Information for Parents

EMERGENCY INFORMATION
In the event of an emergency we will contact parents. It is extremely important for your child's safety that we have up-to-date emergency information on file. We will be sending an emergency form to be filled out. Please send it back promptly.

ASSISTANCE
If you have any questions, or need assistance please feel free to call your child’s teacher, or our school.  Our number is 349-3810.  Conferences can be arranged by calling between 7:30 – 8:05 a.m. or 2:30 – 2:50 p.m.; these are the best times to reach teachers directly.  We also have Voice Mail.  You can call 349-3810 at any time and leave a message.  Please state the day and time that you are calling, along with your name and phone number and what your message is.  We will then respond to you as quickly as possible at the beginning of the next school day.


DISTRICT 140 GRADING SCALE

The District grading scale for grades 3-5 is:

100-90 = A
89-80 = B
79-70 = C
69-60 = D
Less than 60 = F

The District grading scale for grades K-2 and Elementary Math is:

B(Beginning) - Children cannot complete the task independently. They show little understanding of the concept.

D(Developing) - Children show some understanding. However, errors or misunderstanding still occur. Reminders, hints and suggestions are needed to promote children's understanding.

S(Secure) - Children can apply the skill or concept correctly and independently.

PARENT - TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parents are asked to call school if they have questions and concerns about their child's progress. Teachers will also call when they feel additional contacts are necessary. A note or a call can always arrange for a conference, so please do not hesitate. All staff now has their own Voice Mail. I also ask parents to call for an appointment and not just show up. Many times we have meetings and staff have other duties before and after school.


VOLUNTEERS
Join our elite club!!! Volunteers are needed to help in many areas at our school, Learning Center, classrooms, and during lunchtime. Please help us provide better and safer service for your children. Get involved -- be a school volunteer.

Contact us for additional information.


VISITING SCHOOL
All visitors, including parents, must use our front main door.

All visitors must show an I.D. to get into our office when entering our building. Parents who wish to pick up students must stop in at the office and sign them out. No students will be released to any person without proper identification. All visitors must receive a Visitor's Pass in order to access any part of our school other than the office area. Our schools are locked during the regular school day and you must use the buzzer to gain entry.


WRITTEN NOTES
No students will be allowed to go home with another student without a note from the parent, provided they are walkers. We also will not let any bus rider wait for a parent without a written note. Many times the child gets confused about waiting or riding the bus.  PLEASE send notes to your child's teacher. It makes a smooth end of the day for both teacher and student. THANK YOU.

STUDENT RECORDS
All student records are kept in locked files in our office. You have the right to inspect your child's records. You may do so by calling for an appointment.


LOST AND FOUND BOX
Our LOST AND FOUND BOX will be in the school commons. Many times your child will not seek their lost items (especially your little ones) so please feel free to come to the commons at any time and check out our lost items.


REPORT CARDS
will be issued

• October 30, 2008
• January 23, 2008
• April 3, 2008
• June 5, 2009 (or last day of school)


HOW PARENTS CAN HELP
Many parents ask how they can help their children succeed in school. The following is a list of suggestions.

Parents set the example. Parents make the all-important first impression on their children.  As a parent, you are the primary influence on your child's attitudes and behavior. There are, of course, other influences in a child's life, such as teachers, friends and relatives, but your child identifies most with you.

As your child's first and most important teacher, your positive and negative behavior leaves impressions, including how you feel about alcohol and other drugs.

While you are setting the example and being the teacher, you can also be your child's first and best friend. Spending time reading, playing and talking with your child about daily life, such as school and family activities is important, as is talking honestly and openly about the hazards and effects of alcohol and other drug use. This is all part of growing with your child.



HOW PARENTS CAN HELP IMPROVE YOUR CHILD'S READING SKILLS

• Let your child see you read.
• Read aloud to your younger children.
• Make reading for pleasure a part of your daily life.
• Have your family use the library on a regular basis, both at school and in the community.
• Keep magazines and books around and available to your family.
• Encourage reading as a life skill. Reading is the basis for all learning.
• Turn off the T.V. and have a family reading hour where all your family reads together.


ROOM PARTIES
Volunteer Sign-Up Sheets are available on Parent Information Day.

HOMEWORK
Students will receive varying amounts of homework depending upon their grade level. It is very important that parents check with teachers early to determine their expectations and general class procedures.

Homework is an extension of daily class work and is usually unfinished seatwork. Homework can also be an extension of learning concepts, usually math problems, work book pages and must be completed at home to understand various new facts. Reports or long range projects will also be assigned and are necessary to help re-enforce writing and reading skills.



STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE

WE RECOMMEND YOU PURCHASE THE STUDENT INSURANCE OFFERED BY OUR SCHOOL DISTRICT TO ALL STUDENTS. THE COST IS VERY INEXPENSIVE AND THE COVERAGE IS EXCELLENT. REMEMBER, WE DO NOT COVER STUDENTS FOR ACCIDENTS AT SCHOOL. THIS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.


PATROL PEOPLE
The fifth grade students will be selected to be patrol people. These people are trained and take their responsibility very seriously.They make sure no one walks on other peoples’ grass and above all watch out for the cars. We expect parents to observe good traffic procedures.





BUS RIDERS
Those who ride the bus to school must ride the bus home.  The students must follow all the rules and regulations which are distributed at the beginning of the year.



MORNING ARRIVALS
Walkers should not arrive too early, especially on rainy or cold wintry days. Coming to school by 7:45 A.M. is sufficient.




Our School District does not allow walkers to arrive at school earlier than 10 minutes before the line-up bell.
SCHOOL DISTRICT 140 SCHOOL BOARD POLICY 500.25 SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL No student shall be permitted on school grounds more than ten (10) minutes before or after the regular school day for students, except when participating in a school-sponsored activity or when on school grounds due to the early arrival or late departure of a school bus to which the student is assigned. The Superintendent shall at least annually advise the students and their parents or legal guardians of this policy and that supervision will not be provided by the School District at times when the students are not permitted on school grounds.



FIRE DRILLS/DISASTER PROCEDURES
Our school has monthly safety drills for fire evacuation procedures. We also practice disaster drills in the event we must take shelter.
If we must be evacuated and are unable to return, parents should be aware that we will be bussed to Prairie View Middle School for the remainder of the day and then transported back to our area for dismissal.