Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Country Heights
Elementary School
What Parents Want to Know! A Guide for Parents of how
Country Heights operates and
other helpful information.
Country Heights Elementary School
4961 Highway 54
Owensboro, KY 42303
852-7250 852-7260 fax
http://www.dcps.org/ches
Our mission is to provide
Challenging Learning with High Expectations for all Students
Country Heights
Elementary School
Student Handbook
Welcome to Our School!
MISSION STATEMENT
Country Heights School strives to provide
Challenging Learning with High Expectations for ALL Students.
Country Heights Huskies
The Husky is the mascot of Country Heights.
He represents strength, pride, hard work and
determination, as well as friendliness and kindness to
others.
What Parents Want to Know! Page 2 Daviess County Public Schools Page 27
Principal Stacy Harper
Bookkeeper Camilla Baker
Secretary Pam Porter
Preschool Connie Johnson
Primary Diana Cole
SueAnn Devine
Holly Hast
Sarah Henderson
Carol Maglinger
Dena Millay
Jaime Norris
Carrie Osborne
Crystal Sorley
Rhonda Staples
Angela Wilson
Intermediate Ann Clay
Angela Howard
Kim Miller
Dennis Preston
Cheryl Wagner
Special Services Candace McIntyre
Nancy Sexton
Mereda Hicks
Erica Wilson
Guidance Brenda Walker
Librarian Cindy Hamilton
FRC Coordinator Jeff Howard
Hearing Impaired Heidi Givens
Laurie VanConia
After School Heather Barnett
P.E. Mike Duncan
Music Laura Mann
Speech Athena Smith
Neisha Blue
Reading
Program
Anjanette Volk
Staff Developer April Benningfield
Computer Tech Tonya Fleming
Teacher Aides Jackie Collingnon
Vickie Hagan
Ashley Howard
Lisa Howe
Linda Iuliucci
Stacy Kenckza
Debbie Lambert
Mary Serrano
LaDonna Sikes
Cathy Williams
Debra Wolter
Angela Blandford
Interpreter Denise Gross
Custodians Joyce Peek
Cyndie Cooper
Vicky Burks
Lunchroom Linda Ebelhar
Jill Huff
Lisa Jones
Cindy Millay
Kim Wermling
Health Room Wendi Morgan
Becky Christian
What Parents Want to Know! Page 26
SBDM Council The Country Heights Elementary Site-Based Decision Making Council strives to
make the decisions that are best for our school and students. The council is com-
prised of the principal, three teacher representatives, and two parent representa-
tives.
Representatives
Stacy Harper, Principal
April Benningfield, Teacher
Holly Hast, Teacher
Carrie Osborne, Teacher
Keith Hurm, Parent
Shawn Legg, Parent
Scheduled Meetings on Wednesdays at 3:45 pm
August 10
September 14
October 19
November 9
December 14
January 11
February 8
March 14
April 18
May 9
June 13
Daviess County Public Schools Page 3
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome to Country Heights Elementary School! I
look forward to this new school year with excitement and
eagerness. The staff and I pledge that we will work to provide
your children with valuable new learning experiences. Our
mission is to provide challenging learning with high
expectations for all students. We want students to be excited
about their learning! Our goal is that our students will grow to
be happy, healthy adults who continue to learn and positively
impact the lives of others.
We recognize the tremendous value of teamwork. We
invite the families to join our team. We want you to feel
welcome at our school. Please visit the school, become a
supportive member of our PTA, and be an active partner in
your child’s learning.
This booklet will give you information about our
school’s programs and policies. Please read it carefully and use
it as a reference throughout the year. We encourage each
student and parent to also review the “Daviess County Public
Schools Code of Acceptable Behavior and Discipline” at
www.dcps.org. If you have any questions please contact our
office.
Thank you for the opportunity to work with your
family.
With warmest regards,
Stacy M. Harper, Principal
What Parents Want to Know! Page 4
SCHOOL HOURS
When does school start for my child?
Country Heights begins each day with a school-wide as-
sembly at 7:30 in the gym. Classroom instruction begins promptly at
7:40. Students who want to eat breakfast should arrive between 7:00
and 7:20 to allow ample time to eat. Students not eating at school
should be in the gym by 7:30!
STUDENT DROP-OFF & PICK UP
How do I drop my child off if I am driving them to school?
Students should be dropped off at the side of the building.
There will be someone there to receive your child. Please pull up to the
entrance as far as possible so that we may make this as quick and con-
venient for everyone. Doors open at 6:50 a.m.
What if we are late to school, what do we do?
Side doors are locked at 7:40. If you happen to arrive after
7:40, you will need to park and come sign in your child at the office.
What if my child normally rides the bus but today they will be a car rider or picked up from school?
If your child normally rides the bus and will be a car rider, make
your child aware and write a note to the school office. **Any changes
from what your child normally does requires a note.
What if transportation plans change during the day for my child?
Call the school as early as possible. The office is EXTREMELY
BUSY from 1:30-2:15 .
What if we move or some emergency information changes?
For your child’s safety please inform the school anytime you
move, change phone numbers or make any changes to your emergency
information sheet. This includes cell phone numbers, place of employ-
ment, etc.
Volunteer Opportunities The National PTA organization promotes a THREE
FOR ME program encouraging parents to pledge
three hours of volunteer time to their child’s school.
Country Heights invites our parents to support the THREE FOR ME pro-
gram and get involved with our school. Our volunteer program has been
developed to assist teachers, staff and students in many ways. We be-
lieve that parents represent a wealth of resources that can be used to
enrich the school. We invite you to be part of our school! You will re-
ceive a form with various volunteers opportunities listed. Please con-
sider helping our school by completing the form.
HOME ROOM PARENT
Each classroom will have parents designated to communicate with the
classroom teacher regarding needs and events and relay this informa-
tion to the other parents.
COPY TEAM VOLUNTEER
We need volunteers to run the copy room. You can volunteer one day a
week, one day a month, or as often as you like. We try to keep a sched-
ule of volunteers to help make sure that items left are taken care of.
Your duties would include copying classroom papers, laminating, cutting,
and many various activities needed to help make the school run more
efficiently.
IN-CLASSROOM HELP
Many teachers like to have parents’ help in the classroom working with
individuals or groups on a wide variety of activities. Children love to see
their parents in the classroom and it helps to show them that you think
school is important.
OUT OF CLASSROOM HELP
Some teachers can use help with clerical needs. Helping with these ac-
tivities gives teachers more teaching and planning time.
Daviess County Public Schools Page 25
What Parents Want to Know! Page 24
Many local employers support our PTA:
KIMBERLY CLARK EMPLOYEES
Kimberly Clark has the Community Partnership program for employees
and their spouses. When an employee or spouse donates 30 hours of
volunteer time to the school within the school year, Kimberly Clark will
donate $500 to the school. When you sign in at the office please note
that you are a Kimberly Clark Employee.
WILLIAMS EMPLOYEES
Williams Corporation will match 2 times the amount of any cash contri-
bution made to Country Heights by an employee. Employee’s contribu-
tion must be $25 to be eligible for this grant. Employees must fill out a
card at Williams Corp. for the funds to be sent to Country Heights.
UNITED PARCEL SERVICE
UPS will match any cash contribution made to Country Heights by an
employee. Employee’s contribution must be at least $25 to be eligible
for this grant. Employee can get a form to fill out from the Center
Manager and or call Camilla Baker (Bookkeeper at Country Heights at
852-7250) for assistance.
TARGET
If you are a Target Guest cardholder, Target will
donate 1% of all of your Target Guest Card pur-
chases to the school. To participate in this pro-
gram, you can call 1-800-316-6142 to designate
Country Heights Elementary on your account if you
already have a card. If you are not currently a
cardholder, you can designate Country Heights on
your application.
Daviess County Public Schools Page 5
What if I need to come in the building?
We love to see and talk with our parents and community mem-
bers; however our top priority is always to keep our students safe. In
order to keep our students safe, everyone that enters the building
MUST sign in at the front desk, and wear a visitor’s sticker. When you
check out on your visit you must sign out through the office. As a re-
minder if you are volunteering, you need to have had the background
check completed (forms are in the office).
What if I or someone else needs to pick up my child?
Students who must leave during the school day must be signed
out through the office by the parent or by someone on the emergency
enrollment card on file in the office. Students WILL NOT be released
to individuals whose name is not on the emergency card. Please come into
the office and sign the student out and the office will call the classroom
for that student. Do not go to the classroom yourself because the stu-
dent WILL NOT be allowed to leave the classroom unless they have
been notified by the office. Please try to avoid picking your child up
during the last fifteen minutes of school as it is a very hectic time and
we want your child to receive all important announcements, messages,
etc.
What if my child normally rides the bus but today will be going to a friend’s house?
Both children must have a note from the parent/guardian stat-
ing that it is allowable for the other child to come to that child’s home.
The secretary will have to issue a pass to each child before they will be
allowed on the bus. Please try to write notes rather than make phone
calls.
How do I pick up my child after school has ended?
Drive to the car loading side of the building and get into the
pick up line. You must display your pick-up tag while in the car rider line
to assist personnel helping students. Car riders will only be dismissed
through the car-rider line at 2:20 p.m. Please DO NOT check your child
out through the office at 2:20. Should your child be an infrequent car
rider, send a note to school on the pick-up day. Students will only be
released to persons with an official tag or note from the office. Thank
you for helping keep our students safe.
What Parents Want to Know! Page 6
CALENDAR
Aug. 10 — First Day for Students
Sept. 5 — Labor Day
Sept. 30- Professional Day (no school)
Oct. 10-14— Fall Break
Nov. 8– Election Day
Nov. 23-25 — Thanksgiving Break
Dec. 21-Jan. 3— Christmas/New Year Break
Jan. 4 — First Day Back for Students
Jan. 16 — Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Feb. 3– Professional Day (no school)
Feb. 20 — Parent-Teacher Conference
March 30-April 6 — Spring Break
May 18 — Last Day for Students
May 22-Election Day
May 28– Memorial Day
Make-Up Days Will Be Taken In This Order:
Dec. 21, May 21, May 23, May 24, Feb. 20, May 25, May 29, May 30,
May 31, June 1
**Calendar is subject to change due to inclement weather****
-All updates can be found on www.dcps.org
When does my child receive a report card?
Grading Period Dates Cards Sent Home
1 8/10/11-10/7/11 10/24/10
2 10/17/11-12/20/11 1/9/12
3 1/4/12-3/9/12 3/19/12
4 3/12/12-5/18/12 5/28/12
PTA FUNDRAISING EFFORTS
FALL FESTIVAL
PTA sponsors our Fall Festival each year. We need lots of de-
pendable help! The more help we have, the more we help our school.
Please sign up to work on our largest and most fun project.
TYSON A+ PROJECT
This is a new project! Clip and save the entire Tyson A+
Project label from participating Tyson products. Each label
we collect is worth 24¢ for our school. If you would like more
information about the program visit, http://
ProjectAPlus.Tyson.com.
GENERAL MILLS BOX TOPS
Collect all General Mills Cereal and other food
items box tops. General Mills gives the school
cash for these box tops. This is a great source of
funds, the school receives 10¢ for each box top we send in. Grandparents
and neighbors can easily be involved too.
RESOURCE RECYCLING
Save items that can be recycled (aluminum cans, newspapers, white
paper) and take them to Resource Recycling at 2401 Grimes Avenue. Let
them know to put the dollar value on Country Height’s account and all pro-
ceeds will be sent to the school. This is a great way to teach your children
about ways to help the environment as well as supporting the school. For
information on what items can be recycled contact Resource Recycling at
926-6611.
INKJET / TONER / CELL PHONE RECYCLING
Country Heights participates in the recycling of inkjet and toner car-
tridges as well as cell phones. If you have empty cartridges or cell phones
please send to the school. The school receives money for any items recy-
cled. **Don’t forget to collect from your workplace also.**
Daviess County Public Schools Page 23
What Parents Want to Know! Page 22
PTA Board Officers
Scheduled PTA meetings: Thursday, September 15, 2011—6:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 8, 2011—6:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 8, 2012—6:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 19, 2012—6:00 p.m.
What is the PTA? The PTA is made up of parents and teachers that are interested in promot-
ing a spirit of cooperation among the parents, students, school authorities,
and the faculty, and to encourage parents to take an active part in school
affairs. EVERY child at Country Heights benefits from the support of the
Country Heights PTA.
How to Be Part of the PTA. Membership forms are sent out at the beginning of the school year. Contact
the school or one of our officers to join.
Can I become more involved if I want to? Absolutely!!! If you would like to give as little as one hour of your time dur-
ing a school year or 40 hours a week you will be a welcome asset. Again, sim-
ply contact one of our PTA officers and they can answer any question you
have.
President Dr. Brandon Taylor [email protected]
1st Vice President Ashley Howard [email protected]
2nd Vice President Jeannie Mattingly [email protected]
3rd Vice President Amy Watkins [email protected]
4th Vice President Christina Sapp [email protected]
Corresponding Secretary Doreena Worth [email protected]
Recording Secretary Diana Cole [email protected]
Treasurer Michelle Love [email protected]
Daviess County Public Schools Page 7
DRESS CODE
What can my child wear and not wear?
All students shall wear shoes. Shoes with wheels are not allowed.
Students must wear tennis shoes for P.E. and/or recess everyday.
No tank tops, spaghetti straps or midriff tops.
Shorts or skirts are to be at or near knee length or fingertip length.
No jeans with holes above the knees.
No swimwear or sleepwear including house slippers.
No hats, hoods, sock caps or head coverings.
No clothing with obscenities, tobacco, drug, alcohol, inappropriate impli-
cations, or clothes which promote wrestling, gangs, or other forms of
violence.
Pants should be at normal waist.
No bandanas shall be carried or worn.
Sunglasses shall not be worn in a building unless prescribed by a physician.
Well-fitting clothes (ex: no sagging, no belly showing).
No “disruptive” styles (ex: Mohawks, colored or “different” hair, “bling”
or excessive jewelry or piercing). School officials may deal on an individ-
ual basis with dress that will interfere with the educational process.
The wearing of any attire, cosmetic, presentation of extraordinary per-
sonal appearance, or any unsanitary body condition which materially dis-
rupts school work, and interrupts scholastic endeavors, or threatens the
health of other students, is prohibited. The Administrative staff of
Country Heights shall have sole discretion regarding the enforcement of
this Dress Code prescribed by the Daviess County Public Schools.
Failure to observe the dress code will result in the student being sent home
and he/she will receive an unexcused absence.
Daviess County Public Schools
Breakfast and Lunch Prices Breakfast
Student Reduced Price: $0.30
Student Full Price: $1.25
Adult Price: $1.75
Lunch
Student Reduced Price (All Schools): $0.40
Elementary Student Full Price: $1.75
Adult Price: $3.00
Extra Milk or Juice:$0.25
What Parents Want to Know! Page 8
Daviess County Public Schools Page 21
SMOKING
Smoking is NOT ALLOWED on the grounds of Daviess County Public Schools.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS
Students are to leave toys, games, laser pointers, electronic devices, cell phones
collectible cards, valuable, etc. at home unless asked by a teacher to do otherwise
for instructional purposes. These items may be lost or stolen or may be an
interruption to the educational process. If these items are brought to school,
they will be taken up by the teacher and the parent will be required to pick up
the items at school. If you have something near and dear to you, don’t bring it
to school. Cell phones must be off and left in backpacks. If cell phones are out
they will be taken by teacher and parent must pick it up in the office.
HOMEWORK GUIDELINES
Homework is a valuable tool in helping students make the most
of their experience in school. It is recognized that all learning cannot be
accomplished within the limited amount of time allotted for classroom
instruction. Homework is a vehicle for reinforcing classroom learning,
building responsibility, developing essential study habits, and home-school
communication. The amount, length, and type of homework will
vary according to individual needs of the students and the subject and
grade level.
INSURANCE
The school does not carry medical insurance on students. Parents
are responsible for insuring their child for medical purposes.
School insurance policies may be taken out on students at the beginning
of the school year for a reasonable cost. An information form is among
the items your child/children brings home the first week of
school or at the Open House Celebration.
What Parents Want to Know! Page 20
Guidance
The guidance department helps students learn to develop a healthy emotional and psychological concept of
themselves and others. With a positive mental attitude, students are encouraged to enhance their academics.
Students meet with the counselor at least once a month in either large or small group, and/or individually. The
goal is to help students acquire life skills that will help them become responsible citizens.
After-School Program
Country Heights offers a daily enrichment program Monday through Friday during the school year
that provides after school care for your child. The ASP’s goal is to offer students a safe, enriching
environment during the after school hours of 2:30-5:30 p.m. at a minimal cost. Students must be
registered in the program before they can attend. No student is allowed to stay without a parental
signature.. Heather Barnett, after school director, may be reached at 852-7250.
FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER
The Central Daviess County Family Resource Center serves students and parents from Highland
and Country Heights. The office is located at Country Heights, but both schools receive services
regularly. The FRC helps students and families with problems that may interfere with learning,
such as family difficulties, substance abuse, and/or poverty. The FRC goal is to coordinate needed
services and make them available to the students and their families. Coordinator: Jeff Howard
Phone: (270) 852-7261.
Preschool Program
This program is for children whose families qualify for participation in the school district’s Federal
Free Lunch Program and who will be three or four years old by October 1st. The program features
activities which help children develop physical, mental, and social skills needed for success in
primary school. Special needs children may also qualify. For information call Daviess County
Board of Education at 852-7000 ask for the Preschool Program.
LUNCHROOM
When do I pay for my child’s meals?
You may send in money in an envelope with your child’s name,
teacher, grade and amount of money on it. Your child will take it to the
lunchroom and give it to the cashier. You may pay by the day, week,
month or longer. DCPS now offers on-line accessibility to your child’s
lunch account. You can deposit money, check balances, etc. Log on to:
MyNutriKids.com and follow directions for registering. You can also
find the link on the DCPS web-site (www.dcps.org), under the Parents
page.
How do I know what the lunchroom is serving everyday?
Each child is given a lunch menu for the entire year. You can
also access the menu on the website by going to the following address:
http://www.dcps.org/dcps/every_fl.htm
Can my child bring a lunch?
Country Heights’ lunchroom staff provides everyone nourishing,
well-balanced meals at breakfast and lunch each day at school. How-
ever, if sometime during the school year your child decides to bring
lunch from home, please consider the following guidelines:
All students must go through the line with his/her class to be counted.
No fast foods are allowed in the lunchroom in their original packaging, neither adult
or child.
No soft drinks in cans or bottles are allowed in the lunchroom during breakfast or
lunch.
Candy of any kind is not allowed to be bought or sold in the lunchroom at any time
during breakfast or lunch.
What are the expectations for lunchroom behavior?
Walk at all times
Keep hands and feet to yourself
Respect others with words and actions
Raise your hand to ask permission to go somewhere
Talk quietly with students at your table
Be kind to others and don’t exclude anyone
Daviess County Public Schools Page 9
ATTENDANCE
What are the attendance policies at Country Heights?
Attendance is vital for academic success. Communication with the
school regarding a student’s absence is important.
Valid Reasons for excused absences/tardies are:
Student illness
Death or illness in student’s immediate family
Participation in school-related activities approved by the Principal
Any other reason deemed valid by the Principal
Any and all other absences are considered unexcused
Procedures:
Phone the school the morning of the day your child is absent. Let us
know if you would like to pick up homework. Teachers will put the home-
work in the front office where it may be picked up after 2:30.
Send a note to school the first day your child returns to school if you do
not have a phone.
If your child sees a physician, please ask for a doctor’s statement and
return it to school with your child on his/her first day back.
After eight (8) days absent, a doctor’s statement is required for ab-
sences.
Attendance Laws:
KRS 159.150 Definition of Truancy: Any child who has six unexcused absences
and/or unexcused tardies is considered a “habitual truant” The law does not
make any difference between an absence and a tardy. This means that if a
student has 6 unexcused absences...6 unexcused tardies… or any combination
of absences and/or tardies equally 6… the student will be considered a
“habitual truant.” If this happens, there may be court proceedings against
the parent and/or student, depending on the student’s age.
What Parents Want to Know! Page 10 Daviess County Public Schools Page 19
MEDIA CENTER
How often does my child go to the media center (library)?
Students go to the library at least once a
week with their class. They are allowed to check out 2 books at a time
(1 book for Kindergarten and P1). Students may return and checkout
books before school.
What if my child loses or damages a book?
Students that check out books from the library and use text-
books they are responsible for them and must reimburse Country
Heights for the cost of that book if lost or damaged. We will make
every attempt to allow the child to find the book at home, in his class-
room and we will search the library; however if the book is not found
the child is responsible for the cost.
What is AR and how does it work?
AR stands for Accelerated Reader. A.R. is a nationally used
program to enhance educational opportunities for students by providing
comprehension questions for students over books they have read. After
students read a book, they can take an A.R. test independently on the
computer that has questions regarding the book. Students earn points
based upon the reading level of the book and how well they do on the
comprehension test. Students take a test at the beginning of the year
to determine what AR level they need to work on in order to increase
their reading abilities. Students pick books on this level to earn Accel-
erated Reader points; however we encourage reading various types of
literature for enjoyment. A list of Accelerated Reader books and their
point value is listed on our website.
Does Country Heights have any computer labs and what are they used for?
Country Heights is very fortunate to have three computer labs
located throughout our building. Computers are used for class centers,
writing, AR, STAR testing, MAP testing, Compass Learning, Earobics and
weekly computer classes. Students attend computer class four times
per week. During this time students are introduced to the basics of
computer, typing, research on the internet, internet safety, Word, Pub-
lisher, Power Point, and much more.
What if school has to close for snow or if there is an emergency?
Country Heights has safety drills for fire, tornado, and earthquake
scheduled throughout the school year. Safety plans are in place for emer-
gency situations. In case of severe weather or an emergency, please follow
these guidelines:
DO Not call the school. Phone lines need to remain open for emergency
use.
TV and Radio stations will be notified and announcements will be made as
soon as possible. Please listen to the TV and/or radio.
DO NOT COME TO SCHOOL TO PICK UP YOUR CHILD. Any emer-
gency involving the school may mean emergency personnel and vehicles
must be able to get into the building.
If our students and staff have to be relocated, COUNTRY HEIGHTS’
ALTERNATE EMERGENCY SITE IS DAVIESS COUNTY HIGH
SCHOOL.
EARLY DISMISSAL DUE TO WEATHER: Please decide what procedures
your child will follow if school is dismissed early due to inclement weather. If
you want your child to stay in the After School Program, please be sure you
have registered your child in that program.
What is GEM?
GEM stands for Gifted Education Model. Students are formally
identified as 4th and 5th graders. Children are identified in the areas of Gen-
eral Intellect, Specific Academic Aptitude (i.e. Math and Language Arts),
Leadership, Creativity, and Visual and Performing Arts. This identification
qualifies a student to receive services through the Gifted and Talented Pro-
gram. This program is coordinated by April Benningfield , Staff Developer /
GEM Coordinator.
Field Trips
Parents may not take other children on field trips. This includes siblings of a
Country Heights student. Parents who attend a school field trip need to com-
plete a background check at least 6 weeks prior to the planned date. Students
are under school supervision and must ride the bus and stay with the class the
entire trip.
What Parents Want to Know! Page 18
SPECIAL OCCASIONS
What if I want to send gifts, balloons, flowers, etc?
We discourage the sending of gift items to school. If a gift
or balloons are sent the student’s gift must remain in the office until
after 2:00 p.m. We try very hard during the day not to disrupt instruc-
tional time. We will let the teacher know that the items are in the of-
fice. Please remember that balloons or glass items are not allowed to
be taken on the bus.
If my child has a birthday, can I bring treats?
According to DCPS policy, schools celebrate birthdays once a
month. Your child’s teacher will notify you (through classroom newslet-
ters, notes, etc.) which day each month the celebration will be held.
Any treats sent to school must be store bought and follow the healthy
snack guideline set by the DCPS board of education.
What if my child forgets his homework or lunch money, etc.?
Please bring it to the front office and we will make sure the
item is delivered to the student or we will ask the student to come pick
it up at the office.
Can I send out invitations for a party we are going to have?
Students can not bring/pass out invitations at school. The
school can not give out student addresses.
The classroom is having a Christmas party or a Valentine Party,
what can I do?
Your child’s teacher or homeroom parent will send information
on what specific help is needed and what treats you could possibly sup-
ply. We are always thankful for our wonderful volunteers!
Daviess County Public Schools Page 11
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS What are the behavioral expectations of my child?
Please refer to the Daviess County Public Schools Discipline Handbook.
Students have the responsibility to:
1. Be accountable for his/her own conduct and for showing considera-
tion for the rights and property of others.
2. Exhibit neatness and cleanliness in personal dress and hygiene.
3. Refrain from fighting, creating disturbances, excessive noise, abu-
sive language, denying others the use of school facilities or build-
ings, using or carrying of weapons on school premises or at school
activities.
4. Refrain from gambling, extortion, theft, or any other unlawful ac-
tivity.
5. Refrain from using tobacco, or using, possessing, or transmitting
any alcoholic beverage or illegal or controlled substance.
6. Show respect for the educational process by taking advantage of
every opportunity to further his/her education.
7. Practice self-control at all times.
8. Care for the equipment and the physical facilities of the school by
refraining from willful destruction and damage.
Weapons:
Unlawful possession of a weapon on school property in Kentucky is a fel-
ony punishable by a maximum of five (5) years in prison and a ten thou-
sand dollar fine.
What Parents Want to Know! Page 12 Daviess County Public Schools Page 17
How do I contact a teacher?
-All teachers have e-mail accounts. Their addresses are the first initial and
last name. For example, Jane Doe’s address would be [email protected]. Teachers
can be reached by phone before school and after school at 852-7250. The
office will not forward calls to teachers during the school day so that your
child will receive the maximum amount of learning time without disruptions.
You can schedule a conference with your teacher throughout the year and at
parent teacher conference time. You may also send a note with your child or
leave a message in the office for the teacher to return your call.
Check Acceptance Policy
Your check is welcome at out school. In the unlikely event your check is returned unpaid,
you understand and agree that your check may be electronically re-deposited or if neces-
sary, re-deposited by paper draft. You understand and agree that we may collect a returned
check processing charge of $25.00 by the same means and as allowable by state law. If you
have any questions regarding our check acceptance policy, please call (270) 852-7000.
What if my child needs to use the telephone?
The school telephone is for school business and emergencies. Stu-
dents should not ask to use the phone for things that could be taken care of
prior to arriving at school. (For example: permission to spend the night with
another child or homework that has been forgotten).
What if my child is doing a fundraiser for another organization?
Students at Country Heights Elementary are not to engage in any
type of buying, selling, trading, or distributing of articles to one another on
school property unless they have the permission of the principal.
To Order Call: 1 800.000.0000 Page 16
MEDICINE
What are the medicine policies at school?
Any and all medicine (prescription and
non-prescription) MUST be brought to school by a
parent in its original packaging and/or prescription
container. The times on prescription bottles are the only
times that the medicine can be given out. The Health Room Assis-
tant will count out the medicine with you and you will initial a log to
verify the amount. Please remember to check in any medicines
with the Health Room Assistant. “Authorization to Administer
Medication” forms must be completed by parent or guardian. The
Health Room Assistant is on duty from 7:30 a.m. -2:00 p.m.
How do I inform the school of my child’s special health condi-
tions?
If your child has an illness or life-threatening condition, a
medical alert form must be on file at school. These forms are avail-
able in the office. Examples: asthma, severe allergies, heart condi-
tion, etc.
What if my child has a medical emergency?
Parents will be notified at once. Should your child have to be
transported to the hospital by ambulance, school personnel will remain
with your child until you arrive at the hospital. It is imperative that
you keep telephone numbers and addresses up-to-date. Notify the
school of any changes.
School-Wide Discipline Program
Purpose of School-Wide Discipline Policies:
Country Heights is dedicated to ensuring all students feel confident, loved, and
safe. Our policies are designed to help our students show PRIDE!
P Positive Attitude
R Respectful Actions
I Inquisitive thinking
D Desired Behaviors
E Enthusiastic learning
Character traits will be modeled and reinforced with students throughout the
school year during daily morning assemblies, guidance lessons, and classroom
instruction. Character traits to be presented:
Respect- courtesy toward others
Responsibility- fulfilling a duty or obligation
Honesty- being trustworthy, telling the truth
Independence- able to do things for yourself
Enthusiasm- full of strong positive feelings
Cooperation- able to work together for a common purpose
Inquisitive - curious and eager to learn, questioning
Articulation- to clearly express yourself
Industrious- working hard as a steady habit
Country Heights’ School-wide Behavior Expectations
(To be taught, modeled, and reinforced throughout the school year and posted
in all classrooms.)
As a student of Country Heights Elementary, I will:
Respect my school, myself, and others.
Always do my best.
Be responsible for my choices and my actions.
Use appropriate voice level.
Daviess County Public Schools Page 13
What Parents Want to Know! Page 14
Bullying Prevention/Intervention Plan
This bullying policy is designed to eliminate behaviors that make students feel unwelcome, unsafe, or humiliated. Teasing, aggression, and bullying are not acceptable and will be dealt
with consistently. Students at Country Heights will receive instruction on recognizing bullying behaviors, ways to prevent bullying, and the importance of reporting bullying incidents throughout the school year as part of the guidance curriculum. Periodic teacher-
directed discussions within the classroom will also focus on these topics.
Definitions of Bullying Behaviors:
BULLYING is using power to threaten, intimidate, or harm another person who is less
powerful. It can be physically, verbally, or emotionally aggressive in nature. Bullying may
take one or more of these forms:
Taunting, putting down, or ridiculing their peers on an ongoing basis Making offensive comments to other children based on their race, gender, religion
or disability Writing nasty, hurtful things about classmates Intimidating, terrorizing, or threatening other children
Sending offensive or threatening messages to others through the use of their com-puter or cell phone (called ‘cyberbullying’)
Spreading rumors about other children
Playing mean practical jokes on their peers
Getting other children in trouble Intentionally excluding or leaving other children out of activities
Persuading their peers to reject or shun other children Making other children do things they do not want to do Taking or damaging other children’s belongings
Forcing children to hand over money or possessions Having unwanted physical contact with someone Hitting, pushing, tripping, kicking, or pinching other children
TEASING: Name calling, insulting, or other behaviors designed to hurt another’s feel-
ings or make them feel bad about themselves. Put-downs are a form of teasing.
EXCLUSION: Causing someone to be isolated by ganging up on them, starting rumors,
telling others not to be friends with someone, or other actions designed to cause some-
one to be without friends
HITTING: The violation of someone’s personal space with the intent to harm, including
pushing, slapping, or grabbing.
SEVERE HITTING/FIGHTING: Hitting in a manner designed to cause severe harm including punching, kicking, biting, or other behavior that either causes or intends to cause
serious harm.
Daviess County Public Schools Page 15
THREATS: Verbal actions designed to intimidate or announce intent to harm a person
or their property.
HARASSMENT: An uncomfortable feeling caused by unwanted and offensive remarks or actions towards someone. This can include but is not limited to their race, gender, or
ethnicity.
CYBERBULLYING: Involves sending offensive, humiliating, or threatening messages or
images through the computer or cell phone.
Consequences for Bullying Behaviors
The following consequences will be given by our school administration for exhibiting these bullying behaviors: bullying, teasing, exclusion, hitting, fighting, threatening, harassment,
and cyberbullying. These consequences are to be viewed as a ‘menu’ from which the administration may choose one or more penalties as deemed appropriate for each individ-
ual situation.
First Offense
Complete a Better Choices Sheet Loss of free time/Loss of privileges
Parental notification Lunch time isolation in the office Isolation in the Better Choices Classroom
Removal from classroom Out of school suspension
Second Offense:
Student will be required to complete a Better Choices sheet and parents will be notified.
Action may also include any of the interventions above.
Three or More Offenses:
Student will be required to complete a Better Choices sheet and parents will be
notified. Out of school suspension (if used on an above offense, this one must be equal or
greater) Conference with parents to discuss more intensive interventions (court involve-
ment, counseling, referral for special services) and the development of a safety
plan.
