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.