| The purpose of this handbook is to inform the students and the parents of the services and procedures of Winfield Elementary School. Most of the information contained in this booklet is an expansion of the policy described by the West Virginia State School Code and Putnam County Schools policy. MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Winfield Elementary School is to ensure that every student masters the curriculum and achieves academic success. We will dedicate our time, resources, and practices to closing the achievement gap, bringing every student to mastery and beyond, and preparing every student for success in a diverse and changing world. Working with the home and community, we will build a supportive system characterized by ethical behaviors, mutual respect, professionalism, and collaboration. MASTER SCHEDULE 7:30 Doors open/breakfast begins/buses begin arriving* 8:20 Tardy bell/instruction begins 11:00-11:30 Lunch/Kindergarten-First** 11:30-12:00 Lunch/Second-Third** 12:00-12:30 Lunch/Fourth-Fifth** 3:00 Dismissal/first buses 3:05 Dismissal/second buses 3:10 Dismissal/parent pick-ups *ALL students will report to the cafeteria upon entering the building. Students will be dismissed from the cafeteria at 7:45. Students are not permitted in the classrooms prior to 7:45. **Recess immediately follows lunch with the exception of Kindergarten VISITORS All visitors must sign in at the office. Meetings with teachers to discuss your child, PATIO business, or other business should be scheduled ahead of time with the teacher. There should not be any visitors to the classrooms between 8:05-3:10 unless an appointment has been made with the teacher. PROMOTION/RETENTION Promotion is based on recognition of the need and capability of the pupil to continue with more advanced work. Retention signifies that the pupil’s ability to continue in the advanced grade or subject is in doubt and that retention will be more profitable to future school life than promotion. Notice of the possibility of retention will be given to the parent during the second semester of the school year. The principal is consulted, but ultimately this decision is up to the teacher. Parents shall be informed concerning the progress of the student, but no student will ever be promoted or retained on the insistence of parents alone. PHONE USE Students will be permitted to use the phone for emergencies only. ATTENDANCE A child’s educational growth is hindered when he/she misses class time. Problems are created in general classroom procedures such as presenting materials and testing when students are absent. In order to minimize problems created by absences, the following procedures have been developed and are to be followed: The Attendance Criteria is as follows: Yearly: *“PERFECT” Attendance – All day, every day. *“FAITHFUL” Attendance – No more than five absences. Semester: *”PERFECT” Attendance-All day, every day *”FAITHFUL” Attendance-No more than two absences Nine Weeks: *”PERFECT” Attendance-All day, every day *”FAITHFUL” Attendance-No more than one absence Attendance will be reported according to the county policy as follows: Students who are late for less than one hour should be counted tardy. When arriving more than one hour late, students should be counted absent for one half day. The same one-hour limit would also be in effect for early dismissals. Students who leave more than one hour early in the afternoon should be counted absent for one half day. Please submit a written excuse within three (3) days after returning to school for half day absences. Incentives are as follows: The administration will provide rewards to students who have PERFECT or FAITHFUL Attendance at the end of each nine-week and semester grading period. Students with PERFECT or FAITHFUL Attendance for the entire school year will receive a certificate from the state. Students in the homeroom with the highest average daily attendance will be recognized each month. Disciplinary steps taken to improve attendance: Phone calls to parents, if they do not send or fax, (304)586-5351, a written excuse when child is absent; a five-day letter is sent by the school when a child has five unexcused absences; a ten-day letter is sent from the county attendance director upon the tenth unexcused absence; a truancy petition is filed with the magistrate upon the fifteenth unexcused absence. Students may be assigned to work hall to make up missed work. General information: Please report student absences on the absence extension in the school voice mail directory. Additionally, a written excuse must also be submitted within three (3) days after returning to school—NO EXCEPTIONS! Students are permitted six (6) parent notes per year which will be excused for any reason. Students are also excused for the following reasons: Medical appointments (must submit excuse from the doctor); Failure of the bus to run (driver must verify this with school); School-approved activities; Funeral; Legal appointments; Gifted classes. Students are NOT excused for the following reasons: Vacations; Suspensions; Absence with parent notes exceeding the allowable six. Tardies: All students who are tardy for any reason MUST have an admit slip from the office BEFORE being admitted to class. Out of Zone Students: Out of zone students who are consistently tardy or absent will be denied approval the following school year upon application for attendance to Winfield Elementary. DRESS CODE As styles change, students want to try the fads and be in style. While recognizing this, there are some “fads” which do not belong at school. We encourage our students to have PRIDE in their personal appearance at all times, as well as PRIDE in their school. We ask for parent cooperation in monitoring your child’s appearance to ensure that our students both look and act appropriately in order to foster the best learning environment. Listed below are some guidelines for dress for Putnam County Schools: 1. Headwear may not be worn except with special permission of the principal. 2. While standing straight, shirts, tops, or blouses must come to the top of the pants or other lower body attire. Additionally, tops should be modest and not low cut. 3. Shorts should be of moderate length. 4. Clothing may advertise products as long as they do not contain obscenities, profanity, or advertise tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs. 5. Footwear with soles must be worn. PHYSICAL EDUCATION Tennis shoes and socks are required for Physical Education classes. P.E. grades will be affected by non-daily participation in P.E. activities. If you child is ill or injured, a written note from home is required to excuse him/her from P.E. class or outside play. Non-participation of three days or longer require a doctor’s excuse. CURRICULUM INFORMATION All Putnam County schools adhere to the West Virginia Content Standards and Objectives for their adopted curriculum. For a list of the Standards and Objectives, you may visit the West Virginia State Department of Education website at http://wvde.state.wv.us Scroll to the “teachers” section on the left hand side of the site and click on CSOs –Curriculum to access the information. The WVDE site is an excellent source of information listing state initiatives and current school reports. STUDENT CONDUCT The WEST VIRGINIA STATE CODE OF CONDUCT states students shall: 1. Attend school faithfully, complete assignments on time, and work to their fullest potential 2. Behave in a manner that does not disrupt classroom learning or the operation of the school 3. Obey teachers, principals and others in authority 4. Refrain from aggressive or threatening behavior toward fellow students, teachers or other school staff 5. Refrain from the possession or use of any weapons, illegal drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products The rules and policies at WES are simple and easy to understand. Teachers will have classroom and school rules posted in their classrooms and will review the rules with all students. You can expect your child to be disciplined for disobeying the rules. SCHOOL RULES 1. Keep hands, feet, and objects to self. 2. Follow teacher instructions. 3. Be kind. 4. Walk on right side of hallway (third block). 5. Observe quiet zone in the hallway. **Teachers may have more specific rules within their classroom. Cafeteria rules: Follow directions; walk; use inside voices; remain seated; clean up after yourself; keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself. Playground rules: Follow directions of staff; keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself; be kind; don’t throw dangerous things; use playground equipment safely; line up immediately when recess ends. DISCIPLINE 1. Goal: Provide the student with a program that includes ample opportunity for modification of behavior; Provide a fair program in that all pupils charged with the same level of misconduct may receive similar action; Provide students, parents and school personnel clearly stated, advance knowledge of the course of action to be followed in handling disciplinary matters. 2. The discipline of a student body within a school, whether in the classroom, hallways, cafeteria, gymnasiums, or on the outside school ground is the duty and responsibility of all personnel in the school. Steps for classroom discipline (disruptive, uncooperative behavior) 1. Eye contact 2. Proximity control/change student’s seat 3. Self-Control discipline: *What are you doing? *Is what you’re doing helping you to learn the material in this class? Is what you’re doing helping me to teach this class? *What could you do differently? What’s the rule (standard of behavior)? What do you plan to do now? 4. Reprimand/Conference-Teacher/student face to face, preferably private. State incorrect behavior (rule). Require student to state correct behavior. 5. Assign reteach. 6. Reprimand/Teacher-student conference and contact parent. 7. Repeat offender. Refer to the office. Complete office referral form. Cafeteria will follow the below plan: 1st offense—private conference with student (away from peers); 2nd offense—seat them at a different table for remainder of lunch; 3rd offense—send cafeteria referral letter home to parent. Playground will follow the below plan: 1st offense—private conference with student (away from peers); 2nd offense—sit out of play for 10 minutes; 3rd offense—send playground referral letter home to parent and sit out of play for the remainder of recess. Infractions in hallways/entrances/exits/bathrooms will be dealt with immediately by the teachers in that area. Parents will be contacted to assist in changing this undesirable behavior. SCHOOL SAFETY Winfield Elementary is increasingly aware of safety issues concerning our staff, students and parents. The following safety plans/procedures are in place: · Intercoms are utilized by our teachers as a means of direct two-way communication with the main office. · A cellular phone is available for use on all field trips. · A two-way radio is located in the Principal's office to provide direct contact with our bus drivers in case of an emergency. · A toll-free violence hotline phone number is posted in the hallway by the main office. · Visitors and volunteers are required to sign-in at the main office and wear a badge for easy identification. Anyone spotted without this ID is reported to the office. · We adhere to the WV Safe Schools Act of 1995 - zero tolerance for threats to students or staff. · Parents are actively involved in our school and report any and all unusual behaviors sited. · The school code of conduct is clearly posted in all classrooms. · Fire drills/evacuation routes are practiced on a regular basis. Emergency Code drills are also practiced in the event of an emergency. · Teachers/administrators are on duty each morning to monitor students/adults entering the building. EMERGENCY CODE PROCEDURES During an emergency code drill or actual event the following procedures will be followed: · All outside exits will be locked from the outside. · NO ONE MAY ENTER OR EXIT THE BUILDING after the lock-down takes place. The building administrator will wait until the "all clear" notification in case of an actual emergency. · Students will be supervised at all times by staff members and will have access to bathroom facilities, food and water. · Parents are advised to not come to the school during an actual emergency code. They will find the building secured and will only be placing themselves in danger. · Parents are asked to not call the school during an emergency code. The phone lines need to be open for the school to communicate with emergency personnel and with county office personnel. The intent of emergency codes is to ensure the safety and well-being of students. This is best accomplished by students staying where they are under the supervision of the WES staff. Your cooperation and support is important. DRUGS, ALCOHOL, AND TOBACCO The use or possession of any form of illegal drugs, alcohol, or tobacco on school property (including school buses) is prohibited. Any student caught with any of this contraband will be subject to strict discipline, including suspension or expulsion. SPECIAL EDUCATION Special Education Programs are available to assist those students with learning difficulties. Students are placed in this program after tests are administered by county personnel to determine needs and placement. Resource teachers are now available to assist students who may be having difficulties that do not qualify for resource services on a space-available basis. COUNSELING PROGRAM The counseling program at Winfield Elementary is designed to help all children as they grow and develop. A student may request a private conference, parents may call the counselor at school to request a conference or counseling for their child, or staff members may also refer a child for counseling for various reasons. Counseling conferences often focus on normal developmental concerns of children in an elementary school. The following are frequent concerns: forming and maintaining friendships, school work habits, family concerns and improving behavior at school. In addition to private counseling conferences, the counselor may conduct group sessions for children that focus on a particular concern. Also, the counselor conducts classroom guidance units for children. Typical topics for those units are friendship, understanding our feelings, families, personal safety, bullying and drug education. Parent permission is not required for counseling services. STUDENT CHECK OUT PROCEDURE Parents that wish to checkout their child before the conclusion of the school day should come to the main office upon entering the building. They will sign their child out on the sign-out sheet; the child will then be called to the office by intercom. A written excuse should be returned to school with in three (3) days of check out. Parents are not permitted to go to their child’s classroom to get them. Please try to make doctor and dental appointments on off-school days or after school hours. Children will be released to parents or to those persons designated by parents, in writing, as having authority to pick them up. In cases of custodial disputes as a result of separation or divorce, we must have on file a copy of the court order stating custody. No teacher will release a student from his/her classroom without notification from school office personnel. No student will be permitted to be checked out after 2:45. PARTY INVITATIONS Students may pass out party invitations only if ALL STUDENTS IN THEIR CLASSROOM ARE INVITED TO THE PARTY. Also, the invitations must be given to the teacher and he/she will distribute them at an appropriate time during the school day. FLOWERS/BALLOONS Please note that we cannot accept bouquets of flowers or balloons for students. It is unsafe for children to attempt to carry such items onto the bus. In addition, such items cause a disruption in the classroom as well as on the bus. Local florists have been made aware that no deliveries will be accepted at school. If parents wish to send their children such gifts, they should be delivered to their home. LOST AND FOUND All items found should be turned into the lost & found area in the main office. Inquiry should be made promptly at the office for any lost item. Parents should mark each child's name on belongings for easy identification. The lost & found basket is emptied on the last school day of each month due to space constraints. Unclaimed items are donated local charities. Winfield Elementary is not responsible for items lost at school. SEXUAL HARASSMENT Sexual harassment complaints should be reported to the teachers. They will, in turn, advise the principal that a student has made a complaint and it will be investigated immediately. PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES The most effective method of reporting to parents of a student’s progress is by direct conference. This, however, cannot always be accomplished. Report cards and/or midterm progress reports will be sent home eight times each year (see school calendar). Parent/teacher conferences are planned twice yearly. Should any occasion arise, a special conference may be arranged by contacting the classroom teacher. We sincerely urge your attendance at parent/teacher conferences. HOMEWORK Homework is recognized as a valuable teaching aid in providing supportive learning outside the school environment. Students may be assigned homework within the guidelines set up in county policy. Any student who does not complete homework assignments on schedule can expect to lose recess periods and be assigned work hall. Students are expected to complete homework assignments given by the teacher. PARENT/TEACHER ORGANIZATION The Winfield Elementary Parent And Teacher Involvement Organization serves to bring into a closer working relationship the school and the community. Through the efforts of parents and other community members, services, and additional funds for improving the school are provided. VOLUNTEERS We encourage mothers, fathers, grandparents, or any other community members to assist us in providing supplemental and enriching activities for the students as well as giving supportive services to our teachers. Some of the volunteer activities include: *Library – assist with any library program. *Clerical – assist by typing and/or copying materials for teachers, and preparing resource materials for classes, such as bulletin boards, etc. *Beautification – upkeep of flower beds, shrubbery, etc. *Read Aloud-Reading stories aloud to classes. VOLUNTEER CONFIDENTIALITY While volunteering at school, you may inadvertently see and/or hear information about a student. It is extremely important to keep all such information confidential. It is not appropriate to view and/or discuss student records, grades or any other student information with other parents or staff. Any questions, concerns, etc. a volunteer may experience should only be discussed with the teacher involved or with the school administration. Please note that WES staff will not discuss information about any student except your own child with you, nor will they wish to discuss another staff member without them present. ITEMS NOT ALLOWED AT SCHOOL Putnam County Schools Policy S.5.9. encompasses a broad interpretation of items that are not to be on school property. Weapons such as firearms, explosives, knives, or any other inherently dangerous materials which have no relation to the instructional program are prohibited. Too many times students create “weapons”, tools, or instruments in addition to traditional weapons that can cause danger to themselves or others. A student may be expelled for a period of one year for the possession or use of a weapon on school property. Toy guns and pocket knives should never be brought to school as they can also be used to threaten others. Toys: Students may bring toys to school only when a written request by the teacher is sent to the parents. Such items should only be brought to school for unique instructional purposes such as “Show and Tell” with Kindergarten students. Toys are not permitted unless requested because they become distractions in class, they can cause hard feelings when they are broken, sometimes they create envy and they can be stolen or lost. Students are asked to leave toys at home. ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT Cell phones, pagers, I-Pods, MP 3’s, Dual Screens, Gameboys, etc. are not permitted at school. EMERGENCY CLOSING OF SCHOOL Please have an emergency plan in force for your children in the event that school is dismissed early and you are not at home. The classroom teacher will keep this plan on file to be utilized in the event of an emergency dismissal. If the bus driver cannot safely deliver a child to his/her home, the child will be returned to the custody of school personnel who will then contact the parent. Delays: A one-hour delay means that all school and bus schedules will be delayed for one hour. A two-hour delay means all schedules and runs will be delayed for two hours. BREAKFAST WILL NOT BE SERVED IF THERE IS A TWO-HOUR DELAY. PLEASE OBSERVE DELAY HOURS WHEN DROPPING STUDENTS OFF AT SCHOOL. Please keep in mind that if the bus does not run and you drop students off at school, you cannot depend on buses to make afternoon runs. STUDENT HEALTH Registered health nurses are employed by Putnam County Schools. Jayne Duncan is the county nurse assigned to our school. She is contacted immediately if we believe any child is in need of her services. She is also responsible for conducting routine screening of vision and hearing. Students with serious and /or chronic health problems should be registered EACH YEAR with the Emergency Medical Services. Parents should contact the school nurse to complete the registration. Homebound Instruction – If a student is ill and must miss school for more than three weeks, homebound instruction may be available. Contact the school for more information. Medication – All medications, both prescription and non-prescription, that are to be administered at school must be authorized by a physician or other licensed health care provider with prescription writing authority (such as a dentist). This includes, but is not limited to, Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, cough drops, etc. If you child needs any medication at school, a form HS18 must be filled out and signed by a doctor. We will not be responsible for administering any medication including “over the counter” cough drops, throat lozenges, medicated lip balm, etc. without a physicians order. The parent or guardian, however, may come to the school and administer medication themselves. Trained personnel will administer medication with a physicians order at school. If you have any questions about these procedures, please contact the school nurse. HOT LUNCH/BREAKFAST PROGRAM Each student is given a card to be used for breakfast or lunch accounting. This card is scanned when the child eats at school and his/her account is charged. Milk and water are included in the price of each meal, but may be purchased for .25 each for those students bringing a lunch from home or those wishing an extra milk or water. All meals are charged on a monthly basis and are billed from and payable to the central office. Schools no longer accept payment for meals, except from visitors. Call 586-0500 x 119, for questions about billing of school meals. If you child has a food allergy, please notify the school in writing. Meal menus are sent home on a monthly basis. Free and reduced meals are available to those families who qualify. Forms are sent home with each child on the first day of school or may be obtained in the office. Students may have guests for lunch any time. However, in order that we prepare enough food for you, please let us know a day in advance if you plan to eat with your child. Parents are also encouraged to each lunch with their child on our SPECIAL FAMILY LUNCHEON DAYS. These luncheon days are scheduled in conjunction with various holidays. Each grade level will be assigned a specific holiday and reservations are mandatory due to space limitations in the cafeteria. STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO BE CHECKED OUT FOR LUNCH! MEAL PRICING Breakfast Lunch Student: Regular 1.25 1.70 Reduced .30 .40 Adult: 2.40 3.40 Students who bring their packed lunch to school are encouraged not to bring carbonated beverages. No beverages in glass containers are permitted. Parents are encouraged to pack nutritional cold lunches. PLEASE DO NOT BRING FAST FOOD LUNCHES OR BREAKFASTS TO SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD, as we are trying to improve eating/nutritional habits of our students. Additionally, we have students with life threatening allergies to peanuts. STUDENTS DRIVEN TO/PICKED UP FROM SCHOOL Drop off: Students may be dropped off via the bus lane after 7:30 in the morning. If you are walking your child into the building, do not park in the bus lane. Pick up: Parents must remain in their car in line to pick up their child after school. Students will not be allowed to be checked out after 2:45pm daily. If you bring your child on the first day of school, leave him/her cheerfully at the classroom door. The child will then know the way and should be encouraged to try it alone thereafter. “Untie the apron strings” and be prepared to leave the child with the teacher. Keep in mind that walking your child to the classroom each day also causes significant “traffic” problems in the school parking areas and hallways. Many times this practice also causes delays in emotional adjustment to school. CHANGE IN STUDENT’S NORMAL SCHEDULE Students are to come directly to and go directly home or to a sitter after school. If they are to go to a place other than their normal schedules, they are to bring a note from their parent/guardian with instructions. If there is a last-minute change in evening plans, you MUST call the school before 2:00. HOME/SCHOOL COMMUNICATION In order to communicate with you throughout the year, we maintain a website (http://boe.putn.k12.wv.us/wes/) with sections including menu, activity calendar, newsletter and e-mail addresses and send home a newsletter from the school monthly that tells of upcoming events, announcements, etc. Teachers will send newsletters home weekly. We suggest that you create a permanent spot (on the refrigerator or bulletin board) at home to post this newsletter and monthly menu. The school planner that each student receives is another important means of communication between parent and teacher. TEXTBOOKS AND LIBRARY BOOKS Textbooks are provided free to every student in Putnam County. They should be used with care and kept in good condition. Parents are responsible for replacing lost, stolen, or damaged textbooks. A price list may be obtained from the office. Students will visit the school library once a week for the purpose of checking out books. If lost, a replacement cost will be charged. TRANSPORTATION On the first day of school, all students will receive a copy of the Putnam County Bus Rules and Regulations. Go over these with your child to make sure he/she is aware of all rules and regulation to ensure a safe and orderly ride to and from school. Riding the school bus is a privilege extended to students, and this privilege can be taken away any time for disruptive or unsatisfactory behavior. The school will give drivers full support in all situations and urges you to do the same. Specific questions regarding transportation may be directed to the school principal or the Transportation Coordinator at 586-0500 x 106. MAKEUP WORK If a student is absent from school for an extended time, makeup work should be requested by calling the school. We must have 24-hours notice to compile makeup work. All students must submit make up work within three (3) days of an absence unless the absence is for an extended time. SNACKS SNACKS WILL BE PERMITTED TO BE BROUGHT FROM HOME, HOWEVER, STUDENTS IN CLASSROOMS IDENTIFIED AS PEANUT FREE MUST HAVE A PEANUT FREE SNACK PACKED SEPERATELY FROM THE STUDENT'S LUNCHBOX. PARENTS RIGHT TO KNOW Under the “No Child Left Behind” legislation, the federal government requires us to notify you that you have a right to request and receive timely information on the professional qualifications of your children’s classroom teachers. If you so desire, you may request the following information: 1 Whether the teacher has met state qualifying and licensing criteria for the grade level(s) and subject areas to which the teacher is assigned; 2 Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status; 3 The baccalaureate degree major the teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher; and 4 Whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications. If you request this information, please do so in writing. We will respond to your inquiry within the timelines established under the “Freedom of InformationAct”. If you have questions regarding this policy, you can reach us at 586-0500, extensions 110 and 109. ***Other general rules may be found in the front of the student planner. |
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