  It is recommended you call and schedule meetings to ensure the availability of the person you are wishing to meet.

SCHOOL HOURS

School is in session for Kindergarten through 4th grades from 8:05 a.m. to 3:20 p.m.  

Any student leaving before their scheduled dismissal time will be counted absent according to the L.E.S. absence equivalents found below.

ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL

All students, except bus riders, should NOT arrive at school earlier than 7:50 a.m.  We ask for your cooperation by coming to school between 7:50 and 8:00 a.m.  All students who arrive after 8:05 a.m. must obtain an “Admit Slip” from the office before going to class. 

When buses are NOT in the bus drive, car riders may be dropped off in front of the school.  When buses ARE in the drive, car riders need to be dropped off at the south end of the building so they may walk on the sidewalk to enter the building.  Car riders are NEVER to be dropped off in the far west staff parking lot due to safety concerns. 

TARDINESS

Excessive tardiness hinders a student's learning and creates an inconvenience to the teacher and other students in the classroom. This is a very poor habit for the student to develop. When there are valid reasons for being tardy, the school should hear the reason from parents/guardian via a phone call or a written note. Habitual tardiness will result in parent conferences with appropriate action to be determined.  

A child is considered tardy if arrival is after 8:05. Also, 10:00, 12:00 and 2:00 are "cut off" times for 1/4, 1/2,3/4 and full day absences. Arrival times and absence equivalents are as follows:  

8:05 –   8:20 a.m.	= Tardy
8:21 – 10:00 a.m.	= ¼ day absence
10:01 – 12:00 p.m.	= ½ day absence
12:01 –   2:00 p.m.	= ¾ day absence
2:01 –   3:20 p.m.	= 1 full day absence

 

ATTENDANCE

Proper attendance is necessary for success in school. We will be encouraging good attendance and enforcing attendance policies. Parents should phone the school by 8:30 a.m. to inform the school of their child's absence. If we do not receive a call excusing the child's absence, the office will call the parent/guardian at the home/work numbers previously provided for that child to verify the absence. All absences will be considered unexcused unless within 24 hours after the child returns to school, parental contact has been made with office personnel through a written excuse or telephone call. If there are extenuating circumstances, in the judgment of the principal, a two-day grace period may be allowed for the student to produce the written excuse or to have the parent or guardian telephone the school.

 

Excused Absence: Students will be allowed to make up work for class credit following an excused absence.  An excused absence is an absence by a student with permission from the parent that may fall within the following reasons:

 

1. Personal Illness	6. Funerals
2. Medical Appointments	7. Family emergencies
3. Court Appointments	8. Death in the Immediate Family
4. Observe Religious Holy Days	9. Family Trips
5. Family situations requiring the student's assistance

 

Unexcused Absence: An unexcused absence is an absence by a student with parental permission that does not fall within the excused absence policy of the school district. The student will not be allowed to make up work for class credit.  The building principal can make the final determination of whether an absence is unexcused.

Skip Absence: A skip absence is an absence by a student without permission from the school and parent. The student will not be allowed to make up work for class credit and disciplinary action will be taken by the school.

Excessive Absences: A student who has ten absences in a semester is considered to have excessive absences. When a student has ten absences in a semester, he or she could be required to submit a doctor's note for each subsequent day of absence for that absence to be excused.  

TRUANCY

In compliance with, and taken partly from K.S.A. Supp. 38-802(1973,HB1502) Juvenile Code and Supp. 72-1113, and K.S.A. 72-1113(1973,HB26) a child is required by law to attend school. If a child is inexcusably absent, then that child is truant after three consecutive school days or five school days in a semester. Should a student become truant as defined, the proper authority will be contacted.

DISMISSAL DURING SCHOOL HOURS

Students may be dismissed during school hours to meet a medical or dental appointment or for personal reasons of the parent. To safeguard the children, we ask that, whenever possible, advance requests for dismissal be made by the parent/guardian and conveyed to school as soon as possible. If possible, send this request to the teacher one day in advance. Last minute requests may be made by coming to the office in person. In all cases, parents are asked to come to the office at the time the student is to be dismissed. Exceptions to this procedure must be made ahead of time with the principal. Children will not be released by a phone call except in special instances.

FIRST TIME ENROLLMENTS (PROOF OF IDENTITY)

The parents and/or guardians of any Kindergarten or 1st grade student, enrolling in the district for the first time, shall furnish a birth certificate as a condition of enrollment. Proof of a child's true identity is also required for students in grades 2 through 12, enrolling in the district for the first time. Acceptable proof of identity for students 2nd grade and above may be a certified school transcript or other similar student records. Parents and/or guardians who are unable to provide the documents noted above should consult with the building principal regarding acceptable proof of identity.

IMMUNIZATION & HEALTH ASSESSMENT REQUIREMENTS

All students enrolling in any district school shall provide the building principal with proof of immunization of certain diseases or furnish documents to satisfy statutory requirements. Booster shots required by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Environment are also required. An inoculation schedule may be obtained by contacting the school office. If inoculations required by State statute are not received by the beginning of school, your child may be excluded from class until proof of inoculations can be provided to the school office. All new and beginning students, eight years old and younger, must have a completed Health Assessment Form prior to attending Kansas public schools. Exemptions to the requirements of inoculations given according to the recommended schedule may be made in case of vaccine shortage, religious beliefs, or medical conditions .

POSITIVE DISCIPLINE

The positive discipline system used at Lecompton Elementary is based upon the writing of psychologist William Glasser, M.D. Glasser believes that people are responsible for their own behavior and are motivated by four basic needs: love/belonging, power, freedom and fun. The children will learn to examine why they might sometimes break rules or procedures and to devise a plan for how they might handle a problem more constructively next time. They will learn how to treat others with respect, how to take responsibility for their own actions, and ways to take time out to think before they act.

When misbehavior occurs, the teacher will first ask the student to please stop. If the misbehavior continues the teacher will then ask if he/she is choosing a planning time. Students will be aware that if the behavior continues, they will respectfully be asked to move to the planning desk in the room to write a plan for better behavior in the future. If the plan fails, the student will be sent to another classroom for a Level Two plan, where the other classroom teacher will assist the child in writing their plan for success. If this second plan fails, the student goes to the principal's office for Level Three plan and parents are notified. A Level Four plan is for very serious misbehavior. The student is sent home for a day during which he/she is expected to write a plan with parental help. Upon return to school, parents and student meet with the teacher and principal to review the new plan.

Physical or verbal threats, intimidation or violence directed towards other students or staff members will be taken very seriously and not tolerated. Any such behavior will be dealt with at a Level Three or Level Four Plan, depending on the circumstances. In all situations, the principal has the final determination of what consequence is appropriate.

 

L.E.S. SCHOOL RULES FOR BEHAVIOR ARE…

…respect ourselves!                   …respect others!                …respect property!

  SCHOOL PROCEDURES FOR BEHAVIOR

 

Restroom

1. Only 4 people should be in the restroom at one time unless there is an emergency.
2. Treat the restroom with respect-use and flush toilets appropriately, pick up paper towels, do not climb on stalls, or climb in the sink, etc.
3. Respect other's rights to privacy.

 Hallway

1. Move quietly through the hallways.
2. Stay in line on the right side of the hall.
3. Keep hands and feet to yourself.

 Lunchroom

1. Visit in a quiet voice.
2. Follow directions given by the lunchroom supervisor.
3. Do not trade food.
4. Keep your hands and feet to yourself at all times.
5. Ask permission before leaving your table.
6. Do not save places.

Playground

1.        Permission to re-enter the building for any reason must be obtained from the teacher(s) or supervisor(s) on duty.

2.        No more than one person sliding down the slippery slide at one time and only one student on the stairs at a time.

3.        No swinging sideways, twisting or bailing out frontward or backwards. No standing up on the swings, swinging on the stomach, or wrapping of the swings in order to shorten the swing.

4.        No throwing of anything other than balls or frisbees on the playground.

5.        No pushing, chasing, throwing, kicking, tackling, or grabbing of another student or their clothing.

6.        For football playing -- no blocking or tackling will be allowed.

7.        Kickball, Baseball and Softball—kickers and batters must stay behind the backstop while waiting their turn to kick or bat. No climbing on the backstop.

8.        Follow the established rules of the game you are playing.

9.        No inappropriate standing or sitting on the top of any of the playground equipment.

10.    Ball gloves and hard balls should not be brought to school for recess.

11.    No playing in the east grassy area next to the intermediate wing.

12.    No dodge ball.

13.    No balls should be thrown or kicked against the building.

14.    Jump ropes are for jumping only.

15.    Play only on the designated playground areas:  blacktop south of intermediate wing, playground equipment area, and grassy area (not near east fence area) and ball field south of the intermediate wing blacktop.  Teachers can limit these if determined necessary.

16.    Students should line up quickly and quietly as soon as the signal is given at the conclusion of recess.

17.    No sunglasses should be worn by students outside unless ordered by a doctor.

 

TRANSPORTATION FOR USD #343 STUDENTS

Providing safe transportation for your student to and from their attendance center is a combined effort with bus drivers, students and parents all involved. Together, we will continue our joint commitment to provide the safest transportation for students.

 

Bus rules approved by the Board of Education are:

● Observe the same conduct as in the classroom

● Be courteous, and use no profane language

● Do not eat or drink on the bus

● Keep the bus clean

● Cooperate with the driver

● No smoking

● Do not be destructive

● Stay in your seat

● Keep head, hands, and feet inside the bus at all times

 

Students are expected to follow all rules, and to treat the drivers as they would their teachers. Parents will be contacted if problems arise, so that they can work with school personnel to help their child behave appropriately. Students who continually distract the driver may be excluded from the bus until they have proved to be able to ride safely without being a distraction. The principal will also be notified of dangerous practices or unruly behavior.

 

If your child is a regular rider and will not be riding on a particular day, please call the bus barn at 785-597-5303 to notify the driver.

 

At any point, consequences for students who experience discipline issues while riding the bus will be determined by the principal, depending on the severity of the offense.

  

A few things to know...

 Please notify the school by written note or a phone call before 1 p.m. if there is any change in your child’s transportation. Students will not be allowed to change buses or pick up or drop off location without communication from the PARENT/GUARDIAN to the school.

Also, if your day care provider changes during the school year, the new provider must live on an established bus route for their attendance center if bus transportation is used.

If you ever have any concerns regarding your child while riding the bus, please call your child's bus driver.  If concerns continue, please contact the building principal.

Thank you for helping us to provide the safest transportation for the most precious passengers - our children.

COLD WEATHER RECESS

Unless the weather is too severe, all grades, K-4, will be going out regularly for recess during the school day.

Guidelines for Outdoor Recess

If the air temperature is less than 20 degrees or if the wind-chill temperature is less than 20 degrees, we will not go outside. Final determination as to whether recess will be held outside or inside will be made by the principal. As a general rule, all children will be expected to go out with the class. In most instances, we feel that if a child is too sick to go outside (fever, chest congestion, bad head cold, etc.) they probably should not be in school, possibly exposing other children to infection. Exceptions to this will be made only on an individual basis. Whenever you feel there is a special reason why your child should stay in from recess, please call the office or send a note to the teacher to make the request.

Please see that your child wears the proper winter clothing (coats, gloves, hats, overshoes, etc.) to and from school. When snow is on the ground and the blacktop area has been cleared off, students will be required to stay on the blacktop areas, unless they have snow boots.

ABSENCES FROM PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASS

If a child is unable to participate or needs to limit his/her activity in P.E., we ask that a note of explanation signed by a parent or guardian be sent to school.

SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM

U.S.D. #343 provides an excellent breakfast and school lunch program for its students, but students are also welcome to bring their own lunches from home. Please keep in mind that if your child brings a sack lunch, or if you bring in lunch for your child, the appropriate drink to bring is milk, water, or juice. Please do not send or bring any carbonated beverages in your child's lunch. If you are going to eat lunch with your child, please call the school office by 8:30 a.m. that day, as an accurate lunch count must be relayed to Food Service by 8:45 a.m.

An application for free/reduced lunches is available upon request in the school office at the beginning of the year, or as the need for such assistance might become necessary. These applications should be returned to the school office for processing. Parents are urged to apply if they feel they might be eligible for this assistance. If a child is eligible for a free or reduced priced lunch, breakfast is free or reduced also. The cost of extra milks at lunch, or snack milks are not included in the Free/Reduced meal programs.

School breakfast and lunch prices are available at the beginning of each school year and are published in the District’s Newsletter. Monthly menus are also published in the District's newsletter. Lunch and milk money should be paid at the start of each month or week. The office discourages day-by-day payments for lunch and milk due to the daily time required for receipting this money.

Lunch account balance reminders are sent home twice a week. If your child has incurred a negative account balance, payment is expected upon receipt of the balance reminder. If you are unable to make payment at that time, please call the office, as your child will only be allowed to charge up to five lunches before services are suspended.

A rotation of fourth grade students will assist the cook during serving times weekly in the lunchroom throughout the school year. Teachers must approve students who volunteer to be helpers.

HOMEWORK

To enhance our students' success and confidence in learning, we will be including homework as part of our school's routine and will provide a durable folder to be used for carrying your child's homework between school and home. Research shows that extra practice will increase your child's speed and accuracy on important skills.

L.E.S. will provide every student with a copy of the Lecompton Elementary School Homework Guidelines and is asking you to read the guidelines to your child and to utilize these guidelines in supporting your child as they complete their homework. Following these guidelines can help decrease the tension that can be associated with homework and will enhance your child's learning. These guidelines can be found in the Appendices of this handbook.

It is important that students complete their homework so they won't fall behind in class. If a student is absent from school, parents should call to make arrangements to pick up the student's assigned homework or make arrangements for a brother/sister or another student to take home the assigned homework. Please call in advance before coming to the school to pick up homework in order to allow the teacher the appropriate amount of time to gather these instructional materials.

FIELD TRIPS

Parents who accompany their child on school field trips should not bring other children such as pre-schoolers or other siblings on the class trip. We encourage parental support on these trips; but have found that young children hinder proper supervision of students attending the field trip. Parents are not permitted to smoke while accompanying their child on any field trip. Your child must have a signed and completed Fieldtrip Permission Form on file with the teacher every time they participate in a fieldtrip located off of district property.

We ask that children ride the school bus to field trips. Parents should contact the principal 24 hours prior to the field trip if special transportation arrangements are requested.

REPORTING STUDENT PROGRESS

The Board of Education adopted a proposal made by our Curriculum Coordinating Council in 1991-92 that the traditional grading system in kindergarten through fourth grades would be abandoned in favor of a more specific reporting system.

Do not be alarmed if one-half of the outcomes in math have not been introduced by the semester. We are finding that we must spend a great deal of time each first year mastering prerequisites. This means we are making sure students know their basic facts and basic principles before introducing higher-level material.

At the end of the year, if all of a grade's objectives have not been met, your child will continue to work on mastering the objectives they did not complete as they go on with their new grade level of work. Students’ progress will be monitored by the classroom teachers.

Our school district utilizes a software program called PowerSchool to keep track of student records such as grades, attendance, and homework. Through this program, you have the option of logging into the district's web site (www.usd343.org) and through a password protected procedure, you can view information regarding your child's progress at school. Please call the school office if you have difficulty logging in to PowerSchool or if you are in need of your PowerSchool password or ID number.  

SCHOOL-TO-HOME COMMUNICATION

Lecompton Elementary communicates important information to parents in several different ways. Teachers will often times generate a classroom newsletter or informational sheet to send home with students when an event is approaching or they need to update parents regarding classroom activities. The school office also distributes a monthly newsletter at the beginning of every full month school is in session. The office may also periodically generate notices that will be sent home with students regarding health issues, deadlines, or safety issues. You may also follow links provided to you on the District's web site (www.usd343.org) that will give you information about Lecompton Elementary and upcoming events. If you have questions regarding school-to-home communications, feel free to call the L.E.S. office at any time or talk with your child’s teacher.

REPORT CARDS AND GRADES

Parents will receive report cards at the end of each nine weeks of instruction. Progress reports will be sent out halfway through each grading period. These documents should be signed and returned promptly to the classroom teacher. Non-custodial parents will receive copies of all reports unless prohibited by court order.

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

Conferences will be scheduled with all parents, during the first 9-week period of the school year. At this time, your student's progress will be discussed. Another parent-teacher conference will be scheduled during the third 9-week period. Teachers or parents may request additional conferences throughout the year.

NON-SCHOOL PERSONAL ITEMS

Radios, tape recorders, CD players, toys, trading cards, sports equipment, etc., and other electronic toys/gadgets are not to be brought to school, unless requested by the teacher due to these items being a distraction, and lack of storage space. We understand that some bus drivers allow students to bring radios or CD players onto the bus if they have extended ride times to or from school, but we ask that students keep those items in their backpacks during school hours, while on school property or they will be confiscated. The school will not be responsible for lost, broken, or stolen items.

PERSONAL APPEARANCE

It is believed that dress is an individual matter with the responsibility resting with the student and home. The school will enforce dress rules in all matters relating to health, safety, and distraction.

Interpretations of the above include the following; within the limits of decency; it shall be such that it does not distract from normal school procedures or create a disturbance; or create a health or safety hazard to the student or to those about him/her.  

1. In order to secure safety with our students, we need for all students to have shoes so they can actively participate in Physical Education classes and recess.  Sports shoes are the best.  These can be an extra pair that is kept at school into which students can change, or can be the shoes they wear to school.  All other shoes need to be closed and have back straps of some kind to assist in keeping students safe. 
2. Hats may be worn to school but should be taken off upon entering the building.  
3. Clothes with advertisements for alcoholic beverages and smoking will not be allowed in school.  
4. Shorts may be worn during hot weather. No bare midriff, strapless or backless tops or tops with "spaghetti" straps will be allowed. 

FIRE DRILLS

Fire drills are held each month. When the fire buzzer sounds, students will pass quickly, but in an orderly manner from their rooms. Instructions about the route taken by the student will be discussed with them by their teacher and posted by the classroom door.  

TORNADO ALERT

In the event of severe weather requiring a "take cover" situation, we will place the children in their designated tornado shelter areas (approved by Douglas County Emergency Management.) Tornado drills will be held periodically to prepare the students for such emergencies.

TELEPHONE USAGE

Students will not be allowed to use the phone except in an emergency. Calling home to make arrangements to stay with a friend is not an emergency. Permission must be given to the student by the teacher, principal or secretary. Also, students will not be called from class to the phone except in emergencies. We will make every attempt to deliver messages to students from parents if absolutely necessary.

LOST AND FOUND

Each year, our school has a large amount of lost and found items that are not claimed. It is imperative that any coats, hats, gloves, backpacks, notebooks, etc., are clearly marked with the students’ names.  We recognize the cost of such items and want them returned to their proper owners.  The lost and found items stored in the Kitchen/Storage room that are not claimed by the end of the year will be donated to a non-profit charity.

BICYCLE SAFETY

For safety reasons, younger students (grades K, 1, & 2) are asked not to ride bicycles to school. Students who ride bicycles are to park their bicycles in the racks provided and NOT ride them after they arrive at school. Bikes are not to be ridden on the playground or parking lot. Students not following Bike Safety Rules may lose privileges to ride their bikes to school.

EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING

The decision to call off school or to dismiss during the day because of extreme weather conditions will be made by the superintendent of schools. Every effort will be made to notify all parents in advance when this situation occurs.

During the storm season, listen to WIBW TV 13, WDAF TV 4, KSNT TV 27, KTKA TV 49 or AM 580, FM 94.5 Country and WIBW Radio for information regarding busses and school closing. Please submit updated phone numbers to the school office as they are known. Parents should make themselves available during extreme weather if there is a possibility of school closing or notify the school of alternate child care plans should the need arise.  

The L.E.S. Parent Calling Tree will be put into effect whenever school is dismissed early due to weather or any other appropriate circumstance. In these cases, a parent volunteer will contact you at one of the number(s) provided to the office only for the purpose of alerting you of the early dismissal. If we don't hear from a child's parent/guardian regarding alternate transportation plans when school is dismissed early, that child will follow their normal transportation plan for that specific day.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

Student birthdays may be observed during the school day. Students may either distribute treats or present the class or school with a more lasting gift such as a book. The school will also recognize students on their birthdays. Students are not permitted to distribute party invitations at school.

THE SCHOOL LIBRARY

The school's library is available to all students and staff. Students will come to the library on a regular basis to check out books, use the computers and for class instruction. Kindergarten students will check out one book each week, grades one through four may check out two books each week. Additional books will not be checked out until the previous books are returned. If a book is lost, parents will need to pay a replacement cost of $10.00.

CARE OF TEXTBOOKS

The classroom teacher will issue rental books to students at the beginning of the school year. Students must check in all books at the end of the year. Each book will be student assigned and numbered.   Books are not to be marked in, except for the student’s name.   Immediately report any damage your child’s book may have to the classroom teacher.  Minor damage will be charged against the person causing the damage.  A book that is damaged beyond repair or lost must be paid for by the person who damaged or lost the book.  Each student is responsible for the book checked out to him/her.

STUDENT ILLNESS AND HEALTH POLICIES

If a child becomes ill at school, the parent/guardian on record will be contacted so that child can be transported home. If the parent/guardian cannot be reached, the person designated as the child's emergency contact on the building enrollment sheet will be notified. If no one can be reached, the child will be kept at school. No child will be sent home unless there will be someone to care for him/her. Health conditions that require special treatment for your child should be reported to the school. Any child with a fever of 100 degrees or above will be sent home or kept in the school office until the parents are located. Children should be fever free without taking acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or other non-aspirin medication for 24 hours before returning to school. If a child is not running a fever but is experiencing illness or any other reason that would cause them to be unable to participate in class, the parent/guardian will be asked to come and pick up that child.   Parents are expected to arrive in the office to pick up a sick child in a timely manner (within 30 minutes of being notified, unless other arrangements have been made.)

The following are diseases, which require medical attention before returning to school: 

● Chickenpox - Children will be excluded from school for 6 days after the onset of first crop of vesicles (blisters). It is highly recommended that all blisters be scabbed before your child returns to school.

● Head Lice - Infested children will be sent to the school office immediately and parents will be contacted to take the child home. After successful treatment, the child must be checked by school personnel and if found free of lice and nits, the child will be able to be transported by bus and return to school.  Ten days after the student returns to school, the student will be rechecked for lice and nits.  If the student is found to be free of lice and nits, they may return to class.  If the student is found to have lice or nits, they will be picked up from school and will need to undergo additional treatment before returning to school.

● Pink Eye - Cases will be excluded from school until the discharge from the infected eye ceases and medical treatment is sought.

● Ringworm - Infected children will be able to return to school if receiving appropriate treatment.

● Scabies - Children who are infested will be excluded from school until treatment with an appropriate anti-parasite drug has begun.

● Impetigo - Children with impetigo will be excluded from school until medical treatment has begun.

● Strep Throat - Children with strep throat will be excluded from school until they have been on antibiotics for 24 hours and are fever-free.  

If a child is suspected to have contracted any of the diseases listed above, a doctor's release may be requested BEFORE your child can return to school, so please seek medical care for your child.  

GUIDELINES FOR DISPENSING ALL MEDICATION

USD #343 will assist in dispensing medication prescribed by a physician to a student if necessary during the school day. Before any medication will be dispensed to a student, the following procedures must be followed:  

1.       The medication must be sent to school in the original container or original pharmacy container on which the child's name, dosage, and type of medication are clearly noted.

2.       The school must, on a yearly updated basis, have on file a completed Medication Administration Request Form signed by the prescribing physician and the parent/guardian giving school personnel permission to dispense prescription medication, stating reason for giving the medication, and noting the period of time over which the medication should be dispensed to the student.  

As in accordance with policy, children may bring cough drops/throat lozenges to school with parent's written permission only. Cough drops/throat lozenges should be clearly labeled, and brought to the office along with the written permission from the parent.  

Administration of over-the-counter medications (other than cough drops/throat lozenges) will be permitted in the event that a parent has completed the required Medication Administration Request Form and it is on file in the school office. Please keep in mind that this medication must come to school in the original store container. Cold/cough medications will be given according to the directions on the package, for the duration specified on the package, then will be returned home. Any ibuprofen/ acetaminophen to be left in the office beyond the instructed days of dosage on the package will require a specific medical reason such as migraines, broken bones, orthodontic treatment, etc. Administration of over the counter medication that does not reflect the specific dosage instructions on the package requires a doctor's order.  

OUR SCHOOL COUNSELOR

L.E.S has a school counselor available in the building on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings. The school counselor teaches classroom guidance lessons with each kindergarten through fourth grade class throughout the year. Small groups are also available for students with specific concerns. Individual appointments may be made with the school counselor upon request. Individual counseling sessions should be considered as being only on a short-term basis.

USD 343 SCHOOL COUNSELING  - K-12 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

The comprehensive, developmental school counseling program at USD 343 is designed to help all students develop their educational, social, career, and personal strengths and to become responsible and productive citizens. The counseling program consists of a variety of services and activities, including educational and career consultation, individual and group counseling, parent and teacher consultation, referrals to other programs and services in the community, testing and test interpretation, the classroom guidance.

USD 343 recognizes and supports the comprehensive school counseling program at all educational levels, and its policies and procedures.  

1. Students can be referred for counseling by parents, staff, peers, or by self-referral. Referrals may be made either through a counselor referral form, or verbally.  

 

2. Communication with parents is integral to the counseling program. Although parental notification is not required prior to counseling or consulting with a student, school counselors will notify parents when problems are of a very critical nature or require on-going services, except in the case of suspected abuse.

 

3. The school counselor protects the confidentiality of information received in the counseling process as specified by law and ethical standards. School counselors always consider actions in terms of the rights, integrity, and welfare of students.

 

4. School counselors as well as all school personnel are obligated by law to report and to refer a case when a student has indicated he/she has been harmed. School counselors are obligated by standards to report and to refer a case when a student intends to harm him/herself, and/or others.

 

5. The school counselor may serve as a referral agent to help students and their families receive assistance from other programs and services in the school system and from agencies outside the school. Except in the case of suspected abuse, every attempt will be made to directly involve parents in the referral process.

 

6. School counselors may consult with other school and community professionals to enhance student development.

 

7. The number of counseling sessions is subject to the discretion of the school counselor.

 

8. Parents or guardians may choose to opt-out of school counseling services. Opt-out forms are available from the school principal.  

SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL

The mission of the School Site Council is to provide advice and counsel regarding specified areas of the school's programs and operation. The LES School Site Council serves as an advisory group to the LES School Improvement Team. School Site Council membership is comprised of teachers, other school personnel, the principal, parents, the business community, and other community groups.  

Meetings are scheduled several times throughout the 2007-2008 school year beginning in September and are open to the public.  

NONDISCRIMINATION

The district shall maintain a learning environment free from discrimination, insult, intimidation, or harassment due to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, or disability.  

Any incident of discrimination in any form shall promptly be reported to a teacher, the principal or other appropriate school official for investigation and corrective action by the compliance officer.  

Any student who engages in discrimination may be reprimanded and counseled to refrain from such conduct. Any student who continues to engage in discriminatory conduct shall be disciplined. Any student who engages in discriminatory behavior may be disciplined in a matter deemed appropriate by the administration, up to and including suspension or expulsion from school.  

VISITORS

After 8:20 a.m. the front door will be locked.  Upon arriving at the school after 8:20 a.m., all visitors will push the button on the front door.  This will alert the office that there is someone at the door.  If you are not recognized, the office will ask for identification then will unlock the door electronically once the visitor is cleared to enter.  Upon entering the school, even if prior to 8:20 a.m., all visitors need to check in at the office in order to sign in, receive a visitor’s ID badge (or sticker, if part of a large school event).  These badges or stickers need to be worn at all times when on school property.&