The Student’s Handbook
A short information guide for students
Student HandbookStudent Handbook
This handbook is prepared for the students of Mainaga-San
Francisco Elementary School. We hope that this handbook will
help our students understand the school policies and
regulations that have been established. No set of rules can be
completely comprehensive of all types of incidents that may
occur. Items not specifically addressed by the rules or special
circumstances may be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. That
may include penalties greater than those prescribed.
OBJECTIVES1. To ensure that each student develops proficiency in basic
academic skills.
2. To ensure that each student develops the capacity to recognize
and cope with the problems of an unknown future.
3. To ensure the development of meaningful interpersonal
relationships among students, staff and community.
4. To ensure that staff, students and parents are afforded maximum
feasible participation in the development and evaluation of
programs and policies that meet the educational needs of each
community.
5. To ensure maximum efficiency in the allocation of material
resources.
6. To ensure maximum efficiency in the allocation of human
resources.
Regular attendance directly relates to a student’s ability to achieve
in school. A student that is absent misses class instruction,
presentations, discussions, audio-visual material, and student-
teacher contact; all of which are difficult to make-up after the
absence.
In order to encourage regular attendance, the following procedures
will be in place:
1. If a student is absent for five days, the parents may receive a
letter of concern.
2. When a student is absent for ten days, the parents will receive a
letter of concern and a truancy warning report may be filed.
3. If a student is absent for ten days, without extenuating
circumstances, a truancy of CHINS (Child In Need of Supervision)
petition may be filed with the State’s Attorney, parents will
receive a letter of notification of the truancy, the principal will
monitor absences.
4. After a student is absent 10% of the total number of days in the
school year, he or she is strongly considered for retention.
Other Notes: If a student is more than 30 minutes late for the morning or
afternoon they are considered absent for one half day.
The school administrator may require students to make up lost
time when the student accumulates excessive tardiness
beyond five.
A note from a physician will be required by the school
administrator as deemed necessary.
Continuous absence for prolonged illness or a series of medical
treatments may be counted as one absence. A note from a
physician will be required.
Continuous absence due to bereavement or serious illness of
the student’s immediate family may be counted as one
absence. A note from the parent/ guardian or physician will be
required.
Absence for school activities will not count as an absence.
All other absences, including out-of-school suspensions, will
count as an absence.
PLANNED ABSENCES
A student, who has been absent, on returning to school, is required
to bring a written excuse (if telephone contact has not been made)
stating the reason for the absence. The student is to get all missed
assignments from his/her teacher(s) or classmates and make up all
work promptly. In all cases, the parent must contact the office by a
written note or telephone. The student is to complete the work in
advance of the planned absence.
BIRTHDAY TREATS
Birthday treats are always welcome. Due to many allergies with a
variety of students, store packaged items are suggested for birthday
treats at school. Remember that classrooms are very busy each day.
When bringing birthday treats, they must come to school with the
students or be dropped off at the office. If you bring treats that
require utensils such as napkins or silverware, please include those
items with the treats. While we celebrate each child’s birthday it is
impossible to have a classroom party for each child, so please plan
your child’s celebration with friends outside of the school day.
BIRTHDAY INVITATIONS
To avoid hurt feelings, birthday party invitations should not be
handed out in class unless all children or all boys/girls in the class
are invited to the party.
BULLYING
Persistent bullying can severely inhibit a student’s ability to learn
effectively or a member of the staff’s ability to do their job. The
negative effects of bullying can have an impact on a person for their
entire life. We are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe
environment for all of our students so they can learn in a relaxed
and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable. If
bullying does occur, all pupils should be able to tell and know that
incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively.
Bullying is repeated and intentional harmful behaviour initiated by
one or more students and directed toward another student. Bullying
exists when a student with more social and or physical power
deliberately dominates and harasses another who has less power.
Bullying is unjustified and typically repeated. Bullying differs from
conflict. Two or more students can have a disagreement or a
conflict. Bullying involves a power imbalance element where a bully
targets a student who has difficulty defending him or herself.
The forms of bullying:
Physical-involves harmful actions against another person’s body
Verbal-involves speaking to a person or about a person in an
unkind or hurtful way
Emotional-involves behaviours that upset, exclude, or embarrass
a person
Sexual-involves singling out a person because of gender and
demonstrates unwarranted or unwelcome sexual advances
Racial-involves rejection or isolation of a person because of
ethnicity
The school board expects students to conduct themselves in a
manner in keeping with their levels of development, maturity, and
demonstrated capabilities with proper regard for the rights and
welfare of other students and staff.
The school board believes that standards for student behaviour
must be set cooperatively through interaction among the students,
parents and guardians, staff and community members of the school
district, producing an atmosphere that encourages students to grow
in self-discipline. The development of this atmosphere requires
respect for self and others, as well as for district and community
property on the part of students, staff, and community members.
The school board requires its school administrators to develop and
implement procedures that ensure both the appropriate
consequences and remedial responses to a student or staff member
who commits one or more acts of harassment or bullying.
The school board requires the principal and/or the principal’s
designee at each school to be responsible for receiving complaints
alleging violation of this policy. All school employees, students,
parents, visitors or any other member of the community are
required to report alleged violations to the school principal. The
school principal and/or principal’s designee are to be responsible for
determining whether an alleged act constitutes a violation of this
policy. In so doing, the principal or and principal’s designee shall
conduct a prompt, thorough, and complete investigation of each
alleged incident.
Building principals or their designee shall annually discuss the
school district policy on bully prevention with student and staff. The
school district will incorporate information regarding this policy in
each school handbook.
Cyber bullying is a form of harassment over the Internet or other
forms of electronic communications, including cell phones. Students
and staff will refrain from using communication devices or District
property to harass or stalk another. The District’s computer network
and the Internet, whether accessed at school or away from school,
during or after school hours, may not be used for the purpose of
cyber bullying. All forms of cyber bullying are unacceptable and
viewed as a violation of this policy and the District’s acceptable
computer use policy and procedures.
Users are responsible for the appropriateness of the materials they
transmit. Hate mail, harassment, discriminatory remarks, or other
anti-social behaviours are expressly prohibited. Cyber bullying
includes, but is not limited to the following misuses of technology:
harassing, teasing, intimidating, threatening, or terrorizing another
person by sending or posting inappropriate and hurtful e-mail
messages, instant messages, text messages, digital pictures or
images, or web site postings, including blogs. It is also recognized
that the author (poster or sender) of the inappropriate material is
often disguised (logged on) as someone else.
Students and community members, who believe they have been
victims of such misuses of technology, as described in this policy,
should not erase the offending material from the systems. A copy of
the material should be brought to the attention of a principal or
teacher.
In situations in which cyber bullying originated from a non-school
computer, but rought to the attention of school officials, any
disciplinary action shall be based upon whether the conduct is
determined to be severely disruptive of the educational process so
that it markedly interrupts or severely impedes the day to day
operations of a school, for one or more students or staff. In addition,
such conduct must also violate a school policy. Such conduct
includes, but is not limited to, threats, or making threats off school
grounds, to harm a member of the school staff or a student.
Malicious use of School’s computer system to develop programs or
to institute practices that harass other users to gain unauthorized
access to any entity on the system and/or change the components
of an entity on the network is prohibited.
Disciplinary action may include, but is not limited to, the loss of
computer privileges, detention, suspension, or expulsion for verified
perpetrators of cyber bullying. In addition, when kind of threat
constitutes a violation of law, it shall be reported to local law
officials.
CIVIL RIGHTS PUBLICATION
The School District offers its different programs and activities to all
persons without regard to gender, national origin, age, or disability.
CIVIL RIGHTS VIOLATION COMPLAINTS
Parents or students who believe their or their students’ civil rights
have been violated may ask help or make a written complaint
addressing the principal, school guidance counsellor or teacher
concerned.
COUNSELING SERVICES
The elementary schools provide counselling and guidance services
for students. School guidance counsellor help students through a
variety of services:
Individual Counselling: Counsellor helps students develop coping
strategies to deal with changes in their lives. Small Group
Counselling: Counsellor works with students to assist them in
developing social skills to relate to peers and adults in the school
setting.
Classroom Guidance: Each grade receives lessons taught by the
school counsellor. The prepared curriculum strives to develop
self-esteem, strong social skills, coping skills, study habits, and
career awareness.
Consultation: Counsellor consults with parents, administrator,
faculty, and support staff to meet the needs of students.
School staff and parents make referrals. If you have a concern about
your child, please contact the school office, your child’s teacher, or
the school counsellor directly.
DISCIPLINE
It is clear that discipline and learning are closely linked. Discipline is
necessary in order to facilitate and provide a safe and positive
environment for learning.
At Public Schools we promote and encourage a positive approach to
discipline. Prevention of situations before they occur is a much more
productive way to approach problems. When students cannot
function in this setting, however, they must be aware that there are
consequences for their actions and be willing to accept those
consequences.
The administration and teachers recognize the importance of
parents and peers in the social and emotional development of
students and their school success. Their cooperation and
participation is an important part of this discipline plan in assuring a
positive school climate for learning.
Consequences utilized in disciplinary situations must be appropriate
to the individual student and the severity of the infraction. They
must also be fair and consistent and not applied indiscriminately.
Initial offenses are dealt with at the classroom level, while
administrative action is reserved for more serious classroom
infractions or problems of non-compliance. In a climate of mutual
respect and cooperation the discipline policy only serves to set limits
for behaviour. It is our hope that this positive approach will become
the standard for classroom and general school participation
throughout the school.
DISCIPLINE POLICY
All consequences for all “problems” may result in an appropriate
consequence as defined at the end of this section.
Rules of Behaviour Problem
1. Attendance A. Unexcused
absence or tardiness from school
B. Leaving school without permission.
2. Possessions and/or A. Tobacco
in any form
consumption of illegal B. Use or possession of drugs, drug
paraphernalia or substance will not be alcohol.
permitted
3. Possession of illegal or A.
Possession of a device, weapon or a look alike
Dangerous items will weapon that through its use is
capable of
not be permitted threatening.
4. Bullying A. Being inappropriately physical
B. Severe teasing, bullying and
intimidation (verbal, physical or
written)
C. Harassment
D. Students who laugh at it, go along
with it, or fail to report it become part
of the problem.
5. Students will respect A. Vandalism
others rights and B. Theft of any kind or the finding
of lost property
property. This includes and not turning it in
immediately.
the school building. C. Breaking or damaging of property and
not reporting it immediately.
D. Cheating
E. Lying-forged notes
F. Religious, racial, sexual harassment
6. Non-classroom behavior A. Public display of affection,
etc.
B. “Boom Boxes”, walkman, headsets,
etc. are not permitted except under
direct supervision
C. Inappropriate language
D. Being in the wrong area of the
building
E. Inappropriate behavior during Lunch.
Food/drink will be consumed during
lunch in the gym.
F. Abusive Language-severe
G. Nuisance items including water
balloons, squirt guns, fire crackers
pagers, cell phones, laser pointers,
etc.
7. Classroom Behavior A. Sent from classroom or referral to the
office.
B. Each teacher will develop a set of
rules for their classroom that they
need to teach effectively.
C. No one will prevent teachers from
teaching. No one will prevent another
person from learning.
D. Behavior that may injure others is not
permitted.
8. Students are expected A. Insubordination
to follow staff instructions. B. Physical/verbal/written
attack or threat of a teacher of staff
9. Habitual abuse of
rules will not be tolerated.
10. Technology A. Inappropriate use of Internet
B. Inappropriate use of technology other
than the Internet.
C. Failure to follow prescribed
procedures in activity
12. Others A. Behaviour which hinders the smooth
operation
of the school and jeopardizes the
welfare of other students and staff
members.
B. Other behaviours that a reasonable
person would consider to be wrong.
C. Any violation, in a school setting
13. Language, graffiti A. Wearing, displaying or exhibiting
negative/
hate groups, gang- dangerous behavior related to any of
these items
related items/activities
symbols, words and/or
pictures, etc
Appropriate Consequences may include:
1. In-School Suspension (ISS)
2. After School Suspension
3. Problem-solving, counselling, anger management, groups
4. Parent/Guardian Notification
5. Parent Involvement: Education, Monitoring, Groups
6. Community Service
7. Confiscation
8. Loss of privileges
DRESS CODE
The school recognizes that it is the prerogative of parents to
determine what is appropriate dress and grooming for their children
in accordance with the age and grade of these students. It is hoped
that decisions made by parents and students in these matters will
reflect favorably upon the individual, the school and the community.
There are certain restrictions necessary on a student’s dress and
grooming when such dress and grooming may create a health or
safety hazard; invade the rights of others; or be disruptive to the
educational environment by detracting from the decency and
decorum in school. For safety reasons, on physical education days,
each student must bring tennis shoes to participate in class. It will
be the responsibility of the building principal to determine violations
of the intent to this policy and to take necessary corrective action.
Some examples of inappropriate clothing include:
1. Brief and revealing clothing: Students must recognize
that brief and revealing clothing are not appropriate apparel in
school. Garments that are “see-through”, cut low, halter-tops,
spaghetti straps, or expose one’s midriff are not acceptable.
Tight fitting clothing are not appropriate at school (no biker
shorts, no boxer shorts, and no short shorts or skirts).
2. Sagging pants: All pants must fit around the waist and
be properly fastened. Undergarments must not be visible.
3. Headgear: Student shall not wear hats, scarves or other
headgear in district buildings except for a medical or religious
purpose.
4. Vulgar, offensive language: Students shall not wear
clothing items that contain messages that are vulgar,
offensive, obscene, or libellous; that denigrate others; that
promote alcohol or drug use or violence; or that are otherwise
contrary to the school’s educational mission.
5. Clothing which is torn or has parts missing shall not be
worn.
6. Caps, hats, and other headgear are not to be worn in the
building during the school day.
Exceptions to the dress code may be made by the principal or
teacher when technical violations occur through a school uniform or
costume or when a student is portraying a character in a play or
other dramatic production.
NON DISCRIMINATION
It is the policy of the school that no otherwise qualified person will
be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be
subjected to discrimination under any district program or activity on
the basis of race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual
orientation, age, national origin, or disability.
Rules & Regulations
1. Students are expected to treat themselves, others and property
with respect.
2. Students are expected to come to school before 6:30 AM and
attend the flag raising ceremony at 7:00 a.m. when the first bell
rings. Classes begin at 7:15 a.m.
3. Students are expected to leave the school at 3:20 p.m. Students
remaining in the school campus after regular school hours are to
be there only by teacher direction. Students who remain after
school will need to be supervised and will wait in the waiting area.
4. Except for the rare emergency, students are not to be taken out
of school before 3:20 p.m.
5. Students are expected to demonstrate a code of conduct while in
school, on the playground. This code of conduct includes but is
not limited to:
Non-aggressive play:
No fighting, arguing, teasing or name calling, no snowball or
rock throwing, no tackle football or piggybacking, no hard
baseball
Respecting property:
No sitting on desks or tables, no marking walls with shoes,
pencils or other objects, any gum or candy in the school
Safe traveling:
No running in halls or on sidewalks
Respecting others:
Stay out of other’s desks or things, no name-calling, no back
talk, no use of swear words or vulgar comments
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
If a child is injured or becomes ill while at school, the school nurse or
other school personnel will contact the parents/guardians at home or
work. It is essential that an emergency number be recorded with the
teacher-adviser. If a child needs to be transported to the clinic or
hospital for emergency treatment, it is the suty of the concerned
adviser.
EVALUATION - CONFERENCE
Evaluation is a daily process and one in which teachers, parents, and
students work together cooperatively. There will be four (4) formal
reporting periods during the school year with a report card. There
will be two (2) days scheduled for parent-teacher conferences during
the year. Parents/guardians are encouraged to contact their child’s
teacher if additional meetings are desired.
FINES
If there has been undo wear or vandalism to textbooks, workbooks,
library books or any school property, students will be assessed the
cost of repair or replacement. Students will be charged for lost or
damaged school property.
HEALTH
Health services will be provided to students. The goal is to be
supportive to each child in enhancing their lives by teaching
preventative medicine and helping students enjoy a healthy life
style. To accomplish this, families are urged to inform us of any
existing health concerns, emotional or physical. This includes recent
surgeries, serious illnesses, communicable diseases or accidents.
Also, please inform us of any recent immunizations.
POSTERS & SIGNS
No posters or signs are to be posted in the school building without
permission of the administrators. Any unauthorized posters or
advertisements will be removed.
PROMOTION AND RETENTION OF STUDENTS
The administration and teaching staff must strive to create plans of
instruction and instructional organization that will permit students to
progress through school according to their needs and abilities.
Students will normally progress annually from grade to grade.
However, exceptions to this general policy may be made when it
becomes evident that a student should proceed more slowly.
Retention will not be used until other possibilities have been
exhausted, including special help, remedial work, and summer
school opportunity.
In all cases of retention, parents must be informed of such possibility
well in advance (usually by the third reporting period) and a
conference with them sought. In all instances teachers will use the
advice and help of the guidance and other special school personnel.
Although teachers may recommend retention, all retention (as well
as promotions) will be assigned by the school principals. Teachers,
in recommending retentions; or principals, in assigning them; will
give the reasons why they feel the student should repeat.
The school system shall have final authority in the
promotion/retention of a student in grades 1-3. The principal will
take particular care in assigning more than one retention during a
child’s elementary school life.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS
During periods of inclement weather, parents and students are
requested to listen to their radio or television news for information.
Information concerning late starts, early releases or school closings
can be heard on these radio/tv stations:
SCHOOL COSTS
Textbooks, workbooks, newspapers, magazines and some materials
are furnished free of charge by the school on the assumption that
they be given reasonable care. Students will be expected to
purchase such working materials as pens, pencils, rulers, crayons,
folders, glue, scissors. As a reminder, gum, candy and toys are not a
part of our school supply list and should not be in school.
STUDENT RECORDS
Student records are maintained for each student attending Schools
for the purpose of maintaining an accurate account of the student’s
educational history and progress. These files are open to
parents/guardians and may be reviewed in the presence of the
building principal upon request.
VOLUNTEERS
We welcome and appreciate any time that parents/guardians or
community members are willing to share with us any time.
Volunteer efforts provide an educational advantage to the students.