WAKEFIELD SCHOOL HANDBOOK
2011-2012
Wakefield Wizards R.O.C.!
Respect Others, Ourselves & Community
MISSION STATEMENT
Staff, students, parents, and the community will work together to communicate to provide a positive, safe, and caring environment for all to learn and grow. We believe our commitment to education is better met through shared goals, participatory decision making and a strong sense of trust which will positively influence students’ education outcomes.
Lynn Dougherty, Principal
Dear Families,
Welcome to Wakefield Elementary School, home of the Wakefield Wizards!
In this handbook, you will find important information that will be useful to you throughout the school year. The Wakefield School Handbook and the South Kingstown School Department Handbook both provide you with guidelines, communication options, schedules and clear expectations promoting a positive and safe learning experience for all. Please read this document carefully and retain it for use throughout the school year. You may also access school department policies on line at www.skschools.net. See School Committee.
Wakefield School continues on its sixth year of (PBIS) School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, in partnership with the Sherlock Center at Rhode Island College. PBIS provides a framework for positive, preventative, predictable and effective behavioral supports which produce a school environment that is (a) safer, healthier and more caring ; (b) has enhanced learning and teaching outcomes; and (c) can provide a continuum of behavior supports for all students. Please be sure to see the enclosed Wakefield Wizards R.O.C. (Respect Ourselves, Others and Community) Matrix which provides clear behavioral expectations that are taught and celebrated throughout the school year. Please refer to these websites for more information… www.PBIS.org. and www.SWIS.org.
Family engagement will continue to be a goal for all of us at Wakefield School. We are here to develop partnerships with you as your children grow and learn. Research shows that the right kinds of school-family connections—those built on relationships, listening, welcoming and shared decision making—can produce multiple benefits for students, including higher test scores, better attendance, better social skills, and improved behavior at home and at school (Southwest Educational Development Laboratory, 2002). I encourage you to volunteer in any way that you can. Classroom volunteers must be trained by our district’s CARES program (contact information can be found on the website or in this handbook). If you have any questions or concerns throughout the year, please call the school. The staff directory is included in this document. I encourage you to call your child’s teacher first with any questions relating to your child’s day. They are dedicated professionals and will be more
than happy to help you in any way they can.
I look forward to an amazing year of learning with you and the children.
Sincerely,
Lynn Dougherty, Principal
Wakefield Elementary School
101 High Street
Wakefield, RI 02879
PHONE: 360-1400 FAX: 360-1401
BUS COMPANY: Ocean State Transit PHONE: 284-3920 FAX: 284-3929
THE SCHOOL DAY
8:30 Children may begin to arrive
8:30 Breakfast program begins
8:45 First bell
8:49 Instructional day begins! Please be on time! (Students who arrive after this time will be marked tardy.)
12:10-1:00 Lunch and Recess for K, 1, 2
12:50-1:40 Lunch and Recess for 3 and 4
3:17 Dismissal
ADMINISTRATION: Mrs. Lynn Dougherty, Principal 360-1402
ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST: Mrs. Regina DeSalvo 360-1414
CLERK: Mrs. Diane Lynch 360-1404
NURSE-TEACHER: Mrs. Jayne Brassil 360-1406
SOCIAL WORKER: Mrs. Rachel Cooney 360-1247
PSYCHOLOGIST: Ms. Sue Casey 360-1176
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST: Mrs. Andrea Brandon 360-1427
PHYSICAL THERAPIST: Ms. Sue Still 360-1626
SPEECH/LANGUAGE: Ms. Ellen Connery, Ms. Stacey Lacours 360-1400
UNIFIED ARTS: Art: Mrs.Elizabeth Schenck
Music: Mr. Paul Colombino
Library: Ms. Linda Gaskill
Physical Education: Mr. James Champion
TEACHER ASSISTANTS: Anne Cashman
Jen Gelineau
Tacy Hackey
Ilse Hill
Anne Meeker
Lori Prescutti
Susan Thomas
Holly Washburn
CUSTODIANS: Richard Trahan, Head Custodian
Dan Patton
Al Stedman
PBIS: Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports
“HAT’S OFF” slips recognize positive behavior.
Monthly PBIS Assemblies recognize classroom teamwork and individual achievements.
NEWS: FRIDAY FOLDERS!! Friday Folders will be sent home every Friday with all the school news and
information you will need to keep you up to date on what’s going on here at
Wakefield School. Please return the folders back to school every Monday with
your child so they can be filled and sent home again the following Friday. If you
would like to be a Friday folder volunteer, please contact us. We need you!
SK CARES: If you are interested in being a school volunteer, please call CARES at 360-1304.
Student Accident Insurance: Brochures and applications are online at www.skschools.net. For any questions,
call Maria Parrillo at 360-1306.
 ARRIVING AT SCHOOL IN THE MORNINGIn the interest of safety and security, school doors are locked. Please do not send your child to school before 8:30 a.m. Teaching Assistant coverage begins at this time. There is no one to supervise your child. We appreciate your support on this important matter. If you must drop your child/ren off after the start of school (8:49 a.m.), please accompany them into the office and sign them in. Please make every effort to be at school between 8:30 and 8:49 a.m. School attendance and promptness are critical to school success! Students who are late due to bus delays are not considered tardy. Please help your child to be on time and plan accordingly. Students entering the school after the bell rings at 8:49 a.m. must proceed to the office for a tardy slip
and be signed in by a parent or guardian and will be marked as tardy. It is important for students to be in class at 8:49 a.m. since meaningful discussions and classroom directions are given at the beginning of the day.
Please call the school by 8:30 a.m. if you know that your child will be late to school and will be ordering school lunch. Students who arrive after the lunch order is called in (9:15 a.m.) may not be able to get their 1st choice of lunch. If students forget to bring lunch, an alternate lunch, usually a cheese sandwich, will be provided.
Walkers coming from High Street or the bridge are to come through the front doors. Please do not walk along the front sidewalk where the busses park! Busses will unload one at a time and children riding busses will enter through the front north door, at the far end of the building.
Children being dropped off will be greeted by a Teaching Assistant at the end of the back row in the parking lot and will be crossing in the crosswalk in front of the busses at the far end of the parking lot. Do not pull up to the front of the building to drop off your child/ren, as this is the bus lane only. Once you pull up to the crosswalk, please exit children from the passenger side of your vehicle as efficiently as possible to prevent back-up onto High Street, especially on inclement weather days. PLEASE do not park your vehicle and walk your children into the building. We simply do not have the room to allow everyone to do this safely. Thank you for your patience as we look for the safest solutions to keep our children safe.
 DISMISSAL ROUTINES
There will be no changes in a student’s regular home routine without written notification from the parent or guardian.
Bus Students: We require all bus students to ride the bus unless we receive written notification from a parent. Bus students must ride the bus to the stop which they are assigned and are required to disembark at their assigned bus stop only. Any changes require the approval of the principal and bus company upon written request from a parent.
lkers: Walking students are dismissed at 3:17 p.m. through the assigned exit at the rear of the building. All children who leave school as a walker are expected to go directly home or to a designated residence. Only children who are being carefully supervised by their parent or guardian may remain after school to play on the playground. There is no school supervision at this time, and we are concerned for the safety of our children. Children are expected to follow the same playground rules that apply during the day. Your support of this policy is critical and appreciated.
udents dismissed to their parents: Parents who wait for their children at the end of the day must meet them at the cafeteria doors, be prepared to show identification and sign the Dismissal Log. Children will not be released to a person who is not listed in the Dismissal Log or as an emergency contact. Thank you for your cooperation in every aspect of this dismissal procedure.
CA Daycare: The YMCA provides before and after school care at Peace Dale School. Students are transported to and from Wakefield by the YMCA. Please contact the YMCA for more information (783-3900).
School Absences:
Please call the school (360-1400, Ext. 2) and leave a message on the absence line if your child will be absent from school. Please do not email the teacher about your child’s absence. If you do not call, a school official will contact you to be certain the child is at home or with a designee. If you desire homework for your child, please call the school by 9:30 a.m. It may be sent home with another child or picked up at the main office at the end of the day. Also, do not send a child to school if s/he is sick. You will be called to pick up any child deemed sick by the school nurse. A doctor’s note is required after three consecutive absences.
Vacations During School Calendar:
We discourage families from scheduling vacations outside of the regular school vacations, holidays, and summer break, as quality learning time will have been lost. Teachers are not responsible to send work. Consistent student attendance is essential to productive learning as mandated by “No Child Left Behind.” Vacations are not excused absences.
School Calendar and Special Notices:
All important dates and activities will come home in the Friday folders, noted on the Wakefield School website (www.skschools.net) or will be sent electronically on the listserv. Please sign up for the school listserv. All important notices from the school will be sent out through our automated phone system.
Unified Arts:
All students in grades Kindergarten through four have Art, Music, and Library once a week and Physical Education twice a week. The teachers will provide a schedule to students the first week of school. Students in grade four may participate in the school Chorus. Also, students in grade four may participate in “Strings.” Instruction is available in school at no cost to students. The “Strings” teacher will send home announcements in early September notifying students and parents of their options. Reminder: According to bus transportation regulations, instruments that cannot be accommodated on a child’s lap may not be brought on the bus.
Internet Use/Media Permission Slips:
All computers and internet access is supervised by staff. Computers used by students are placed in the open to supervise content they may access. Please be sure to see the Internet/Media information which is sent home the first week of school. Please check the appropriate statement for your child and return this form completed to the classroom teacher. Sometimes the local newspapers take photos of children participating in special events. Please check the appropriate line statement for your child and return this form to your classroom teacher.
School Improvement Team (SIT):
The Wakefield Elementary School Improvement Team (WESIT) consists of interested parents, teachers, and staff members. Their responsibilities are to facilitate communication at the school among the stake holders, conduct self-study activities to direct school improvement efforts, assist in determining how certain revenues will be expended, plan professional development related to student learning, reflect the needs of all students in decision making, and organize to meet those needs. If you are interested in being on the WESIT committee, please contact the school office at 360-1400. Please check out our website to view our School Improvement Plan.
Report Out Night:
During our Open House in September, Wakefield Elementary will conduct a report to the community about our school’s state classification and state assessments. The whole community is invited.
PTO:
The Wakefield Parent Teacher Organization consists of an energetic group of volunteers who work tirelessly to create an enriching environment for all who enter the school. As a parent or guardian of Wakefield Elementary School, please consider yourself a member of the PTO. Watch for news asking for volunteers and information on upcoming events. We encourage you to participate in any way you feel you can throughout the school year.
PTO Officers for 2011-2012
Initiative Coordinator
STAFF CONTACT INFO:
Position Name Email Direct Line
Speech/Language
We’re choosing
PEACE
Parents and Educators Affirming Children in a caring Environment
AT WAKEFIELD ELEMENTARY
When I choose to be a Wakefield Peacemaker I choose to be…..
P olite (September)behaving properly; having or showing good manners
E mpathetic (October)showing compassion; understanding how others might feel
A ltruistic (November)showing unselfish concern for the welfare of others
C aring (December)showing thought, attention, and interest
E ven-tempered (January)showing a calm state of mind
M indful of others (February)being aware; taking thought of
A micable (March) having a pleasing disposition, good-natured, friendly
K ind (April) 1. Doing good rather than harm
E nvironmentally aware (May) 1. showing concern for nature and respect for property
R esponsible (June) 1, Ttrustworthy; reliable 2. Involving obligation or duties
Wakefield Wizards R.O.C.! - Respect Ourselves/Others and Community
Behavioral Expectations & Beliefs |
Classroom & All Settings |
Hallway |
Playground |
Cafeteria |
Bathrooms |
PE |
Assemblies |
Bus |
Art |
Music |
Library |
RESPECT OURSELVES
|
 Be responsible for my work.
Do my best. Ask for help. Know I can succeed. Be prepared. Stay on task. |
Walk at all times but get to my destina-tion quickly.
|
Enjoy the fresh air.
Choose a game or activity that I want to play.
|
Make healthy food choices.
Chew slowly with my mouth closed.
Finish my meal. |
Wash my hands after I go.
Return to class quickly. |
Wear proper clothing and sneakers
TRY my best |
Learn from the experience.
|
Enter and leave bus quietly.
Choose a good seat. |
Be creative and product-ive.
Practice art skills. |
Sing and play my best at all times.
Be proud of my abilities. |
Select resources suitable to your level and interests.
Return shared resources.
|
RESPECT OTHERS
|
Help peers.
Cooperate during group work.
Raise my hand.
Use appropriate language |
Walk to the right.
Speak softly.
Help others if they need it.
Politely greet people you see. |
Include others.
Play fair.
Know and follow the rules.
Take turns. |
Use polite manners.
Speak quietly.
Raise my hand if I need help.
|
Wait my turn quietly.
Respect privacy of others.
Sit on the toilet.
FLUSH!
|
Play by the rules.
Always show good sports-manship |
Sit on my bottom.
Clap at appropriate times.
Be a good listener.
|
Stay seated.
Use a quiet voice
Keep hands & feet to myself.
Listen to bus driver’s direct-ions. |
Listen to others when they are sharing their artwork
Share art mater-ials. |
Be a good listener when others perform.
Share instruments and take turns.
Encourage others.
Use your best effort when working in groups. |
Listen when others speak
Raise hand to contribute.
Share ideas.
Appreciate others’ opinions, interests and levels.
|
RESPECT COMMUNITY
|
Clean up after myself.
Take care of materials.
Contribute to a calm atmosphere.
Recycle. |
Pick up litter.
Keep hands at your sides and feet on the floor. |
Bring in all balls, etc.
Use playground equipment properly.
Pick up litter. |
Clean the table and floor where you sit.
Wait quietly to be dismissed. |
Put paper towels in trash can.
Leave bathroom, walls and floor clean for others. |
Take care of equip-ment, field, and gym.
|
Show appreciation. |
Clean up after myself.
|
Use art tools safely.
Put away mater-ials.
Work quietly. |
Use musical equipment properly.
Move chairs and instruments quickly and quietly. |
Care for resources
Use inside voices.
|
SOUTH KINGSTOWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS’
STUDENT HANDBOOK
2011-2012
Matunuck Elementary School
Peace Dale Elementary School
Wakefield Elementary School
West Kingston Elementary School
PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support)
PBIS is the behavior system adopted in all South Kingstown Schools. We understand that school-wide discipline systems are integral parts of how we will form the Peaceful Community at school. Our positive behavioral systems will promote pro-social behavior, thus increasing opportunities for maximizing academic achievement. In addition, PBIS will prevent occurrences of problem behaviors. An important component is the tracking of negative behaviors on a computer system designed for PBIS. Using this data we will be able to better address the needs of all students. All expected behaviors are taught and practiced in all areas of the school. The PBIS Team in each school has created lesson plans for such everyday expectations whether children are in the
hallway/bathrooms/cafeteria for keeping the classroom neat and tidy. An additional method of teaching positive behavior that exists in our classrooms is Second Step. Each School has devised clearly stated behavioral expectations for all students and staff to follow. Through the use of Accountable Talk, staff will work to address the needs and expectations of all students. We will recognize children’s accomplishments, both academic and behavioral. Look for more information during the year about PBIS in our schools’ monthly newsletters. Please see your school’s Behavioral Matrix in this handbook. Thank you!
In a Nutshell…
What does PBIS look like?
- Greater than 80% of students can tell you what is expected of them and give behavioral examples because they have been taught, actively supervised, practiced and acknowledged
- Positive adult-to-adult interactions exceed negative
- Function based behavior support is foundation for addressing problem behavior
- Data and team-based action planning and implementation are operating
- Administrators are active participants
- Full continuum of behavior support is available to all students
School-wide Systems
- Common purpose and approach to discipline
- Clear set of positive expectations and behaviors
- Procedures for teaching expected behavior
- Continuum of procedures for discouraging inappropriate behavior
- Procedures for on-going monitoring and evaluation
Source: PBIS Training Manual
Discipline Procedures
Our focus is on recognizing and reinforcing positive behaviors, however we must also have structures for addressing behaviors that disrupt learning or may result in harm to others. An outline of these procedures follows.
Students are expected to demonstrate good citizenship and appropriate social behavior at all times. Behavior is never to infringe upon the rights of other students or adults, thereby disrupting the learning process or school environment. A teacher or supervisory adult may remove a student from the classroom or playground area when the student deliberately caused a discipline offense that violates the safety or civil respect of others: (Please refer to Policy: Section 8000 /8310, 8315, 8320, 8325 for additional information.)
Elementary School Discipline
General infractions will be handled using the following protocol:
1. Verbal warning
2. Time out
3. Loss of recess. At this point a Reflection Sheet is completed by student, and is sent home for parent signature.
4. Sent to Principal’s office w/note or phone call to parent
5. Parent conference
6. Other: In-school suspension may be invoked by the Principal
*If an administrator is not available and the student must be seen immediately, the nurse, social worker, or school psychologist will be notified.
*A Discipline Form is filed in the discipline tracking program not in a student’s permanent record. Parents must sign that they are aware of the problem and consequences.
Bus Discipline
The policy governing suspension of bus privileges is published in the South Kingstown District Calendar & Handbook. Briefly:
First Offense: Verbal reprimand, letter to parents
Second Offense: Warning letter to parents
Third Offense: Five (5) school-day bus suspension and conference with parent, bus driver, student, and principal
Fourth Offense: Bus suspension for remainder of year
Bus students must see that their bodies, books and personal belongings are kept out of the aisles. Special permission must be granted by school authorities and the bus company to transport large items. Band instruments that cannot be kept on the student’s lap may not be permitted on the bus. School projects which cannot be kept on the student’s lap are not permitted. Students must ride their assigned buses, getting on and off at their assigned stops unless a note is written by a parent granting permission to ride a different bus with a friend. The office and the bus driver must see the note.
Recess
Recess is part of the daily routine for all children, it is important to their social and physical development. All children are expected to go outside unless there is written notice from a parent. To miss recess more than three days in a row due to illness, a doctor’s note is required. Students are also expected to be dressed properly for the weather. Coats, hats, etc. should be worn during the cold months. Teachers and staff members may rescind the privilege for disciplinary reasons or if students are not dressed appropriately for cold weather.
Playground Behavior:
No jumping off platforms and/or stairs
Go down the slide
Do not hang over the rails
Do not push the swings ~ Do not pump the swings too high ~ Do not jump off swings
Do not throw the mulch or dig in it
One at a time on slides, crossbars, etc.
Suspensions and Expulsions
Suspension means an exclusion of a student from attendance at school, school property, and all school sponsored activities for disciplinary reasons, it may not be given for more than ten consecutive days, provided such suspension shall not extend beyond the end of the school year in which it is imposed. Suspension is determined by an authorized member of the administrative staff.
Listed are some examples of breaches of conduct that may lead to suspension/expulsion:
- threats
- striking or assaulting a student or member of the staff
- use of obscene or profane language
- deliberate refusal to obey a member of the school staff
- truancy and unauthorized leave from school property
- blackmailing, threatening, intimidating staff or students
- possession of a weapon or alcohol, or dangerous drugs or narcotics
- destruction of school property
- disruption of school day by bomb threats or false alarms
There is a more complete list of examples of behavior which could lead to suspension/expulsion in the district policy. The policy states that building administrators will forward to the police information of a violation of the law, involving a felony, taking place on school property. (Please refer to policy: Section 8000 / 8305 for additional information.)
PERSONAL PROPERTY BROUGHT TO SCHOOL
Children are not to bring toys to school. Please encourage your child to bring other items for classroom sharing activities. We do not allow children to buy or trade personal items with other children and we will not mediate differences of opinion about ownership of items brought to school that are not labeled with a child’s name. CD players, IPods, Game Boys, cell phones and other electronic devices are not to be used during school or recess. If devices are confiscated parents will be notified to pick up item from the principal.
(They sometimes help children who have long bus rides. That is between the parent/guardian and the bus driver.)
Lost and Found
Please put your child’s name on every item brought to school. We will donate unclaimed, unmarked items to a charity such as The Jonnycake Center. Check the Lost and Found frequently for any items lost. Sometimes the items do not appear in the Lost and Found immediately, but surface later.
ATTENDANCE AND TARDY POLICY
Students arriving after 8:49 a.m. are marked as tardy. When a student is late, a parent must accompany the student to the office and sign him/her in. Students who are late due to bus delays are not considered tardy. It is important for students to be in class at 8:49 a.m. since meaningful discussions and classroom directions are given at the beginning of the day. (Please refer to policy #8415)
Truancy Policy
The objective of this policy is to guide schools in the establishment of school procedures that will increase the attendance of students. Research tells us that achievement in school is related to regular school attendance.
Truant: A pupil who is absent from school without an acceptable excuse.
Habitual Truant: A pupil who is persistently absent from or tardy to school without an acceptable excuse.
Excused Absences: Absences which the school district approves, such as:
1. Religious Holiday.
2. Illness (chronic or long term illness may require documentation).
3. A death or funeral in the immediate family or for close relatives.
4. A court appearance or other legal proceedings.
5. School ordered suspensions.
6. Professional appointments.
7. Emergency in the family.
8. Approved school activity.
9. Special circumstances approved by the principal.
Truancy Protocol:
1. At the first unexcused absence or tardy, the student will be warned of the policy and the need for regular school attendance.
2. For any subsequent unexcused absences or tardiness the student may face consequences as determined by the school administration. Consequences shall be designed and carried out so that they have the intent and effect of increasing attendance, not absence.
3. When truancy becomes habitual, and school and community responses of fewer consequences are unsuccessful, a referral may be made to Truancy Court. Prior to referral to Truancy Court, it is required that early intervention steps be taken and documented.
Absenteeism
Repetitive, excused absences and tardiness also affect educational progress. Where there is a pattern of excused absences or tardiness to a degree that threatens educational progress, there is reason to intervene. Schools will follow up with such cases according to the policy protocol.
New England Consortium Assessment Program (NECAP) State Testing
The NECAPs assess students’ acquisition of grade level expectations from the prior school year. Example, grade three students are assessed on grade two grade level expectations. This is a RI Department of Education and Federal mandate.
The NECAP state testing will take place during October for all students in grades 3 and 4. Please do not schedule vacations or appointments for your children during this time, as it is very important that all students participate in testing. The school will notify you of the exact testing schedule.
Vacations During School Calendar
We discourage families from scheduling vacations outside of the regular school vacations, holidays and summer break. Teachers are not responsible to send work and quality learning time is lost. Consistent student attendance is essential to productive learning as mandated by “No Child Left Behind.” (Family vacations are not excused absences; we request that vacations be taken during school breaks. (Please refer to policy #5113 for additional information.)
STUDENT DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
Students are expected to follow their normal routine at dismissal time. Bus students must ride their assigned bus unless the office has been notified in writing of any change. A dated note using your child’s full name must be signed by a parent and presented to the teacher.
Teachers will forward the note to the office for recording. Parents may sign out children and will need to show ID. No child will go home with another person unless there is written consent on file. A dated and signed permission letter may be sent to the office at the beginning of the day if your child is going to be picked by a relative or friend’s parent. Those ID’s will be checked. The same is true for children going to a friend’s home via a different bus. If there is no written permission, children will not be permitted to board another bus or leave with different people.
If you unexpectedly come to pick up your child during dismissal, you must sign your child out at the designated pick-up area or in the office. Students may not be pulled out of bus lines by anyone without checking in at the office.
For children’s safety, telephone calls cannot be accepted as permission to dismiss children with anyone not listed on the emergency card. Please be prepared to show identification to school personnel when dismissing a child from school. Routines and procedures for dismissing students are put into place for the safety and protection of your children. Please assist us by abiding by them and not asking us to make an exception.
Early Dismissal from School
Using your child’s full name, send a dated and signed note to your child’s teacher if you plan to pick up your child early from school. Use your child’s full name. Teachers will forward the note to the office for recording. When you arrive at the school, your child will be called to the office for dismissal. We cannot accept phone calls as sufficient notice for early dismissal because we may not be able to discern the caller. Please be prepared to show identification when you arrive to pick up your child. We will not release any child to a person not listed on the Emergency sheet. For this reason, we suggest you list several persons whom you trust to pick up your child in an emergency or in case the child becomes ill and you cannot be reached. Remember
to update the office if phone numbers are changed. Please come to the school office and add additional names if it becomes necessary. Because there are many important routines followed at the end of the day in the classrooms students need to remain in class until 3:17 PM as often as possible.
LEGAL CUSTODY
Anyone (parent, relative, friend) having a court order granting custody of a child must file a copy of said order with the principal of any school which the child attends. Changes in said documentation must also be submitted to the principal. Permission to release children to others must be in writing to the building principal and signed by the person having custody. No child may be released without this written permission. (Please refer to Policy: Section 8000/8410 for additional information.)
PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING CHILD ABUSE
School Committee Policy requires that parents of all children be informed of the following requirement concerning child abuse or neglect: In compliance with Chapter 11 of Title 40 of the General Laws of the State of Rhode Island, employees of the school department are required to report any knowledge or suspicion of child abuse or neglect to the Rhode Island Department of Children and their Families no later than 24 hours after such knowledge is learned or suspicion is raised.
VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL
Parents and community are welcome to visit our school upon prior notification and approval; however, for the safety of students and staff, all visitors must stop at the office to sign in on the computer on the counter and to obtain a VISITOR TAG. Children should not be escorted to their classroom door by their parent, including parent volunteers, unless special permission is granted by the principal. (Please refer to policy #1250 for additional information.)
MEETING WITH TEACHERS
Please make an appointment with school personnel to discuss concerns you may have about your child’s progress. We invite you to use email, notes, or a teacher’s telephone extension. Extensions and email addresses are listed in this handbook.
Appointments for Discussion of School Issues
Please refrain from stopping by a classroom without an appointment. Classroom teaching and learning time must be protected from interruption.~Often the interruption "will only take a minute".~ However, too many "only take a minutes” are disruptive to the flow of learning in a classroom.~ Please leave messages for students and staff in the office and they will be delivered at an appropriate time.~ If you need to speak to a teacher, please leave a message on voice-mail; send an email or a note to the classroom teacher. The teacher will reply as soon as possible.
Annual Parent/Teacher conferences
One time per year formal Parent/Teacher conferences will be scheduled by the office.~ There will be no school that day and you will be notified in advance.~ If you need an informal meeting with a teacher at another time, please leave a message on voice-mail or email to make arrangements.
REPORT CARDS
Report cards are distributed quarterly in November, January, April, and June. Parents are encouraged to request an appointment with their child’s teacher when there is a concern about their child’s academic or social progress. Kindergarten report cards will be distributed November, January, and June.
MEDICATIONS
Parents/guardians are requested, whenever possible, to schedule administration of medication outside of the normal school day. Parents of students needing medication during the school day are required to bring the medication to the school nurse with an authorization/waiver signed by your physician. Non-prescription medications need only have the parent authorization section of the waiver form completed. All medication must be in a pharmacy labeled and/or prescription container and/or manufacturer’s container. At the time the prescription is filled, the parent/guardian shall have the pharmacist dispense an extra labeled container for use at school. No student shall have in his/her possession any medication while on school property. All medication shall be dispensed by a School Nurse -Teacher.
When the School Nurse -Teacher is unavailable and the dispensing of the medication cannot be delayed, then non-prescription medication may be dispensed under the supervision of the principal. No medication shall be dispensed without following this procedure. Never send your child to school with medication. (Please refer to Policy #5140.)
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
Please notify the school if your child has any communicable conditions such as Strep Throat, Lice, Chicken Pox, Fifth’s disease, etc… This is a responsibility that must be practiced by all families.
CELEBRATIONS
Birthday Treats
Due to the many food allergies, including those that are life-threatening, we do not allow treats to be brought to school for distribution to the whole class. An alternative option to honor a birthday might be to purchase a book for the class or school library with a bookplate honoring your child. Stickers or pencils are also options to consider.
If teachers request food, they will be specific about the allergies of concern. All food brought to the class must include ingredients and be approved by the school nurse. Please be very careful. Please see the SK district Wellness Policy.
Peanut Free Classrooms
By law, several classrooms and cafeteria areas are designated as “nut free” due to severe nut allergies of students in our schools. If your child is in a “nut free” classroom, they will not be allowed to eat any food containing nuts in the classroom at anytime. However, food containing nuts may be eaten in the lunch room.
Party Invitations for Classmates
We allow invitations to be distributed in the classroom only if all classmates are invited.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
We routinely practice fire drills. Advance notification will be sent to parents prior to a Lock Down and Emergency Evacuation drills.
In the event of an emergency, the principal will determine if students and staff should be evacuated outside of the building, or to a nearby relocation site.~ Crisis Team Members will coordinate the orderly transfer of students to the evacuation center.~ Each school has a designated primary relocation site and parents will be notified by the district automated telephone system with important information. Please be sure to update your telephone contact number.
State law requires 15 fire and emergency drills per year. Students are expected to leave the building in an orderly, quiet manner. The teacher will take attendance to assure accountability for all children. It is imperative that all classroom volunteers sign in and out consistently so that everyone is counted accurately.
School Cancellation Announcements
The superintendent will make the decision to close schools. A district-wide automated phone message will be sent to the telephone number listed on students’ registration information form. The following radio and television stations will be notified of school changes:
WPRI TV 12 WJAR TV 10
WSNE 93.3 FM WPRO 630 AM
WPJB 102.7 FM
If school is dismissed early due to inclement weather or emergency circumstances, any activity planned in the school that evening is canceled. When an after-school program is canceled due to inclement weather or other factors, the sponsoring organization is responsible for notifying parents of the cancellation.
Dress Code
Children should dress appropriately for school and the weather. Clothing should conform to reasonable standards of modesty and cleanliness. “The bottom of the tops should touch the top of the bottoms.” Tee shirts and other clothing with messages should be appropriate for elementary school children. Children should wear suitable clothing and footwear on the days they have physical education. No hats are to be worn inside the school building or classrooms.
Class Placement
Elementary age students are placed heterogeneously (classrooms with mixed ability levels.) The professionals who work with the students make placement decisions. Grade level teachers, resource teachers, and the principal will make placement decisions based upon information gathered throughout the course of the year. To make balanced classes, student placement decisions will take into consideration the child’s gender, developmental level, cognitive abilities, academic level, learning style, work habits, individual needs, and school behaviors. Other factors will be class size, social composition, and peer relationships.
Due to population and physical capacity, it is sometimes necessary to have split grades. Split grades are two grades housed in one classroom. The split classes have a full-time certified teacher and an additional half-time certified teacher assigned to each grade level. The student make-up of a split class is heterogeneous, just as other classes in the school. One of the benefits of the split classes are low student to teacher ratios (maximum 12:1) for learning core grade level expectations. Parents, students, and teacher have found this to be a positive environment for learning.
All parents will have the opportunity to inform the school of their child’s special learning needs through the use of the Student Information Form (available in the office in April and due by May 1st).The staff values your insight and will take this information into account in our placement decisions. Please remember that parent input is only one of the many criteria we use when we consider class placement.
Notification of a student’s placement for the upcoming year will be placed on the last report card of the current school year.
Unanticipated personnel and enrollment changes, which occur during the summer, may affect and change a child’s assignment. Parents and students will be notified as soon as changes are confirmed. (Please refer to Policy: Section 8000 / 8125 for additional information).
Respect for Property:
We expect that proper care and attention be given to school materials. Lost or destroyed textbooks, library books, supplies, and materials must be replaced by the student or parent. Students may be ineligible to participate in some school activities if they have not returned overdue library books or made restitution for lost or damaged books and/or materials.
Student Planners
Students in grades three and four will be issued a student planner at the start of the school year. If lost or destroyed, it will be the responsibility of the student to replace. Another planner may be purchased at the school office.
Forgotten Items
Forgotten items from home including homework, lunches, band instruments, etc., may be left at the office for delivery at a time which will not disrupt classroom routine. Unless the item is absolutely necessary for the day, we suggest helping your child become responsible by allowing her/him to experience consequences for forgetting the item(s). i.e.: If your child forgets homework at home and the penalty is a lost recess, don’t rush to school with the homework. This will help develop a sense of responsibility and self reliance.
Field Trips
Field trips, which enhance classroom learning, are planned throughout the year. Students must have a signed permission slip to attend a field trip. Telephone calls are not accepted as permission in lieu of a signed permission slip. Students who fail to bring a signed permission slip will be assigned to another classroom while the class is on the trip.
Teachers are not permitted to administer medication to a student on a field trip. Students who are not allowed to attend a field trip because of poor behavior may be assigned to another classroom while the class is on the trip and teachers are required to notify parents prior to the trip to discuss alternate plans. All drop-off and pickup for field trips must be made at the school. Any exceptions must be submitted in writing and pre-approved by the principal.
Parents who volunteer as chaperones for a field trip may not bring other children for reasons of safety and supervision of our students. Do not plan to attend a field trip unless the classroom teacher has notified you that you are needed as a chaperone. Unfortunately, we do not need all the parents who graciously volunteer.
Internet Use / Media Permission Slips
A Parental Statement of Receipt will be given to families with the understanding that if parents do not want their children to participate they must return the form indicating that they do not give permission for internet use/media use.
School Insurance
School insurance is available at the beginning of the year. You are not obligated to purchase this insurance. If your child is not covered by health insurance, it is strongly recommended that you purchase the insurance in the unfortunate possibility of your child being injured at school. Brochures and applications are online at www.skschools.net. For any questions, call Maria Parrillo at 360-1306.
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Congratulations! You have read through your Wakefield School Handbook and the South Kingstown School Department Handbook. Please keep this document handy as you may need to refer to it throughout the school year. Also, please fill out the bottom portion of this page and return it to school. Your child/children will receive a “Hat’s Off” slip to enter a special raffle when we receive the bottom portion of this form. Thank you!
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I/We have read the Wakefield School Handbook.
Family Name: _____________________________
Name and Grade of child/children: _____________
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