“EXCELLENCE EVERYDAY, THAT’S THE PANTHER WAY”

2014-2015

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Pleasant Run Elementary 1800 North Franklin Road

Indianapolis, IN 46219 (317)532-3800

www.warren.k12.in.us

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Pleasant Run Elementary School 1800 North Franklin Road

Indianapolis, IN 46219

Home of the Panthers

“Excellence Everyday, That’s the Panther Way”

Principal: Patrick Anderson Dean: Julie Aldrich

Secretary: Sharpy Romeril Secretary: Bridget Rochon

Student Name: __________________________________ Teacher: _______________________________________ Room #: ___________ Bus#: ______________

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Welcome from the Principal, It gives me a great deal of pleasure to welcome all of our parents and guardians to the Pleasant Run family. We are expecting another exciting and productive school year for 2014-2015. The strength of our school is the people working together to create a caring and productive atmosphere where everyone can be at his or her best. Students thrive in classrooms where challenge and support encourage growth. Teachers ensure that students are taught the Indiana Academic Standards as well as the Indiana College and Career Ready Standards in creative ways, using their strengths to make lessons appealing to their students. Parents helping at home and here at school provide the extra attention to meet many needs. The friendly and calm atmosphere created by the office staff sets the tone of helpfulness and cooperation that must permeate throughout the school and is reflected in all its members. You are encouraged to visit us and experience an excellent learning environment. Mr. Anderson Principal

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Pleasant Run Elementary School Handbook MSD Warren Township

This handbook has been designed to assist both students and parents to become familiar with the expectations and services available at Pleasant Run Elementary. All persons associated with our building should review the information contained in this handbook. If you have questions or concerns about the schooling process, we invite you to first gather all of the facts from your child and his/her teacher. We always hope you will discuss your concerns with the teacher. If you would like additional information or another viewpoint, please make an appointment to talk with the Principal or Dean of Students. Students benefit most when parents and school personnel work together for the good of the child. It is the administration’s intent to be available with a listening ear and a caring attitude in response to all of your concerns.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome Introduction Mission Statement Goals Beliefs Staff Directory Health Services Emergency Cards Medications Immunization Policy No Nit Policy Student Services Lost and Found Telephone Media Center Attendance Drop-off/Pick-up Late Arrival Tardy Policy Early Release/Appointments

State Attendance Information Reporting Absences Excused Absences Vacations Make-up Work Emergency School Closing School Regulations Student Conduct Report Pleasant Run Expectations Core Values

Discipline Plan Due Process Building Responsible Citizens Standardized Wear Field Trips/Study Trips Electronic Equipment Toys Safety and Security Safe Schools Policy Student Security Release of Students Visitations Emergency Drills Communication/Parent Involvement School Communication Parent Involvement Deliveries/Messages Birthdays ISTEP+ Testing Change of Address Homework Report Card Cafeteria Cost Conduct

Transportation

Bus Conduct Procedures

I. MISSION STATEMENT

As the Pleasant Run Elementary community, our mission is to develop the minds, bodies, and characters of our students in order to maximize their potential as individuals.

II. GOALS Pleasant Run School Improvement Plan Goals for 2014-2015: Goal #1: Annual Student Attendance Rate will be at or above 96%. Goal #2: The school’s aggregate achievement percentage in Math will be at or above 85% as measured by 3rd and 4th grade ISTEP+ results. Goal #3: The school aggregate achievement percentage in ELA will be at or above 85% as measured by 3rd and 4th grade ISTEP+ results. Goal #4: For the content area of Math, at least 44.9% of the school’s 25% lowest performing students will demonstrate high growth and/or at least 39.2% of the school’s 75% highest performing students will demonstrate high growth as measured by the 4th grade ISTEP+ results. Goal #5: For the content area of ELA at least 42.5% of school’s 25% lowest performing students will demonstrate high growth and/or at least 36.2% of the school’s 75% highest performing students will demonstrate high growth as measured by the 4th grade ISTEP+ results.

III. BELIEFS WE BELIEVE:

We believe that all students are learners, and we accept the responsibility of ensuring each child will be a successful learner.

We believe each child is entitled to a quality education free from disruption and interference.

We accept the responsibility to provide instruction that is appropriate for the development stages of each child.

We believe children learn best in an environment that promotes respect, responsibility, and self-control.

We believe all children will succeed, regardless of home-based issues, problems facing a child, resource difficulties, or any other mitigating circumstances. We will accept no excuses for failure of any child.

We believe instructional strategies must support mastery of the Indiana Academic Standards and Indiana College and Career Readiness Standards.

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PLEASANT RUN ELEMENTARY STAFF DIRECTORY 2014-2015

E-Mail: “name”@warren.k12.in.us

GRADE CALL

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STAFF ROOM

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PHONE EMAIL ADDRESS ASSIGNMENT

K 250 AMY MIHALICH PR-2 3849 amihalic

K 251 ERICA HUTT PR-4 3851 ehutt

K 252 CECILIA JEFFERS PR-6 3850 cjeffers

K 253 ALI SUMMERS PR-8 3848 asummers

1 104 JACKIE DONOVAN 4 3822 jdonovan

1 107 LISA HOPPER 7 3819 lhopper

1 110 LISA LINCH 10 3818 llinch

1 108 ASHLEY HERROD 8 3816 aherrod

1 109 DELAINA WILLIAMS 9 3821 dwillia3

2 105 DANITA CHARTERS 5 3811 dcharter

2 106 HEIDI SELKING 6 3812 hselking

2 112 LISA THRESH 12 3823 lthresh

2 111 KRISTINA

ROBINSON

11 3815 kcolvin

2 113 MELISSA BRANCH 13 3817 mgillum

3 117 WENDY DANNER 17 3831 wdanner

3 120 JENNIFER

KAUFMANN

20 3813 jkaufman

3 118 JOSH DAVENPORT 18 3829 jdavenpor

3 119 AMY PETE 19 3825 apete

4 115 JESSICA PLUNKITT 15 3826 jplunkit

4 123 AMANDA COREY 23 3830 acorey

4 121 CAROLYN DUPREE 21 3824 cdupree

4 122 TONY MEYER 22 3828 ameyer

114 DIANE BUCHANAN 14 3827 dbuchana

SP. ED. 103 ANNE OKERSON 3 3810 aokerson

SP. ED. 102 NIKKIE FAIRLIE 2 3820 nfairlie RESOURCE

SP. ED. 102 ROLANDA HARDIN 2 3820 rhardin RESOURCE ESL TEACHER 101 KELLY JACKSON 1 3814 kjackson ESL TEACHER ESL TEACHER 125 AMY HALSALL 1 3814 ahalsall ESL TEACHER

MEDIA CENTER 601 ELAINE LOFTUS MC 3809 MEDIA CENTER 602 KAY ROSE MC 3809 thart MEDIA ASSISTANT

ART ROOM 610 DEBORAH FELDMAN 26 3836 dfeldman ART

MUSIC

ROOM

611 AMANDA BUELL 27 3840 MUSIC

P.E. OFFICE 702 MARGARET CATT GYM 3835 mcatt P. E.

Interventionist 116 AMY HARTUNG 16 3832 ahartung SPEECH ROOM 211 KAMI KUEMMERLE 3841 kkuemmer SPEECH

PTA 210 PTA BOOKSTORE 3846 PTA

606 TRISHA WALKER STARS 3844 SCHOOL-BASED THERAPIST

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WORKROO

M

607 WORKROOM 24 3833

COMP. LAB 612 COMPUTER LAB 3845

OFFICE PAT ANDERSON 3803 panderso PRINCIPAL

OFFICE JULIE ALDRICH 3804 jaldrich DEAN

OFFICE SHARPY ROMERIL 3801 cromeril SECRETARY

OFFICE BRIDGET ROCHON 3802 brochon SECRETARY

OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM 3806

CLINIC LIZ WAGNER 3807 ewagner NURSE

KITCHEN CAROL VOGEL 3808 cvogel CAFETERIA MANAGER

CUSTODIAL OFF. PAUL MOON 3843 pmoon CUSTODIANS

ASSISTANTS RM INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTS. 13.5 3847

LAUREN FORD 3800 BUILDING SUB

SHELLI CASH scash SPEC. ED. I.A.

TRACY HART thart I.A

KAMI STEWART kstewart I.A.

KATHY REED kreed I.A.

KINA BROWN kbrown I.A.

KATIE BREMER kbremer I.A.

ROSA RAMIREZ rramirez ESL I.A.

ALESHA DANIELS 3 3810 adaniels Sp. Ed. I.A.

DEBORAH PHILLIPS dwaldren I.A.

HEALTH SERVICES

Emergency Cards Students are given emergency cards at the time of registration or during the first week of school to be completed by parent/guardian and returned to the school promptly. The cards are kept on file and used to keep permanent records up to

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date. If at any time during the school year the address or telephone number change (both home and business), please notify the school immediately.

Medication Contact the school nurse, Mrs. Wagner, for current Indiana State Laws regarding distribution of medication.

Immunization Policy At the time of enrollment in any grade, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian of a student to provide proof of proper immunization in accordance with current Indiana Code. On his/her first day of attendance, a student without proof of proper immunization is considered in violation of Indiana State law (unless a waiver has been granted). Indiana Code section 20-8.1-7-10.1 provides the only acceptable criteria for a waiver to be granted.

No Nit Policy Children who have been sent home with head lice must use the lice shampoo and also be “nit free” and checked by our school nurse or designated school personnel to re-enter school. Student absences are considered “homebound” for the first five days of each infestation. After five (5) consecutive days, a student will be reported under the Educational Neglect Law.

STUDENT SERVICES

Lost and Found

The school cannot be responsible for money and other valuables brought to school. The child and parent should understand that the student is responsible for the care and safekeeping of all school materials provided for his/her use. Student will be required to pay (at current cost) for lost and/or damaged items issued by the school. Unclaimed clothing items will be placed in a lost and found container located in the corner of the cafeteria.

Telephone Students will be permitted to use a school telephone for emergency purposes only when they have a note from their teacher. If a child’s regular after school schedule is altered for any reason (i.e. staying for an after school activity, riding a different bus, etc.), a note is required from home. If they do not have a note, phone calls cannot be made; and they will have to follow their normal after school schedule.

Media Center Students make weekly visits to the Media Center, and books are due every week. Overdue books need to be returned

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before a student is allowed to check out additional items. Students must pay for lost and/or damaged books. The Pleasant Run media center is a student-centered facility where we have fun while we learn!

ATTENDANCE

Student Drop Off and Dismissal Procedures

8:25 Car Riders Released

8:35 Buses Unload

8:40 School Begins

3:35 Car Riders Dismissed

3:40 Students Dismissed

3:45 Buses Depart

Drop-Off Procedures All Pleasant Run students are encouraged to take advantage of the transportation service the school district provides. There are situations that require parents and guardians to drive their children to school. In those cases the following procedures will be followed:

No student can be dropped off earlier than 8:25 a.m.

All car riders will enter the building at the North entrance

Parents/Guardians will pull up to the designated drop-off area in a safe and orderly manner

An adult will signal for the student to enter the North doors

Upon entering the building, students must wait quietly in the hallway until the bell rings.

K-2 students will line up on the right-hand side of the hall; 3-5 students will line up on the left-hand side of the hall

At the sound of the bell, students will walk quietly and directly to their assigned room

Safety Patrol Officers will be positioned throughout the hallways to assist students and staff

After 8:40 a.m., the North doors will be closed and parents must escort students into the building through the front doors to the office in order to get a Late Pass

Pick-Up Procedures

All car riders will be dismissed from the gym.

Parents/Guardians must park their cars in the parking lot (located outside of the North entrance doors). All cars must park in a marked parking

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space, not along the curb. Cars parking on the curb pose a risk to our students and families.

Parents will be checked in and identified (by picture ID and the car rider pick-up list) before picking up their child.

Once identified, parents will wait in the gym in order to receive their child at the end of the day

No car rider will be released from their classroom prior to 3:40 p.m.

Once the dismissal bell has sounded (at 3:40 p.m.), car riders will be escorted through the hallway by their classroom teacher.

Safety Patrol officers will be positioned throughout the hallways to assist students and staff

Late Arrivals A student is considered late if he/she is not in the classroom when the bell rings at 8:40 a.m. Late arrival causes classroom disruption and delay. Learning the value of being on time is an important part of each student’s social and educational growth. Students who are late to school need to check in at the office and receive a pass to class. Late arrivals will be frequently monitored and addressed by our Pleasant Run staff. Excessive late arrivals can be addressed under the compulsory Attendance and Education Neglect Laws. Students who are attending Pleasant Run on an alternate school request will have it revoked if excessive tardies occur. They must then register at their home school.

Tardy Policy

1st Tardy – Warning and letter with tardy policy 2nd Tardy – Parent contact from office 3rd Tardy – Conference 4th Tardy – Loss of Recess and home visit 5th Tardy – Letter with referral to Juvenile Court for failure to ensure 6th Tardy – After school detention

Early Release / Appointments If you find it necessary to have your child released early, please send a note to your child’s teacher. Parents are to come to the office and sign the child out; then the child will be called to the office. When possible, twenty-four hour notice is appreciated. Attendance Information: State laws require punctual and regular attendance of all children. MSD Warren Township requires students to be in attendance during the hours of 8:40-3:45 p.m. Excessive absences from school adversely affects a child’s academic and social progress. Indiana Law requires attendance to be taken twice each day. Attendance will be taken in the morning and in the afternoon. To be counted present for a full day, a student must be present in school for more than half the school day.

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If a student has a doctor/dental appointment in the morning and returns to school, the student will be counted as in attendance for the entire day. If the doctor/dental appointment is in the afternoon, and the student is present in the morning until 12:05 p.m., the student will be counted as in attendance for the entire day. The Indiana Compulsory Attendance Law states that the family or legal guardian has primary responsibility for ensuring attendance. Letters will be sent to parents after 5 days of absences without medical documentation and/or 5 days of being late after 8:40 am.

Compulsory Attendance Law The failure to Ensure Law – I.C. 20-8.1-3.33 (required attendance) states that it is unlawful for a parent to fail to ensure that his/her child attends school. At Pleasant Run Elementary School, students with 5 or more days of unexcused absence during each semester will be subject to verbal and written notification and will require future medical excuses. Failure to comply could cause charges to be filed with the Juvenile Court Division.

Educational Neglect Law The Educational Neglect Law 35-46-1-4 (endangering, abandoning, or depriving a dependent child of support of an education) states that a parent / guardian who commits neglect of a dependent child commits a “Class D Felony”.

Reporting an Absence Telephone calls by the parent or legal guardian by 9:30 a.m., explaining the nature of the absence or late arrival is required. If absences are not called in by 9:30 a.m., we will be calling you at home or your place of employment to confirm your child’s absence. Only parents are to call-not students. Our attendance line is 532-3800 and is available 24 hours a day. When calling our absence hotline, please leave the following information: your child’s name, your child’s room number and teacher, the reason for the absence, and when you expect your child to return to school. If you wish to pick up homework for your child, please request it when you call in the absence. A written excuse regarding your child’s absence must be sent to your child’s teacher upon his/her return to school.

Excused Absences

According to the Warren Township School Board’s policy, the following are considered excused absences:

Student illness or injury (including medical and dental appointments)

Death in the immediate family

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School initiated absences (including school suspensions, expulsions, attendance, and behavioral reasons, and homebound instruction)

Family emergencies

Religious Holidays

Juvenile incarceration

Special situations as approved in advance by the principal

Vacations Vacations during school days are strongly discouraged. When a student is absent from school for vacations, the student often receives the message that school is not important or that attendance is not necessary. Quite the contrary is true. It is extremely difficult to make up for lost class time (such as class discussion, demonstrations, new material, and skills taught). Merely doing the “paperwork” cannot capture much of what goes on in the classroom. In cases where students are granted prearranged absences, course work will generally be made up when they return to school. Failure to complete assignments in the allotted time will result in loss of credit. After a student is absent over 10 days, the parents and school officials will have a conference to determine appropriate action.

Make-up Work The student is responsible for all work missed during an absence and will be given a reasonable amount of make-up time (usually one day for each day missed). Students who have been ill may have their homework picked up or sent home prior to their return to school. Make up work should be requested by 9:15 a.m. on the day it is to be picked up, preferably on the attendance line when you call in the absence. Teachers are not allowed to pre-plan assignments for any unexcused absences.

Emergency School Closing Procedures School closings or delays may be necessary due to emergency conditions. This information will be broadcast on local radio and television stations. We are unable to supervise children who arrive early when school has been delayed. Please make satisfactory child care arrangements should school be dismissed early and make sure your child is aware of those arrangements.

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SCHOOL REGULATIONS

Student Conduct Code

In keeping with the MSD Warren Township, our community and our staff expectations, students are to conduct themselves in a way that reflects positively on themselves and on our school and community. Good conduct is a requirement in order for quality education to occur. We believe in encouraging consistent behavior rewarding positive student behavior. It is our goal that our students are able to accept the responsibility to behave in all areas of the school setting and to carry that over in other areas of their lives. We realize that there will be times when we need to guide students into making better choices with their behavior. Regardless of your personal views of “hitting back” or “finishing the fight”, please understand that if two children are fighting, both must be prepared to accept the consequences for their actions. We will always have NO tolerance for violent behavior.

Pleasant Run Expectations Students will demonstrate self-discipline. Students will follow all oral and written directions given by the supervising

adult. Students will follow all Pleasant Run Elementary procedures Students will demonstrate behaviors that allow for an educational climate that

is safe, secure, and orderly. Students will show respect for themselves and others. Students will use respectful verbal and written language, respectful body

language and a respectful tone of voice. Students will respect each other’s space (hands to yourself; stay in your place;

leave adequate space between yourself and others). Students will follow school dress code. Students will model C.O.R.E C Civility O Order R Respect E Excellence

Core Values

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People are responsible for their choices:

An environment of high expectations results in higher achievement.

Integrity is essential to creating and sustaining positive relationships.

Embracing diversity contributes to the strength of the community.

The pursuit of learning as a life-long endeavor is essential to individual and organizational success.

School-Wide Discipline Plan (C.O.R.E)

CR-PBIS

Culturally Responsive Positive Behavior Intervention System

Since lifelong success depends on self-discipline, we at Pleasant Run have developed a discipline plan, which affords every student guidance in making good classroom decisions about his/her behavior and an opportunity to learn in a positive educational climate possible for his/her growth and together, we will make a difference in the process. CR-PBIS is a systems approach for establishing the social culture and individualized supports needed for all students to achieve both social and academic success by integrating issues of race, ethnicity, and culture. It’s the integration of culturally responsive practice within the evidence-based school-wide PBIS framework/ Features of CR-PBIS

Explicit teaching of appropriate behaviors in all school settings (hallway,

restroom, bus, cafeteria, playground)

Explicit teaching of appropriate behaviors in all classroom settings (whole

group, small group, independent work time, morning routine, dismissal

routine)

Frequent re-teaching and practicing of appropriate behaviors in all

settings.

Frequent reinforcement for demonstration of appropriate behaviors.

Natural consequences for lack of demonstration of appropriate behaviors.

Administrative intervention and consequences as needed.

The plan provides students with consistent discipline documentation implemented by every classroom teacher.

Classroom reinforcements and consequences

Behavior documentation

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Office Referrals

Pleasant Run Elementary School Behavioral Expectations: Teacher & Staff Responsibilities: Teachers and staff will teach, model, and practice each of the behavioral expectations throughout the year. Teachers and staff will acknowledge student behaviors that meet the C.O.R.E behavioral expectations. Individual classroom management plans will incorporate the C.O.R.E components into their everyday language and behavior expectations.

Acknowledgment System The acknowledgement system is a feature of the C.O.R.E behavioral expectation system. The behavioral expectation system focuses on acknowledging students who demonstrate C.O.R.E. behavioral expectations. This program works in conjunction with school-wide CR-PBIS.

Specific verbal feedback When you observe students practicing respect, accepting responsibility, working together, and practicing safety first acknowledge them by giving specific positive verbal feedback such as:

o “That was so helpful that you held the door open for your classmates.”

o “Thank you for walking with your hands and feet to yourself.”

“Core Coins”

Each student has the ability to earn Core Coins daily if a student displays appropriate behavior in conjunction with the teacher’s classroom management plan.

Students can earn additional Core Coins by displaying C.OR.E. behaviors. Students can be acknowledged by any adult staff members. (Teachers, Instructional Assistants, Secretaries, Janitors, Bus Drivers, Administrators etc…)

Rewards / Student Acknowledgement A classroom Core Store will be set up for students to spend their accumulated coins. This store

will be open at the teacher’s discretion. No real money will be used at the store Items will include treats, trinkets, some school supplies, books, “no homework passes”, special lunches,

Civility In Warren, we show Civility by being courteous and kind to everyone. We value our similarities and differences.

Order In Warren, we show Order by following rules and procedures that keep everyone safe.

Respect In Warren, we show Respect by being a good example for others. Our actions show others that we care about their opinions, feelings, and well-being.

Excellence In Warren, we show Excellence by setting goals for ourselves that challenge us to achieve our personal best. We support each other to achieve our goals.

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additional recreation time, and some “big ticket” items that students can save to purchase. Prices of these items will vary. Store workers will note how many points were spent for teachers to note in their Panther coin tracker.

Please refer to the Student’s Rights and Responsibilities handbook for progressive levels of corrective responses and possible consequences for office discipline referrals. This can be found at http://www.warren.k12.in.us/student-rightsresp or a paper copy can be requested at the school’s main office.

Student Due Process

When a student has committed a disciplinary infraction, the school official will conduct a due process investigation. Guidelines for due process are as follows:

An oral or written statement of the charges.

If charges are denied, an oral summary of evidence.

Opportunities to explain his/her conduct. School personnel have the right to exercise the disciplinary options outlined in Warren Township’s Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. Authorized disciplinary actions may include detention, in school suspension, out of school suspension, expulsion, and/or parent guardian shadowing. Students receive this handbook in August of each school year.

Building Responsible Citizens

While teaching and learning is the most important activity we do, it is also critical that we have in place opportunities for our children to develop a sense of personal responsibility for themselves and for the community at large. As parents and staff, it is our responsibility to effectively provide meaningful opportunities for our young citizens to develop core values and to model them effectively. Below is a list of behavioral expectations for various aspects of the building in order to help build responsible citizens at Pleasant Run. Convocations/Large Group Remain in your class area and be as quiet as possible. Focus undivided attention on the speaker. Hold your questions or remarks until the speaker requests them. Sit in an appropriate active listening position. Remain seated until directed by an adult. Be a true Pleasant Run Panther by following P.A.W.S. Computer Etiquette Touch your computer only Use a gentle touch on the keyboard Keep the mouse on the mouse pad.

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Use the assigned programs only. Save all work to your own folder on the Student Server. Check with the teacher before you print. Be sure you lonely hit the print key

ONE time. If your work does not print after one time, see your teacher. If there is a problem with your computer, stop and signal the teacher Put the headphones back on the computer when finished. Close all programs and log off before leaving the computer. Stay in your seat until dismissed by the teacher, then push in your chair. Be a true Pleasant Run Panther by following CORE. Clinic/Office Area:

Get a clinic pass from your teacher before coming to the clinic.

Upon entering the clinic (unless it is an emergency) find a seat and sit quietly until the nurse can give you attention.

Students coming to the clinic for daily medication should wait quietly until the nurse can help you.

Students are not to use the office/workroom as a short cut.

Students are prohibited from teaching areas (dining room, teacher meetings, and workroom).

***Children should immediately report to the adult on duty when any suspicious stranger is on or near the playground area.

Bathroom

Hallway

Cafeteria Playground Arrival/ Dismissal

Civility

Quietly wait your turn

Single file line

Whisper voices

Play in assigned areas

Walk in a single file line

Order

Keep to yourself

Walk at all times

Pocket on your seat

Keep hands and feet to yourself

Go straight to your destination

Respect

Flush the toilet once and check

Voices off

Clean up your trash and two hands on your tray

Use equipment properly

Follow adult directions

Excellence

Wash your hands and litter free

Hands by your side and eyes forward

Raise your hand for help

Line up when the whistle is blown

Backpack is on your back

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PLEASE REVIEW WITH YOUR CHILD PROPER USE OF PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT:

SLIDES: Use the ladder. Students are to be seated forward when sliding- other forms are prohibited.

SWINGS: Stay seated while swinging. Stay a safe distance back from the swing area.

Chin Bars and Walking Bars: Students are not to sit on top or hang by the legs.

Monkey Bars: Students need to maintain their own position, not grabbing for other students. Objects should not be thrown at students while on the bars.

Please use “common sense” safety rules and regulations.

The adult on duty should handle minor violations. Serious problems or repeated violators should be reported to the principal with a referral.

Students who pick-up and/or throw rocks or other objects will have their recess taken away for three days.

Students may not jump or flip from any of the equipment

School Wide Dress Code Effective for the 2014-2015 School Year

* Students who enroll at Pleasant Run are expected to wear standardized dress clothes the first day of school.

Standardized Wear Policy

o Pants and Shorts: Black, Khaki, or Blue o Skirts/Jumper/Skorts: Black, khaki or Blue o Shirts/Blouses: Any solid color o Polo style shirts: Any solid color o Turtleneck shirts: Any solid color o Sweaters/Vests: Any solid color o Sweatshirts: Red, White, Blue or Black (School Spirit

Wear) o Shirts cannot have any writing or symbol on them. Pleasant School

Spirit Wear is the only exception. o Girls’ skirts or boys’ and girls’ shorts cannot be worn more than 2”

above the knee. o Pant hems may not extend beyond the heel of the shoe. o Boys and girls must wear belts if pants have belt loops, and no

sagging will be allowed. (No hanging belts, no military web belts and no large buckles will be permitted.)

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o Coats, jackets, or hooded sweatshirts will not be worn during the school day.

o No open toe shoes are permitted. *Light or Navy Blue colors will be allowed School administration will call parents to bring a change of clothes if they are considered inappropriate for school.

Field Trip/Study Trips Study trips are designed to complement and extend our children’s learning; however, our policy is that our students must earn the privilege of leaving school to enjoy this enriching activity. Teachers outline clear behavior and work expectations for their students. Students who choose not to behave or work during their class time may be denied the opportunity to attend the field trip. The parents are contacted, and the student is invited to be part of another class during the field trip. Students without signed permission slips will not be allowed to attend the field trip. Adult chaperones are required to have a background check completed and on file with the office prior to field trips. We appreciate the support of parents who chaperone our field trips. Background check forms may be picked up at the office.

Electronic Equipment

Students must not bring electronic equipment such as CD players, radios, palm pilots, cell phones, I-pods, mp3, laser pointers (including pen, key chain, and bullet types), or electronic games to school. Board policy prohibits digital pagers or cellular phones on school property. These items will be confiscated. If there is an emergency students may use the office telephone.

Toys Toys, trading cards, yo-yo’s, look-alike weapons, inappropriate magazines, and catalogues and other items intended for play and/or entertainment are not allowed at school. These are not necessary for learning; therefore, the school is not responsible for any lost, broken, or stolen items. These will be confiscated for parents to pick up. Items brought to school from home (games, toys, etc.) will be at the student’s risk. Therefore, we discourage students from bringing non-educational items to school.

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SAFETY and SECURITY

Safe Schools Policy

The MSD of Warren Township believes that the safety and security of students and staff is a major priority. Safe schools require a collaborative effort of the Board of Education, administrators, teachers, students, parents, and the community. A variety of prevention and intervention strategies, programs and activities, must be in place to ensure student and staff welfare. A student who exhibits physical aggression, hostile behavior, imitating acts of harassment, extortion, violent behavior will be held accountable for his/her actions in accordance with the student handbooks, the Indiana Student Code, and civil and criminal law.

Student Security

Student security will be primary concern for us. It is essential that office personnel and staff members know who is in the building at all times. All parents and visitors must use the front entrance, report to the office, sign in the visitor registry, and wear an identification badge. All entrance doors with the exception of the main entrance will be locked throughout the school day. Staff and students have been instructed to not open doors for anyone. It is important that everyone supports the Safe School Procedure. All doors will be locked at 4:00 p.m.

Release of Students

Students are to be released to the custodial parent only. In the case of joint custody, the student may be released to either parent. The school must have copy of the court documentation on file. The non-custodial parent may pick up the student per court documentation, or if the custodial parent has given permission. After the court or the custodial parent has granted permission, non-custodial parents may also schedule teacher conferences, receive communication from the school, or speak with the teacher and principal. Students will be released only to persons listed on the emergency card. A student will not be released to an individual not listed on the emergency card unless the parent or guardian grants written permission. Therefore, it is vital to keep the emergency cards current at all times.

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Visitations

After the first two weeks of school, we welcome your visit to your child’s classroom. Arrangements are to be made with the teacher before the visit. All visitors should sign in at the office and wear a guest or volunteer badge. With broken homes and restraining orders, it is in the best interest of all that our school personnel are aware of who is in the building. It is not just a mere courtesy but for the children’s safety and education that we cannot allow parents to just walk into the classroom unexpectedly. Generally speaking, teachers, as well as the parents, appreciate knowing when they may expect visitors. Most teachers like to have the day well started before visitors arrive. Parents please understand that the first and last weeks of each semester, days prior to vacations, and scheduled testing times would preclude visitations. When visiting school we ask that parents not have their cell phones out once they enter the building. When visitors are using their cell phones in school it causes disruptions for our students. Also due to privacy issues we ask that cameras or video cameras on cell phones not be used.

Emergency Drills

Tornado, fire, and crisis drills are conducted periodically in the school. It is important that everyone has an understanding of the procedures to deal with emergency situations like fire, severe weather, and other potentially dangerous situations. Students are taught the first week of school what to do if an alarm goes off. These drills are very important and we will take them very seriously. We will always put the safety of students and staff as our highest priority. These drills may be inconvenient at times but are absolutely necessary. There may be times that we need to secure the building and control the access to the children and staff. We call this procedure a “lockdown”. In case of a lockdown, all children and staff are secured behind locked doors and will remain there until the lockdown is cancelled. Under no circumstance will children be released from school during a lockdown situation. We are continually working with the MSD of Warren Township Police Department officials to ensure our preparedness should a crisis situation develop during the school day.

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COMMUNICATION / PARENT INVOLVEMENT

School Communication

In an effort to keep parents informed of their child’s progress in school, we will communicate to you in the following ways: Parents may access our school website at; www.warren.k12.in.us

Interim reports will be issued mid quarter to alert parents of possible problems, especially when achievement is considered below the level of expectation.

Quarterly report cards are issued every nine weeks.

Conferences

Notes and phone calls are made to confer about individual situations as the need arises.

Weekly newsletters will be distributed to students every Friday. They will include upcoming dates and school news. Please review these on a regular basis.

Parents also have access to a teacher’s voice mail and e-mail.

Parent Involvement

Pleasant Run recognizes that a parent’s involvement is key in helping children achieve success in school. Each child’s education is the shared responsibility of the school, the parent, the student, and the community. Such a collaborative partnership can help to motivate, support, and encourage their helping making it possible for our schools to realize our vision for all children.

Deliveries/Messages

The school is always ready to render necessary service of delivering important messages to teachers or students. We cannot, however, call either students or teachers to the phone during class periods as this disrupts instructional time. If you would like to speak to the teacher directly, parents are welcome to contact teachers before 8:30 a.m. and after 3:45 p.m. During school hours, parents are encouraged to access a teacher voicemail. If there is an emergency, please contact the office and contact will be made. All pick up or delivery of items for students must be cleared through the office.

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Birthdays

Please make arrangements with your child’s teacher and office prior to bringing a treat to school. Please do not send party invitations to school unless each child in the class is to receive an invitation. Balloons and flowers are not permitted to be brought to school. All treats must be store bought and packaged.

ISTEP+ Testing and IREAD 3

ISTEP+ is a standardized test administered in the spring of the year and is based on the standards for the present academic year. ISTEP testing is scheduled to take place March 3 through March 12, 2014 for open-ended questions and April 28 through May 9, 2014 for the multiple choice portion. IREAD-3 will be given to all 3rd grade students March 17, 2014 through March 19, 2014. Parents are encouraged to make sure students get plenty of rest, eat a good breakfast, and have a positive attitude toward taking the test. Due to the importance of the ISTEP+ testing and IREAD-3, please try to avoid making appointments that would require student absences during this time.

Change of Address

It is imperative that you inform the office regarding any change of address. It will also be necessary for you to prove residency each time an address change is made.

Homework

Homework is an out-of-school assignment that contributes to the educational development of the student. It should be an extension of the class work and related to the objectives of the curriculum presently studied. Homework may include additional practice exercises, reading of material on a specific subject or unit, and/or in-depth project. Homework assignments are due on the specific date given by the teacher.

Report Cards

Report cards are sent home at the end of each grading period. The first report card will be given to parents during the fall parent-teacher conference. Parents need to review the card with the student, sign it, and return it to school in the envelope provided. The final grade card will be sent home with your child on the last day of school.

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CAFETERIA

Cost

Pleasant Run participates in the breakfast and lunch program that is available to every student. All students are able to eat breakfast for no charge through our Universal breakfast program. For those students who are eligible, they pay either a reduced price or receive the meal free. Lunch assistance forms are to be completed and turned in the first week of school or upon enrollment. Free / Reduced meal applications and guidelines are available in the school office. A form must be completed each year. Students may purchase lunch on a weekly or daily basis.

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

REDUCED

No cost

$.40

REGULAR

No cost

$1.85

The prices listed above are for student meals only. An adult lunch may be purchased for $2.55. Milk may be purchased for $.50. **If parents cannot pay for student lunches on a daily or weekly basis arrangements need to be made by calling the Foodservice Manager at 532-3808. Children who are delinquent in paying their breakfast/lunch fees will receive a reminder. Students may be allowed only one charge. If further charges occur, students will be given a peanut butter sandwich and milk for a charge.

Cafeteria Conduct Expectations for Lunch:

Enter the cafeteria by standing in a single-line.

Raise your hand if have a question or need help.

Keep your hands and feet to yourself.

Do not play with your food.

There should not be any unnecessary noise. (Tapping, humming, clicking, etc.)

Talk softly until you enter the quiet zone.

Sit in your designated area and do not leave your seat without permission.

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While you are eating, please talk softly to friends at your table only.

Share stories, not food or drink.

Use respectful language and no put-downs.

Show respect for the adults and students in the cafeteria.

Soda and carbonated beverages are not allowed.

Listen for line-up instructions and line-up quietly while waiting for your teacher.

When students are finished eating, the teacher on duty will dismiss you by tables to take your trays to the dish area.

Leave the area neater than you found it.

TRANSPORTATION

Bus Conduct / Procedures

Please go over these rules with your children and stress the importance of obeying the rules. Riding the bus is a privilege and if a child does not follow the rules they can be suspended from riding the bus. If a student has repeated bus suspensions all riding privileges can be taken away. While on Bus: 1) The bus driver has the same relationship to the

child, as does the schoolteacher. It is his/her duty to maintain order on the bus at all times.

2) Obey the driver promptly and cheerfully. He/She is working for your safety and is your friend; realize that he / she has a big responsibility and that it is your job to help him/her.

3) Be seated promptly and be careful not to block the aisle.

4) No one is permitted to leave her/his seat while the bus is in motion.

5) Pupils shall not be allowed to tease or scuffle with each other. Treat others with respect and keep your hands to yourself.

6) No windows or doors will be opened or closed except by permission of the driver.

7) Remember: Loud talking, laughing, or unnecessary confusion diverts the driver’s attention and may result in a serious accident. Improper, loud, abusive or profane language will not be allowed.

8) Help keep the bus clean, sanitary, and orderly. Deposit trash in the container at the front of the bus. No food shall be eaten on the bus.

9) Treat bus equipment with care. Replacements are expensive to parents.

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ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE: 1) Be careful in approaching bus stops; walk on left facing oncoming traffic

where there are no sidewalks. 2) Do not stand or play on road while waiting for the bus. 3) Do not destroy or damage surrounding property in any way while waiting

for the bus. 4) Help keep the bus on schedule-BE ON TIME! 5) No student will enter or leave the bus until it has come to a complete stop

and the driver has opened the door. 6) Take your turn and avoid pushing when entering or leaving the bus. For the safety of your child, please make sure that any papers, envelopes, or loose items are brought to school in a book bag. When children drop items or have papers fly away, they could run in front of the bus or approaching cars. Failure to comply with bus rules or failure to follow instructions of the bus driver may result in a phone call home, a written notice, or loss of bus riding privileges. The administrative assistant will deal with extreme situations.

Riding the Bus is a Privilege!!

**Bus students will ride their assigned buses to and from school unless given permission from the administration to do otherwise. Students requesting permission to ride on a bus different than the one they have been assigned must present a note from their parent to the office and given a bus pass. Students are not to ride to school on another student’s bus unless prior arrangements have been made with the office. The safety and welfare of all Warren Township students are matters of great concern to all of us. Riding the school bus is a privilege, and we hope you will help us insure a safe transportation program. **Students from Pleasant Run Elementary School are prohibited from walking or riding bicycles to and from school. YOUR CHILD AND EVERY CHILD DESERVES A SAFE PLEASANT RIDE TO SCHOOL!!