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General McLane School District is an equal opportunity educational institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or handicap in its activities, programs or employment practices as required by Title VI, Title IX and Section 504. For information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures, contact Dr. Steve Barrett, Title IX Coordinator, or Mr. Jeffrey Fox, Section 504 Coordinator, at the Education Center, 11771 Edinboro Road, Edinboro, PA 16412, (814) 734-1033. For information regarding services, activities and facilities that are accessible to and usable by handicapped persons, contact Mr. Jeffrey Fox.
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome to Edinboro Elementary! We are pleased that you are part of our school. This handbook has been prepared to provide both students and parents with valuable information about our school. We feel that school should be a place where your child can mature into a successful adult.
At Edinboro Elementary School, parents, teachers and staff make every effort to establish an excellent atmosphere that is warm, caring and emphasizes high educational standards. In an effort to continue this tradition, parents are requested to read through this handbook with their children and to encourage them to always put forth their best effort in the classroom. We can ask no more of our children or ourselves and should expect no less.
Our responsibilities are vast, but together we can work to ensure a successful school career for our children. We encourage you to visit the school, learn about our instructional programs and become acquainted with our school personnel, Also, remember to...
- Read to your child...Write with your child...Sing and play with you child...
- Help your child with homework on a regular basis...
- Become active in the Edinboro Elementary Parent Teacher Organization...
- Telephone the teacher with questions...Visit the principal to discuss concerns...
- Volunteer for the manu programs available, especially the Writing Center...
- Attend school functions as a family...
- Encourage your child to be a responsible citizen by accepting the consequences of his / her actions--good or bad...and, to always do his / her best!
I believe that the attitudes and goals established by our school are in keeping with the high standards of excellence you have set for your child. Please remember that parents of students attending Edinboro Elementary School may request, and the district will provide, information regarding the professional qualifications of your child's classroom teachers and any paraprofessional providing services to your child. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to help your child grow and mature!
Sincelery,
Sally A. Wagner
Principal
BELIEFS |
We believe that each person has worth and value. |
We believe that family contributes to the development of the individual. |
We believe the right to educational opportunity carries responsibilities. |
We believe that each person can learn. |
We believe that quality education requires responsible investment and use of resources. |
We believe that dedicated, positive and caring personnel are essential to quality education. |
We believe communication and cooperation between home and school are essential to student success. |
We believe that each citizen shares responsibility for the schools of the community. |
We believe that the quality of interpersonal relationships directly impacts the quality of education. |
We believe that the community and school share the responsibility of developing the character of the students. |
“The mission of the General McLane School District is to provide a quality education in a caring environment that inspires students to achieve their potential to become life-long learners and responsible members of society.”
Superintendent Alan J. Karns (814)273-1033 |
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| Principal Sally A. Wagner (814)273-1033 |
Nurse/Guidance
Counselor Dr. McClelland, Ph.D. |
Kindergarten |
Gifted Education Ms. Kupczyk / Mrs. Kasprzak |
Health/Physical Education Mr. Grabill |
|
Grade One Mrs. Bloomquist Mrs. Palmer Mrs. Shields Miss Travaglini |
Hearing Impaired Mrs. Levis, Mrs. Lewis, Lrs. Luikart |
| Instructional Support Mrs. Corsale |
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Grade Two Mrs. McKissock Mrs. Parker Mr. Parker Mrs. Williams Mrs. Dilmore |
Learning Support Mrs. Berger, Mrs. Lohr |
Librarian Mrs. Androstic |
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Grade Three Mrs. Diley Mrs. Smith Ms. Strand-Ward |
Music Mrs. Smith |
Reading Advantage/Title I Ms. Kupczyk, Mrs. Kasprzak |
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Grade Four Mrs. Gillette Mr. Gill Mrs. Marszalek Mr. Frick |
Speech/Language |
| Grade 3-4 Keyboarding Mrs. Morosky |
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| Art Mrs. Schenck |
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Classroom Assignments
All children receive a homeroom assignment. In elementary schools this is the room where a child spends most of his/her day. Room assignments are determined by the principal with consultation from the teachers. Variables which are considered include
1) separating those students who do not work well together; 2) using academic grades in reading and mathematics to ensure heterogeneous classrooms; 3) allowing for the range of learning styles; and 4) creating classes which permit flexibility for scheduling students who have special needs.
| 8:45 AM | Students arrive/teacher day begins |
| 9:00 AM | Student day begins |
Lunch Schedule |
|
| Kindergarten | As per assigned schedule |
| Grade 2 | 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM |
| Grade 1 | 11:30 AM - 12:00 Noon |
| Grade 3 | 12:00 Noon - 12:30 PM |
| Grade 4 | 12:30 PM - 1:00 PM |
Recess |
|
| Kindergarten | as per assigned schedule |
| Grade 2 | 11:35 AM - 12:05 PM |
| Grade 1 | 12:05 PM - 12:35 PM |
| Grade 3 | 12:35 PM - 1:05 PM |
| Grade 4 | 1:05 PM - 1:35 PM |
Dismissal |
|
3:30 PM |
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Teacher Dismissal |
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3:45 PM |
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The school day begins at 9:00 A.M. with dismissal at 3:30 P.M. If a student is to be excused while classes are in session, parents should send a note to school indicating the time the student is to be excused. The student should present the note to the teacher upon arrival in the morning. A student must be present for at least one hour of either the morning or afternoon session of school to be considered present for that session. A child may receive a partial day of absence if dismissed at certain times.
Parents MUST check through the office when removing a student from school or the student will not be released.
4. School Floor Plan
(coming soon)
5. Confidentiality Statement
From time to time, you may have questions regarding educational records. The following is a summary of rights and privileges concerning educational records
* Right to have access to all educational records. * Right to challenge the information in the educational records. Procedures may be obtained from the office. * Right to a hearing before a hearing examiner if the challenge is not satisfactory. * Right to a copy of the records at a nominal fee. * Right to be notified of the district policy regarding student records. * Right to request amendment or destruction of data. * Right to file complaints with the United States Department of Health, Education and Welfare. * Right to request and receive information regarding the professional qualifications of your child's classroom teacher. Certain records are classified as “Directory.” These records include (but are not limited to) the student’s name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended by the student, and other similar information.
Normally this information is released to the public in the form of news releases on student activities, honor rolls, athletic programs, clubs and other extracurricular activities. This data may be disclosed without consent, however, parents and eligible students have the right to have the directory file deleted.
NOTE: Parents/guardians have all these rights unless the student qualifies as an emancipated student and is not dependent on his/her parents for his/her subsistence. Students have only the right of access of educational records. Questions concerning student records should be referred to the building principal. The policy of the school board concerning student records may be examined at the Education Center in the office of the superintendent.
6. Dress Code Guidelines
The General McLane School District believes that student manner of dress has an impact upon the atmosphere and consequently the learning environment of its schools. It is the belief of the district that attire appropriate to the school environment serves to promote learning, minimize distractions and emphasize the seriousness of the learning process.
Specifically, students are expected to dress in a manner that adheres to the following guidelines:
* All shirts/tops/dresses must have sleeves. Clothing will completely cover the torso (from the shoulders to the hemline). Necklines and hemlines should reflect an appropriate environment for learning and not a social setting. * Clothing must be worn in such a way as to not expose undergarments. * Clothing cannot present a hazard to the health or safety of the student or to others in the school, materially interfere with school work, create disorder, or disrupt the educational program. * Clothing and accessories should not cause excessive wear or damage to school property or cause blocked vision or restricted movement. Specifically prohibited are exposed chains and metal spikes. * Students may be required or permitted to wear certain types of clothing while participating in physical education classes, shops, extracurricular activities, or other situations where special attire may be required to insure the health or safety of the student. * Hats and visors are prohibited before the time of dismissal. * Any clothing of a sexual or violent nature or which promotes or advertises tobacco products, alcohol products or illegal drugs is also prohibited. All matters related to student dress not covered by this policy shall be left to the discretion of the administration.
Consequences:
First Offense: Student is issued a warning and is required to change or to wear a t-shirt.
Repeated Offense: Phone call to parent.
The General McLane Board supports a comprehensive prevention and intervention program to deal with the problems of substance abuse that face our students. Students receive information addressing the legal, social and health consequences of drugs and alcohol beginning in kindergarten and continuing through grade 12.
It is the Board’s position that the unlawful possession, use, and/or distribution of illicit drugs or alcohol is both wrong and harmful. The possession, use, and/or distribution of drugs, alcohol, or both by students on school property, or at any school-sponsored activities, is prohibited. The term “school property” includes any school building, a school bus or vehicle used to provide transportation to or from any school or school-sponsored event, school parking lot area, and any school property owned by, leased by, or under the control of the General McLane School District. Compliance with these regulations is mandatory.
It is also the Board’s position that the presence of any student under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both on school property, or at any school -sponsored activities, is prohibited. The term “school property” is defined above.
The Board has adopted Policy 227 on Drug Abuse which includes disciplinary sanctions up to and including expulsion and referral for prosecution. Complete copies of Policy 227 are available upon request in the main office.
For purposes of this policy, “drugs” means
* all dangerous controlled substances prohibited by law * all “look alike” drugs * all alcoholic beverages * any drug paraphernalia * any prescription medication (except those for which permission
to use in school has been granted pursuant to Medication
Procedure 227-R). In addition, any over-the-counter medication (except
those for which permission to use in school has been granted pursuant to
Medication Procedure 227-R) may be considered a drug under this policy
(see item #10 in this handbook for further information).The district disciplinary code regarding substance abuse has been developed with input from parents, teachers and administrators, adopted by the Board and is in compliance with local, state and federal law. A copy of the complete policy may be obtained by calling the Education Center.
Drug and alcohol counseling services are available for students through Hamot Mental Health Center and GECAC during the school day. After care programs for students who have been in treatment are also available. If you have any questions about these programs, please contact your child’s guidance counselor or principal.
8. Emergency (Information) Form
A pre-printed information form is sent home with the students on the first day of school. This form contains information which the school has on file indicating where you may be contacted during school hours if the need arises. Please make any corrections to this data and return it to school. It is imperative that a form is on file for every student. It is extremely important to keep this information current. Notify the school office immediately of any changes in employment, phone numbers, addresses, etc. You may obtain a copy of your form at any time by calling the school office.
Please ensure the entire form is accurate and complete. Information regarding permission to dispense medications is vital. If you check that there is a court order on file restricting release, please attach a copy of that order to the form.
9. Food Service/Cafeteria
Students in grades one through four use the cafeteria daily. Grade levels are scheduled so that youngsters have an opportunity to enjoy lunch with classmates. Each class gets thirty (30) minutes to eat.
Applications for free/reduced lunch are sent to all students on the first school day. Federal Income Family Guidelines determine who is eligible for this service. Any child who was approved the previous year for free or reduced lunch is automatically on the list until decisions are made on the new applications. Students approved last year begin the next year with free or reduced lunch. Any questions, please contact Mr. Tom Henning at the General McLane Service Center, 273-1033.
Students who carry lunches may purchase milk. Skim milk, 2% chocolate milk and 2% white milk are available. Ice cream and ala carte items may be purchased daily. (Students who buy a school lunch receive ice cream with the meal if it is listed.)
Lunch tickets are sold on the first day of the school week. The ticket can be used anytime. For example, it may be used three days one week and two days the next. If children forget lunch money or milk money, they may charge that day or borrow money from the school office but the parents may be called by their child to notify them. No child will go without receiving lunch. Parents should settle debts with the cafeteria or office promptly.
The cafeteria, besides being a dining room, is also a place where good human relations can be developed. Here each student is expected to practice the general rules of good manners which one should find in the home:
1. observing good dining room manners at the table. 2. leaving the table and the surrounding area clean. 3. replacing chairs and putting trash in the proper place. 4. remaining in the dining room until the meal is finished. The school lunch menu for the week will be sent home on Friday and may also be found on the district web site at www.generalmclane.org/edinboro/office/menu/menu.htm
10. Guidance Counseling
An elementary counselor is available to work with students, parents and teachers. The counselor works within the school environment to help establish an atmosphere that will enable each student to grow academically, personally and socially.
The elementary counselor talks with students individually and in groups, refers students and parents to community agencies, presents preventive counseling programs to classrooms and works with other school specialists in the best interest of students. Please contact Dr. Virginia McClelland, 273-1033, ext 3906.
11. Homework
Any work not completed in class is homework. Homework has been identified in most national and state reports on education as a vital factor in increasing student achievement. Homework is never assigned as punishment. Parents are encouraged to review a student’s homework to let the child know that the parent views this as important work. Teachers know that children are involved in evening activities; however, time should be budgeted so homework can be completed. A student has a better day in school when he/she comes prepared and ready.
Work missed due to absence will be assigned at the discretion of the teacher and is to be completed in an appropriate period of time. For general purposes, absences of two (2) days or less do not require a parent request for assignments to be sent home. For absences of three (3) days or more a parent should ask for assignments. A request made before 10:00 AM will give the teacher time to collect work and have it ready to be picked up by the end of the day.
Parents can aid their children in the area of homework by providing a favorable place for work and study. Parents should be encouraging and supportive but avoid doing the student’s homework. Failure to complete homework assignments will affect a student’s grade.
12. Internet Procedures
We are pleased to offer students of the General McLane School District access to the district computer network for electronic mail and the Internet.
Students are responsible for good behavior on the school computer networks just as they are in a classroom or a school hallway. General school rules for behavior and communication apply.
Within reason, freedom of speech and access to information will be honored. Students are prohibited from accessing inappropriate sites. A network filtering device is in place on all computers in the school district. During school, teachers of younger students will guide them toward appropriate materials.
If you do NOT give permission for your student to access the Internet during school hours, please contact Mrs. Wagner in writing.
13. Medication Policy/Nurse’s Office
MEDICATIONS OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATIONS, ARE GIVEN ONLY WHEN ACCOMPANIED BY PARENTAL PERMISSION. THE NOTE MUST INCLUDE THE CHILD’S NAME, THE NAME OF THE MEDICATION, THE AMOUNT TO BE GIVEN, THE TIME TO BE GIVEN AND THE PARENT’S SIGNATURE. A DOCTOR'S ORDER IS NEEDED FOR ALL PRESCRIPTION DRUGS. FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE (contact Dr. Virginia McClelland).
Any medications not registered with the nurse may be considered a violation of the Drug Abuse Policy 227 which includes disciplinary sanctions up to and including expulsion and referral for prosecution.
A record of immunization is required of all students at Edinboro Elementary School, regardless of grade level. Such immunizations must comply with Pennsylvania law.
All students receive an annual growth measurement and vision screening. Hearing screening is done annually for grades K,1,2,3. Physical examinations are done in the fall of the kindergarten year. Kindergarten and grade 3 have dental exams usually done in February.
NOTE
1. Additional screening is done upon the request of the parent, teacher, and/or student. 2. Parents are notified of screening results only when the need for further evaluation is indicated and may be contacted for follow-up findings in the event this information is not received by the school.
14. Edinboro Elementary School PTO
The purpose of the Edinboro Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is to continue good relationships between parents and teachers, to provide assistance to teachers when desired by the school, and to provide financial assistance to the school and its student body.
There are fifteen (15) parent members on the executive board of the PTO as well as two teacher representatives and Mrs. Sally Wagner, our principal.
There are a number of activities that the PTO sponsors. Their responsibilities include: maintaining the playground equipment, buses for field trips, the fourth grade safety swimming program, and many other events during the year.
The PTO has one major fund raiser to fund all of the above activities. This is the wrapping paper sale. The success of this fund raiser will determine what we can fund and hopefully allow for some permanent improvements to the school.
At the beginning of the school year, your child will bring home a form to join the PTO. Please look over the form and sign up for the activities with which you would like to help. Parents may volunteer as instructional assistants in the classroom, writing center volunteers or as chaperones on field trips. The district requires that volunteers in these capacities obtain the necessary state clearances (the district will pay the necessary fees). Of course you are always encouraged to volunteer at any of the events during the year. The main goal of the PTO is to be there for our children!
15. Parental Involvement / Clearance ProceduresIf you choose to volunteer in your child's classroom on a regular basis, be a room parent, work with children in the school on a one-to-one basis (i.e. the writing center), or chaperone on a field trip, you must obtain two state clearances, Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance and a Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check. You must also submit to an FBI fingerprint test. Forms for these clearances are available in the school office,or on the General McLane District web site, www.generalmclane.org. The state police criminal record check may be obtained online at http://epatch.state.pa.us. When you receive the clearances from the state, submit copies of all three forms to the superintendent's office and your name will be put on a district list for as long as your child attends attends General McLane School District.
16. Physician’s Certificate Of Exemption From Physical Education
If you learn that your child will be unable to participate in a required physical education class, please obtain a Physician’s Certificate for Exemption From Physical Education form from the school office, which must be signed by your physician. The completed form may be returned, mailed, or faxed to the school office at (814) 273.1040.
17. Recreational Activities/Recess
Mr. Grabill, health and physical education teacher, directs the After School Recreation (ASR) program for children in grades two through four. Clusters of activities are scheduled for fall and winter programs. Parents must sign registration forms and acknowledgment of insurance forms before their children can participate. Children should be dressed properly in clothes suitable for gym including sneakers. Transportation home is the responsibility of the parents. A calendar of dates is provided to parents with the registration forms. The ASR program begins at 3:30 PM and is over promptly at 5:00 PM. Parents are asked to be prompt in picking up their children as there is no supervision for them after this time. Please note that children will be released to their parents...if a child is to be released to someone other than the parents, a written note giving this permission is necessary.
Recess provides an opportunity for children to release physical energy. This is a time in the day when children get a chance to play with friends and to socialize. Children are not permitted to engage in rough play which could result in unnecessary accidents. Teacher supervisors accompany children to play areas. Normally recess is scheduled outdoors for a total of thirty (30) minutes. Times for grade level recesses appear in section 3.
Appropriate clothing is essential for active participation. In winter, warm clothing includes hats, snowpants, boots and gloves (please label all clothing with your child’s name). As a general rule, if the wind chill is below 20 students remain indoors and have an in-class break (teacher discretion). Children should not bring computer games, walkmans, laser pointers, virtual pets or expensive items to school which might be broken or serve as distractions in the classroom.
If children are recovering from an illness, a note from parents will allow the students to remain inside during recess. Parents should not send notes requesting blanket permission for students to remain indoors for the entire winter or for long extended periods.
18. Sexual Harassment/Harassment Policy
It is a violation of school policy and federal law to harass another student or for you to be harassed by anyone -- student or adult.
Sexual harassment consists of unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other inappropriate verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Other forms of harassment may include verbal or written comments.
If you feel that you are being harassed and need help, tell an adult that you trust. Any teacher, the guidance counselor, the nurse or the principal will help you deal with the problem and get help. It is important that you tell an adult.
19. Smoking and Tobacco Products
The General McLane School District has adopted a “no smoking” policy in school buildings, on school buses, on all property owned, leased, or under the control of the school district, and at all school-sponsored events. Possession of tobacco products by students at any of these locations is prohibited. This policy also prohibits chaperones from smoking while they are supervising the children on a field trip.
20. Snow Days
In case of severe weather, snow, ice, etc., the official announcements for closings or delays may be heard over the local radio and television stations. School closings will also be posted by the superintendent on SchoolLine -- dial 452-2000, Box 6841.
In the event of a late start, time should be calculated by adding the announced delay to the regular time. (For example, if the bus usually picks up your child at 8:20 AM for the school opening at 9:00 AM, a two hour late start would mean a bus pick up of 10:20 AM for the 11:00 AM start.) Late starts automatically cancel morning kindergarten sessions.
School may be dismissed early if a severe storm or emergency arises. Parents should make provisions with neighbors to take care of children in the event that parents would not be home.
Because of the diversity of the district, decisions about closing (or not closing) are difficult. Parents should use their own discretion about sending their children to school during very inclement weather. If you choose to keep your child home due to weather conditions and school is in session, this will be an excused absence.
21. Special Education and Special Services
INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT PROGRAM
The Instructional Support Program is designed to meet the needs of elementary age students experiencing difficulties in school, whether it be academic or behavioral. The team accepts referrals for students and develops strategies that address the students' needs in the regular classroom setting. These strategies may include speech/language concerns. One outcome of the IST process could be a referral for an evaluation by the school psychologist. The Special Education Regulations of Pennsylvania require Instructional Support as the initial step in screening students who may qualify for special education services. Referrals can be made by both parents and teachers. For additional information or to make a referral, please contact Mrs. Peggy Corsale, 273-1033 ext.3200.
TITLE I READING
The Title I Reading Program is a federally funded remedial reading program offered at the school. It is an additional reading class which supplements and supports a child’s regular reading class. Students are recommended for Title I service based upon their standardized test scores and daily performance in reading. Parents must give approval prior to a child’s entry into the program. Please contact Ms. Kupczyk or Mrs. Kasprzak, 273-1033, ext 3404/3400.
READING ADVANTAGE
Reading Advantage is a program offered to children in grade one who experience reading difficulties. The intent of Reading Advantage is to identify and correct reading difficulties in the early stages, thus avoiding the prospect for future failure. Reading Advantage is an intense strategy offered daily in thirty (30) minute segments in a small group or one-to-one teacher/student ratio. Children exit the program when they acquire grade level reading proficiency. Please contactMs. Kupczyk or Mrs. Kasprzak, 273-1033, ext 3404/3400.
REPORT CARDS
Report cards are issued quarterly with parent/teacher conferences scheduled in November and February. A scoring rubric with numbers 1-4 is the basis for reporting student progress on report cards. The number 3 is the standard and is assigned when students meet grade level requirements.
SPEECH/LANGUAGE PROGRAM
The purpose of the speech/language program is to diagnose and remediate communication problems in our school-aged population. These problems in communication may include difficulties with articulation, language, voice or fluency.
If further evaluation of a student is necessary, parents will be contacted for written permission. The speech/language pathologist is available to both parents and teachers seeking information to help a child communicate more effectively and/or perform more effectively in the classroom. Please contact Mrs. Dillen, 273-1033, ext 3207.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Students who are eligible for special education services receive that service from the General McLane School District. At Edinboro Elementary, classes exist for children requiring service in speech therapy, gifted education and learning support. There is also a class for children with hearing impairments. (Regulations for participation in any special education class require parent involvement and consent.) The school follows an inclusive strategy and attempts to have instructors service children in the regular classroom whenever possible.
22. Student Attendance
Regular attendance is not only required by law but is necessary for success in all phases of school work. Tardiness and unnecessary absences will not be tolerated.
Parents/guardians are requested to send a written excuse on the day the child returns to school. This simplifies attendance bookkeeping and ensures accuracy. The note should indicate the dates of absence and the reason for the absence.
For general purposes, absences of two (2) days or less do not require a parent request for assignments to be sent home. (See Item 8. Homework.)
| 1. Absences | |||
| a. | The following absences are considered excused: | ||
| 1. illness | 4. court cases | ||
| 2. death in the family | 5. impassable roads | ||
| 3. religious activities | 6. unavoidable family emergencies | ||
| b. | If an excuse is not submitted within three (3) school days after the student’s return to school, the absence will be considered illegal. The submission of an excuse after three (3) days will not be accepted as removing the illegal (or unexcused) classification of the absence. | ||
| c. | After ten (10) days of absence, the parent/guardian may be notified by letter (educational trips not included). | ||
| d. | A letter may be sent requesting a doctor’s excuse after fifteen (15) days. If a doctor’s excuse is not received for absences, they are illegal. | ||
| e. | Absences other than those listed above will be considered illegal. | ||
| 2. Illegal Absences | |||
| a. | A letter will be sent to the parent(s) immediately following the first illegal absence. Letters will not be sent after the second illegal absence. | ||
| b. | If the student has acquired a third illegal absence, a certified letter will be sent to the parent(s) advising that the third offense has occurred and that any additional illegal absences will result in the immediate filing of charges with the magistrate. | ||
| c. | If the student acquires a fourth illegal absence, the building principal may immediately file charges against the parent(s) before the magistrate. | ||
| 3. Partial Day Absences | |||
| a. | AM - Students must be present at least one hour in the morning to be considered present for the morning session. | ||
| b. | PM - Students must be present at least one hour in the afternoon to be considered present for the afternoon session. | ||
| 4. Tardies (Late in the Morning/Late in the Afternoon) | |||
| a. | Arriving late to school will be considered as an excused tardy for the following reasons: | ||
| 1. illness | |||
| 2. participation in a religious activity | |||
| 3. health related reasons (doctor/dental appointments). | |||
| b. | Arriving late to school will be considered as an illegal tardy for the following reasons: | ||
| 1. parental negligence | |||
| 2. transportation (unless a bus arrives late) | |||
| c. | If an excuse for tardiness is not submitted within five (5) days, the tardy will be considered illegal. | ||
| 5. Educational Trips | |||
| a. | Ten days per school year may be approved for an educational trip. | ||
| b. | A Request for Approval of Education Trip form MUST be completed and approved in advance of the trip. | ||
| c. | All work provided in advance of the trip must be turned in on the day of the student’s return. | ||
| d. | All missed work not received in advance of the trip must be made up within three (3) days of the student’s return. | ||
| e. | The request must be made by a parent or guardian. | ||
| f. | After ten (10) days of absence, the student will be withdrawn from school. | ||
| 6. Homebound Instruction | |||
| a. | A Physician’s Statement of Incapacitation is always required for homebound instruction. | ||
| b. | All applications must be verified by the principal and approved by the superintendent before a tutor will be assigned (Policy 117). | ||
23. Student Behavior
Our goal will be to build a school community where staff and students:
1. will work and learn cooperatively in an enjoyable, supportive environment. 2. will realize a sense of belonging and share in responsible decision making with regard to important issues. 3. will develop and use the skills/knowledge necessary to thrive within their environment. 4. will be able to exercise their personal freedoms in a responsible manner. At Edinboro Elementary School, we realize that children need to learn to behave responsibly. Therefore, we have incorporated a social skills model for teaching students how to be successful students. We teach social skills through large and small group instruction. We provide opportunities for practice and positively reinforce student progress.
Promoting School SuccessChildren need to have the following skills to be successful in school:
* sit still for 10 - 15 minutes; * be attentive; * listen and follow directions; * take turns and wait to speak; * share/be kind to others; * use words to express feelings; * follow school and classroom rules.
Discipline and Behavior ProblemsChildren who have difficulty with the skills and behaviors necessary for school success will be given an opportunity to learn and to practice the correct behavior. This can be done through individual and small group social skills development, daily behavior reports, consultation and/or referral for additional services, and family intervention. Services and programs that help students know how to behave in school include: Character Education, Instructional Support, Developmental Guidance, Mediation, Bullying Prevention.
Serious behavior problems or students who have not learned correct behavior may be sent to the office for time-out. A behavior report will be completed and an appropriate skill taught. This skill should be practiced both at school and at home, for example, learning to sit still and remain in a seat for ten to fifteen minutes.
BEHAVIOR REPORT |
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| Date: | Time: | |
| Your child, _______________________, was sent to the office for the following reason: |
||
| ____time out | _____classroom problem | |
| ____cafeteria problem | _____recess problem | |
| ____bus problem | ||
The behavior problem your child was having was:
|
||
We would like you to help your child with the following social skills (see attached sheet):
|
||
Serious Behavior ProblemsThe principal will intervene when students exhibit more serious behavior problems. These problems could include:
* making terroristic threats; * harassment; * vandalism/destruction of property; * injury/harm to others; * serious classroom disruption; * bringing a weapon to school. * using “bad” words;
24. Terroristic Threats/Acts
No student shall make a terroristic threat and/or commit a terroristic act.
For purposes of this policy, the term “terroristic threat” is defined as a threat to commit any crime of violence:
(a) with the intent to terrorize another or to cause evacuation
of a building, place of assembly, facility, or vehicle(s) or(b) with the intent to cause serious public inconvenience, or (c) if made in reckless disregard of the risk of causing such
terror or inconvenience.For purposes of this policy, “terroristic threat” includes, but is not limited to, bomb threats, false fire alarms, or any statements, comments, or remarks which fall within any one or more of the above categories and which pertain to harm directed against another person and/or property.
For purposes of this policy, the term “terroristic act” is any act against person or property involving danger or risk of harm to another person or property, or any act committed:
(a) with the intent to terrorize another person, or (b) with the intent to cause evacuation of a building, place of assembly, facility, or vehicle(s), or (c) with the intent to otherwise cause serious public inconvenience, or
(d) in reckless disregard of the risk of causing such terror or inconvenience.In addition to the above, no student shall make any comments or remarks which cause significant inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm, or which recklessly create a risk of significant inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm. In addition to the above, no student shall make any comments or remarks which cause significant inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm, or which recklessly create a risk of significant inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm.
Such comments or remarks will include but not be limited to any comments or remarks regarding the infliction of harm to any student, staff member, employee of the General McLane School District, or any person(s) attending any school-sponsored activities. Furthermore, such comments or remarks may result in disciplinary action as deemed necessary in the discretion of the school principal.
The consequences for such threats, actions, comments, or remarks may include suspension or expulsion from school. This policy is based upon Policy 233 which has been adopted by the Board of the General McLane School District.
Numerous school buses service the Edinboro Elementary children every day. It is necessary to have additional kindergarten buses in operation at noontime. Generally, buses begin morning runs near 8:00 AM and arrive at school between 8:45 AM and 8:55 AM for the 9:00 AM school opening. School dismissal is 3:30 PM with buses completing their regular routes by approximately 4:30 PM.
All children are to ride home on their assigned bus unless they have a written note from their parents stating otherwise.
A written note is mandatory. In case of emergency, please call us. Parents, please note: explain to your child not to get off the bus anywhere other than his/her regular stop unless they have written permission to do so.
Except during an educational field trip, only bus students are permitted to ride the school buses.
The importance of proper conduct while waiting for, boarding, riding, or disembarking from a bus cannot be overemphasized. For the safety of the students, the bus driver has the right to assign seats. Any behavior that distracts the bus driver instantly endangers everyone. In the interest of safety, all students should understand, and parents are urged to impress upon their children, the necessity for strict compliance with the following general rules
1. Students are to remain well out of the roadway while waiting for the bus. 2. Getting on and off the bus should be done in an orderly manner. 3. Students are to remain seated while the bus is in motion. 4. No part of the body should ever be extended outside the bus. 5. Aisles should be kept clear at all times. 6. Conversations should take place in normal tones of voice. A sudden scream or yell is dangerous. 7. Nothing should be thrown either in or from the bus. 8. There is to be no fighting on the bus or at bus stops. 9. Attitudes of helpfulness and cooperation will do much to ensure safe and comfortable bus transportation for all. 10. No eating or drinking on the bus will be permitted. 11. No electronic devices may be brought on the bus.
26. Vandalism Policy
If any person shall willfully or maliciously break into, enter, deface, or write, mark, or place any obscene or improper matter upon any building of the General McLane School District or other building used for school purposes, or shall deface, injure, damage, or destroy any school furniture, books, paper, maps, charts, apparatus, or other property contained in any school building, or shall injure, damage, or destroy any shade tree, shrubbery, fences, or any other property of any kind, upon any school grounds, or upon any school playground, such person shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50.00) and not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), or undergo an imprisonment in the county jail for a period of not exceeding six months, either or both, at the discretion of the court. In addition to any other penalty prescribed by this subsection, the court, upon conviction of a defendant for a violation of this subsection, may order the defendant to compensate the school district for any damages it sustained as a result of the defendant’s unlawful conduct
(Section 777, PA Public School Code of 1959, as amended, P.L. No. 59).
Notice is also given that at a regular meeting of the General McLane School District Board of Education held June 17, 1981, it was unanimously resolved that the Board of Education intends to prosecute ALL PERSONS caught in the act of violating any of the provision of the law stated above.
Furthermore, school administration shall be compelled and directed to bring such charges against all violators.
The General McLane School District Board of Education will pay a reward of not less than ten dollars ($10.00) and nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) at their discretion, for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person or persons violating the above referenced provision of law.
27. Visitor Policy
All visitors to the school must sign in at the office and wear a visitor's badge in order to gain access to any part of the school. No child will be dismissed to a parent who has not checked into the office upon arrival at the school. The main office entrance will be the only doors open for visitor access.
If you bring your children to school, please do not accompany them to the classrooms. Student arrival on the school buses is a very busy time. Thus teachers must devote full attention to monitoring classrooms and assisting children. If you must talk to the teacher, leave a message in the office. The teacher will return your call or schedule a convenient time to meet with you.
All student late arrivals (or early dismissals) are handled through the office. Parents should come directly to the office rather than go to a classroom.
28. Weapons Policy
The possession, use, and/or distribution of a weapon on school property or at any school-sponsored activity is prohibited. The term “school property” includes any school building, a school bus or vehicle used to provide transportation to or from any school or school-sponsored event, school parking lot areas, and any school property owned by, leased by, or under the control of the General McLane School District.
No student shall bring a weapon onto any school property or to any school-sponsored activity. The term “school property” is defined above.
As mandated by federal and Pennsylvania law, the discovery of any weapon prohibited by this policy will be reported to local law enforcement officials.
The term “weapon” shall include, but not be limited to, any knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool, nunchuk, firearm, shotgun, rifle, explosive device, explosive material, and any other tool, instrument, material, or implement capable of inflicting bodily injury.
All persons entering any school building and/or school-sponsored events may be required to submit to a metal detector scan, and a personal search, to ensure that weapons are not brought into the building or event. Bags and parcels also may be searched by means of metal detection devices, by hand, or otherwise. Refusal to cooperate with the search will result in the denial of entry and/or disciplinary action.
The General McLane School District has adopted this weapons policy in accordance with federal law (Public Law 103-382) and state law (Act 26 of 1995, §1317.2). Both laws leave little or no discretion to local boards of education. The law provides as follows:....A school district shall...expel, for a period of no less than one year, any student who is determined to have brought a weapon onto any school property, any school-sponsored activity or any public conveyance providing transportation to a school or school-sponsored activity.
If it is determined that a student has violated the Pennsylvania or federal law, or both, expulsion for one year is mandated under the law.
In an effort to promote student health, the General McLane School District has adopted a new wellness policy which complies with a three year phase-in period of state and federal regulations. This policy encourages healthy choices of foods and beverages for all students by including foods high in fiber and low in fats and sugars, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grain items, Healthy beverages include water, milk, 100% fruit juices and others. Food and beverage choices that will be avoided by this policy include high calorie foods and foods of minimal nutritional value. Beverages of high sugar content such as soda will be eliminated. The new policy will affect all foods available to students during the school day including breakfast and lunch menus, vending machines, the school store, fundraising activities, and items provided for class parties and holiday celebrations.
Adults are encouraged to set a positive example for students to model and to show their support of this new policy. Physical exercise will also be promoted throughout the district as part of the overall wellness initiative. Efforts will be made at all levels to encourage positive life style choices while providing educational opportunities. The wellness policy may be read in its entirety by visiting the Therese Walter Education Center, 11771 Edinboro Road, Edinboro.
We have received the 2007-2008 Edinboro Elementary School handbook. We understand that it is our responsibility to be aware of the information contained within. Please return this sheet to your child’s teacher.
Student’s Name: ______________________________________________________
Teacher: ____________________________________________________________
Date: _____________________________________________________________
Signed: _____________________________________________________________
(Parent’s/Guardian’s Signature)
___________________________________________________________________
General McLane School District
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