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Joshua Dixon Elementary
Student/Parent
Handbook
2017-18 School Year Board Adopted: August 2017
Table of Contents
2017-18 District Calendar 1 Time Schedule 2 Contact Information 3 School Philosophy 4 Visitors and Volunteers 4 Registration/Withdraw/Transfer 4 Ohio Dept. of Health Immunizations 5 Health and Wellness 6 Fire/Tornado and Safety Drills 7 Cafeteria/POS/Free/Reduced Information 7 Columbiana Exempted Village Charge Policy 8 Attendance/Tardiness 9 Pre-planned Absence Form 10 School Rules and Discipline 11 Discipline Code 12 Bus Conduct/Safety 13 Rewards and Consequences 13 Dress Code 14 Dismissal/Routine Changes 14 Progress Reports/Report Cards 15 Parent/Teacher Conferences 15 Fines and Fees 15 Items Brought to School/Lost and Found 15 Student Phone Calls 15 Classroom Treats 15 School Closing 16 PTO 16 Field Trip Volunteers 16 Course Offerings and Special Services 17 Privacy Notice 17 Acknowledgment of Receipt of Handbook (Sign and Return) 17
2017-18 Dixon Time Schedule
8:20 a.m. Beginning of Teacher Day/Student Drop-Off 8:30 a.m. Students report to classrooms 8:40 a.m. Tardy Bell-start of classes
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8:20 Drop-Off Breakfast 8:30 Students dismissed to class 8:40 TARDY BELL 8:50-9:30 First Period 9:30-10:10 Second Period 10:10-10:50 Third Period 10:50-11:30 Fourth Period 11:30-12:10
11:30-11:50 K Lunch 11:50-12:10 K Recess
Fifth Period
12:10-12:50 12:10-12:30 1st Lunch/ 2nd Recess 12:30-12:50 1st Recess/2nd Lunch
Sixth Period
12:50-1:30 12:50-1:10 3rd Lunch/ 4th Recess 1:10-1:30 3rd Recess/4th Lunch
Seventh Period
1:30-2:10 Eighth Period 2:10-2:50 Ninth Period 2:50-3:00 Homeroom 3:05 Dismissal for Walkers and Car Riders 3:10-3:30 Dismissal for Bus Riders
STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK Dear Parent/Guardian/Student, The purpose of this handbook is to inform both parents and students about the activities, policies, and procedures of our school. Please keep this handbook available for reference throughout the school year. Each month you will also receive a newsletter which will update you on current activities and school events. If you have a question or concern, please do not hesitate to call or contact any of the staff members at Joshua Dixon at any time. Good communication between school and home is very important to us.
Thank you for your continued interest in and support of our school and students.
Kim Sharshan, Principal
Contact Information
Principal: Mrs. Kim Sharshan (330) 482-5355 ext. 34507 [email protected]
Assistant Principal: Mrs. Marci Freedy (330) 482-5355 ext. 34212 and Special Ed. Coor. [email protected]
Secretary: Mrs. Rebecca Miller (330) 482-5355 (press 1 for the office)
Nurse: Mrs. Leslie Costal, R.N. (330) 482-5355 ext. 34503 [email protected]
Transportation Mrs. Leslie Best (330) 692-9178 Coordinator:
Joshua Dixon Elementary 333 North Middle Street Columbiana, Ohio 44408
(330) 482-5355 Fax: (330) 482-5358
Ways to Keep in Touch
District Web Address: http://www.columbiana.k12.oh.us/ Joshua Dixon Elementary Web Page: http://www.columbiana.k12.oh.us/Joshua Dixon/
District Calendar: http://www.columbiana.k12.oh.us/calendar/ WCLP: Channel 13~Comcast
Office Hours: 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Tardy Bell: 8:40 a.m. Teacher Day: 8:20 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Walker/Car Rider Dismissal: 3:05 p.m. Student Day: 8:30 a.m.-3:10 p.m. Bus Dismissal 3:10 p.m.
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SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY:
The purpose of the Columbiana Exempted Village Schools is to gather and use all available resources toward the optimum development of each student according to his/her capacity for development. We believe the priorities for school are: · The teaching of skills in reading, composition, listening, speaking, and computation. · The development of creative and disciplined thinking, including the methods of inquiry and
ways of applying knowledge. · The development of competence in self instruction and independent learning. · The development of fundamental understanding of the humanities, the arts, the social
studies, natural sciences, and mathematics. · The development of discriminating tastes in literature, music, and the visual arts. · Instruction in health education and physical education. · Preparation for the world of work, advanced education, and citizenship. · Exposure to the computer and it’s many and varied software programs.
VISITORS AND VOLUNTEERS:
All visitors to Joshua Dixon School MUST enter the building through the MAIN ENTRANCE DOORS. All other exit doors are locked. Visitors MUST check in at the office, sign-in, and receive a visitor’s badge before going to a classroom. Upon the conclusion of business in the school, the visitor MUST return to the school office. There the visitor will sign-out and discard the badge. Parents coming to school to pick up a student early must send a note to school. Once the parent arrives at school, he/she must report to the office to sign the student out. The office personnel will call the student down to the office. If there is any question about the identification of the adult picking up a student that adult may be asked to provide proper identification. We do have a parent volunteer program. Volunteers assist various classroom teachers and help out in the school library. If you have the time, we could certainly use your help and we would appreciate hearing from you about your interest in this area. Please contact your child’s classroom teacher regarding your interest in being a volunteer. We ask that you please not bring your younger children with you while you are volunteering at school.
REGISTRATION/WITHDRAW/TRANSFER:
New students can be registered at any time during the school office hours throughout the school year. A birth certificate, social security card, proof of residency, and immunization records are needed when registering. In the event you are the custodial/residential parent you will need to provide a copy of the custody papers to be kept on file in the school office. The child entering school for the first time is required by Ohio Law to have the following immunizations:
*Please see attached required Immunization Chart from the Ohio Dept. of Health.
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Please let us know if you change your address or telephone number. In the event of an emergency, it is imperative that we are able to contact you as soon as possible. The following procedures for withdraw/transfer should be used:
Come into the school office and ask for the necessary form(s). Be sure all books, including the library books are turned into the school office. Make certain all fees, fines, and charges are paid.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS:
Children who become sick during the school day should report to the office. If a child needs to go home, parents will be contacted.
Emergency Medical Forms- These forms are sent out to you early in the school year. It is absolutely necessary that these forms be filled out and returned to the school. This form MUST be on file for your child to go on field trips. THESE FORMS ARE REQUIRED YEARLY BY LAW. The school office should be notified of any changes in your child’s health, doctor, hospital, phone number or address. In the event a child gets sick or injured at school, we can only contact those people who are listed on the emergency form.
Medication- If you have a child on medication (prescription or nonprescription), call the school or come to the office for complete instructions. DO NOT SEND ANY MEDICATION to school with your child. To ensure the safety of your child, it is required that you have a doctor’s statement for any medication to be given at school. Special forms need to be obtained from the school R.N. for this purpose.
Immunizations- See page 5. Student Accident Insurance- At the beginning of each school year, student insurance for
excess coverage is available at a nominal fee and is optional. When a student, insured under this plan, is injured, a claim form should be requested from the school R.N. This form must be completed by his/her parents, doctor, or hospital, and mailed to the insurance company. The school merely acts as a medium in supplying the insurance and assumes no liability, either for the injury or the subsequent negotiations with the company. If interested this form can be found on our website http://www.columbiana.k12.oh.us/forms/
School Exclusion Guide for Contagious Diseases- If your child has a communicable disease, please notify the school. (Measles, mumps, chicken pox, strep throat, pinkeye, head lice, impetigo, etc.) Help prevent illness by keeping him/her home and calling the doctor if he/she has a sore throat, nausea, vomiting, runny nose, diarrhea, chills, skin rash, inflamed eye, discharging ear, enlarged glands, coughing, earache, flushed face, or paleness.
Head Lice- Contracting lice can happen to any student. Lice are transmitted by casual contact of coats, hats, combs, heads, etc. If your child tells you that his/her head itches, please check for small black specks behind the ears, at the crown of the head or on the back of the neck. If a student is found to have head lice, he/she is sent home. Prior to returning to the classroom, proof of treatment must be shown and the student must be checked. If one or more nits (eggs) are found, the student will be sent home for the parent/guardian to remove the nits. Medicated shampoo must be used to kill the lice and their eggs (called nits). Our school R.N. must be notified. She will be able to give you the name of medicated shampoos to use and provide you with more information about lice. Reporting that a student has lice is kept as confidential as possible. The student’s classmates are checked for lice by the school R.N. If you have other children in the school, they will also be checked for lice.
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Being excused from recess-Weather permitting, all children are expected to go outside for recess. If a child is too ill to go outside for a short recess, that child is probably too ill to be in school. Students should be sent to school with appropriate outdoor clothing-coats, boots, mittens, hats, and etc. Weather conditions, including the wind-chill factor are used in determining whether to have outdoor recess. If the temperature or the wind chill is below 25 degrees, the students stay in their classrooms, gym or library for a supervised recess time. Students also stay in on rainy days. If a child is to be excused from recess for health reasons, a note needs to be sent to school. If a child is to stay in one week or longer, this needs to be ordered by a doctor and cleared through the office.
Being excused from P.E. Class-Taking part in physical education classes is expected of all students. Students may be excused because of a physical disability if a medical note is presented from a doctor. This is required by state law. A note of release from a doctor’s care must be sent before a student may resume P.E. class activities.
FIRE/TORNADO/SAFETY DRILLS:
Practice fire, tornado and safety drills are held throughout the year. To ensure their success, every drill is considered an actual emergency as children would need to know how to react in the event a real disaster would occur. We will be having a fire drill within the first week of school and one a month to follow. We will have one tornado drill a month (March-June). We will also be having a code red safety drill (as needed) with the help of our local police department.
CAFETERIA/POINT OF SALE/FREE & REDUCED BREAKFAST AND LUNCH:
Our school offers breakfast for the students. The cost is $1.00 /.30 (reduced cost)/free (for those qualifying). The breakfast menu will be sent home along with the lunch menu. The cost for lunch is $2.75/.40 (reduced cost)/free (for those qualifying). We will again be using a Point of Sale system. Your child will be given a code to memorize. This code will be punched into a key pad at the cafeteria register bringing up your child’s “screen.” This screen indicates the child’s account balance and deducts the cost of breakfast and/or lunch, as well as, keeps track of the breakfast and lunch “history” of your child. You will need to go over the monthly breakfast and lunch menu with your child and send a check to school with the total amount to be deposited into your child’s account. Please see the attached Columbiana EVSD Charge Policy (page 8). The application form for the free & reduced program will be included in each student’s opening day information. Qualification for the program carries the obvious benefit of free or reduced price breakfast and lunches, but there are other benefits as well. They include: Waiver or reduction of school fees. If a family does not qualify at the beginning of the year but financial circumstances change during the year, a midyear application can be made. Free and Reduced-Price Status will be completely confidential in the lunch line with the Point of Sale system. Please see monthly menu for additional breakfast and lunch price information.
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Columbiana Exempted Village Schools Charge Policy for the Cafeterias
It is the parent(s)/guardian(s) responsibility to see that the student(s) have money in their account to charge meals, or have money for that day’s meal or that they bring a lunch. The school district has a POS (point of sale) system available at each building that works as a “debit” account. This means the student puts money in their account “in advance” of purchasing food. (If your check is returned for nonsufficient funds (NSF), your account will be debited electronically for both the face amount and returned check fees.) If they have no balance, then they have no money and will not be allowed to take any food except as noted below: Dixon Elementary School:
1. Students will only be permitted to charge up to $15.00 at any given time. 2. After the account reaches a negative of $15.00, the student will be provided with an
alternate meal (i.e., lunch meat sandwich, fruit, vegetable, milk) and his/her account will be charged for the price of a meal.
3. If a student has cash, but owes money to his/her account, he/she can only buy a regular breakfast and/or lunch for that day.
4. Unpaid charges for students will result in the following: a. A verbal reminder to student b. A written reminder sent home with student c. Telephone call home d. Letter sent home e. Meeting between school principal and parent/guardian f. Retention of report card (at each 9 weeks and at year end)
5. When a student’s account has a negative balance, only full lunches or breakfasts may be charged. There is no charging allowed for ala carte items. (i.e., if a student’s account is negative, he/she will not be permitted to charge the cost of cookies)
All Buildings: A student can only use money in their account for cafeteria purchases and may never “withdraw” cash from their account. At the end of each school year, students should use up any money left in the account. Refunds will not be issued for any balances remaining in the account. If a student leaves the district (i.e., moves to another school, graduates, etc.), balances in excess of $10.00 will be refunded if all other financial obligations to the district are met (i.e., student fees, fundraiser monies, books returned, etc.) if requested in writing to the Treasurer’s office at 700 Columbiana Waterford Road, Columbiana, Ohio, 44408. A check will be issued only upon confirmation of the balance by the cashier or cafeteria manager and verification from the building principal and secretary that all other obligations have been met.
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2017-18 Attendance Procedure It is important for every student in Ohio to attend school every day. Missing too much school has long-term, negative effects on students, such as lower achievement and graduation rates…Regular school attendance is an important ingredient in students’ academic success. Excessive absences interfere with students’ progress in mastering knowledge and skills… (Ohio Dept. of Education, HB410, July 26, 2017). Strategies to reduce student absences:
1. Notification of student absence to the parent or guardian; 2. Development of an absence intervention plan including supportive services for students and
families; 3. Counseling; 4. Parenting Education Programs; 5. Mediation; 6. Intervention and involvement of juvenile authorities; and 7. Referral for truancy, if applicable. (After the 61st day of failed implementation of an absence
intervention plan; or unless a child has been absent without a legitimate excuse for 30 or more consecutive hours (4.25 days) or 42 or more hours (6 days) in a school month during the implementation of an absence intervention plan).
Truancy: Absent 30 or more consecutive hours (4.25 days) without a legitimate excuse; Absent for 42 or more hours (6 days) in one school month without a legitimate excuse; Absent for 72 or more hours (10.25 days) in one school year without a legitimate excuse.
1. Within seven days of the triggering absence, three meaningful attempts to secure the participation of the student’s parent or guardian on the absence intervention team will occur;
2. Within 10 days of the triggering absence, the student will be assigned to the absence intervention team;
3. Within 14 days, the district will develop the student’s absence intervention plan; 4. If the student does not make progress on the plan within 61 days or continues to be excessively
absent, the district will file a complaint in the juvenile court.
Excessive Absences: Absent 38 or more hours (5.5 days) in one school month with or without a legitimate excuse; Absent 65 or more hours (9.25 days) in one school year with or without a legitimate excuse.
1. Parent will be notified in writing within seven days of triggering absence. 2. Student will follow the district’s plan for absence intervention AND the student and family may
be referred to community resources.
Chronic Absenteeism: Absent for 10 percent-92 hrs. (13 days) or more of the school year for any reason (excused or unexcused).
TARDY TIME WILL BE ACCUMULATED AND COUNTED TOWARD HB 410 REQUIREMENTS
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JOSHUA DIXON SCHOOL REQUEST FOR PRE-PLANNED ABSENCE
Student’s Name: __________________ Grade: ______ Phone: ___________ NUMBER OF DAYS ABSENT TO DATE: __________ Dates of Vacation: Starting Date: ___________ Ending Date: ___________ Total number of school days requested: ___________ (5 days maximum) Vacation days will count toward the 9 day semester and 18 day absence policy. Students must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian. Vacation request forms must be completed and signed by the parent, submitted to the principal for approval, and then signed by each teacher one week before a vacation starting date. Students are responsible for turning in all assignments on time.
Location of vacation and comments: ________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ Parent Signature: _________________________ Date: _________________ Principal Approval: _______________________ Date: _________________ TEACHER SIGNATURE SUBJECT MAKE-UP WORK 1._____________________ ______________ ____________________ 2._____________________ ______________ ____________________ 3._____________________ ______________ ____________________ 4._____________________ ______________ ____________________ 5._____________________ ______________ ____________________ 6._____________________ ______________ ____________________
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School Rules / Discipline Plan and Procedures: The Joshua Dixon Student. . .
1. Respects school property. 2. Respects authority. 3. Obeys all school rules (ex. walk in the classroom and hallways) 4. Respects the opinions of others. 5. Cooperates with teachers and classmates (keeps hands and feet to self). 6. Has a courteous attitude toward others at all times. 7. Does his/her best in all school work. 8. Is honest and dependable. 9. Follows rules of good sportsmanship.
10. Conducts him/herself in an acceptable manner at all times, realizing that he/she represents Joshua Dixon Elementary.
Disruptive or threatening behavior is not tolerated. Students are expected to behave in an appropriate manner and to follow the rules that were developed in order to have a safe learning atmosphere. If a student has a severe behavior problem, an action plan may be created for that student with parent support and assistance. Cafeteria: 1. Talk quietly and keep hands/feet to self while waiting in line.
2. Students may talk quietly while seated and eating their lunch. (This is an earned privilege and can be taken away).
3. Remain in your seat until dismissed. If you need something raise your hand. 4. Clean-up after yourself. 5. Use your BEST manners. 6. Walk at all times (dismissal from cafeteria and down hall to classroom).
*Not following any of these rules can result in a missed recess. Playground: 1. Please remember that the playground equipment is school property and needs to be treated
with respect. 2. Ladders can be slippery when wet-be careful. 3. Take Turns. 4. Only go DOWN the slides. 5. “Tag” games only. (Ex. NO Tackle Football). 6. Playground and foam balls will be provided by PTO. 7. Be kind, considerate, and fair to classmates. 8. Students are to remain on school property at all times. 9. No puddles, ice patches, snow piles or mud. 10. Listen to supervising adults.
Inside Recess: Individual Classroom rules are to be followed during inside recess. PTO will provide board games for the students to play. Classroom teachers will also share with students activities that are appropriate in the classroom during inside recess.
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JOSHUA DIXON
Discipline Code/Corrective Action
Nature of Misconduct 1st Offense 2nd Offense 3rd Offense
Assault to Staff/Student emergency removal/admin. discretion OSS 1-3 Days OSS 5-10 Days/Possible Expulsion
Blatant Disrespect loss of recess/special priv. am det./admin. discretion DRA/admin. discretion
Cheating/Lying/Stealing loss of recess/special priv. am det./restitution/admin. discretion DRA/am detention
Damage/destruction to school or personal property loss of recess/special priv./restitution am det./restitution/admin. discretion DRA/restitution/admin. discretion
Dangerous Weapon Possession emergency removal/admin. discretion OSS 1-3/am det./admin. discretion OSS 5-10 Days/Possible Expulsion
Disobedient/Disruptive Behavior loss of recess/special priv. am det./special priv./admin. dis. DRA/admin. dis/possible OSS
Dress Code Violation parental contact parental contact/change loss of recess/change
Endanger the Safety of Staff/Student(s) loss of recess/admin. discretion DRA OSS
Excessive Tardiness/Absences see handbook HB 410 see handbook HB 410 see handbook HB 410
Fighting/Violence (references) loss of recess/sp. priv. am det. DRA/possible OSS
Harassment/Intimidation "Bullying" loss of recess/sp priv. am det. DRA/possible OSS
Insubordination/Failure to Comply loss of recess/sp. priv. am det./admin. discretion DRA/admin. discretion
Lunchroom Disruption loss of recess/sp. priv. am det. DRA/admin. discretion
Off Limits/Leaving School w/o Permission admin. disc. DRA/admin. discretion OSS
Profanity/Inappropriate Gestures loss of recess/ sp. priv. am det. admin. discretion DRA/admin. discretion
Repeated Violations of School Rules loss of recess/spec. privilege am detention/1 day off bus DRA/3 days off bus
Hitting Others/Not keeping hands to self loss of recess/sp. priv. am detention/admin. discretion DRA/admin. discretion
School Bus Rule Violation (see handbook for rules) parental contact/admin. dis. am detention/1 day off bus DRA/3 days off bus
Serious Bodily Injury emergency removal/admin. discretion OSS 1-3/am det./admin. discretion OSS 5-10 days/Possible Expulsion
Threat to Staff/Student(s)/Verbal or Written admin. discretion DRA OSS
Use of Unauthorized Electronic Devices notice to students and parents confiscation of device am detention/loss of tech priv.
Inducing Panic admin. discretion DRA/admin. discretion OSS
*DRA-Discipline Re-Assignment/In School Suspension *OSS-Out of School Suspension *Nature of mis-conduct includes after school events, bus stops, and while riding the bus to and from school and events.
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Safety Regulations:
1. Be on time-10 minutes prior to pick-up time. The driver has a schedule to keep.
2. Be careful upon entering and leaving the bus. WATCH FOR DRIVER SIGNALS. 3. Stay seated at all times keeping aisles and exits clear. 4. Listen to the bus driver at all times. Obey the driver promptly and respectfully. 5. Conduct yourself in an orderly manner while on the bus. No profanity or inappropriate
gestures. 6. Transporting animals on the bus is not permitted. 7. Eating on the bus is prohibited by state regulations, unless a medical condition warrants it. 8. Keep head and arms inside the bus windows. 9. Do not throw trash/items on the floor or out the windows. 10. Never throw anything on the bus. 11. No weapons or other dangerous materials are permitted on the bus. 12. Above bus behavior rules AND school code of conduct rules apply at the bus stop and during
field trips and sporting event transportation.
BUS STOP Drivers will stop at designated bus stops ONLY. These are pre-determined areas by the transportation coordinator deemed safe for students to enter and exit the bus.
*Note-A student who does not follow these bus safety rules can be refused bus transportation to and from school for a specified period of time (dictated by School Board Policy). *Be prepared to be at the bus stop 10 MINUTES ahead of scheduled pick-up time. However, unforeseen circumstances can cause buses to run slightly off schedule from time to time. Your patience is appreciated. *Bus drivers are to have control of all students conveyed between the homes of the students and the school. The driver shall keep order, maintain discipline among the students in a civil manner, see that no student is imposed upon or mistreated while in his/her charge and shall use every care for the safety of the students. The driver has the same rights and authority as a classroom teacher. Any students who present problems may be assigned a permanent seat by the driver. Bus students who present problems which jeopardize the safety of others may have their privileges of riding a bus withdrawn by the administration.
REWARDS AND CONSEQUENCES:
A positive approach with students is the key to our discipline plan. We discipline with dignity. We use grade-level behavior systems for example “stick or color system.” This will be explained in your child’s classroom news. In the hallway across from the office, three charts will be posted. Each chart will have a list of the classroom teachers. One chart is for the Hallway, the second is for the Cafeteria and the third is for Recess Behavior. Through the month students have an opportunity to “get caught doing something good”-this earns them a sticker on the chart. At the end of the month the classroom with the most stickers wins a class party.
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DRESS CODE: Clothing worn to school should be clean, neat, and appropriate. We believe a neat appearance indicates orderliness of thought, good judgment, and interest in school. Clothing suitable to weather should be worn and all removable clothing should be labeled with your child’s name (hats, gloves, mittens, etc.) Brief and revealing clothing: Students must recognize that brief and revealing clothing is NOT appropriate apparel in school. The following guidelines on brief clothing are examples and do not cover all situations. Students will not wear “spaghetti strap” garments, halter tops, see-through items, and/or low-cut. Garments exposing one’s midriff are not acceptable. Sleeveless garments must extend to the end of the shoulders and fit closely under the arms. Ripped and torn clothing above the knee is unacceptable. Shorts and Skirts: No shorter that 3 inches above the knee (good rule: hold arms down to sides and shorts/skirt should be longer than longest finger tips). Pants: Students will not wear pants that, when fastened, sag or fit below the waist. All pants must fit around the waist and be properly fastened. Footwear: Please be sure your child wears tennis shoes on the day he/she participates in PE class. No flip-flops are to be worn. They cause tripping especially at recess time. Sandals can be worn if they have a back strap. NO HEELIES or TWIRLIE (disks on bottom) shoes allowed in school. Hats: Students will not wear hats in school except for medical or religious purposes and/or indicated days. Jewelry: Only small jewelry is permitted while in school. Watches are not encouraged, and watches with games, alarms, or calculators are not permitted. Earrings are to be worn only in ears. Hair: Hair should be neat, clean, and of natural color. *Extreme clothing/hair styles will be at the Principal’s discretion (for example mohawks are not acceptable, blue hair is not acceptable and etc.). Tattoos: Please remember that placing the ‘play’ tattoos all over arms, legs and/or face is very distracting to other students and the learning process. Students coming to school with excessive tattoos will be asked to remove them.
CHANGE IN DISMISSAL ROUTINE:
If your child will be taking a different method at dismissal time, a written note must be sent to school signed and dated by the parent. If a child does not have a note, he/she will have to go home after school by his/her regular means of transportation. PLEASE REFRAIN FROM CALLING THE SCHOOL TO SET THIS UP. In the event of an emergency we can deliver a message to a student, but not on a daily or continual basis. Please try to make appointments before or after school if possible. We would rather not interrupt classes close to dismissal time. Students dismissed as car riders will need to be picked up by the same person. When parents are late students will be brought into the office and phone calls will be made from there. Under NO circumstances are other parents allowed to make arrangements on cell phones to transport neighbors or friends’ children. Students will not be dismissed early for convenience only.
14.
PROGRESS REPORTS AND REPORT CARDS:
Report cards are sent home at the end of each quarter, or nine week session. Report cards for grades K-4 are issued approximately one week after the end of each nine week grading period. At the end of the first semester a letter will be sent home to the parents of any student who is experiencing difficulty in the classroom. The parents will be asked to get in touch with their child’s teacher to discuss these concerns and possible solutions.
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES:
The staff at Joshua Dixon always welcomes the opportunity to talk with parents regarding their child’s development at anytime. Dates have been set aside during the school year for after school conferences. We encourage your attendance at these conferences. If you need to meet with your child’s teacher at any other time during the school year, please contact the classroom teacher to make an appointment.
FINES AND FEES:
Students in grades K-4 pay a yearly supply fee set by the Board of Education each school year. This fee covers consumable materials and copy paper, construction paper and etc... New students entering at or after the beginning of the second semester are charged a prorated fee. Report Cards will be held for fees not paid. Textbooks and Library books that are damaged beyond repair or are lost must be replaced. Parents or guardians are responsible for the prorated cost of replacing their child’s books. No refund will be made if the book is found later.
ITEMS BROUGHT TO SCHOOL/LOST AND FOUND: Occasionally children will be asked to bring an item to school related to the Content Standard being studied. We encourage this. However, everyday toys, electronic games (game boy, PS2, DS, MP3 players, CD players and etc.) are not permitted at school. In addition, NO SILLY BANDS are permitted at school. Many end up being traded, broken or missing. Bringing a pet to school requires making prior arrangements with your child’s teacher. All lost items are turned into the school office. These items are displayed on tables outside the office periodically. Items that are unclaimed will be discarded. PLEASE PLACE YOUR CHILD’S NAME ON ALL ITEMS THAT THEY BRING TO SCHOOL.
STUDENT PHONE CALLS: Students will be allowed to call home only as deemed necessary by the principal. Students may not (habitually) call home for routine matters such as forgotten homework, lunch money, etc.
CLASSROOM TREATS:
BEFORE SENDING IN ANY FOOD ITEM PLEASE CHECK WITH TEACHER AND SCHOOL NURSE REGARDING ALLERGIES
Students may bring classmates a treat on their birthday. These can be in the form of pencils, erasers, stickers, etc. It is also encouraged to keep snacks simple and healthy (fruit and cereal
bars, granola bars, fruit snacks, crackers, etc.). No gum please. In addition, if birthday invitations are sent to school to be distributed via student mailboxes there needs to be enough for everyone (ex. all the students, all boys, or all girls). Exclusion is hurtful. If all students
cannot be invited please mail the invitations from home. 15.
SCHOOL CLOSING: In the event of inclement weather or mechanical breakdowns, school may be closed or the starting time delayed. These same conditions may also require a 2-hour delay start time or early dismissal (very rare). School closings, delayed starting times, or early dismissals will be announced as early as possible over WKBN, WFMJ, WYTV and radio stations WHOT, and K105. A school cast all-call may also be sent out. If no report is heard, it can be assumed that school will be in session. Please DO NOT call school officials, teachers, or radio stations.
PTO: Parents are strongly encouraged to become members of the PTO. Please watch our newsletters for PTO meeting dates and times.
SELECTION METHODS FOR PARENT VOLUNTEERS TO ATTEND FIELD TRIPS:
Our parents are vital to the energy of our school. They play a crucial role and are very dedicated to the partnership we have developed. Very simply, the school could not exist, let alone thrive, without them! However, not all those who are volunteers will automatically be able to chaperone our year-end field trips. Field trips are arranged as part of the instructional program and must be restricted to ONLY the students in the class. Parent volunteers who assist on field trips are needed to help supervise and assist classroom students, therefore, no younger siblings are allowed to attend. Experience shows that siblings (especially younger ones) create distractions. Field trips are planned as academic extension activities, not mini family outings. Additionally, those parents attending field trips are not allowed to take pictures of any students other than their own child. No photos are to be placed on-line of any child other than your own at YOUR discretion. Please do not post photos of other children on social media including but not limited to Facebook, snap chat, Instagram and etc. All teachers in grades PreK-4 plan field trips for their students at the end of the school year. All students wishing to participate in class field trips must have written permission from a parent or guardian. If volunteers are needed it will be indicated on the permission slip. Parents wishing to chaperone will return that form the following day and the teacher will 'draw' names from all returned the following day and those will be able to attend. PARENT VOLUNTEERS WILL NOT BE CHOSEN MONTHS AHEAD OF TIME FOR UPCOMING FIELD TRIPS. No parent volunteers will be chosen PRIOR to the permission slip going home. Parent volunteers are welcome to assist during field trips although district policy does not allow for younger siblings to attend. If you choose to participate as a chaperone, your child's teacher will notify you ahead of time regarding your responsibilities during the outing.
16.
COURSE OFFERINGS/SPECIAL SERVICES:
Children in grades K-4 receive intensive standards-based/common core instruction in core content areas of the curriculum. These include Language Arts (Reading and Writing) implementing a Balanced Literacy Framework, Mathematics using Investigations for problem solving and critical thinking, Science, and Social Studies. In addition, all students will receive P.E., Art, Music, Library, and Technology. Special services available at Joshua Dixon are L.D. Classes, inclusion, and resource room services, Title One Classes (Reading and Math Intervention), Tutoring, Reading Recovery, Speech Therapy, Psychological Testing, and Guidance.
RE-ENTERING THE SCHOOL BUILDING AFTER OFFICE HOURS:
The front doors will be un-locked from 3:30-6:30 p.m. for our Walk-Warm Program. In the event your child forgets something he/she will need to notify a custodian upon entering the building so that his/her classroom door can be un-locked.
OHIO NOTICES
Parents and Guardians are encouraged to visit the District Website for Board of Education By-laws and Policies including but not limited to nondiscrimination, anti-harassment, student privacy and parental access and rights.
www.columbiana.k12.oh.us Please call the Supt. Office at (330) 482-5352 for information regarding the District Civil Rights
Compliance Officer and the District Complaint Officer.
Please sign and return to your child’s teacher: - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Student Name______________________________ Teacher’s Name_____________________ Parent Name_______________________________ ____ I have read the Joshua Dixon Handbook and I have shared the necessary information with
my child. Parent Signature_________________________ Student Signature______________________
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FERPA AND PPRA NOTICES
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) affords parents certain rights regarding our conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes, and certain physical exams. These rights are explained fully on the district website: www.columbiana.k12.oh.us . The links to FERPA and PPRA are on the right-hand side of the main page and can also be found by logging onto www.ed.gov
