East Rockford Middle School

Orientation August 2017

WELCOME

TO

EAST ROCKFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL

August 10, 2017

Dear Parents

Welcome to East Rockford Middle School and the 2017-18 school year. We are excited to have you as

part of our educational family. In an effort to enhance communication, we have assembled this

informational packet.

We are excited about the technology initiative that will involve all students having their own laptop to

use each day at school and at home. The use of this technology as well as the use of Schoology will

allow our students to experience learning and technology at a new level.

We anticipate this school year to be an exciting and productive educational experience for you and

everyone involved, and we are committed to providing opportunities for your child to be successful. In

order to ensure academic success, parents and East Rockford Middle School staff must work as partners

in education. Your active involvement, support and ongoing communication are essential in our team

success.

We look forward to a great year! Please do not hesitate to call me at 863-6140 for further information.

Sincerely,

Mike Ramm, Principal

East Rockford Middle School

East Rockford Middle School General Information

8615 Nine Mile Rd. Rockford MI 49341

www.rockfordschools.org

Attendance Phone Number: 863.6559

Main Office: 863.6140

Office Fax: 863.6559

Teacher Ext. 863.6141

Office Hours: 7:00am-3:30pm

Administrative Assistants: Stacy Durfee and Jan Hogeboom

Athletic Administrative Assistant: Caroline Richardson

Attendance: The attendance line can be called 24/7 and a message left in regards to absences. Please leave student name and reason for absence.

Appointments: If your student is will return to school after an appointment please ask the desk at your doctor/orthodontist for a return slip.

ERMS 2017-2018 Calendar August March

28 – First day of School 6 – P/T conf. 5:00-8:00 (full day of school)

September 8 – P/T conf. 3:30-6:30 (full day of school)

1 – No School for students/staff 9 – ½ day students/staff

4 – Labor Day – no school 13 – PAC 9:00

6 – Symphonic Band to perform at ERMS football game 13 – 6th gr. band solo fest. at ERMS 4:30

7 – Curriculum Night 15 – 5th gr. students visit ERMS 9:15

15 – 7th/8th gr. Back to School Dance 2:30-4:30 15 – 5th gr. parent orientation 7:00 p.m. ERMS café.

20 – Earth Keepers to Camp Roger 17 – Symph. Band Expo performance @ RHS gym

29 – Picture retakes 21 – Drama Club fall play

October 28 – End of 3rd marking period

3 – P/T conf. 5:00-8:00 29-30 – No School

5 – P/T conf. 3:30-6:30 April

9 – Structures to Camp Roger 2-6 – No school – SPRING BREAK

10 – Earth Keepers – Science Cruise 9 – School resumes

10 – PAC 9:00 9 – M-step begins 8th gr. (Apr. 9 to May 4)

13 – ½ day for students/staff 10 – PAC 9:00

20 – F. A. to G.R. Civic Theater 17 – Mass band concert 6th-8th gr. RHS gym 7:00

20 – 6th grade Middle Mania 2:30-4:00 26 – Fine Arts to G. R. Civic theater

23 – Fall Concert 7th/8th gr. bands at RHS Aud. 6:30/8:00 30 – M-step begins for 6th gr. (Apr. 30-May 25)

26/28 – MSBOA 7th/8th gr. solo & ensemble May

27 – 7th/8th gr. Halloween Dance 2:30-4:00 2 – 6th gr. Choir Spring concert ERMS 7:00

27 – End of 1st Marking Period 4 – Community and Service EXPO

November 4 – 8th gr. band/orch./choir Chicago trip

2 – Band/Orch./Choir Broadway trip 8 – PAC 9:00

6 – 7th gr. Grade Vision Screen 10 – 7th gr. Ladies’/Men’s concert 7:00 - ERMS

10 – ½ day students/staff 14-18 6th grade camp

11 – MSBOA 7th/8th gr. solo & ensemble 23 – 6th gr. band concert ERMS gym 1:40

14 – PAC 9:00 23-24 – 8th gr. choir Dessert Theater ERMS café 7:30

15 – Drama Club Fall Play 24 – Fine Arts to Chicago

22-24 – No School 25 – Snow make up day or NO SCHOOL

December 28 – Memorial Day – NO SCHOOL

8 – ½ day students/staff 28 – Memorial Day performance – Concert Band 9:00

12 – 7th/8th gr. Winter Concert band/orchestra 30 – Spring Concert 7th/8th gr. bands RHS 6:30

12 – PAC 9:00 31 – Community and Service – service EXPO 6:00

14 – 6th gr. choir holiday concert 7:00 ERMS café June

15 – 6th gr. orchestra concert 1 – 8th grade class trip

15 – 6th Band Concert ERMS Gym 1:40 6 – ½ day - exams

22 – Last day of school before xmas break 7 – ½ day - exams

25-5 – Christmas vacation 8 – ½ day - exams

January 8 – Last day of school

8 – School resumes 9 – Start of summer parade 7th/8th grade bands only

9 – PAC 9:00

17-19 Exams

19 – End of 1st semester

25-26 – All-State band rehearsals (DeVos)

26 – All-State band concert

February

2 – ½ day students/staff

13 – PAC 9:00

19 – No School mid-winter break

27 – Fine Arts Team play

Rockford Public Schools Family/Student Access

1. What is Family Access? Family Access will allow you as a parent to access your student’s information over the Internet. This tool is intended to help parents be involved with their student’s education. Student information viewable includes: attendance, discipline, class schedules, bus pick-up and drop-off information, report card and progress report grades. Personal information on file with the school that is critical to ensuring communication and safety regarding your student can be verified and corrected by contacting the school.

2. Is it safe to have my student’s information on the Internet? Family Access is a secure web-based application that will allow parents to view their own student’s information (parents must still contact the school to make changes to their student’s records, such as address or phone number). All information transmitted between your personal PC and Rockford Public Schools is encrypted. Multiple layers of security are implemented to ensure access to information other then your own is protected.

3. Who can view my student’s information? Only parents and/or guardians who have been assigned a user account are able to see your student’s information. Each parent is encouraged to obtain their own account and keep it private to help protect your student’s information.

4. How do I get an account for Family Access? Parents must report to a school where one of your students is enrolled and request a Family Access account (you only need to register one time to see all of your students). Also, please have a picture ID available when you register. Once an account is created, you will be given a user I.D. and password.

5. Why is Family Access being made available to the public? Family Access is a tool intended to help you as a parent be involved with your student’s education. This tool provides a method for families to verify personal information on file with the school that is critical to ensuring communication and safety regarding the student.

6. When I click on play, the tutorial does not start. Each slide of the tutorial takes about 1 minute, including the first slide. If you wait, the slides will change automatically until the tutorial is over. To watch the tutorial at your pace, select the double arrow buttons to change slides.

ERMS Parent Volunteer Opportunities

There are several opportunities to volunteer at ERMS throughout the school year. Involvement ranges from donating items for ERMS functions to volunteering time with students and at ERMS events. Listed below are some of the possible ways to be involved. If you would like an opportunity to volunteer with the list below or any other events, please fill out the form at the bottom of the page and return to the main office.

6th Grade Middle Mania

Mix it up lunch

Teacher Appreciation Activities

Relay For Life

Angel Tree/Giving Tree

MSTEP treat donations

Lunchroom Supervision

End of Year Celebration Lunch (for students)

Sign Up Genius Creator

_______________________________________

Parent Name ___________________________________________________

Student’s Name _______________________________ Student’s Grade ____

E-mail address used frequently _____________________________________

Cell phone number_______________________________________________

EAST ROCKFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL North Central Accredited School Since 2000

8615 Nine Mile

Rockford, Michigan 49341 Telephone: (616) 863-6140 - Fax: (616) 863-6565

Visit our website at www.rockfordschools.org

Mike Ramm Shannon Ouellette Kyle Avink Principal Assistant Principal Activities Coordinator

Students with Food Allergies

Dear Parents:

Making East Rockford Middle School a safe place for all students is of utmost importance. Within our

population, there are students that manage many medical conditions and the proper communication and

preventative measures better ensure safety. Therefore, Rockford Public Schools has implemented

policies and procedures to assist students with food allergies.

In order to accurately identify students, parents are required to notify the school of their child’s allergies.

Parents should provide medical documentation, care instructions and medication as directed by a

physician. The parent(s) and school personnel will then work together to develop a plan to

accommodate the child’s needs.

Finally, if your child participates in bringing food items to share with a class we encourage you to

promote bringing healthy snacks or commercially prepared items that when possible contain a list of

ingredients. This will help with the needs of students with food allergies (e.g. Soy, red dye, milk, wheat,

egg, yeast, chocolate, tree nuts, peanuts, etc.) and other medical conditions. As always, classroom

teachers should give permission prior to any food being brought into the classroom.

Thank you in advance for your assistance. Your communication and support will greatly increase our

ability to effectively manage students’ needs and keep our environment safe.

If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact us.

Thank You,

Mike Ramm

EAST ROCKFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL

North Central Accredited School Since 2000 8615 Nine Mile

Rockford, Michigan 49341 Telephone: (616) 863-6140 - Fax: (616) 863-6565

Visit our website at www.rockfordschools.org

Mike Ramm Shannon Ouellette Kyle Avink Principal Assistant Principal Activities Coordinator

BUILDING FUNDRAISER

Date: August 10, 2017 Dear Parents and Guardians: East Rockford Middle School will begin our annual school-wide fundraising during the fall of 2016. The initiative is very important to fund various student recognition programs, purchase agendas for incoming 6th grade students, subsidize costs for student events such as school dances, middle mania and provide assistance for students in need. This assistance includes partial scholarships to 6th grade camp and other 7th and 8th grade class trips, school supplies and other needs that arise. East Rockford Middle School has decided to transition to a donation system of fundraising, in lieu of the magazine sale that has been done in the past. This donation program is similar to what several of the elementary schools in the district have done.We have chosen to move to this type of fundraiser for four main reasons.

We maintain focus on learning and avoid the disruptions associated with traditional fundraising activities.

ERMS will earn 100% of every donation to use for the benefit of our students. Students and familes will not be asked to sell a product or service. Several RPS elementary schools have been successful with this type of fundraiser.

In order to support the ERMS programs listed above, we ask you to consider a one-time family donation of $20.00. If you are able to support our school in this manner, please use the form on the next page to make your donation. It is important to clarify that students may be asked to participate in other program fundraisers for specific programs such as band, choir, 6th grade camp etc. Thank you for your continued support of East Rockford Middle School. Sincerely, Mike Ramm

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR LEARNING ---A TEAM APPROACH

We believe that student success can be fulfilled through team effort. Together we can improve teaching and learning. In fact, research proves that when parents are involved in their child’s education:

Grades and test results are higher. Students’ attitudes and behavior are more positive. Schools as a whole are more effective.

o These Efforts Will Establish A Positive Learning Environment For ERMS. o Hand In Hand We Can Learn And Work Together To Build A Better World.

Working in Partnership Staff will:

show respect for each child and his/her family; provide an environment conducive to learning; provide appropriate homework activities; enforce school and classroom rules fairly and consistently; communicate regularly regarding progress in learning and behavior.

A Student will:

always do their personal best in their work and in their behavior, show respect for self, school and other people; obey and cooperate with the school and bus rules; come to school prepared with homework and supplies;

A Parent/Guardian will

ensure their child attends school regularly and on time; provide a home environment that encourages their child to learn; monitor Family Access and daily agendas to promote homework completion; support the school in developing positive behaviors; talk with their child about his/her school activities every day.

At Home Chat daily with your child about school and the value of education. Spend time with your child. Express your love in word and deed. Get your child to school well rested, well fed and on time. Model good work habits. Monitor television viewing. TV is often a source of inappropriate language or behavior. Stay on top of your child’s grades and test results, especially in areas of weakness.

At School Meet or talk to your child’s teachers early. Don’t wait for a problem. Attend school functions including parent-teacher conferences, field trips, co-curricular

activities, orientations, parent advisory council meetings, etc. Remember and respect that your child is not the only student in class. We look forward to getting to know you and your child, please take time to get involved.

ROCKFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT

Office hours: 6:00am-5:00pm Phone number: 616.863.6328

Fax: 616.866.7115

Director of Transportation: Jacquie Fase

BUS STOP RULES:

Students need to be at their designated bus stop five minutes before scheduled pick up time and ready to load, not waiting in vehicles, when the bus arrives. This is for their safety. If no one is in sight, the bus may not stop.

Students crossing the road to get on or off the bus shall do so in FRONT of the bus with the crossing paddle.

RED side means STOP

SMILE side means CROSS

Students are expected to respect surrounding property, such as mailboxes, grass, or landscaping at the bus stop while waiting for the bus and leave the bus stop location clean of any litter.

ON-THE-BUS BEHAVIOR:

The bus driver is in charge at all times. Students will be seated as directed by the driver and may be assigned a seat. Students need to be seated quickly upon entering the bus, facing forward with feet out of the

aisles. Students are expected to sit three in a seat when needed and are to remain seated while the bus

is moving. Students may only bring items aboard the bus they can hold in their lap. Items not allowed in school are not allowed on the bus. This includes skateboards, balloons, live

animals, glass containers. (If you have a question about an item, please contact our office.)

Students will keep the bus aisles and emergency exits clear at all times. No foul or inappropriate language is allowed. Yelling, horseplay or bullying is not permitted. The bus is an extension of the classroom.

Eating or drinking on the bus is not permitted. Students must get on and off at their designated bus stop.

CONSEQUENCES: 1. Students violating the bus rules may receive a conduct report. These reports are sent to the

principal’s office. 2. Students who continue to violate the bus rules may be suspended from the bus.

BUS STOP REQUIREMENTS:

The Michigan Vehicle Code and Public Act 187 require the following for establishing bus stops:

Busses at stops must be clearly visible to motorists approaching and following busses for at least 400 feet. Bus stops must be at least 50 feet from an intersection. Bus stops must be at least 250 feet apart. (Busses must give a 200 foot notice of a stop) Students may be required to cross a two-lane road but will never cross three or more lanes of traffic. High school and Middle School students may be expected to walk up to 1 mile to a bus stop Elementary students may be expected to walk up to ½ mile to a bus stop.

PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

To ensure that your student arrives at the correct bus stop 5 minutes prior to scheduled pickup time. Safety of students to and from the bus stop and at the bus stop is the responsibility of the parent. To accept joint responsibility with school authorities for proper conduct of your student while riding the

bus and at the bus stop. To be sure that your student is properly dressed for the weather. To make a reasonable effort to understand and cooperate with those responsible for pupil transportation. To explain to your student that a bus may take a different route occasionally than what they are used to

and not to be upset if this happens. THEY WILL BE TAKEN TO THE CORRECT SCHOOL OR BUS STOP.

Rockford Public Schools provides an excellent transportation system. Riding the bus is a privilege not to be abused

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES FOR

TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964 TITLE IX OF THE EDUCATION AMENDMENT ACT OF 1972

TITLE II OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITY ACT OF 1990 SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973

AGE DISCRIMINATION ACT OF 1975 TITLE III – LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION FOR LIMITED PROFICIENT AND IMMIGRANT STUDENTS

Section I Any person believing that Rockford Public Schools or any part of the school organization has inadequately applied the principles and/or regulations of (1) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, (2) Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972, (3) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, (4) the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, (5) Title II of the Americans with Disability Act of 1990, and (6) Title III – Language Instruction for Limited Proficient and Immigrant Students who may bring forward a complaint, which shall be referred to as a grievance, to the local Civil Rights Coordinator at the following address:

Dr. Douglas D. VanderJagt Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources

Rockford Public Schools 350 North Main

Rockford, Michigan 49341 (616) 863-6554

Section II

The person who believes a valid basis for grievance exists shall discuss the grievance informally and on a verbal basis with the local Civil Rights Coordinator, who shall in turn investigate the complaint and reply with an answer to the complainant within five (5) business days. The complainant may initiate formal procedures according to the following steps:

Step 1

A written statement of the grievance signed by the complainant shall be submitted to the Local Civil Rights Coordinator within five (5) business days of receipt of answers to the informal complaint. The Coordinator shall further investigate the matters of grievance and reply in writing to the complainant within ten (10) business days.

Step 2

A complainant wishing to appeal the decision of the Local Civil Rights Coordinator may submit a signed statement of appeal to the Superintendent of Schools within five (5) business days after receipt of the Coordinator’s response. The Superintendent shall meet with all parties involved, formulate a conclusion, and respond in writing to the complainant within ten (10) business days.

Step 3

If unsatisfied, the complainant may appeal through a signed, written statement to the Board of Education within five (5) business days of receiving the Superintendent’s response in Step 2. In an attempt to resolve the grievance, the Board of Education shall meet with the concerned parties and their representative within forty (40) days of the receipt of such an appeal. A copy of the Board’s disposition of the appeal shall be sent to each concerned party within ten (10) days of this meeting.

Step 4

If, at this point, the grievance has not been satisfactorily settled, further appeal may be made to the Office for Civil Rights, Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 20202. Inquiries concerning the nondiscriminatory policy may be directed to Director, Office for Civil Rights, Department of Education, Washington, D.C. 20202. The local Coordinator, on request, will provide a copy of the district’s grievance procedure and investigate all complaints in accordance with this procedure. A copy of each of the Acts and the regulations on which this notice is based may be found in the Civil Rights Coordinator’s office.

Dissemination of Grievance Procedures Adopted grievance procedures should be disseminated to students, parents/guardians, employees, organizations and others to effectively inform them about the processing of grievances. The information must be provided on a continuing basis through the distribution of written materials and/or through periodic briefings. Written materials through which grievance procedures may be disseminated include: Student/Parent-Guardian/Employee Handbooks Faculty Handbooks Newspaper/Newsletter articles Memoranda Bulletins Pamphlets/brochures School catalogs Course offering booklets/curriculum guides Periodic briefings on grievance procedures can be done in: Regular Student/Parent-Guardian/Staff meetings Special meetings or assemblies Classroom presentations Seminars Maintenance of Grievance Records The maintenance of grievance records is recommended for the purpose of documenting compliance. Records should be kept for each grievance filed and, at a minimum, should include:

1. The name of the grievance or complainant and their title or status. 2. The date the grievance was filed. 3. The specific allegation made and any corrective action requested by the grievant. 4. The name of the respondents. 5. The levels of processing followed and the resolution, date and decision-making authority at each

level. 6. A summary of facts and evidence presented by each party involved. 7. A statement of the final resolution and the nature and date(s) of any corrective or remedial action

taken. The following is a sample Complaint form used to initiate this record keeping process.

ROCKFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS GRIEVANT COMPLAINT FORM

Title VI Title IX Section 504 Age Discrimination Act Title II Title III

Name Date Address (Street) (City) (State) (Zip) Telephone (Home) (School or work location) Status of person filing complaint: Student Employee Parent/Guardian Other Statement of Complaint (include type of discrimination charged and the specific incident(s) in which it occurred): Signature of Complainant: Date Complaint Filed:

Signature of person receiving complaint: Date Received: Complaint Number: Complaint Authority:

Submit all copies to the local Civil Rights Coordinator. The person receiving the complaint will sign receipt, date and number the complaint. One copy will be returned to the complainant, one copy will be sent to the school or department affected by the complaint, and one copy will be retained by the Civil Rights Coordinator. DISTRIBUTION: 1st copy - Civil Rights Coordinator 2nd copy - School/Department 3rd copy - Complainant

EAST ROCKFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL HOMEWORK POLICY

We believe that homework is an integral part of the educational process that reinforces and enhances learning. Teachers, students and parents need to cooperate to make homework a valuable experience. The following guidelines will help make learning more successful. Teacher Responsibilities

1. The teacher will provide the students and parents with a written communication of the teacher’s policies on homework, including how homework affects the final grade.

2. Assign homework that enhances learning. 3. Demonstrate study skills applicable to the class. 4. Provide opportunity for students to receive feedback on homework.

Student Responsibilities

1. To complete homework as assigned. 2. Complete own work utilizing necessary resources. 3. Manage time to complete work. 4. Understand what their assignment is! (Ask questions) 5. Have necessary materials to complete homework.

Parent Responsibilities

1. Establish homework as a family priority. 2. Provide a quiet study place in the home. 3. Help the child to schedule a regular study session. 4. Provide assistance and encouragement. 5. Monitor homework performance and insure completion of daily assignment. 6. Notify the teacher if persistent problems or difficulties are noticed during study times at home.

Homework Definition

1. Teachers are reminded that homework is not busy work. Homework is that activity which should be completed outside of school (home) to reinforce and/or extend learning.

2. Homework is that work assigned but not completed during the allotted school time. This work usually is to be completed at home and returned the day following its assignment.

3. Reinforcement work specifically assigned for completion at home. 4. Special projects and reports, which require added efforts at home. 5. Study required in preparation for tests and/or class work. 6. Independent study. 7. Read aloud activity for elementary students.

Purposes of Homework 1. Extend classroom learning. 2. Provide reinforcement for in-school learning. 3. Assist students in developing study skills. 4. Encourage student self-discipline.

5. Provide a link between school and home. 6. Provide opportunity for the teacher to check student mastery of material. Incomplete Assignments Teachers are expected to provide a written policy statement to all parents at the beginning of each school year, which outlines procedures, expectations, and policies for missing, incomplete, or unacceptable homework.

STUDENT INSURANCE Rockford Public Schools, in conjunction with First Agency, Inc., provides secondary medical insurance

coverage for student injuries. This coverage is for injuries that may occur at school-sponsored activities

and school-supervised activities including interscholastic athletics, in accordance with the terms and

limitations of the policy.

The above coverage is secondary to a family’s medical insurance. In effect, this medical insurance

will cover medical costs for school related injuries that are not covered by the family’s medical

insurance as long as the injury falls within the range of approved coverage. An accident is defined as an

unexpected, sudden and definable event, which is the direct cause of a bodily injury, independent of any

illness, prior injury, or congenital predisposition.

As a service to students and their families, the district is also making available a student accident

insurance plan that may be purchased at a very nominal cost. If a family does not currently have

insurance coverage or has out-of-pocket co-pays and deductibles in their primary insurance coverage,

these plans will provide benefits for medical expenses incurred because of an accident. A sample of

the coverage plans available includes the following:

Option I: 24 – Hour Accident Coverage

Extends medical coverage to 24 hours per day, seven days per week; $290.00

Coverage is for accidental injuries; injuries do not need to be school-related.

Includes all activities and interscholastic sports, except 9-12 football.

Optional Football coverage is available for Grades 9-12; Cost is $375.00

Option II: Extended Dental Coverage $ 15.00

Provides 24 hour coverage for dental injuries to students. Such injuries do

not need to be school-related. May only be purchased in conjunction with

24-Hour Accident Coverage.

These optional plans are especially valuable to parents or guardians without medical coverage or with

limited coverage. As a supplemental policy, it also pays the first $100 of medical costs before filing

with other policies. If you have no other insurance, this could be your primary accident plan.

Parents may purchase this coverage ON-LINE (with credit card payment) @ www.1stAgency.com

Please follow the directions by choosing STATE (MI) and SCHOOL DISTRICT

(Rockford Public Schools).

All questions regarding this coverage may be directed to First Agency Inc.

Toll free @ 800-243-6298.

ADVISORY TO ALL PARENTS

Dear Parent/Guardian: Rockford Public Schools has adopted an Integrated Pest Management program. Inherent with this are the District’s efforts to reduce pesticide use as much as possible. While it may occasionally be necessary to apply a pesticide, these will only be used as a last resort. This program does not rely on routine pesticide applications to resolve problems. We use various techniques such as habitat alteration, sanitation, mechanical means, exclusion, etc. to prevent pest from becoming a problem. You will receive advanced notice of the application of a pesticide, other than bait or gel formulations at your child's school. This advance notice of the application will be given 48 hours before the application. The law requires us to do this notification by using two methods. The first method required by the law is the posting at the primary entrances to your child's school. The entrances that will be posted are those entrances that have a sidewalk that leads directly to a parking lot. The second method we are going to use is the posting in a common area located by the main office of the school. Parents are also entitled to receive this notice by first-class United States mail postmarked at least 3 days before the application. If you would like to be notified by mail please contact the Operations Department at 616-863-6330. Please give the secretary your name, mailing address and what school your child attends. In an emergency (example: bees nest), pesticides may be applied without prior notice, but notice will be provided following any such application. You may review our IPM program or pesticide application records for your child’s school by contacting Jim VanderKolk, RPS Director of Operations 616-863-6330 jvanderkolk@rockfordschools.org. Sincerely, Jim VanderKolk Director of Operations

MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT Jim VanderKolk – Director of Operations

7155 Brewer, Rockford MI 49341 Telephone 616/863-6330 Fax 616/866-5999

ATTENDANCE DEPARTMENT – PLEASE CALL 863-6559

ABSENCE A parent or guardian must call school, before 10:00 a.m., and report their student absent.

Please call 863-6559 to report the absence.

EARLY LEAVE If it is necessary for your child to leave the building during the school day, you must

come in to sign him/her out. Please have him/her bring a signed note to the office prior to

the start of school. The office will issue a pass to excuse your child from class at the time

requested.

LATE ARRIVAL If your student is late arriving to school for any reason, please call the attendance line at

863-6559 or send a signed note to indicate the reason for his/her tardiness. All students

who are late due to an appointment are required to present a note from the provider to the

office upon arrival to school.

HOMEWORK You can view homework and other important messages using the 'Message Center' link in

the menu section of Family/Student Access. If you would like to email the teachers for

any work that is not available through Family Access, they will bring it down to the

“Homework Bin” which is located in the hall outside the office.

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATIONS TO STUDENTS

1. No medications will be administered to a student without written permission from parent or guardian. A

permission form must be signed and on file for each child who receives a medication at school.

2. New authorization is needed at the beginning of each school year.

3. According to school policy, medications administered at school will be limited to ingested medications

unless specific care plans are on file and approved by an administrator or school nurse.

4. All medications must be brought to school by parent or guardian.

5. All medications must be in the original container. School personnel will not administer unlabeled

medications, not in the original container, to a student.

6. The pharmacy or physician must appropriately label prescription medications.

This label must include: Child’s name, doctor, medication and dosage.

7. No medications are to be kept with the student except those required for asthma or allergic reaction.

Specific authorization forms must be filled out for Inhalers and EPI pens. These are available in your

school office.

8. The parent or guardian must pick up unused medications. No medications will be stored over the

summer. Remaining medications or contaminated medication will be disposed of properly at the

conclusion of the school year.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact:

Andrea St.Charles R.N.

Rockford District Health Nurse - 863-6031 ext 7030