2013-2014 STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK All Jefferson Davis Parish School Policies may be found at www.jeffersondavis.org. Mrs. Arlene Heinen, Principal Mrs. Carolyn Hayes, Assistant Principal 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL ....................................................................................................................................... 4 STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY .......................................................................................................................................... 5 STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES ........................................................................................................................................... 5 JEFF DAVIS PARISH MISSION STATEMENT ................................................................................................................... 5 WELSH ELEMENTARY MISSION STATEMENT .............................................................................................................. 5 TIPS FOR SUCCESS .............................................................................................................................................................. 5 WELSH ELEMENTARY TITLE I FAMILY INVOLVEMENT PLAN ............................................................................... 6 STATEMENT OF PURPOSE ................................................................................................................................................. 6 DECISION MAKING ............................................................................................................................................................. 6 COMMUNICATING .............................................................................................................................................................. 6 LEARNING AT HOME .......................................................................................................................................................... 7 VOLUNTEERING .................................................................................................................................................................. 8 PARENTING........................................................................................................................................................................... 8 COLLABORATING WITH THE COMMUNITY ................................................................................................................. 8 FAMILY INVOLVEMENT………………………………………………………………………………………………...9 PARENT INVOLVEMENT………………………………………………………………………………………………...9 SCHOOL INFORMATION ................................................................................................................................................... 9 POLICIES IN BRIEF .............................................................................................................................................................. 9 PARISH POLICIES AND REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................................................... 10 SCHOOL TELEPHONE NUMBERS ................................................................................................................................... 10 PARENT COMMUNICATION CENTER ............................................................................................................................ 10 BELL SCHEDULE................................................................................................................................................................ 12 CAMPUS VISITOR'S PASS ................................................................................................................................................. 12 PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES AND SCHOOL VISITATIONS ........................................................................... 13 REPORT CARDS and PROGRESS REPORTS.................................................................................................................... 13 LOST AND FOUND ............................................................................................................................................................. 13 PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION ............................................................................................................................. 13 ATTENDANCE AND TRANSPORTATION POLICIES ................................................................................................... 14 ATTENDANCE .................................................................................................................................................................... 14 MAKE-UP WORK DUE TO EXCUSED ABSENCES ........................................................................................................ 14 TRUANCY COURT PROCEDURE ..................................................................................................................................... 14 ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL AND TRANSPORTATION GUIDELINES ................................................................................ 16 TARDY POLICY .................................................................................................................................................................. 17 BUSES ................................................................................................................................................................................... 17 RULES FOR SCHOOL BUS RIDERS ................................................................................................................................. 18 DISMISSAL OF STUDENTS ............................................................................................................................................... 18 LEAVING SCHOOL EARLY ............................................................................................................................................... 19 EMERGENCY POLICIES ................................................................................................................................................... 19 PROCEDURE FOR CANCELLATION OF SCHOOL......................................................................................................... 19 EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS/CRISIS MANAGEMENT PLAN ................................................................................. 19 SCHOOL POLICIES ............................................................................................................................................................ 19 ADMISSION ......................................................................................................................................................................... 19 ACCOUNTABILITY ............................................................................................................................................................ 19 MEDICATION POLICY ....................................................................................................................................................... 20 STUDENT ILLNESS AND ACCIDENTS ........................................................................................................................... 21 TELEPHONE USAGE .......................................................................................................................................................... 21 CELL PHONES ..................................................................................................................................................................... 21 HOMEWORK ....................................................................................................................................................................... 22 DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS ............................................................................................................................................... 22 TOY POLICY........................................................................................................................................................................ 22 GUIDANCE PROGRAM ...................................................................................................................................................... 22 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT ............................................................................................................................ 22 INTERNET USE ................................................................................................................................................................... 23 2 LEGAL CUSTODY .............................................................................................................................................................. 23 SCHOOL INSURANCE ........................................................................................................................................................ 23 TEXTBOOKS AND SCHOOL PROPERTY ........................................................................................................................ 23 SURVEYS ............................................................................................................................................................................. 23 TRANSFER OF RECORDS.................................................................................................................................................. 24 PUBLICITY RELEASES ...................................................................................................................................................... 24 SCHOOL LUNCH ................................................................................................................................................................. 24 JDPSB CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM POLICY FOR DENYING MEALS TO STUDENTS………………………..25 FREE AND REDUCED LUNCH APPLICATIONS ............................................................................................................ 25 CAFETERIA GUIDELINES ................................................................................................................................................. 26 SCHOOL DISCIPLINE POLICIES ..................................................................................................................................... 26 WELSH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISCIPLINARY ACTION PLAN ............................................................................. 26 CORPORAL PUNISHMENT ............................................................................................................................................... 26 BULLYING, CYBERBULLYING, INTIMIDATION, HARRASSMENT AND HAZING………………………………27 POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION AND SUPPORT ............................................................................................. 28 SCHOOL WIDE BEHAVIORAL CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS:................................................................................. 28 SCHOOL WIDE BEHAVIORAL NON-CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS: ....................................................................... 29 ACT 909 – 1990 LEGISLATIVE ACTION .......................................................................................................................... 32 KNIVES ................................................................................................................................................................................ 33 SEXUAL HARASSMENT & BULLYING .......................................................................................................................... 33 CHEATING ........................................................................................................................................................................... 33 POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT AND INTERVENTION TEAM ................................................................................. 34 TEACHER BILL OF RIGHTS (LSA—R.S. 17:416.18) ....................................................................................................... 34 PARISH DRESS CODE POLICY........................................................................................................................................ 35 DRESS CODE ....................................................................................................................................................................... 35 UNIFORMS........................................................................................................................................................................... 35 CONSEQUENCES ................................................................................................................................................................ 36 DRESS CODE REGULATIONS .......................................................................................................................................... 37 ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PUPIL PROGRESSION PLAN .......................................................................................... 38 ELEMENTARY PROGRAM OF STUDIES ........................................................................................................................ 38 ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS FOR PROMOTION ......................................................................................................... 38 KINDERGARTEN ................................................................................................................................................................ 38 FIRST GRADE...................................................................................................................................................................... 38 SECOND GRADE................................................................................................................................................................. 39 THIRD GRADE .................................................................................................................................................................... 39 FOURTH AND FIFTH GRADES ......................................................................................................................................... 39 RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION PLAN (RTI) ................................................................................................................. 40 GRADING POLICY.............................................................................................................................................................. 42 BANNER ROLL/HONOR ROLL ......................................................................................................................................... 43 RETENTION POLICY ......................................................................................................................................................... 43 ACCELERATION…………………………………………………………………………………………………………46 MUSIC .................................................................................................................................................................................. 47 FRENCH – FOURTH AND FIFTH GRADES ..................................................................................................................... 46 LIBRARY .............................................................................................................................................................................. 48 STUDENT OF THE YEAR .................................................................................................................................................. 48 DIBELS ................................................................................................................................................................................. 47 ACHIEVEMENT TESTS ...................................................................................................................................................... 47 EDUCATION OF STUDENTS WITH EXCEPTIONALITIES ........................................................................................... 47 GIFTED STUDENTS............................................................................................................................................................ 49 ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, DRUG, AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE EDUCATION PROGRAM ............................................. 48 DRUG FREE ZONES……………………………………………………………………………………………………...50 STUDENT ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE………………………………………………………………………………...50 TITLE IV - SAFE & DRUG FREE SCHOOLS AND COMUNITIES…………………………………….………………51 STUDENT BIOMETRIC INFORMATION ......................................................................................................................... 52 EXTRACURRICULAR CLUBS ........................................................................................................................................... 52 3 LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL Dear Parent/Guardian, There has been a tradition of academic excellence at Welsh Elementary over the years. When other schools were teaching social skills in Kindergarten across the state, our teachers were teaching fiveyear-olds to read. This progressive and innovative approach to try new ideas is second nature to the teachers at Welsh Elementary. Last year, our focus was the new COMPASS and Common Core, as well as Response to Intervention (RTI). Our teachers had to learn a new way of teaching and we continued to offer additional help and support for our students who struggled in reading and math, as well as challenge our more advanced students. Education in Louisiana will see many changes in 2013-2014. The new common core state standards will be taught in all grades for ELA and Math. In 2014-15, new PARCC assessments will take the place of LEAP and iLEAP. Act 54 is in effect and calls for a measure of student growth to comprise at least fifty percent of all educator evaluations. To provide educators with consistent feedback, the new law also requires this process to be administered annually, instead of every three years. Jeff Davis Parish has always conducted annual evaluations of its employees. Act 54 requires intensive support for teachers who are identified as struggling. Academic excellence at Welsh Elementary is a direct result of parents who believe that a good education is important for their children. This combined tradition of academic excellence by the school and high expectations by parents has won Welsh Elementary numerous awards. The administration, faculty and staff look forward to continuing a tradition of academic excellence and character-building for our students with your help. We ask that each student give his or her best effort and we will do the same. Although Welsh Elementary School’s motto is “A great place to learn,” we believe that it is “The best place to learn.” We look forward to educating your child and to having a successful school year. Sincerely, Arlene A. Heinen Arlene A. Heinen, Principal 4 STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY We, the faculty & staff of Welsh Elementary School, feel that it is our responsibility to attempt to provide, within budgetary constraints, opportunities for a child to develop the necessary skills which will enable him/her to assume his/her role as a productive and effective citizen. We strive to motivate each child to make the most of his/her own unique abilities, so that he/she will continue to learn and use knowledge acquired as life situations confront him/her. We are concerned with providing a good learning climate within a flexible program that will meet each child's needs. We seek to help the child develop a self-concept that is both realistic and healthy. It is the desire of the faculty & staff to operate systematically and cooperatively under the leadership and supervision of trained and understanding personnel, thus hopefully creating a unified, positive attitude toward the realization of this philosophy. STATEMENT OF OBJECTIVES 1. To motivate each child to develop his/her abilities to capacity. 2. To provide a climate that facilitates a desire to learn. 3. To help each child to become self-reliant by helping him/her to acquire skills, attitudes, and appreciation worthy of an effective citizen. 4. To encourage students to practice rules of common courtesy and good manners, and to use leisure time wisely. 5. To develop in each child a curiosity and awareness of his own relationship to his/her natural environment. 6. To stay abreast of modern trends through continued professional training. 7. To encourage further community involvement in school life. JEFF DAVIS PARISH MISSION STATEMENT Jeff Davis Parish School System will provide all students with educational opportunities to achieve success in a multicultural, global society. WELSH ELEMENTARY MISSION STATEMENT Educating all students today, for tomorrow’s future TIPS FOR SUCCESS Here are a few tips for parents to help make for a successful school year. 1. As soon as possible, after school starts, meet your child's teacher. Make sure your child and his/her teacher know you are supporting his/her education all the way. 2. From the first day, require your child to copy his/her assignments from the board into his/her assignment notebook. 3. Check your child's assignment notebook, his/her homework, and papers brought home each day. 4. Help your child prepare for tests. 5. At the first hint of a learning problem, contact your child's teacher. You may call the school, the teacher, or send a note. It is much better to communicate your concerns about your child’s education as soon as you can, rather than letting problems continue considering that it might get better over time. 5 WELSH ELEMENTARY TITLE I FAMILY INVOLVEMENT PLAN STATEMENT OF PURPOSE A major goal of the Welsh Elementary School Title I Program is to encourage greater involvement of parents in the education of their children and in developing a strong partnership with teachers, principals, staff, the community and school. We are committed to the goal of providing quality education for every child. The child benefits if the school and home form a partnership promoting high expectations for our children. Parents are the children’s first teachers. Parental support for their children and for the school is critical to their children’s success at every step of the way. We strive to include parents in all aspects of the school’s Title I Program. The goal is to create a strong school to home partnership that will help all students succeed. DECISION MAKING Goal: Include parents in school decisions and develop parent leaders and representatives A School Improvement Team comprised of parents, teachers, administrators, and fifth grade students will be formed and meet quarterly. The School Improvement Team and Title I staff will develop a family involvement plan. The school will share responsibility with parents for high student performance by developing a school-parent-student compact jointly with parents of children participating in the program. These compacts will outline how parents, staff and students will share responsibility for promoting high student achievement. Family/parent involvement is solicited and encouraged in developing the School Improvement Plan. Parents, teachers, staff, and administrators from each school in the district are included in the District Advisory Council which meets each semester. The council develops the District Family Involvement Plan and provides input regarding programmatic decisions to be incorporated in the development of the consolidated federal application. The School Improvement Team will review and improve the Title I program as needed. A variety of stakeholders will be surveyed as part of the evaluation. Also, an annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness of the Title I family involvement program will be done. The assessment will include a parent survey conducted at the district level. The Parent Teacher Organization will meet two-four times a year to discuss ways to improve family involvement in education. COMMUNICATING Goal: Design more effective forms of school-to-home and home-to-school communications with all families each year about school programs and their children’s progress. A Back to School Night is held at the start of school. An Open-House is held in the fall which includes a Title I meeting to inform parents of the Title I program and its notification requirements. Communication with parents will consist of school newsletters quarterly, classroom newletters weekly, notices, letters, fliers, progress reports, brochures and a calendar of activities sent home with students. Other contacts will be made through telephone calls (including School Messenger), newspaper notices and home visits. Parents will be informed of their child’s progress by sending home daily and/or weekly examples of student work as well as progress reports and report cards. Teachers and parents will be encouraged to use notes, calls, and visits to inform each other of difficulties and successes. 6 Parent-teacher conferences will be held at the school site at the request of parents or teachers to discuss student performance and review compact. Parents contact the school or teacher by phone or email to schedule a conference before or after school. Parents have the right to request information about the qualifications of their children’s teachers or paraprofessional who instructs them. Parents will be notified in the event their child is assigned to, or taught for at least four consecutive weeks by a teacher who is not highly qualified. Parents will be notified if their child is placed in a program for Limited English Proficient (LEP) students. The English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher will provide information regarding the program activities, how it will help their child learn English, the exit requirements, and will work with the family in developing strategies to enhance the effectiveness of the program. Parents will be notified on the level of achievement of their child in each of the State Academic Assessments (spring high stakes tests). Results of the state assessments will be sent home with the final report cards or when they become available to the schools. A Literacy Night and a Math Night are held during the school year where families are invited for dinner and games that will help students improve in the areas of reading and math. A Literacy Day and a Math Day are scheduled during the school year where parents can visit the classroom and watch a lesson being taught. Parents/grandparents are invited to eat lunch with their children/grandchildren on special days. The school cafeteria can accommodate guests any day, but they must notify the cafeteria in the morning so they can prepare enough food. Parents are given specific directions to access the Parent Command Center in order to obtain information on their child’s progress in attendance, academics, homework and discipline. LEARNING AT HOME Goal: Provide information and ideas to families about how to help students at home with homework and other curricular-related activities, decisions, and planning. Family Nights for Math and Literacy will be held at each school site to provide parents the opportunity to experience ways to assist their child learn and/or attend presentations by guest speakers. Scheduled visits by parents to view student’s work and learn more about instructional strategies in the classroom are allowed. Parent Center referral forms will be used to refer parents to the Title I Parent Center for help in specific skills and request parent liaison visitation. The Parent Center located at 314 W. Shankland Ave. in Jennings is open Tuesday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for parents of students PreK to grade 5. Educational materials and information may be checked our free of charge. Parent Liaisons will facilitate communication between parents and schools. Home visits will be made to those parents unable to come to the Parent Center. Parents will receive a compact with a checklist of responsibilities that teachers, parents, and students will have for helping students achieve the goals. Teachers will send home weekly newsletters that state upcoming tests and activities in each subject. Monthly calendars of school activities will be sent home for students and parents. Monthly Title I newsletters describing ideas for at home learning will be distributed. Our school values both at-home contributions and those that take place at school and in the community. Reading to children at home, talking with them at family mealtime, providing an athome study period, making sure homework assignments are complete and monitoring TV programs are as important as volunteering at school or serving on committees. Summer Bridge Activities workbooks will be available at the Parent Center near the end of May. 7 VOLUNTEERING Goal: Recruit and organize parent help and support. Members of the PTO have membership information available at Back to School Night and Open House. Volunteer surveys are sent out by teachers at the beginning of the school year to gain knowledge of parents’ interest and talents. Parent involvement surveys provide information on how families can help teachers, administrators, students and other parents. Volunteer opportunities include assisting teachers so they can attend School Building and Intervention Committee Meetings; assisting teachers, administrator, students, secretary, librarian, etc., with clerical work; field trips if they need additional chaperones; helping out with class projects; assisting with Dancing Classrooms and DARE; appearing as a guest speaker; working with individual students or small groups of students; listening to students read; gardening or yard work; photographing school activities; preparing bulletin boards; assisting at Mini Olympics, Splash Blast, Test Fest and PreK Fun Day; working at the weekly bake sale; assisting with the annual Book Fair and Yearbook Sales, and assisting with Teacher Appreciation Week. An inservice for volunteers is provided in August to give information on ways to volunteer, how to get involved and to give a tour of the school. PARENTING Goal: Help all families establish home environments to support children as students. Parent liaisons through the Parent Center are available to provide assistance to families. Information will be given to parents that preview expectations in numeracy for the next level of education and suggestions for easing the transition from one grade to the next. A meeting for all parents of 4th grade students is held to give information and expectations of the state LEAP test and provide suggestions on providing support. School guidance counselor has materials and information readily available for parents who are interested in improving parenting skills. COLLABORATING WITH THE COMMUNITY Goal: Identify and integrate resources and services from the community to strengthen school programs, family practices, and student learning and development. Special assemblies are held during the school year such as Veterans’ Day, Christmas Musical, Spring Concert, Mini Olympics, Drama, and six weeks and end of year awards programs. Our school supports charitable causes such as Jump Rope For Heart, Math-a-Thon for St. Jude’s, collection of pop tabs to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities, Big Brother’s Big Sisters, and The Earlyact club also is involved in community services with Rotary including the school-wide recycling project. Information on community library and recreational programs are distributed throughout the school year. Support from our Partners in Education such as Sam Fontentot of State Farm, Griffith Lumber, Jeff Davis Bank, Welsh Rotary Club, Wal-Mart, Mr. Gatti’s, Sonic, Lacassine Oil Field Services, Welsh Little Dribblers, Jan’s Construction Co., Inc. (Jan and Paul Klein), Point to Point Directional Drilling, Inc. (Bobby and Connier Miller), and Jeff Davis Business Alliance are given throughout the school year for special projects. Our Parent Teacher Organization is open to all people of the community. 8 FAMILY INVOLVEMENT We invite our families to become involved in our school. Below are activities that parents, grandparents, and siblings may attend. We encourage the entire family to participate in these activities. 1. Back to School Night 2. Open House 3. Six weeks awards programs – non-school age siblings are permitted to attend 4. Halloween Costume Contest – Please remember that we have limited seating in the auditorium and all Welsh Elementary students must be seated first. 5. Veterans Program 6. Family Literacy Night 7. Family Math Night 8. Mini Olympics 9. Musicals 10. End of Year Awards Programs PARENT INVOLVEMENT We invite our parents to become involved in our school. Below are activities parents can participate in with their child. We ask that only adults attend and other children be kept at home. These activities are planned so that your child can have your complete time and attention. We want to thank those parents who continually come to help with these activities. 1. First Grade Thanksgiving Feast 2. Second Grade Cajun Day 3. Third Grade Biographies 4. Christmas Party 5. Literacy Day 6. Math Day 7. Fun Walk 8. Test Fest 9. CAI Lab Visitation 10. Easter Party 11. Easter Bonnet Parade 12. Child’s Birthday for Pre-K and Kindergarten Students: Parent may bring a cake or snack for the class during snack time. Please do not send party favors, gifts or balloons. 13. Pre-K Fun Day 14. Kindergarten Fun Day 15. Splash Blast 16. Pre-K Monthly Parental Involvement Activities We also ask that parents come without their children for Pre-K and Kindergarten Orientation is usually scheduled in early August before school begins. The children may attend Back to School Night to meet their teachers and visit the classroom. Some field trips will require parents to attend to help monitor children. On those occasions, teachers will send a note to ask for assistance. SCHOOL INFORMATION POLICIES IN BRIEF In the interest of economy, some of the policies in this handbook have been summarized. Should you desire more detailed information or an explanation of these policies, please do not hesitate to call the principal or assistant principal. 9 PARISH POLICIES AND REQUIREMENTS Parish and school policies do change during the course of any given school year and cannot all be listed in the limited format of our student handbook. All parish and school policies will be adhered to whether or not they appear in the student handbook. SCHOOL TELEPHONE NUMBERS School Office ----------------------------- 734-2351 School Office ----------------------------- 734-2590 Jeff Davis Parish School Board ----- 824-1834 Special Education Director------------ 824-3522 Cafeteria--------------------------- 734-2679 Fax Number----------------------- 734-2704 Parent Center/Media Center--824-0597 504 District Coordinator-------- 824-3522 PARENT COMMUNICATION CENTER Welcome to our new Parent Communication Center, an online site for parents to stay abreast of their children’s progress in the Jefferson Davis Parish School System. The PC Center (Parent Communication Center) will give parents access to their child’s attendance, grades, progress reports, and teacher’s lesson plans at all grade levels. For grades 9-11, the Transcript tab allows parents to view the courses and grades earned during the years in high school. Also, for high school the Curriculum tab is still under construction. This feature will allow the parents to work with the high school counselors to schedule courses for the next year. The following steps will lead you through the process of creating a login to access the PC Center. Please understand the information displayed will be as of the previous day. Step 1: Use the internet browser to access the website: http://69.63.165.10/jpweb There is also a link on our parish website: http://www.jeffersondavis.org Step 2: Click on the link Register a New User. Step 3: For the Relationship Information, choose one category: Mother, Father, or Guardian. Parents can create a separate Mother login and Father login if this process is repeated. The Name Information must be entered exactly as it is on your child’s Student Information Form. If creating a Mother Account, use mother’s first and last name (same for father or guardian). The PSN (Parent Security Number) is the five character code you gave to the school. Complete the rest of the form and click on the SUBMIT button. 10 NOTE: If the information does not match what is in the JPAMS program at the individual school, this message will appear. Please make sure the information was typed in correctly and try again. If not, contact the school secretary to verify the information. Step 4: If the information matches successfully, the next screen will set up the login and password to access student information. The Login and Password should be from 6 to 20 characters (numbers, letters or combination of both). The Login and Password is not case sensitive—doesn’t matter is upper or lowercase letters are used. Two secret questions must be chosen and answered. Click on the arrow to the right of the box for each question to select a secret question and then answer it in the box below. Click the Submit button when finished. Step 5: The next screen will show that the account was created successfully. Click on the Logout button which will return you to the main menu. Enter your login in the Username box and Password. Click Sign-In. Step 6: After signing-in, your child/children will be listed for reviewing. Click on any name. The screen on next page will appear with the tabs across the top for access to your child’s information. The current screen is the Home tab showing the child’s name, ID#, school code and year. 11 Attendance: This will show the attendance records from the most recent down to the year 1999-2000 if the child has been in our system since then. A legend for the codes appears at the very end of the page. Conduct: Not currently used in our system. Discipline: A history of all discipline referrals from the most recent to the year 1999-2000. Grades: Grades for each grading period will be shown only for the current school year. The current status of the child is dependent on the input of grades by the teachers. Lessons: Lesson plans for each subject can be viewed. This includes the objectives, procedures, and homework. Progress: The detailed assignment grades feature is still a work in progress. This screen displays all the graded assignment for each course much like the mid-six weeks Progress Reports. Right now it is not separated by each grading period. Transcript: For high school students only. This screen displays the transcript grades for all years in high school (each course and grade obtain per semester and final) by groups. Curriculum: For high school students only. This is very similar to the Transcript tab except the courses and grades will be displayed by year. A future implementation would be to allow parents to actually schedule courses for the coming year. To view another child in the district, click the Home tab and find the line To select a new student click here. When you are finished, click Logout or exit the browser. NOTE: If you forget your password, click on Forgot Password on the main web page. This will allow you to create another password. You must remember your login or username to change the password. BELL SCHEDULE 7:00…………….Students begin arriving at school and eat breakfast, then report to the auditorium. 7:20 …………….Students Report to Classrooms 7:25 ...................Pledge/Announcements (Please have your child at school no later than 7:30 so they are not behind when the teacher begins instruction at 7:40.) 7:30 ...................Class Begins 2:50 ...................Dismissal for Horseshoe and 1st Bus Students 3:15 ...................Dismissal for Walkers and 2nd Bus Students (4th and 5th grade recesses are after their lunch period) CAMPUS VISITOR'S PASS All individuals entering this campus MUST come by the school office to sign-in and receive a visitor's pass. You must get a visitor’s pass ANY time you are on campus, including before and after school. Parents MAY NOT visit the classroom during instructional time unless it is a scheduled conference or special event. We do encourage parents to come to school for special events. Before leaving campus, please return the pass to the office and sign-out. 12 Note: For the safety of our students and staff, parents will not be allowed to walk their children to class each morning. Parents that bring their children to school should go through the horseshoe. If a parent walks their child into the school building, they will need to say good-bye in the lobby, and the children will proceed to the auditorium or to their classroom depending on the time. PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES AND SCHOOL VISITATIONS Parents are encouraged to arrange conferences with teachers to discuss the progress of their children. Such conferences are valuable aids for better understanding among teachers, pupil, and parents. However, it is necessary to schedule teacher-parent conferences at some time other than the teacher's regularly scheduled class periods. State law and parish policy requires that at least two parent teacher conferences be scheduled during the first semester of each school year for students in academic need. Law also requires that a parent attend at least one of the scheduled conferences. Parents or other patrons are not permitted to visit classrooms during the school day without special permission from the office. This includes the beginning and ending of the school day. This regulation is to prohibit a teacher from being interrupted in her teaching. It is not intended to discourage or deter conferences which are highly profitable when properly scheduled. REPORT CARDS and PROGRESS REPORTS The report cards are designed to inform you of the progress made by your child each six weeks. Please read the report card carefully. If a conference is requested by your child's teacher, please honor the request. It is for the benefit of your child. A letter grade, which represents a student's standing in their instructional group is given for each major subject. Progress reports will be sent home in the middle of each six weeks on the 18th day and with the report card. This report will need to be signed and returned to school the next day. Six- Week Period First Second Third Fourth Fifth Sixth Progress Reports Issued September 4 October 17 December 6 January 31 March 19 May 7 Six Weeks Ends September 20 November 4 January 6 February 18 April 3 May 23 Report Cards Issued September 26 November 8 January 10 February 24 April 10 May 23 LOST AND FOUND Any valuables found will be brought to the principal's office. Any clothing found will be placed in the "Lost and Found" located in the hall near the cafeteria. If names are found in the clothing, the articles will be returned to their owners. Having your child's name in his/her clothing will ensure that the lost articles will be returned quickly. Children need not bring large sums of money to school. PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION Welsh Elementary began a Parent/Teacher Organization. Our plans are to meet at least four times per year. We hope that you can be a part of this important group that helps with special events at school, weekly bake sales, and raising money for special projects at school. Members of the PTO also help with our school wide cookie dough fundraiser that brings in money for the school to help with six weeks awards programs, positive behavior rewards, music and the arts for our students, and playground equipment. 13 ATTENDANCE AND TRANSPORTATION POLICIES ATTENDANCE Students who are absent from any class or from school for any cause, will submit a note from their parents, guardians, or physician stating the cause for absence and the dates of absence. The student must present the note to the office of the principal, then to his/her teacher. Every absence will be recorded as excused or unexcused. Please note new changes in the attendance policy that was passed by The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE). When a parent submits a written note that their child was ill, it enables the child to make up any work missed. However, this excused absence will still count as an absence against the student according to the new laws. The only exceptions are those noted in the policy below. Elementary students missing more than 12 days per year may not be given credit for the year's work. This is a change from 20 days per year last year. A student who is suspended for ten (10) days or fewer shall be assigned school work missed while he/she is suspended and shall receive partial credit which will be 25% of the original possible points for such work if it is completed satisfactorily and timely as determined by the principal or his/her designee, upon the recommendation of the student’s teacher. A student who is suspended for more than ten (10) days and receives educational services at an alternative school site, shall be assigned work by a certified teacher and shall receive partial credit which will be 25% of the original possible points for such school work if it is completed satisfactorily and timely as determined by the teacher. Such work shall be aligned with the curriculum used at the school from which the student is suspended. Students missing school as a result of an unexcused absence shall be given failing grades in those subjects for those days missed, and shall not be given an opportunity to make up work. Once a student arrives at school, he/she is expected to remain and attend each class throughout the day. If it becomes necessary to leave school at any time, a student must have permission from the principal. MAKE-UP WORK DUE TO EXCUSED ABSENCES Students who miss four (4) or more consecutive days will be allowed ten (10) school days, from the date of return, to make-up assignments. Students who miss less than four (4) consecutive days must make-up assignments missed within five (5) school days. It is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements with the teacher to make-up work missed. If the student misses only the day of the assigned test, upon returning he/she MUST take the test. If a student has ten (10) or more consecutive days of excused absences, his/her make-up work procedures are to be handled at the discretion of the principal. TRUANCY COURT PROCEDURE 2013-2014 Jeff Davis SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AND TRUANCY COURT REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURE “EVERY MINUTE COUNTS” Students are expected to be in attendance every minute of every day. Louisiana State Law mandates compulsory school attendance and every parent or legal guardian of a student shall enforce and be held accountable for the attendance of their student at the school to which the student is enrolled and assure their student’s attendance at school every day scheduled by the local school board until their 14 th rd eighteenth (18 ) birthday. Parents will be asked to sign a notification letter on the 3 unexcused absence or tardy and attend a conference with school personnel if deemed necessary. A student’s attendance & disciplinary history prints on his/her report card every six weeks and at any time, parents can view their child’s current grades, attendance, discipline, and teacher lesson plans on any on-line computer through the Parent Communication Center located at the Jeff Davis School District website at http://webserver.jeffersondavis.org/ Ask your school for your login & password. NOTICE OF ATTENDANCE POLICY CHANGES FOR 2012-2013 The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) has approved several attendance policy changes for 2012-2013. Please be aware of these attendance changes. In order for Jeff Davis parish elementary students to be considered for promotion or for high school students to receive Carnegie credit for each course taken, students shall be in attendance 94% of the required time. Based on our instructional calendar of 177 days, students may not exceed 16 instructional days per year, or 8 instructional days per semester of absences. The only exceptions to the attendance regulations as verified by the Director of Child Welfare and Attendance are newly defined by State Law. These extenuating circumstances are: All excuses, including original doctor/dentist verification, for a student’s absence must be presented to the school 1. extended personal physical or emotional illness in which a student is absent for three or more consecutive school days as verified by a physician or nurse practitioner licensed in the state; 2. extended hospital stay in which a student is absent for three or more consecutive school days as verified by a physician or dentist; 3. extended recuperation from an accident in which a student is absent for three or more consecutive school days as verified by a physician, dentist, or nurse practitioner licensed in the state; 4. extended contagious disease within a family in which a student is absent for three or more consecutive school days as verified by a physician or dentist licensed in the state; or 5. observance of special and recognized holidays of the student's own faith. For any other extenuating circumstances, parents must make a formal appeal to the Director of Attendance through the school principal. (Well in advanced of the missed days if possible.) Examples: Military Deployment, Court Appearances. within five (5) days of the student’s return to school to be considered for extenuating circumstances. Denial of Credit Procedure: When a student has exceeded the allowable days of absence as defined by the new 94% mandate and no extenuated circumstances are documented, a committee appointed by the Principal will review the student’s absences before credit or promotion is denied. If no extenuated circumstances are confirmed by the committee, the student and parents will be notified in writing of the decision to deny credit or promotion. An appeal may be made to the Director of Child Welfare & Attendance 337.824.2003. 15 TRUANCY COURT REFERRAL CRITERIA & PROCEDURE In compliance with state law pertaining to ACT 745 regarding amendments and reenactment of LA R.S. 17:233 (B)(1) and LA R.S. 17:233(C), relative to habitual absences and tardiness, Truancy Court for the 2010-2011 school year will occur on a regularly basis. You are hereby notified that if your student meets the following criteria listed below, he/she may be referred to Truancy Court which is an informal court process st and intervention strategy of the Jeff Davis Parish 31 Judicial District Families in Need of Services Program (FINS), Truancy Assessment Service Center (TASC), and the Jeff Davis Parish School’s Child Welfare & Attendance Program: 1. Students who exceed 5 days unexcused absence or unexcused occurrence of being tardy to include early sign outs by parents within any school semester or as deemed eligible for referral by the Director of Attendance, and who do not provide a valid excuse according to the criteria for extenuated circumstances as listed above may be referred to Truancy Court. Interventions may include student and/or parent counseling, required school bus ridership, surrendering of driver’s license, or driving permits, or hunting/fishing license, Saturday community service, and court fees. In cases of non-compliance, continued absences or occurrences of being tardy, or when interventions fail to correct the problem, violations may be referred to formal court where additional penalties may be imposed upon the parent/legal guardian and/or student. If you have any questions or concerns regarding school attendance or Truancy Court, contact the Principal of your child’s school or John Hall, Director of Child Welfare & Attendance at 337.824.2003. I have read and understand the Attendance Regulations and the Truancy Court Criteria for Jeff Davis Parish: Parent/Legal Guardian Signature: ______________________________ Date: _________ Revised May 7, 2012 ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL AND TRANSPORTATION GUIDELINES The safety of each student is to be a matter of serious concern at all times. To assume the safety of your children while attending school or under school supervision, the following regulations are to provide safety conditions most favorable for the children of Welsh Elementary School. 1. 2. 3. 4. No student is to arrive at school before 7:00 a.m. We do not have any employees on duty until 7:00 a.m. All may go eat breakfast or report to the auditorium. After eating breakfast, students will report to the auditorium. Teachers will pick up students at 7:20 and bring them to the classrooms where they will sharpen pencils, copy assignments and prepare for class. Class instruction officially begins at 7:30 a.m. Car-riding students brought to school by their parent are to be let off IN THE SOUTH (FRONT HORSESHOE) turnaround that enters the school grounds from Bourgeois Street. Car-riding students should arrive at school before 7:30 am & be picked up at 2:50 pm. Our gates to the front horseshoe will be closed from the hours of 8:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Bourgeois Street is a ONE-WAY street from the hours of 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Students are reminded that once they arrive on campus, they cannot leave. Walking and riding bike students should not arrive on the campus before 7:00 a.m. All walk home students will cross at designated areas. They will be released from the front of school (NOT the back of school) after horseshoe is completely dismissed (around 3:05 p.m.). Bikers must walk their bikes from the beginning and ending of the fence where campus begins and ends. Please make sure that your child knows the rules of walking or riding a bike safely on the 16 5. 6. 7. road. NO WELSH ELEMENTARY STUDENT WILL BE ALLOWED TO WALK TO MEET A BIG BROTHER OR SISTER AT WELSH HIGH SCHOOL. THE BIG BROTHER OR SISTER MUST COME TO THE OFFICE AT WELSH ELEMENTARY TO PICK-UP THEIR SIBLING. The large horseshoe in the rear of school is reserved for buses, cafeteria deliveries, and garbage pickup. NO OTHER vehicles are allowed in this horseshoe. Visitors and parents are NOT allowed to park in the back horseshoe or parking lot during the school day for any reason. The parking lot and horseshoe are for employees and buses only. Do not attempt to park in these areas to pick up your child for safety reasons. We continue to view safety as one of our three expectations for our students. We will continue to keep buses and car traffic separated. Drivers are urged to be patient, cooperative, and watchful of children. No student will be allowed to eat breakfast after 7:30 a.m. TARDY POLICY A student shall be considered tardy to class if the student is not in the classroom when the bell to begin class ceases. A student shall be considered tardy to school if the student is not in his/her homeroom/first period class when the bell to begin homeroom/class ceases. Tardy shall also mean leaving or checking out of school unexcused prior to the regularly scheduled dismissal. Tardiness on the part of students shall not be tolerated. Students who exhibit tardiness shall be subject to disciplinary action, appropriate under the circumstances. Parents of students who continue to be tardy shall be notified for a conference with the principal, and the student may be subject to suspension from school and the parent/legal guardian subject to court fines or community service. All students should be at school for 7:25 am. Students will be counted as tardy after 7:30 am. Every student who is tardy (except for extenuating circumstances) will be subject to the following for each semester. Parents/Guardians MUST get down and sign in all children who are tardy. 3 TARDIES – NOTIFICATION LETTER SENT HOME TO BE SIGNED AND RETURNED 5 TARDIES - 1 HR. AFTER-SCHOOL DETENTION 6 TARDIES – REFERRAL TO TASC 10 TARDIES - 1 HR. AFTER-SCHOOL DETENTION OR 4 HRS. SATURDAY ALTERNATIVE TO SUSPENSION 15 TARDIES – SUSPENSION BUSES Bus drivers will make every effort to pick your child up at the same time each morning. Please have your child at the designated stop on time each morning. Parents should have children ready and at their designated pickup point along the route 10 minutes before their designated pick up time and 10 minutes after their designated pick up time to compensate for weather, traffic, or emergency situations that the driver may encounter while on the route. For your child's protection, a reasonable set of rules will be followed by students riding the bus. Children MUST follow the rules while riding their assigned bus. Failure to cooperate can result in the loss of the student's privileges to ride. Sometimes we have to get a substitute bus driver to drive a route. Please be patient when we have a substitute and realize 17 that there may be a delay for the time of arrival or departure due to learning a new route. Bus roster children who do ride a particular bus will need a signed note from their parent to ride a different bus. Please include the name, address, and phone number of the child’s destination on the note. If your child lives within a one (1) mile radius of school, this is considered walking distance unless it is in the revised walk zone that includes students living across the railroad tracks and across Highway 90. Students living within the one mile radius will not be permitted to ride any bus; for any reason (except for field trips). NO MEDICATION OF ANY KIND IS TO BE BROUGHT TO SCHOOL, INCLUDING ON THE BUS!! Bulky items and projects are not to be carried on the bus. This includes balloons which are a safety hazard. Glass containers and items are also banned. RULES FOR SCHOOL BUS RIDERS A school bus with undisciplined passengers is a hazardous bus. The misbehavior of the students can lead to accidents. The driver must concentrate on the driving task at hand and cannot be expected to constantly discipline the students while the bus is in motion. Therefore, for the safe operation of the school bus, students should be aware of and obey the following safety rules: 1. Cooperate with the driver; your safety depends on it. 2. Be on time, the bus will not wait for you. Students need to be at the bus stop 10 minutes before pick up time. If a bus is late, please allow at least 10 minutes after pick up time before calling the school. Sometimes we have a substitute driver or have to combine routes due to lack of substitutes. 3. Cross the road cautiously under the direction of the driver when boarding and leaving the bus. 4. Follow the driver’s instructions when loading and unloading. 5. Remain quiet enough not to distract the driver. 6. Have written permission and be authorized by the principal to get on or off at a stop other than your designated stop. 7. Remain seated at all times when the bus is in motion. 8. Keep arms, head or other objects inside the bus at all times. 9. Refrain from throwing objects in the bus or our the doors or windows. 10. Use emergency exits only for emergencies & when instructed to do so. 11. No eating, drinking or chewing gum on the bus. 12. Avoid the use or possession of tobacco, matches, cigarette lighters, obscene materials, weapons, drugs, or other prohibited items on the bus. 13. Take no glass objects or other objects on the bus if prohibited by state or federal law or local school board policies. 14. Take no band instruments, projects, and other too large or too hazardous to be held by the passenger or stowed safely under the seat. They will not be permitted on the bus. 15. Refrain from damaging the bus in any way. 16. Be courteous, and safety conscious at all times. Protect your personal riding privilege and enjoy the ride. 17. No writing or coloring on the bus. DISMISSAL OF STUDENTS Parents need to be consistent with dismissal procedures for their child/children. Any changes will need to be put in writing or directed through the office. NO PHONE CALLS WILL BE ALLOWED to change 18 how your child gets home after 1:30 p.m. except in extreme emergencies. LEAVING SCHOOL EARLY Parents, guardians, or designee as authorized by the parent, shall check them out through the office before the student leaves the campus during the day. We encourage parents to make appointments after school. Students who are checked-out early for no valid reason will be documented as unexcused. Leaving school early will be counted as a tardy. EMERGENCY POLICIES PROCEDURE FOR CANCELLATION OF SCHOOL Notification of cancellation of school for special events will be made in advance by newsletters or notes sent home. For emergency situations which arise during the day, the principal, assistant principal, or secretary will call bus drivers, and then notify radio station KJEF and Channels 3, 7, and 10. Plans for such emergencies, including what to do if no one is at home, should be formulated and discussed with your children. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS/CRISIS MANAGEMENT PLAN Fire drills, lockdown drills, and shelter in place drills are conducted regularly as part of our Crisis Management Plan. In case of an emergency where students must be evacuated off-site, parents and guardians are to report to the Welsh Community Center. This will be the site for the Parent Center where students will be checked out according to our state-approved procedure. Only parents/guardians presenting a photo I.D. will be allowed to check out their children. Under no circumstances should you report to school. Follow all directions as given by the local media under the direction of parish emergency personnel. We appreciate your cooperation. SCHOOL POLICIES ADMISSION Pre-Kindergarten students must be (4) on or before September 30th. Kindergarten students must be (5) years old on or before the following date: School Year Date: 2011-2012 September 30, 2012 All students entering school in Jefferson Davis Parish for the first time shall be required to present their birth certificate, current immunization record, social security card, and proof of residency. ACCOUNTABILITY All students shall be under the jurisdiction of the school during normal school hours from the time the student arrives at school each day until he leaves the school campus in the afternoon. In case a student rides a bus, he shall be under the jurisdiction of the school from the time he boards the bus in the morning until the he exits the bus in the afternoon. Students shall be under the jurisdiction of the school while attending any school-sponsored activity, either at school or away from school. This shall apply to all students, including members of any other student organization or club. 19 MEDICATION POLICY It shall be the policy of the Jefferson Davis Parish School Board that medication shall not be given to or taken by students at school with limited exception as outlined below. Students shall not be allowed to have any type of medication in their possession on school property. Medication found to be in the possession of a student on school property shall be taken from the student and reported to the principal, who shall contact the parent or legal guardian for appropriate information. Acutely ill students should be sent home after parents or guardians have been contacted. Students convalescing from short term illness should remain at home until the need for medication no longer exists. Parents and / or legal guardians may, with the approval of the principal, personally administer medication to their child or children at school in the office. When there are special circumstances because of student permanent health problems or health problems of long duration and medication is needed to assure school attendance of the student, arrangements by the parents or legal guardians of the student shall be made with the principal in consultation with the school nurse for the student to receive required medication. The administration of any medication shall be handled in accordance with the following: 1. Non-prescribed Medication: The Jeff Davis Parish School Board adopted a new medications policy for all schools in the parish during the 1994-1995 school year. Briefly stated, the new policy requires that all medication administered at school be prescribed by a physician, that a written physician's order be on file at the school stating frequency and dosage, that the medication must be dispensed by a pharmacist with the container labeled by a pharmacist, and that a parent's consent form also be on file. This policy applies to all medications, including over-the-counter drugs such as aspirin or cough drops, Advil, etc. Of course, any parent may still come to the school and administer medication to his or her child if he or she wishes. We know that these policies may seem cumbersome, but we ask that you keep in mind the intent of the regulation which is to ensure public safety. Anyone having questions about the medications policy should contact the school nurse, Ms. Janet Prather, at the JDPSB Central Office (824-1834). 2. Prescription Medication: Prescribed medicine shall be brought to the principal with a written, signed permission form from the student's parents or guardians. Written orders from a physician clearly detailing the name of the drug, dosage, and time intervals between administrations of medication shall accompany the parent's written request. If doctor's orders are not available, no medication shall be administered. The written permission shall include the name of the child, the medication, the dosage, and the times the school personnel are to administer the medication. The medication shall be clearly marked as to the child's name, the name of the medication, the doctor prescribing, the date of issuance of prescription, and the prescribed dosage. 3. Prescribed Maintenance Medication: Students who are under doctor's care with a chronic long-term condition which requires a regimen of specific medication over an extended period of time shall be treated as any other student taking a short-term prescribed medication. In addition, school personnel shall maintain a log each time medication is given. The log shall reflect the dosage, date, and time. The log shall be signed by the authorized person administering the medication. The school nurse shall provide the medication log and any additional information needed. 20 The provisions stated here shall not preclude the administration of first aid by the school in the event of injury or accident. If any treatment is necessary, such treatment shall be commensurate with the severity of the injury. No employee of the school district may be held responsible if the child does not receive his scheduled dose of medication or if the child takes an overdose of medicine. If the daily dose of medicine is lost, stolen, or spilled, or if the child refuses to take it or spits it out, a reasonable attempt will be made to reach the parents. If the parents cannot be reached, the school personnel shall not be held responsible. These particular situations must be documented and signed by the person(s) involved. STUDENT ILLNESS AND ACCIDENTS Welsh Elementary School recognizes its responsibility to provide proper care to the students when they become ill or injured. Any first aid treatment shall be in accordance with the severity of the illness or injury. Furthermore, when a child becomes sick at school or is seriously injured in an accident, the principal shall be responsible for informing the parents of such illness or injury immediately by phone or otherwise. If it proves impossible to get in touch with the parents, the principal has the responsibility of placing the child under the treatment of a physician, preferably the family physician if he/she is known. Neither the School Board nor the school shall assume any liability for the treatment of a student. The physician should be given information concerning all the circumstances involved, including the principal's unsuccessful attempts to inform the parents of the illness or injury and the fact that the responsibility for payment for services rendered lies with the parents. If treatment is deemed urgent and a physician is not immediately available, the student may be taken to a local emergency room. Principals shall notify the Superintendent of all serious accidents to pupils, whether they occur on the school grounds or the school bus. Accidents requiring medical attention should be reported immediately. In case of an accident, the injured student and teacher in charge must come to the office to fill out an accident report. Students who are involved in accidents and who are not under teacher supervision, whether automobile or personal, are also to report immediately to the office. This will enable school officials to determine the seriousness of an injury and will allow them to take precautionary measures and to notify parents. Those students who have the school insurance will be given an insurance form to take to the doctor so that the doctor may file his claim with the insurance company. Neither the insurance company nor the school will assume responsibility for payment of doctor bills when no report was made by the injured student and the teacher in charge. TELEPHONE USAGE Students are allowed to use the telephone in the office if they have permission. The use of the telephone is limited to important calls as determined by the school staff. Children will not be allowed to receive phone calls unless the principal determines that it is an emergency. Cell phone usage is prohibited on school campus. CELL PHONES NO student will be allowed to have or use a cell phone on campus or on any school bus. Any student caught with a cell phone will be sent to the principal and the cell phone will be taken away. Phones will be returned to parents only. Parish policy mandates a two day suspension for a cell phone 21 violation. HOMEWORK Homework will be for well-defined purposes and reasons which the teacher and student understand. Homework will be carefully assigned and evaluated for the student's benefit. Grades 2-5 will send homework notices for each time homework is NOT completed. On the 5th notice, a student will th serve 1 HR after-school detention. The 10 notice will result in Saturday - ATS. In grades one (1) through (2), homework should require no more than that which can be accomplished in approximately one-half (½) hour. In grades three (3) through five (5), homework should require no more than one to one and one-half (1 to 1 ½ hrs) hours in all subject areas. This may not always be possible, but it should be a goal. Team members and departmentalized teachers will develop a homework schedule to meet these time requirements. DELINQUENT ACCOUNTS Money will NOT be accepted from a student for non-essential items or activities such as pictures, shows, slushes, or trips if that student owes money for essential instructional materials such as books or supplies; nor will the final report card be given to a student who has a delinquent account. Students who owe debts to the school may have their report cards held and or may be denied enrollment. TOY POLICY Small toys labeled with the child's name will be allowed in Pre-K, Kindergarten and First Grade only. No toy guns or weapons will be allowed in any grades. Students may bring their own basketball/football to be played with under supervision of a teacher. GAME BOYS, MP3 or CD PLAYERS, and CELL PHONES ARE NOT ALLOWED AT SCHOOL OR ON ANY OF THE SCHOOL BUSES. GUIDANCE PROGRAM The guidance and counseling program at Welsh Elementary is designed to assist your child in making the most of his/her educational experience. Services are available to all students in a variety of settings and are preventive as well as remedial in nature. The guidance and counseling services are vital components of the educational process, which enables students to assess their needs, recognize their abilities, and formulate strategies to achieve their potential. These services assist students to make sound decisions and become responsible, productive, life-long learners. If the counselor deems it necessary to include your child in any groups or activities in her office she will do so unless you notify the school that you do not wish your child involved. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT The Jefferson Davis Parish School Board adheres to the equal opportunity provisions of Federal civic rights laws and regulations that are applicable to the board. Therefore, no one will be discriminated 22 against on the basis of race, color, national origin (Title IV of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964), sex (Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972) or handicapping condition (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973) in the pursuit of educational goals and objectives and in the administration of personnel policies and procedures. Anyone with questions regarding this policy may contact Mr. David Clayton, Assistant Superintendent at (318) 824-1834 or Mr. Kirk Credeur, Director of Special Education at (318) 824-3522. INTERNET USE Our link to the Internet affords many instructional and professional opportunities for students and staff. The Internet is not to be used for non-school purposes. The parish guidelines concerning its use will follow at a later time. LEGAL CUSTODY Where the legal custody of a student has been judicially assigned to one parent, to a legal guardian, or foster parents, a certified copy of the judgment shall be submitted to the school office. A copy of judgment will be kept on file. In the absence of a legal document, a child will be released to either parent. SCHOOL INSURANCE At the beginning of the school year students are provided information concerning school insurance which is available from a company approved by the Jefferson Davis Parish School Board. The program includes two types of coverage: the at-school coverage and 24-hour coverage. The at-school coverage provides protection while students are in school or while they are participating in school-sponsored activities. The 24-hour coverage is intended to provide for more complete coverage for the student whether he is in school or not. The 24-hour coverage lasts through the summer months until enrollment time again, usually in September. Students may enroll in the program at any time during the year. Those who enroll in the insurance program and find it necessary to file a claim for an injury, should report to the office immediately, so there will be no delay in getting the claim form to the doctor. TEXTBOOKS AND SCHOOL PROPERTY Textbooks and library books are loaned to students. Students assume full responsibility for the careful use of them. If a student marks, tears, or ruins books in any way, he may be charged for the book. Writing on or scarring desks or walls will not be tolerated. Property damaged or destroyed either willfully or through negligence must be replaced or paid for by the student responsible. SURVEYS Periodically students and/or parents are asked to respond anonymously to surveys which enable the school system to access needs and provide programs to meet those needs. In many cases, funding requested for projects must be documented by needs ascertained in these surveys. Under the provisions of the Protection of Pupil Rights amendment to the Educate America Act, parents have the right to refuse permission for their children to participate in these surveys. Please notify the principal immediately, if you do not wish your child to participate in surveys designed to gather information about the students’ attitudes, behaviors, relationships, and needs. 23 TRANSFER OF RECORDS This school routinely releases student records to other school officials when requested due to student transfer. (The Buckley Amendment, FERPA, 1974) PUBLICITY RELEASES Directory information on students may be released to newspapers for publicity purposes. As a parent, you have the right to review directory information and request (in writing) that the information not be released. (NCLB 2001) If you would prefer that your child’s name and/or photograph not to be published or reproduced, you MUST notify the school. SCHOOL LUNCH The school system serves meals each school day. Prices for meals are as follows: full price lunch-$1.25, full price breakfast-$0.50, reduced price lunch-$0.40, and reduced price breakfast-$0.30. These prices may be subject to change depending on the cost associated with preparing meals. Visitors will be charged the at price cost as posted. Parents/guardians may apply for free or reduced price meals by completing applications distributed at the beginning of each school year. If income changes any time during the year, you may request a new lunch application from the office. If a student is allergic to milk or any other food item, the cafeteria manager MUST receive a doctor’s note stating the specifics of the diet needed for the child. The cafeteria will then be able to provide an alternative for the child when necessary. Children may bring their own meals as long as NO carbonated drinks or food chain labels are brought. Students are allowed ONLY 3 charges for meals. The cafeteria will contact parents/guardian by sending a note home with the student or by telephoning your home around 6:30 am. If lunch money is not received by the student’s meal time, an alternate meal will be served until lunch money is received by the cafeteria. If you need to call the cafeteria, you may reach them at 734-2679. Policies and guidelines set up by the Department of Education allow Parents/Grandparents who are invited to our school for a special occasion such as National School Lunch Week, Grandparents Day, or Student of the Week, to eat in the school cafeteria at the price of $2.00 for lunch and $1.00 for breakfast. When uninvited parents/visitors come to eat lunch, they are to be charged the at price cost as posted, and must give the cafeteria staff at least one day’s notice that they will be eating. Visitors and guests are not allowed to bring any food items into the cafeteria. JEFFERSON DAVIS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD’S CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM POLICY FOR DENYING MEALS TO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS A student is allowed 3 charges before an alternate meal is served. 1. When a manager notices that a student is low on cash (2 paid meals,) a documented telephone correspondence will be made to the parent/guardian and a formal written correspondence will be sent home informing parents/guardians of: 24 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 1) the date and time that the meals will be cut off resulting in an alternate meal being served; 2) the reason meals will be cut off; 3) actions for the parent/guardian to take to prevent such measures; 4) the consequences of nonpayment, including the possibility of being referred to the Department of Social Services – Office of Community Services. After the first charge, managers will verify with school staff that there is no Individual Education Plan stating the child’s health or learning ability will be impacted by providing an alternate meal. After 2 charges, the manager will inform the principal of the student’s status, permitting the principal to rectify nonpayment with parents/guardians. After 3 charges, an alternate meal will be provided for the student. After 3 instances of a student having to be served an alternate meal in a school year, the principal must contact the Office of Community Services to report the repeated failure of a parent/guardian to pay for meals, which has resulted in repeated denials of meals during school hours. Annually, reports will be provided to the State Superintendent of Education, the House Committee on Education, and the Senate Committee on Education. The reports will include: 1) the number of instances that occurred that school year 2) reasons why meals were denied 3) the ages and grades of the students denied meals 4) whether the students qualify for free/reduced benefits At anytime throughout this process, charitable funds given by a school employee, or other sources that offer to pay for a child’s meal, are acceptable as forms of payment to the child’s account. Discrimination against any individual by a nutrition program provider because of his inability to pay and the publishing of the name of any such individual is prohibited. Any public school employee who discloses such information, except as reasonably necessary in the conduct of his official duties, shall be subject to the penalties, upon conviction, of a fine of not more than $100, or imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or both. School employees are prohibited from disclosing such information to any student for any reason. Non-discrimination Statement: In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 202509410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through theFederal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. FREE AND REDUCED LUNCH APPLICATIONS In order for a student to eat at free or reduced prices, an application must be filled out and be approved. Applications will be mailed out the first week of August. Parents are responsible for paying for meals eaten before a lunch application is approved. Your status from last year will be valid until September 23, 2012. You MUST have your new form in before this deadline or your child will change to full pay on September 26, 2012. 25 CAFETERIA GUIDELINES 1. The School Lunch consists of meat/grain and bread products/vegetable/fruit/milk. No other drink is allowed with the exception of extra items sold-Vita Pup and Sunny Delight which can be purchased in the cafeteria. These can be purchased only AFTER the child places their plate in the designated class spot. No carbonated drinks are allowed in the cafeteria. 2. If a child is allergic to milk, the cafeteria must have a note from the doctor stating such, at which time the cafeteria will provide full strength juice or water for the child. 3. Students are allowed to bring their own lunch in a proper container. No carbonated drinks (cokes) are allowed with a meal sent from home. 4. No food chain wraps, bags, drinks, etc., can be brought into the cafeteria by anyone. (Example: Burger King, Dairy Queen, etc.) 5. Parents and relatives will be allowed to eat with ONLY their child – NO friends, cousins, etc. (Only Kindergarten students are allowed to have a friend sit with them and their parent. Parents, relatives, and visitors will be expected to follow all the cafeteria rules. 6. Teachers will be allowed to eat before any students will be allowed to share food. The teacher will stand when she is finished eating – this will signal to the students that they may ask for seconds. 7. Trashcans will be placed at the end of each table. Students will dump trays one row at a time. Students will not be allowed to bang their trays on the trash cans – forks are to be used to scrape off food if necessary. Trays will be stacked at the end of the tables and the cafeteria workers will collect the trays. SCHOOL DISCIPLINE POLICIES WELSH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISCIPLINARY ACTION PLAN Teachers are to discipline any student misbehaving on our campus. It is to be understood that this responsibility for discipline will not be limited to one class. Teachers are to correct any child who is misbehaving regardless of their grade or school. Every teacher is authorized to hold students to a strict accountability for any disorderly conduct in school or on the playgrounds of the school, or in the street while going to or returning from school, or during intermission. Should the severity of the problem entail the help of the principal or assistant principal, it shall be given. The principal or assistant principal will have the authority and the duty to take disciplinary action whenever the behavior of the student interferes with or disrupts the maintenance of a proper atmosphere for learning within the classroom or other areas of school. Corporal punishment will be allowed in the school under guidelines. CORPORAL PUNISHMENT The principal and assistant principal shall be allowed to use corporal punishment in the public school under the following guidelines: 1. Corporal punishment should never be used unless the student was informed beforehand that specific misbehavior could occasion its use, and it should always be reasonable in severity. 2. Another school official should be present whenever corporal punishment is administered. 26 3. Corporal punishment should be used if other types of punishment have not been effective for misbehavior. 4. Students and parents should be made to realize that the use of corporal punishment is an effort to keep children from being suspended and missing school, so that the student will be able to keep up with his studies and still be held accountable for his behavior. BULLYING AND HAZING POLICY The Jefferson Davis Parish School Board is committed to maintaining a safe, orderly, civil and positive learning environment so that no student feels bullied, threatened, or harassed while in school or participating in school-related activities. Statements or actions of bullying, hazing, or similar behavior such as threatening or harassment, made on campus, at school-sponsored activities or events, on school buses, at school bus stops, and on the way to and from school shall not be tolerated. Bullying is defined by law as a pattern of any one or more of the following: Gestures, including but not limited to obscene gestures and making faces. Written, electronic, or verbal communications, including but not limited to calling names, threatening harm, taunting, malicious teasing, or spreading untrue rumors. Electronic communication includes but is not limited to a communication or image transmitted by email, instant message, text message, blog, or social networking website through the use of a telephone, mobile phone, pager, computer, or other electronic device. Physical acts, including but not limited to hitting, kicking, pushing, tripping, choking, damaging personal property, or unauthorized use of personal property. Repeatedly and purposefully shunning or excluding from activities. The pattern of behavior above is defined as more than once and must have the effect of physically harming or placing a student in reasonable fear of physical harm, damaging a student's property or placing the student in reasonable fear of damage to property, and must be sufficiently severe, persistent, and pervasive enough to create an intimidating or threatening educational environment, or substantially interfere with a student's performance in school. Hazing is defined as student behavior which subjects another student to potential physical, mental, or psychological harm for the purpose of initiation or admission into, affiliation with, or continued membership in, any organization or extracurricular activity at a public elementary or secondary school. Each student will be informed orally and in writing at the beginning of each school year of the district’s prohibition against bullying and hazing as well as the nature and consequences of such actions; including potential criminal consequences and loss of driver's license, as well as the proper process and procedure for reporting any incidents of bulling or hazing. A copy of the written notice given to each student will be provided to each student's parent or legal guardian. A student or guardian may report concerns regarding bullying, hazing, or similar behavior to a teacher, counselor, other school employee, or to any parent chaperoning or supervising a school function or activity. Intentionally making false reports about bullying, hazing, or similar behavior to school officials shall be prohibited conduct and shall result in 27 appropriate disciplinary measures as determined by the School Board. The complete Jefferson Davis School Board Bullying Policy is posted on the district and school web-sites. POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION AND SUPPORT Faculty and staff encourage positive behavior in every aspect of education. A school wide Positive Behavior Intervention and Support Committee (PBIS) meets once a month - analyzing our school’s discipline reports and creating positive approaches to discipline. Component 1: Statement of Purpose We strive to motivate each child to make the most of his/her own unique abilities, so that he/she will continue to learn in a safe environment, to encourage further community involvement to continue to work together as a governing body along with administration, teachers, parents, and students. Component 2: Clearly Defined Positive Stated Behavioral Expectations 1. Be Respectful 2. Be Responsible 3. Be Safe SCHOOL WIDE BEHAVIORAL CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS: Statement: The classroom environment will be productive and conducive to learning. 1. Be Respectful Follow directions and be a good listener. Be friendly and polite Keep our school campus neat and clean. 2. Be Responsible Get to school and class on time. Bring materials to class and complete assignments. Be honest and do your best. 3. Be Safe Keep hands, feet and other objects to yourself. Use materials and equipment appropriately. SCHOOL WIDE BEHAVIORAL NON-CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS: CAFETERIA Statement: The cafeteria will be a dining area where everyone uses good manners. 1. Be Respectful Use good table manners. Be kind to one another. 2. Be Responsible Carefully dispose of food in proper areas. Pick up any paper left on the table. 28 3. Be Safe Use neighbor voices at all times. Keep hands and feet to yourself. Always walk in the cafeteria. Arrive and depart in an orderly manner PLAYGROUND Statement: The playground area will be safe and orderly for everyone. 1. Be Respectful Use respectful words when playing and solving problems. Obey all game rules. 2. Be Responsible Keep campus free from litter. Return all equipment to the proper classroom. 3. Be Safe Play safely. Use playground equipment properly. RESTROOM Statement: The restroom area will be clean, safe, and quiet. 1. Be Respectful Use neighbor voices. Privacy is expected for everyone. 2. Be Responsible Practice good hygiene. Keep walls and doors clean. 3. Be Safe Report any safety hazards. Wash hands properly. HALLWAY Statement: The hallway will be quiet and will not interfere with classroom instruction. 1. Be Respectful Walk quietly. Be courteous to others in the hallway and in classrooms. Keep our hallways neat and clean 2. Be Responsible Follow your teacher’s directives. Have a hall pass when going to the office or library. 3. Be Safe Always walk in the hallways. Report any safety hazard to the office. ASSEMBLIES Statement: Assemblies will be conducted silently in assigned areas. 1. Be Respectful Applaud at appropriate times. Respect all participants. 2. Be Responsible Sit silently in assigned areas. 3. Be Safe 29 Keep hands and feet to yourself. Enter and leave in an orderly manner. GYM Statement: Activities in the gym will be safe and orderly. 1. Be Respectful Use respectful words when playing and solving problems. Obey all game rules. 2. Be Responsible Keep gym free from litter. Return all equipment to the proper classroom. 3. Be Safe Play safely. Use equipment properly. Component 3: Procedures for Teaching Behavioral Expectations Philosophy: Positive behavior needs to be taught, modeled, shaped, and cured in a conducive and supportive environment. Teaching positive replacement behaviors has potential for lasting change. Belief: A school wide positive behavioral support teaches appropriate behavior to all students in the school. Plans are to understand the behavior, teach an alternative that meets the student’s needs, and change environmental conditions in an effort to permanently change the way a student seeks to get his/her needs met. This includes lesson plans, strategies, and classroom structuring to support new skills. 1. Be Respectful is to respect yourself, others, and property. Be a good listener, do not talk while others are talking, use appropriate voice tone, use appropriate voice level and language, treat others the way you want to be treated, acknowledge other’s ideas, be honest, do your best, and accept consequences for your behavior. Use materials and equipment appropriately, return books and equipment used in its same condition, put trash in cans, keep restrooms clean, and any items found should be turned in to your teacher or to the office. 2. Be Responsible is to take care of yourself, get to school and class on time, bring materials to class, complete homework and class assignments, follow directions, be honest, allow others to solve own problems, and accept outcomes of your behavior. 3. Be Safe is to keep hands and feet to self, walk in building, play safely on the playground, and use materials and equipment appropriately. Component 4: Procedures for Encouraging Behavioral Expectations 1. Verbal praise 2. Six weeks awards programs 3. Incentives: a. PK-K 1 ticket: paw stamp on hand 5 tickets: ring pop, silly straws, pencils 10 tickets: notepad, hackey sacks, paddle balls, sports balls, or .50 bake sale certificate 15 tickets: blow bubbles, swings, listen to the WHS band or play on a different playground b. 1st, 2nd and 3rd grades 1 ticket: small candy, eraser, tracing ruler or sticker 5 tickets: medium-sized candy, pencil, pencil grip or no shoes in the classroom 10 tickets: .50 bake sale certificate, .50 slush certificate or homework pass 15 tickets: computer game in classroom after taking test, puzzle, or PBS bracelet 30 20 tickets sit with a friend at lunch or $1 bake sale certificate 25 tickets $5 gift card to McDonald’s, Burger King, WalMart, etc., game ticket (football, basketball, etc.), or Welsh Elementary sports bag th th c. 4 and 5 grades 1 ticket: pencil, eraser, or tracing ruler 5 tickets: pencil grip or no shoes in classroom 10 tickets: .50 bake sale certificate or .50 slush certificate 15 tickets: computer game in classroom after taking test, puzzle, or PBS bracelet 20 tickets: sit with a friend at lunch or $1 bake sale certificate 25 tickets: $5 gift card to McDonald’s, Burger King, WalMart, etc., game ticket (football, basketball, etc.), or Welsh Elementary sports bag Component 5: Continuum of Procedures for Discouraging Problem Behavior Minor: Behaviors that do not require administrator involvement, do not significantly violate rights of others, do not put others at risk or harm, and are not chronic. For example: late to class, unprepared for instruction, inappropriate use of equipment, excessive talking, etc. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Inform student of rule violated Describe expected behavior Complete minor incident using weekly folders or conduct chart. (After 1st offense) Debrief event and re-teach appropriate school-wide behavioral expectation 1st OFFENSE: Warning by teacher 2nd OFFENSE: Other action by teacher rd 3 OFFENSE: Teacher contacts parent 4th OFFENSE: Refer student to office to speak with an administrator th 5 OFFENSE: 1 hour after school detention or other punishment (considered a major - C in conduct; post in JPAMS) th 6 OFFENSE: Teacher contacts parent for a meeting 7th OFFENSE: Other action taken by teacher th 8 OFFENSE: Refer student to office for other action to be taken 9th OFFENSE: Teacher contacts parent for a meeting 10th OFFENSE: In school suspension or other punishment (considered 2nd major – post in JPAMS); refer to counselor 11th OFFENSE: Other action by teacher th 12 OFFENSE: Other action by teacher 13th OFFENSE: Teacher contacts parents to for meeting with all parties including an administrator 14th OFFENSE: Teacher contacts parents and begins completing functional behavior assessment to prepare for PAWS th 15 OFFENSE: Saturday detention, Out of school suspension or other punishment (considered 3rd major – post in JPAMS); Refer to PAWS Team – Positive Action With Support Major: Behaviors that require administrator involvement, significantly violate rights of others, put others at risk or harm, and are chronic. For example: inappropriate language, verbal harassment, noncompliance/insubordination, physical aggression, harassment, stealing, 5th occurrence of minor rule. 1. Inform student of rule violated 2. Describe expected behavior 3. Complete office discipline referral form 4. Take student to office immediately 31 a. Review specifics of event and determine appropriate consequence (usually results in an after school detention, In-school suspension, Saturday detention or out of school suspension depending on the severity of the behavior). b. Enter information in data base c. Inform parent d. Develop pre-correction intervention nd 5. If 2 major rule violation, repeat steps 1-4, 10th occurrence of minor rule, have student meet with counselor. 6. If 3rd major rule violation, 15th occurrence of minor rule, complete referral to PAWS Team – Positive Action With Support. a. Complete functional behavioral assessment b. Develop behavior intervention plan c. Out of School Suspension District: Behaviors that violate district, city, and/or state policy or laws. For example, illegal substances, dangerous weapons, vandalism, destruction of property, physical injury to others, etc. 1. Inform student of rule violated 2. Describe expected behavior 3. Complete office discipline referral form 4. Take student to office immediately a. Inform parent b. Convene Positive Behavior Support Team c. Review specifics of event while entering information into data base d. Determine and implement appropriate consequence: suspension/expulsion 5. Develop individualized positive behavioral support plan a. Complete functional behavioral assessment b. Develop behavior intervention plan Firearms, knives, other weapons, assault, theft, fighting, and willful disrespect for staff members could result in automatic suspension from school or police intervention. THREAT: Any student using the words shoot or kill (etc.) -- could possibly result in an automatic suspension. ASSAULT: Unprovoked physical attack on one student by another. THEFT: Taking of property without permission of the owner. FIGHTING: Two or more students involved in the exchange of blows and assault is not determined. SELF DEFENSE: The doctrine of self defense-- namely the right of an individual to respond to force with force, only so long as it is necessary to protect oneself; when the danger is past, resorting to violence is no longer sanctioned, thus, the school only recognizes selfprotection, not retaliation. Any student who is in kindergarten through fifth grade and who is found guilty of knowledge of possession of, and intentional distribution of or possession with intent to distribute dangerous controlled substances on school property, on a school bus, or at a school event and who is found guilty will be referred to the local school board through a recommendation for action from the Superintendent. After the third suspension, the student and parent or guardian must meet with the school superintendent before the student is eligible to return to school. Fourth suspension could result in the expulsion from school. ACT 909 – 1990 LEGISLATIVE ACTION 1. Mandates that any student, sixteen (16) years of age or older, found guilty of knowledge of and intentional distribution of or possession with intent to distribute any controlled dangerous substance on school property, on a school bus, or at a school event shall be expelled from school for a minimum of twenty-four (24) calendar months. 32 2. Mandates that any student who is under sixteen (16) years of age and in grades six through twelve and who is found guilty as in Number 1 above shall be expelled from school for a minimum period of twelve (12) calendar months. 3. Mandates that any student who is Kindergarten through grade five and who is found guilty as in Number 1 above shall be referred to the local school board through a recommendation for action from the superintendent. 4. Specifies procedures for review or appeal as follows: a. The parent or tutor of the pupil may within five (5) days after the decision is rendered, request the school board to review the findings of the superintendent or his designee. b. The parent or tutor of the pupil may within ten (10) days appeal to the district court for an adverse ruling of the school board/superintendent. 5. Requires that upon recommendation by a principal for the expulsion of any student referred above, a hearing shall be conducted by the superintendent or his designee to determine whether the student shall be expelled or if other corrective or disciplinary action shall be taken. Until such hearing, the student shall remain suspended from school. 6. Mandates that no student expelled pursuant to this Act shall be readmitted to any public school in the state except upon the approval of the school board of the system which he seeks admittance. KNIVES The Jefferson Davis Parish School Board prohibits any student from carrying or possessing a knife on school property. Students will adhere to the parish guidelines on knives. SEXUAL HARASSMENT & BULLYING No student will be harassed or bullied. Tell a teacher, the guidance counselor, or administrator if you are being threatened or taunted, the mistreatment will be stopped. CHEATING Cheating IS NOT an acceptable behavior. Issues will be handled by teachers and administrators. If a student in Grades 4-12 is caught cheating (talking during an exam, has a cheat sheet, is copying from another student, or is giving the answers to another student or any other form of cheating) the penalties are as listed below: First Offense: 1) The teacher will contact the parent and refer the student to the office. 2) The student will receive a “0” zero on the material. Second Offense: 1) The teacher will refer the student to the office and the student suspended for (1) one day. 2) The student will receive a “0” zero on the material. Third Offense:1) The teacher will refer the student to the office and the student suspended for (1) one day. 2) The student will receive a “0” zero on the material. Fourth Offense:1) The teacher will refer the student to the office and the student suspended for (1) day. 2) The student will receive a “0” zero on the material. Fifth Offense: 1) The teacher will refer the student to the office and the student suspended and recommended for expulsion. 33 will be will be will be will be 2) The student will receive a “0” zero on the material. POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT AND INTERVENTION TEAM Arlene Heinen Marlene Roche Carolyn Hayes Joni Thibodeaux Tonia Oustalet Dianne Lyons Tabitha Shoats TEACHER BILL OF RIGHTS (LSA—R.S. 17:416.18) Respecting the authority of teachers is essential to creating an environment conducive to learning, effective instruction in the classroom, and proper administration of city, parish and other local public schools. To maintain and protect that authority, it is important that teachers, administrators, parents and students are fully informed of the various right conferred upon teachers. Those rights, the Teacher Bill of Rights, are established as follows: 1. A teacher has the right to teach free from fear of frivolous lawsuits, including the right to qualified immunity and to a legal defense, and to indemnification by the employing school board, pursuant to R.S. 17:416.1(C), 416.4, 416.5 and 416.11, for actions taken in the performance of duties of the teacher’s employment. 2. A teacher has the right to appropriately discipline students in accordance with R.S. 17:223 and through 416.6 and any city, parish, or other local public school board regulation. 3. A teacher has the right to remove any persistently disruptive student from his classroom when the student’s behavior presents the orderly instruction of other students or when the student displays impudent or defiant behavior and to place the student in the custody of the principal or his designee pursuant to R.S. 17:416(A)(1)(c). 4. A teacher has the right to have his or her professional judgment and discretion respected by school and district administrators in any disciplinary action taken by the teacher in accordance with school and district policy and with R.S. 17:416(A)(1)(c). 5. A teacher has the right to reach in a safe, secure, and orderly environment that is conducive to learning and free from recognized dangers or hazards that are causing or likely to cause serious injury in accordance with R.S. 17:416.9 and 416.6. 6. A teacher has the right to be treated with civility and respect as provided in R.S. 17:416.12. 7. A teacher has the right to communicate with and to request the participation of parents in appropriate student disciplinary decisions pursuant to R.S. 17:235.1 and 416(A). 8. A teacher has the right o be free from excessively burdensome disciplinary paperwork. 9. A beginning teacher has the right to receive leadership and support in accordance with R.S. 17:3881, including the assignment of a qualified, experienced mentor who commits to helping him become a competent, confident professional in the classroom and offers support and assistance as needed to meet performance standards and professional expectations. *No city, parish or other local public school board shall establish policies that prevent teachers from exercising the rights provided herein. The provisions of the Teacher Bill of Rights shall not be construed 34 to supersede any other state law, BESE Policy, or city, parish or other local public school board policy enacted or adopted relative to the discipline of students. PARISH DRESS CODE POLICY DRESS CODE Students shall be expected to maintain a neat, clean, well-groomed appearance at school. No article of clothing shall be bizarre in style, unsuitable for school activities, nor of a nature to call undue attention to the wearer. Since school life prepares students to take their place in adult life, these primary requirements are expected of all students. The first responsibility for maintaining proper standards belongs to the student and parents, or guardian. The school should deal with this responsibility when the student or parents fail to recognize this need. The principal shall be the authority in determining the inappropriateness of any feature of clothing or grooming. BODY ARMOR It shall be unlawful and against School Board policy for any student or non-student to wear or possess on his/her person, at any time, body armor on any School Board property, school campus, at a school-sponsored function, on a school bus or other school transportation, or in a firearm-free zone, with limited exception as enumerated in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §14:95.9. School-sponsored functions shall include, but not be limited to, athletic competitions, dances, parties, or any extracurricular activities. A firearm-free zone means any area within one thousand feet of any school campus and within a school bus. Body armor shall mean bulletresistant metal or other material intended to provide protection from weapons or bodily injury. The School Board shall notify all students of the provisions of this policy. UNIFORMS Students in Jefferson Davis Parish (Grades Pre-K - 12) shall be required to wear uniforms to class. Parents/guardians shall be responsible for purchasing uniforms. Uniforms shall be worn as follows: Pre-K - 12 Boys Dress Code Hunter green or white shirt (oxford or knit with collar; no exposed labels or logos), uniform original khaki or navy blue pants (can be pleated or not pleated, cuffed or hemmed) no exposed labels or logos, or shorts (not more than 3" above to 3” below the knee). Boys in Pre-K - 2 may wear pants and shorts with elastic waists. Pants and shorts shall not have outside pockets (sewed on) or rivets. Shorts must be hemmed with no slits. Pre-K - 12 Girls Dress Code: Hunter green or white blouse (oxford, knit, or broadcloth) with collar (no exposed labels or logos), uniform original khaki or navy blue pants or shorts (can be pleated or not pleated, cuffed or hemmed) no exposed labels or logos. Approved plaid, original khaki, or navy blue skirts, skorts, jumpers (with blouse), or shorts (not more than 3" above to 3” below the knee). Girls in Pre-K - 2 may wear pants or shorts with elastic waists. Pants and shorts shall not have outside pockets (sewed on) or rivets. Shorts must be hemmed with no slits. Girls may wear Capris that are hemmed with no slits. 35 The dress code also includes the following: 1. Socks for the girls and boys must be solid colors of white, original khaki, hunter green or navy blue. 2. All students must wear plain belts of solid leather or fabric (brown, black, or navy blue) if pants have loops. No decorations are allowed on belts. Buckles must be plain. 3. No oversized clothing will be allowed. Pants must fit at the waist. No "low riders." Drawstring pants, cargo pants, carpenter pants and sweat pants are also prohibited. Shirts will be tucked in properly with belt loops visible. No outside rivets or sewed-on pockets are allowed. 4. Turtlenecks, if worn, shall be white or hunter green with no monograms, no namebrands, and no logos. Pre-K - 2: Turtlenecks may be worn under a uniform shirt or a uniform jumper. Grades 3 - 12: Turtlenecks must be worn under uniform jumpers, and may be worn under uniform shirts, but cannot be worn alone. 5. Sweatshirts, if worn, must be either hunter green, navy or white. Uniform shirt collar must be visible under a sweatshirt. No hoods are allowed on sweatshirts, only on jackets. 6. Seasonal Clothing - Outerwear (Jackets, Sweaters and Vests) should come to midthigh or higher and open the length of the front by snapping, buttoning, or zipping. No emblems or logos will be allowed except for school approved club, spirit, or letter jackets. Jackets, sweaters or vests, if worn, must be either hunter green, navy, khaki or white. Uniform shirt collar must be visible under a sweater or vest. School approved spirit, club, or letter jackets (of that school) are approved as outerwear in Jeff Davis Parish. 7. Hoods may not be worn inside buildings. 8. Students may wear feathers, but are restricted to two feathers, no more than 1/4” in width. 9. Students are allowed to wear two bracelets. CONSEQUENCES STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED IN CLASS WITHOUT A PROPER UNIFORM. First Offense: Parent/guardian shall be contacted by phone and allowed the opportunity to bring appropriate clothes to school. Student shall remain in time-out until properly attired. If parent/guardian cannot be reached by phone, written notification of violation of school uniform policy shall be sent home with student. Second Offense: One (1) day in-school detention. Third Offense: Three (3) days in-school detention. Parent/guardian shall be called in for conference. CASUAL DAY DRESS Each school shall be permitted a total of two (2) casual dress days per school year. 36 School-approved spirit shirts worn with the remainder of an approved uniform are allowed to be worn no more than once per week in conjunction with the Positive Behavior Intervention and Support Program. DRESS CODE REGULATIONS 1. All students shall wear the designated school uniform clothing as outlined in the uniform policy. 2. Baggy or oversized uniforms are not acceptable and thus prohibited. 3. Pants, shorts, and capris must be hemmed and side slits are not permitted. Pants cannot be made of denim material (jeans) regardless of color. Drawstring pants, cargo pants, carpenter pants/shorts, and sweat pants are not allowed. 4. Belts may not be worn more than one size larger than the waist. All students must wear belts if pants have loops. Belts must be plain brown, black, or navy blue. They must be of solid leather or fabric with no decorations. Buckles must be plain. 5. Shirts must be worn properly tucked in at all times with belt loops visible. Undergarments must not be visible. Only the top 2 shirt buttons may be unbuttoned. 6. Transfer students shall be given seven (7) days to acquire a proper uniform. 7. Any non-uniform clothing and/or prohibitive items shall be taken by school officials and returned to the parent or guardian only. 8. Uniform shirt collars must be visible when wearing a sweatshirt. 9. The wearing of socks shall be mandatory. Socks must be white, khaki, hunter green or navy blue. 10. Shorts, skorts, skirts, and jumpers may be worn no shorter than three inches (3") above the knee. Capris (hemmed with no slits) are acceptable for girls. 11. Footwear; slippers, sandals, or flip-flops are not acceptable. Shoes must have enclosed back. Croc-style shoes may be worn only if they are the lace-up style. 12. The wearing of earrings for female students shall be allowed. One pair of stud earrings only; dangling earrings shall not be allowed. Earrings worn by female students must be in the lower lobe of the ear only. No “spacers” are allowed in ear lobes at school. Male students shall not be allowed to wear earrings. 13. Body piercing that is visible shall be prohibited. (Example: nose, lips, tongue, eyebrows, etc.) 14. Students shall not be allowed to wear any type of chains or necklaces. Prohibited items shall be taken by school officials and returned to the parent or guardian only. 15. Only naturally occurring hair colors are allowed (black, brunette, auburn, or blond -- natural or dyed). Any student bleaching their hair must color the hair to the natural color if they grow the hair out. 16. Hair styles that are bizarre and draw undue attention will not be allowed. 17. Sideburns can extend to the lobe of the ears. Beards are unacceptable. Mustaches neatly trimmed must not extend past the corner of the mouth. 18. The wearing of caps or hats shall not be allowed. 19. Undershirts must be plain white only with no script or graphics. 20. Maternity clothing will be reasonable. Maternity tops do not have to be tucked. Regular shirts must be worn, tucked in, as long as possible. 21. Religious clothing must be approved by the Superintendent. 22. Tattoos that are obscene or deemed inappropriate must be covered. 23. Leggings are not allowed. 24. Any question on dress code issues will be settled by the administration. Revised: December, 1999 Revised: December, 2000 Revised: December, 2007 Revised: April, 2008 Approved: April 17, 2008 Revised: December, 2008 Approved: February 19, 2009 37 ACADEMIC POLICIES AND PUPIL PROGRESSION PLAN ELEMENTARY PROGRAM OF STUDIES 1. The elementary grades shall provide a foundation in fundamentals of English Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Health, Physical Education, and the arts. (Bulletin 741 §2313) 2. Each elementary school shall provide 63,720 minutes of instructional time per year. (Bulletin 741 §333) 3. Each grade level, grades one through eight, shall teach the content subject areas outlined in Bulletin 741, ensuring strict adherence to the Louisiana Content Standards and Grade-Level Expectations and the Louisiana Comprehensive Curriculum or a locally-developed and approved curriculum. (Bulletin 741 §2301) 4. Each LEA should adhere to the suggested and required minimum minutes for elementary grades. (Bulletin 741 §2313) ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS FOR PROMOTION List detailed and specific LEA course requirements, Carnegie unit requirements or other factors used for promotion by grade level (K – 12). If promotion criteria for 4th and 8th grade students exceed the state requirements of passing LEAP, list any additional requirements (i.e., passing certain courses, etc.) for those grades. ACADEMIC INCENTIVES Academic incentives in the form of bonus points, prorated according to student performance, may be awarded to students taking any state required standardized assessment. Teachers of subjects with no state assessment may assign a major grade during the final 6-week grading period for a student’s performance on the final student growth measure tied to teacher’s Student Learning Target Goals. KINDERGARTEN A. Attain 80% proficiency in Kindergarten Level Language Arts Curriculum Guide objectives as measured by a parish test and determined by the teacher. B. Attain 80% proficiency in Kindergarten Level Mathematics Curriculum Guide objectives as measured by a parish test and determined by the teacher. FIRST GRADE A. Students must achieve an average of a D (.8) in both reading and mathematics. At least two (2) quality points must be earned during the second semester, one of which must be earned the fifth or sixth six weeks. Session grades will be determined by adding the quality points of grades earned from the first through the sixth six weeks and dividing the sum by six. If the two (2) quality points have not been met the second half of the year, an F is recorded for the session. B. Students will receive a grade of S, N, or U in Art, Music, P.E., Science, and Social Studies and grades of A-F in all other subjects. 38 SECOND GRADE A. Achieve an average of a D (.8) in both reading and mathematics. At least two quality points must be earned during the second semester, one of which must be earned the fifth or sixth six weeks. Session grades will be determined by adding the quality points of grades earned each six weeks and dividing the sum by six. If the two quality points have not been met the second half of the year, an F is recorded for the session. B. Demonstrate content standard skills as defined by curriculum guides. C. Students will receive a grade of S, N, or U in French, Art, Music, P.E., Science and Social Studies and grades of A-F in all other subjects. THIRD GRADE A. Achieve an average of a D (.8) in 4 of 5 major subjects (Reading, Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, or Science) either through regular school, summer school, or remediation. The SBLC will review all cases where a student does not pass all 5 major subjects and determine if the student will be promoted or retained. Students who fail three or more core subjects (Reading, English, Social Studies, Science, or Math) will not be eligible to attend summer school for promotional purposes anywhere (either in or out of district) and will have to repeat the grade they failed. At least two quality points must be earned during the second semester and one quality point must be earned during the fifth or sixth six weeks. Session grades will be determined by adding the quality points of grades earned each six weeks and dividing the sum by six. If the two quality points have not been met the second half of the year, an F is recorded for the session. B. Demonstrate content standard skills as defined by curriculum guides. C. Students will receive a grade of S, N, or U in French, Art, Music, and P.E. and grades of AF in all other subjects. FOURTH AND FIFTH GRADES A. Achieve an average of a D (.8) in 4 of 5 major subjects (Reading, Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, or Science) either through regular school, summer school, or remediation. The SBLC will review all cases where a student does not pass all 5 major subjects and determine if the student will be promoted or retained. Students who fail three or more core subjects (Reading, English, Social Studies, Science, or Math) will not be eligible to attend summer school for promotional purposes anywhere (either in or out of district) and will have to repeat the grade they failed. At least two quality points must be earned during the second semester and one quality point must be earned during the fifth or sixth six weeks. Session grades will be determined by adding the quality points of grades earned each six weeks and dividing the sum by six. If the two quality points have not been met the second half of the year, an F is recorded for the session. B. Demonstrate content standards skills as defined by curriculum guides. First-time Grade 4 students’ LEAP 21 scores will be the principal criteria for promotion. A student must score Basic in English/Language Arts or Mathematics LEAP 21 components and at least Approaching Basic in the other known as the Passing Standard to be promoted. C. Fourth Grade students that do not meet the Passing Standard will be allowed to enter the Fourth Grade Transition Program if they meet the following criteria: 1. The purpose of a fourth grade transitional program is to provide a class setting to students who have demonstrated the ability to benefit from a combination of intensive fourth grade remedial work and fifth grade regular coursework. Students in the transitional program may be able to progress to the sixth grade the following year. 39 2. Minimum criteria for placement into a fourth grade transitional program: a. the student must score at the Approaching Basic/Approaching Basic achievement level on the English language arts and mathematics components of LEAP; b. the student must have met all requirements for promotion from the fourth grade as outlined in the local pupil progression plan; and c. the student must participate in both the summer remediation program offered by the LEA and the summer retest. 3. Minimum criteria for promotion to the sixth grade from a fourth grade transitional program: a. the student must be provided remediation in the subject area(s) on which the student scored below Basic on LEAP as well as instruction in the fifth grade curriculum; b. the student must score a minimum of Basic/Approaching Basic on English language arts and math and a minimum of Approaching Basic/Approaching Basic on the in science and social studies on the fourth grade LEAP; and c. the student must have met all requirements for promotion from the fifth grade as outlined in the Jefferson Davis Parish Pupil Progression Plan. 4. A student who has repeated the fourth grade and who is 12 years old on or before September 30 may be promoted according to the Jefferson Davis Parish Pupil Progression Plan. D. An articulated elementary foreign language program for 30 minutes daily shall be required for academically able students and shall be optional for all others if additional teaching personnel are not required. Foreign language is being taught in all Jefferson Davis Parish Schools that have academically eligible students in grades 4-5. An academically able student is defined as one who has an overall 3.0 average on all courses at the end of the previous school year and has met the grade level criteria for promotion. A student on grade level is defined as one who has met the grade level criteria for promotion the previous year. Student will not be allowed to enter or re-enter French if they have not had consecutive years of French, beginning with the fourth grade. The 30 minutes for foreign language shall come from the music, arts, and crafts period. Model sites in Jefferson Davis Parish are Fenton Elementary, Hathaway, Jennings Elementary, Lacassine, and Welsh Elementary Schools. Students shall be given grades of S, N, or U in French. RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION PLAN (RTI) Purpose of Response to Intervention Plan: The purpose of this plan is to facilitate the successful implementation of Response to Intervention Instruction/Intervention and to formalize efforts to promote schoolwide practices that ensure highest possible student achievement in both academic and behavioral pursuits with the RtI framework. Response to Intervention is defined as the change in behavior or performance as a function of an intervention (Gresham, 1991). The RtI model is a multi-tiered approach to providing high quality instruction and intervention matched to student needs, and using learning rate over time and level of performance to informa instructional decisions. RtI involves the systmeatic use of assessment data tomost efficiently allocate resources in order to improve learning for all students. Response to Intervention is “data-based decision making” applied to education. The essential components of RtI include: • Multiple tiers of evidence-based instruction service delivery • A problem-solving method designed to inform the development of interventions 40 • An integrated data collection/assessment system to inform decisions at each tier of service delivery LITERACY Tier 1: All PreK students are instructed with SRA’s Imagine It! Reading/Language Arts program. All PreK students will be assessed twice a year using the DSC (fall and spring). All K-5 students are instructed with SRA’s Imagine It! Reading/Language Arts program. All students are assessed with DIBELS Next instrument three times a year (fall, winter, spring). Tier 2: PreK students needing yellow level interventions will be given individualized instruction by the classroom teacher during small group time for 10 minutes daily as noted on their schedule. Progress monitoring will be conducted using a teacher created checklist. Students in K-5 needing yellow level interventions are given additional individual and/or small group instruction or computer assisted instruction using Read Naturally for 30 minutes in the fishbowl lab utilizing a classroom teacher, reading interventionist, or special education teacher. Classroom teachers will also utilize Workshop for 30 minutes each day to help with Tier 2 students. DIBELS probes will be used for progress monitoring. Tier 3: PreK students needing red interventions will be given individualized instruction by the classroom teacher during small group time for 15 minutes daily as noted on their schedule. Progress monitoring will be conducted using a teacher created checklist. Students in grades K-5 needing red level interventions are given additional individual and/or small group instruction or computer assisted instruction using Read Naturally for 30 minutes in the fishbowl lab utilizing a classroom teacher, reading interventionist or special education teacher. Classroom teachers will also utilize Workshop for 30 minutes each day to help with Tier 2 students. DIBELS probes will be used for progress monitoring. NUMERACY Tier 1: PreK students are instructed using a curriculum developed by Welsh Elementary and Hathaway High School Pre-K teachers during the ENFA (Ensuring Numeracy for All) Initiative that includes Grade Level Expectations and Developing Skills Checklist. All PreK students will be assessed twice a year using the DSC (fall and spring). All students in K-5 are instructed with the Scott-Foresman mathematics program. All students K-5 will be assessed with the easyCBM instrument three times a year (fall, winter, spring). Tier 2: PreK students needing yellow level interventions will be given individualized instruction by the classroom teacher during small group time for 10 minutes daily as noted on their schedule. Progress monitoring will be conducted using a teacher created checklist. Students in K-5 needing yellow level interventions will be given individualized instruction in the computer lab using FastMatth and SuccessMaker Math (15-20 minutes per day). In addition, students will receive 30 minutes of interventions by the RTI coach and the math interventionist during the music block on the days that we do not have music (Tuesdays/Thursdays). STEEP and/or Successmaker/Fasttmath reports will be used for progress monitoring. Tier 3: PreK students needing red interventions will be given individualized instruction by the classroom teacher during small group time for 15 minutes daily as noted on their schedule. Progress monitoring will be conducted using a teacher created checklist. Students in K-5 needing red level interventions will be given interventions using individual and small group instruction by a teacher or computer assisted instruction in the CAI lab for 30 minutes during our music block on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. STEEP and/or Successmaker/ Fasttmath reports will be used for progress 41 monitoring. BEHAVIOR Tier 1: All students in PK-5 are instructed with the School-Wide Positive Behavior Intervention Support program and are taught school and classroom expectations and procedures. All students are screened monthly using JPAMS referral lists. PBIS monthly meetings will be utilized to discuss data. Tier 2: Students in PK-5 needing yellow level interventions (3-5 major referrals) will be identified by classroom teachers using a RAF (Request for Assistance Form) or by the guidance counselor using JPAMS referral lists. The Request for Assistance Form will be turned in to our Secondary Interventions Coordinator, Tonia Oustalet. Forms may be placed in her mailbox. Our Secondary Intervention Team, PAWS (Positive Action With Support) will meet weekly for 30 minutes prior to our SBIT meetings on Wednesdays at 11:30 to discuss students who need assistance. Those who qualify will receive help from our CICO (Check-In, Check-Out Coach), Marlene Roche. Students will report to Mrs. Roche’ each morning at 7:20 a.m. so she can check to see that they have their supplies, homework, etc. A DPR (Daily Progress Report) will be given to the student to bring to each class. Classroom teachers will rate the student on their behavior during each class. Students will report to the coach at the end of the day in order to check their DPR. The Coach will then provide support and input data into an EXCEL spreadsheet to keep up with points earned. Parent permission will be obtained as well as a contract signed that students agree to the goals/expectations they set. The goal is for students to obtain proficiency 80% of the time. A reward system is already in place for those students who obtain their goals. A graduation certificate will be issued to those students who are successful and no longer need the CICO intevention. Tier 3: Students in PK-5 needing red level interventions are identified utilizing the RFA forms by classroom teachers and the JPAMS referral list. These students will be given individual and small group behavioral instruction by the counselor, principal, assistant principal and/or parish behavior interventionists. Both administrators are certified guidance counselors so Tier 3 students will be divided among the four certified personnel. Students may also be referred to an outside agency for additional assistance. OTHER PROGRAMS In addition to interventions, students in K-5 will be able to benefit from tutoring for reading and math during the school day on Mondays and Wednesdays during the music block for 30 minutes under the instruction of retired teacher, Terry Romero. In addition, they will be able to receive additional computer assisted instruction in reading and math on Fridays for 30 minutes in the CAI lab. GRADING POLICY A. No school board member, school superintendent, assistant superintendent, principal, guidance counselor, teacher, or other administrative staff member of the school or the central staff of the parish or city school board shall attempt, directly or indirectly, to influence, alter, or otherwise affect the grade received by a student from his/her teacher. (Bulletin 1566 §501 C.) B. LEAs shall use the following uniform grading system for students enrolled in all grades K-12 for which letter grades are used. (Bulletin 741 §2302) 42 C. Grades for promotion and retention shall be determined using the following scale: Letter Grade 4.0 Scale % Scale Grade (Definition) A 3.500 – 4.000 92.500 – 100.000 S Satisfactory B 2.500 – 3.499 84.500 – 92.4999 C 1.500 – 2.499 74.500 – 84.499 N Needs Improvement D 1.000 – 1.499 66.500 – 74.499 F 0.000 – 0.999 0.000 – 66.499 U Unsatisfactory Homework and Accelerated Reader program tests shall count no more than 10% of a student’s grade in any six weeks period. Grades of S, N, or U will be based on the % Scale listed in “B” above, with the only grades of S, N, or U being given for the following situations: 1. Students in First and Second Grade will receive a grade of S, N, or U in Art, Music, P.E., Science, and Social Studies and grades of A-F in all other subjects. 2. Students in Third Grade will receive a grade of S, N, or U in French, Art, Music, and P.E. and grades of A-F in all other subjects. 3. Students in Fourth and Fifth Grades shall be given grades of S, N, or U in French only. 4. Grades for Elementary (Grades 1-8) ELLs who are attending a Jeff Davis Parish school for the first school year (Two Complete Semesters) of residence in the United States and who cannot comprehend the language of instruction will be assigned grades of S, N or U based on cooperation, effort and participation in class work to the degree that the student’s English language proficiency allows. Students will still be expected to: Pay attention in class, follow directions, bring required materials, participate in class activities, complete homework assignments to the best of their abilities, and show progress. BANNER ROLL/HONOR ROLL Those students receiving all A's on their report cards are on BANNER ROLL. Students receiving A's and B's or all B's on their report cards are on HONOR ROLL. All students are eligible for honor roll. RETENTION POLICY State the number of times a student may be retained in each grade or level. a. Students who fail to meet promotional criteria shall be retained except as modified by the SBLC. b. If a teacher feels that a student in Grades K, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, should be placed without meeting the minimum requirements for promotion as listed for Jefferson Davis, that teacher may request placement and present such requests to the School Building Level Committee. (See definition in Appendix) c. The following conditions would allow the School Building Level Committee to determine whether it is appropriate to place a student in a higher grade if the passing of LEAP is not required: 1. One year of failure in Grades K-3, or 2. Two years failure (Consecutive or Accumulated) in Grades K-8. d. Students will be retained at the 4th grade only once as a result of failing only the LEAP test. Fourth Grade students that do not meet the Passing Standard will be allowed to enter the Fourth Grade Transition Program if they meet the following criteria: 43 1. The purpose of a fourth grade transitional program is to provide a class setting to students who have demonstrated the ability to benefit from a combination of intensive fourth grade remedial work and fifth grade regular coursework. Students in the transitional program may be able to progress to the sixth grade the following year. 2. Minimum criteria for placement into a fourth grade transitional program: a. the student must score at the Approaching Basic/Approaching Basic achievement level on the English language arts and mathematics components of LEAP; b. the student must have met all requirements for promotion from the fourth grade as outlined in the local pupil progression plan; and c. the student must participate in both the summer remediation program offered by the LEA and the summer retest. 3. Minimum criteria for promotion to the sixth grade from a fourth grade transitional program: a. the student must be provided remediation in the subject area(s) on which the student scored below Basic on LEAP as well as instruction in the fifth grade curriculum; b. the student must score a minimum of Basic/Approaching Basic on English language arts and math and a minimum of Approaching Basic/Approaching Basic on the in science and social studies on the fourth grade LEAP; and c. the student must have met all requirements for promotion from the fifth grade as outlined in the Jefferson Davis Parish Pupil Progression Plan. 4. A student who has repeated the fourth grade and who is 12 years old on or before September 30 may be promoted according to the Jefferson Davis Parish Pupil Progression Plan. e. Students with disabilities participating in LEAP assessments shall be placed in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations. Decisions regarding placement shall be made by the School Based Intervention Team. Students with disabilities that are Alternatively Assessed will also follow local, state, and federal regulations specific to the criteria and rules governing Alternatively Assessed students. These placement decisions will also be made by the School Based Intervention Team. Describe any additional LEA policies that may determine student retention. Promotion/retention policies for Limited English proficient (LEP) students in a regular instructional program will be as follows: a. LEP students shall be provided language services which address their need for becoming fluent and literate in English. They shall be provided instructional programs which foster their success in math, science, social studies, and language arts. b. LEP students in grades K-8 should receive instructional modifications in the regular classroom (i.e. modified lesson plans). If students are not passing but are trying to participate to the best of their language abilities, a letter grade of A, B, C, D followed by the word LEP should be issued (i.e. B/LEP) c. If the student is receiving instructional modifications in the regular classroom and 44 d. e. is making no attempt at course work, an F should be issued. The instructional program for the Limited English proficient secondary student will be one in which the non-English speaking student will not be placed in highly language-dependent courses (i.e. American History) until he develops a level of competency to succeed in the courses. Limited English students may be scheduled in courses such as reading, speech, music, and courses that facilitate oral comprehension and production while at the same time allowing the student to earn Carnegie Credits. No LEP student shall be retained solely because of limited English Proficiency. Refer to Bulletin 1851. Students with characteristics of dyslexia are served in a multi-sensory structured language program. They receive instruction in the basal and/or the MSL program. If instruction is provided in the MSL program only, grades are derived from that program rather than the basal program. Describe the intervention/remediation strategies to be used to prevent retention or in lieu of student retention at the lower grades. The Jefferson Davis Parish School System has addressed student retention in the following manners: A. If a teacher feels that a student in Grades K, 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, should be placed without meeting the minimum requirements for promotion as listed for Jefferson Davis, that teacher may request placement and present such requests to the School Building Level Committee. (See definition in Appendix) B. The following conditions would allow the School Building Level Committee to determine whether it is appropriate to place a student in a higher grade if the passing of LEAP is not required: 1. One year of failure in Grades K-3, or 2. Two years failure (Consecutive or Accumulated) in Grades K-8. 3. Retention of a student based solely on social immaturity is discouraged. C. The utilization of a very strong Phonics Based Reading/Language program is in place in Grades Pre K thru 5. This program utilized in conjunction with DIBELS Prescribed Interventions, HeadSprout and the Computer Assisted Instruction Lab has helped to reduce student retention. D. The utilization of Research Based Strategies such as Stanine based class compositions, Differentiated Instruction, Teaming, DEWS Based Interventions and School Wide Positive Behavior Support Programs in all schools are improving student performance thus reducing retentions. ACCELERATION The Jefferson Davis Parish Accelerated Program for Transition is designed to provide academic remediation and behavioral support for young students between the ages of 10 and 14 who have been unsuccessful in the traditional classroom and may be at risk of dropping out of school. These students may have been retained several years, may not have been successful on the LEAP 21, and are academically at risk. The Accelerated Program for Transition will serve both regular and special education students. The curriculum will provide academic offerings and pro-social skills components, as well as enrichment activities, and strong support from guidance counselors. Applicants will be scored using a rubric based on their age, years retained, LEAP and iLEAP scores, attendance, and discipline history. The top scoring students will be interviewed with their parents to determine the level of dedication to succeed in the program. Only fifteen 45 students were selected for the initial pilot program which began in August 11, 2006. However, at the April, 2007 Board meeting, an expansion of the program was approved to include high school students, as resources permit. Students will be transported from their home school to the West End Instructional Center and back daily. The program will be based on performance assessment with each student being required to complete and demonstrate course competencies, rather than merely spending a certain amount of time in each specific course. Students will be required to take and successfully pass locally designed grade level proficiency exams in order to be awarded credit and be promoted. A student who has been retained one or more times for any reason in grades K through Four, and who has successfully received remediation through the RTI Process to the level that he/she scores at the Basic or higher level on both the ELA and Math components of the Fourth Grade LEAP Test and has successfully met the Jeff Davis Parish Promotion and Attendance Criteria for the Fourth Grade, may be PLACED in the Sixth Grade by the individual school’s SBIT with written confirmation that the parent feels this is an appropriate placement for their child. A student who has been retained one or more times for any reason in grades K through Four, and who has successfully received remediation through the RTI Process to the level that he/she scored at the Basic or higher level on both the ELA and Math components of the Fourth Grade LEAP and the Fifth Grade iLEAP Test and has successfully met the Jeff Davis Parish Promotion and Attendance Criteria for the Fifth Grade, may be PLACED in the Seventh Grade by the individual school’s SBIT with written confirmation that the parent feels this is an appropriate placement for their child. A student who has been retained one or more times for any reason in grades K thru Five, and who has successfully received remediation through the RTI Process to the level that he/she scored at the Basic or higher level on both the ELA and Math components of the Fourth Grade LEAP and the Sixth Grade iLEAP Test and has successfully met the Jeff Davis Parish Promotion and Attendance Criteria for the Sixth Grade may be PLACED in the Eighth Grade by the individual school’s SBIT with written confirmation that the parent feels this is an appropriate placement for their child. *The placements listed above can only occur once in a student’s educational career. MUSIC Our halls are alive with the sound of music. All students are exposed to music in grades PK-5. In 4th and 5th grades, students and parents must make a decision on whether to take French or Music since both are offered at the same time. Our music teacher ensures that all grades perform during the school year before an audience or for the community. Some of the performances include the Veterans Program, Recorder Concert, and Kindergarten Stepping-Up Program. LIBRARY All students get to enjoy visiting the library each week. Only 1st-5th graders are allowed to check out books from the library. It is their responsibility to return the books weekly. They must be respectful to all books by helping to keep them nice and clean. They need to keep their books in a safe place such as their book sack once they finish reading it. If books are damaged or lost you and your child will be held responsible for the cost to replace the book. If students have overdue books they will be allowed only one book until the overdue book is returned or payment is sent. When notices are sent home please look for the book before sending payment. The librarian will send 3 notices before actual payment needs to be sent. The 4th notice will have the amount that needs to be paid with the librarian’s signature. Students that 46 have not taken care of their bill or returned their books will not be able to receive their report cards. Many books are found at home after payment is sent which makes it difficult for our bookkeeper. After payment is made, if books are found at home within this school year, money will not be reimbursed until after January and again at the end of the year. Many times parents find the book the day after they pay for it. Please look everywhere before sending payment. STUDENT OF THE YEAR Students must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 on a four-point scale calculated on semester grades in grades 3, 4 and 5 to qualify for the student of the year. Students who meet the above criteria for each grade will be asked to submit an application portfolio. All candidates who submit a portfolio will also participate in a writing sample as well as an interview with a panel of judges. Students will be judged according to the state application guidelines that can be found on the Louisiana Department of Education website at http://www.louisianaschools.net/lde/uploads/6415.doc. DIBELS DIBELS stands for Dynamic Indicators of Basic Literacy Skills. It is a set of simple assessments given three times a year (fall, winter, and spring) to identify children who may need additional assistance in reading. It is administered to all children in grades K – 5th. DIBELS attempts to aid in moving toward the goal of all children reading at grade level and maintaining their reading proficiency. There are scores or benchmarks which students should achieve at each grade level. Students who have not reached the benchmark level will receive more intensive, slowly paced, or individually tailored instruction on order to meet the next benchmark. Intervention takes place during the school day. ACHIEVEMENT TESTS Each spring Welsh Elementary School students will be tested in all subjects and compared with other American students. The results will go home to parents during the last six weeks. Students will take the iLEAP test in 3rd and 5th grades and the Louisiana Education Assessment th Program (LEAP) test in 4 grade. Kindergarten, first and second grade students will take an end of year test designed by Jeff Davis Parish School System. EDUCATION OF STUDENTS WITH EXCEPTIONALITIES The Jefferson Davis Parish School Board shall provide a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment to every student with an exceptionality, ages three through twenty-one, who is a resident of the geographical boundaries of the school district. Special education and related services may be provided by the School Board for eligible children under three years of age. Generally, identified children shall be screened and evaluated for eligibility to receive special educational services while receiving educational support in the regular classroom. If it is determined in the evaluation process that a child has a disability, impairment, or condition that impedes educational progress, then the child is classified according to the Pupil Appraisal Handbook, Bulletin 1508, guidelines and becomes eligible to receive special education services. All special education services shall be performed in accordance with the regulations outlined in Regulations for the Implementation of the Exceptional Children’s Act, Bulletin 1706. The School Board shall establish and maintain regulations and procedures in accordance with federal and state law to ensure that students with exceptionalities and their parents are provided the necessary procedural safeguards with respect to the provision of free appropriate public education by the School Board. 47 GIFTED STUDENTS The Jefferson Davis Parish School system does offer the GATES (Gifted and Talented Educational Services) Program which is a differentiated program for the academically gifted Students who are appropriately identified by an assessment and evaluation team using the criteria listed in Bulletin 1508. The curriculum is based not on academic acceleration, but on the individual’s needs and interests through implementation of the structure of intellect, as well as enrichment activities which deal largely with experience generally not available in the classroom. Students may participate in the Summer Enrichment Program for Academically Superior Students offered at nearby universities. ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, DRUG, AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE EDUCATION PROGRAM The Jefferson Davis Parish School Board shall require a comprehensive alcohol, tobacco, drug, and substance abuse prevention education program be incorporated into every school of the parish that shall include grade appropriate programs on the education, prevention, and counseling of alcohol, tobacco, drug, and substance abuse. Such programs shall be included in the school program so that every student in grades kindergarten through nine is involved for a minimum of sixteen (16) contact hours every school year, and every student in grades ten through twelve is involved for a minimum of eight (8) contact hours every school year. The required minimum contact hours shall be incorporated into a comprehensive school health program. As part of the alcohol, tobacco, drug, and substance abuse program, substance abuse counselors shall be appointed who shall visit every school regularly for the purpose of counseling students who have been identified as having an alcohol, drug, or substance abuse problem. Any student enrolled in school who is identified as having a substance abuse problem, including manufacture or distribution, shall be required to participate in the school drug counseling program, or an equivalent approved by the Board. Each school shall have a substance abuse prevention team, whose membership shall be in accordance with statutory provisions that shall investigate, research, and report on all instances or reports of possession of controlled dangerous substances or alcoholic beverages. The team shall adequately report their findings in writing and make appropriate recommendations for treatment, counseling, or other appropriate action to the principal of the school. DRUG FREE ZONES It is unlawful for anyone to use, distribute, be under the influence of, manufacture or possess any controlled substances as defined by statute on or around school property or an area within 2,000 feet of any property used for school purposes by any school, or on a school bus. These areas shall be designated as Drug Free Zones. The School Board, in cooperation with local governmental agencies, and the Louisiana Department of Education, shall designate and mark Drug Free Zones which surround all schools and school property. STUDENT ALCOHOL AND DRUG USE The Jefferson Davis Parish School Board is dedicated to providing a drug-free learning environment for the students attending public schools. The Board directs that each student shall be specifically prohibited from being under the influence of, bringing on, consuming, or having in his/her possession on a school bus, on school premises, or at a school function 48 away from the school, any alcoholic beverages, narcotic drugs, prescription medications, marijuana, nitrate based inhalants, imitation or counterfeit controlled substances, or other controlled substance as defined by state statutes, unless dispensed by a licensed physician as allowed by law. The Superintendent shall be responsible for maintaining appropriate procedures for the detection of alcohol, narcotic drugs, nitrate based inhalants, imitation or counterfeit controlled dangerous substances, or any other controlled substances. Any violations of criminal laws, state or federal, committed on school property shall be prosecuted as provided by law. School officials, teachers and/or Board employees shall report all violators to the principal, who in turn, shall notify the proper law enforcement agency and shall cooperate with the prosecuting attorney's office in the prosecution of charges. Any student who distributes, sells or dispenses in any manner or form whatsoever a controlled dangerous substance as defined by state law to another student or anyone else while on the school premises shall be expelled pursuant to the provisions and guidelines as set forth in state law. The principal shall immediately notify the parents or guardian, by telephone, of any student found in violation of this policy. If the parents or guardian cannot be reached by phone, the principal shall then notify them of the action by sending a letter within twenty-four (24) hours. Care shall be given to afford due process to all students. In addition, any student suspended or expelled for being under the influence of, or in possession of, or for use of drugs, in any form, and alcohol, shall be required to have an assessment at a substance abuse treatment center, either private or public, and will follow the recommended treatment plan. Before being admitted back into school, the student must present to the principal a complete report from the substance abuse treatment center to which the student was referred. A student, who, on his/her own accord, admits to the use of mood altering chemicals (drugs, i.e., alcohol, marijuana, etc.) shall be referred to the substance abuse prevention education team, and along with parents, shall be offered advice and guidance. No disciplinary action shall be taken against a student under these circumstances. Students who are observed to have behavior changes by an employee of the school system shall, through referral procedures, be referred to the Student Assistance Team and, along with the parents, will be offered advice and guidance. In these cases, no disciplinary action will be recommended. TITLE IV – SAFE & DRUG FREE SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES Using a variety of resources, Jefferson Davis Parish schools provide 8 hours of drug and violence prevention and character education to students in grades ten-twelve and 16 hours of drug and violence prevention and character education to students in grades Kindergarten through nine. In order to determine the effectiveness of the Safe & Drug Free program, students may be surveyed to find out their attitudes towards drugs and violence. The results of these surveys will be compiled to help determine the areas in which the Safe & Drug Free program needs to focus. These surveys are completely confidential and anonymous with no individual student responses being identified. While it is mandated by Louisiana law that public schools must provide education in these areas, the federal No Child Left Behind Act allows parents to withhold their child(ren) from this instruction. If you do not wish for your child to participate in the Safe & Drug Free Schools’ 49 activities, surveys, etc., you may elect to withhold him/her from participation by completing the attached form and returning to his/her school.. It is also necessary to conduct periodic drills as safety precautions throughout the year. Schools will be practicing Lockdowns, Evacuations, and Shelter-in-Place drills. In the event an incident should happen at our school and causes us to evacuate, please do not report to school to pick up your child(ren). Parents are to report to an alternate location. Follow the procedures and instructions at the release site for lining up and picking up. Have proof of identity (picture identification) ready and available. In the event of a crisis, our school is planning to evacuate to on of the following two locations: Welsh Community Center or First Baptist Church. Keeping our parish schools “Safe and Drug Free” is of great importance to the Jefferson Davis Parish School Board. Through a comprehensive drug and violence prevention campaign, we can provide students with safe and secure places to learn. _________________________________________________________________________ Parents: *Please complete and return the attached form ONLY if you DO NOT wish for your child to participate in Safe & Drug Fee activities, surveys, etc. School_________________________________ School Year________________________ Student’s name__________________________ Grade_________ Date______________ Homeroom teacher’s name_____________________________________________________ I DO NOT wish my child to participate in Safe & Drug Free Schools activities. Parent’s or Guardian’s signature_________________________________________________ STUDENT BIOMETRIC INFORMATION The Jefferson Davis Parish School Board shall authorize the utilization of biometric information in the identification of students, as well as to enhance student safety and security and protect against instances of fraud throughout the school district. Biometric information shall mean the noninvasive electronic measurement of any physical characteristics that are attributable to a single person, including fingerprint characteristics, eye characteristics, hand characteristics, vocal characteristics, facial characteristics, and any other physical characteristics used for the purpose of electronically identifying that person with a high degree of certainty. Prior to the collection of any student biometric information, expressed written permission from the student’s parent or legal guardian, or the student if eighteen (18) or older, shall be obtained and kept on file in the principal’s office at the school the student attends. A student’s biometric information shall be treated as any other student record in terms of access and confidentiality, and shall not be disclosed to a third party without the written consent of the student’s parent or legal guardian, or the student if eighteen (18) or older, unless the disclosure is required by court order. In addition, the School Board shall delegate to the Superintendent the development, implementation, and maintenance of adequate regulations and procedural standards to protect student biometric information held and/or used in accordance with the policy. Such regulations and procedures shall include, but not be limited to, the following: 50 1. The secure storage, transmission, and protection of all biometric information from unauthorized alteration, disclosure, or destruction. 2. Restriction of access to student biometric information and processing to appropriate and authorized personnel. 3. Proper encryption of student biometric information. Compliance of any collection of student biometric information with all applicable state and federal law and requirements, including the Federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. The use of student biometric information shall be discontinued after (1) the student graduates or withdraws from school, or (2) the School Board receives a written request to discontinue the use of biometric information from the from the student’s parents or legal guardian or the student if eighteen (18) or older. All biometric information collected from a student shall be destroyed within thirty (30) days after use of such information is discontinued. The failure to provide written consent for the collection of biometric information of students shall not be the basis for refusal or denial of any services otherwise available to the student. EXTRACURRICULAR CLUBS Welsh Elementary provides many opportunities for students to become involved at school. th th rd Some of the organizations students can join are 4-H (4 and 5 grade students, some 3 grade st th th th students who turn 9 before Jan. 1 ), Earlyact (4 and 5 grade students), Beta Club (5 grade th students who qualify), and Library Club (5 grade students). Most clubs do have membership dues that must be paid in order to be a member. 51
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