ROBERT L. HORBELT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

PARENT HANDBOOK

SCHOOL YEAR 2019-2020

(REVISED/REVIEWED 7/16/19) 

Joseph J. Saxton Jr. Ed. D,

PRINCIPAL

The purpose of this handbook is to give parents the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding the organization and operation of this school. It is our hope that this manual will prove to be beneficial to both you and your child.

This handbook will be revised every year to reflect changes in school and district policies and procedures.

Please note that this booklet may not answer all of your questions. When you need additional information, please contact the office for assistance. 

No advertising matter, such as circulars, blotters, calendars, etc. is to be distributed unless permission is secured through or approved by the Superintendent of Schools.

Any student wishing to bring a live animal to school must have prior approval from the principal. Please be aware any animal brought to school must be protected by a rabies vaccine. In addition, the teacher must approve the animal for educational purposes and must assume responsibility for its protection and the protection of his/her students.

1. Students should not arrive at school prior to 8:10 am.Doors to the school will not be open prior to this time. Door should open at 8:10. The doors will close around 8:20. 

2. Parents are not permitted to wait with students in the hallways or foyer at arrival time or wait for students at dismissal time.  People standing in these areas block doors in case of emergency, and restrict the movement of our students. Moreover, it might encourage unwelcome “visitors” to come in to our school.

3. Please do not bring dogs near the school building while waiting for students.

Please make sure that students are dressed appropriately for physical education classes. Students are required to wear sneakers. Sneakers that cannot be laced or fastened are unsafe,  and therefore, inappropriate. A physician’s note is required to be excused from physical education class. This note will also excuse your child from participation in recess.

Excessive absence from school can affect the progress of your child’s education. Please refer to the district Attendance Policy that was sent home with your child on the first day of school. When your child will be absent, please call the School Nurse at 660-7500 (EXT.). You may leave a message on the answering machine if the nurse is unavailable. Homework may also be requested when you phone the nurse. Upon your child’s return to school you must send them with a written excuse explaining their absence, even if you have called the school on the day of absence. A NOTE FROM YOUR CHILD’S PHYSICIAN IS REQUIRED TO RETURN TO SCHOOL IF HE/SHE HAS BEEN ABSENT THREE (3) DAYS.

 As you know, regular attendance in school is a major component to a student’s academic success. Studies indicate that students who are on time and in school each day are better able to meet the demands and rigors of the curriculum. In an effort to recognize students for good attendance, the following certificates will be awarded at our mid- year and end -of-year assemblies:

Perfect Attendance Awards: to those students who have not missed a day of school and are on time each day (no more than three sign-outs).

To maximize instructional time, it is important that students arrive to school on time each day. The school day begins at 8:20 a.m. and students may arrive to school starting at 8:10 a.m., when staff members are on duty. In addition, classroom instruction takes place until the end of the day, and we requesT that end-of-day sign-outs occur only if there is an appointment or an emergency. If it is necessary to sign-out your child before the end of the school day, please send in a note with your child that morning. 

Bicycles may be ridden to school only by students in grades 3-5. The student must have a written permission from parent/guardian on file in the office to do so. Bike passes will be issued and must be carried at all times. All students riding bikes must wear a helmet as per state law.

Bicycles must be parked in the rack which is provided on the school grounds. A locking device should be used by each pupil. Students should follow all bicycle safety rules. Bicycles may not be ridden on the school grounds at any time.

Motorcycles, go-carts, mopeds, scooters, roller blades and skateboards are not permitted on school grounds at any time.

1. Breakfast will take place from 8:15 – 8:25 a.m.

2. Drinks will not be sold separately. Only those students who purchase breakfast will receive drinks.

3. All students must discard garbage in trashcan and be ready for instruction at 8:30 a.m.

4. Food Services will be running the program the same way. Students should report immediately to the cafeteria once released from the gym if a walker, or upon entering the building if riding the bus. Students should get their breakfast and report immediately to their homerooms.

5 If there are any changes with free and reduced students and their requests, please notify Chartwells Food Services, and contact the Board Office.

For a copy of the Barnegat Township School Calendar,  go to the District homepage, scroll down the left navigation bars, and then click on the link entitled - District Calendar

2019-2020 School Year

Chain of Command/How to Effectively Communicate with School Officials

Parents are often discouraged when they attempt to communicate with central office administrators and are sent back to building-based officials in order to resolve a problem their child may be experiencing in school. To prevent that frustration, parents can become informed about the “Chain of Command”, or where to begin the communication sequence regarding their child’s problem.

Many parental questions are easily and completely answered by communicating directly with the educator in charge of the class or program. Each situation should first be addressed at whatever level the initial action was taken, with appeals moving on to the next level on the chain of command. The easiest way to communicate would be by e-mail (e-mail format: first initial, last name@barnegatschools.com). A phone call would be the next preferable way to communicate.

Here is a brief guide on where to go when you have a concern:

1. On Elementary School Matters:
1. Classroom Teacher
2. Guidance Counselor
3. Principal

2. On Matters Involving Buildings or Grounds (building maintenance/custodial/grounds maintenance)

1. Principal
2. Facilities Coordinator – Buildings – Neil Piro (609) 698-5824
3. Facilities Coordinator – Grounds -- Robert Osborn (609) 698-5824

3. On Matters Involving Transportation:
1. Transportation Coordinator – William Cox (609) 698-5816

4. To Resolve ALL Matters ONLY after you have followed the levels outlined above:
1. Superintendent of Schools – Dr. Brian Latwis (609) 698-5800 x5116

1. Parties for selected holidays and events are permitted at the discretion of individual teachers.

2. Classroom parents will assist in planning parties under the direction of the classroom teacher.

3. The number of classroom parents attending parties is limited to teacher discretion.

4. Siblings are not permitted to attend classroom parties.

5. Please do not leave your assigned classroom to go visit another party.

6. All food sent in for parties/birthdays must be brought to the Main Office for the nurse to check ingredients. Please do not bring food to your child’s classroom.

HORBELT STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

Barnegat Township School District Philosophy

The Barnegat Township School District believes in providing their students with a positive environment that is conducive to the learning process. In order to create this environment, Barnegat believes in a philosophy of strong, consistent and effective discipline. It is necessary, therefore, that rules and procedures be formulated to provide for the safety of the individual to protect school and personal property and to maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning.

The Board of Education requires each student to adhere to these rules and regulations promulgated by the administration of each district school and to comply with such disciplinary measures as assigned for the infractions of these rules. Accordingly, a student code of conduct shall require that all students:

1. Conform to reasonable standards of socially acceptable behavior.

2. Respect the person, property, and rights of others

3. Respond and comply with the directions of those persons responsible for the order and maintenance of the educational process

Horbelt Goals:

The primary focus of Horbelt Elementary School is the academic success of every student. We seek to build within each child a love of learning, a sense of responsibility, self-discipline, a positive self-image, and respect for others. Students are expected to make positive behavior choices that promote their safety, the safety of others, and a productive learning environment.

School Discipline is a collaborative effort by the parents, guardians, students, and staff. The focus of our school discipline policy is to promote positive behavior choices by recognizing students who engage in consistent positive behavior. However, mistakes are a natural part of growth. We help students reflect on their errors in judgment and behavior and support them in learning how to make better decisions. We teach and model positive behavior including listening, cooperation, and mutual respect. We encourage students to make independent decisions and act responsibly towards others and with school property.

When this occurs, we believe that a very positive and productive learning environment will result, enabling students to strive for excellence.

****The successful implementation of this policy is everyone's responsibility. Every student, parent, teacher, administrator, staff, community member has a role which includes:

1. Supporting the school- wide positive behavior and discipline policy

2. Knowing, communicating and consistently monitoring the policy

3. Maintaining open lines of communication between school and home

4. Using positive response strategies and corrective feedback for disruptive students

In order for our students to receive a high quality standards - based education, it is important and expected that all students adhere to our school's Student Expectations.

All adults should communicate the same message and should have the same expectations. Together we can work to maintain a positive school culture with individuals interacting in a safe, responsible and respectful way towards themselves and others.

BASIC ASSUMPTIONS

1. Student Expectations must be clear and consistent.

2. School must have high behavioral expectations for their students.

3. These expectations, encompassing clear values and norms, must be taught and reviewed by a capable and enthusiastic staff.

4. Any perspective toward discipline should be taken from the total school environment and not just from the perspective of the individual classroom.

5. Effective classroom management depends upon the ability of students to understand the limits of their behavior in all areas of the school setting.

6. Student Expectations should be taught and reviewed regularly, not just announced or published.

7. Shared decision making in all areas of the school environment, involving both staff and students, is needed to serve as a vehicle for making individuals more committed and responsible, both to the decisions made and their various outcomes.

 8. All staff members must be responsible for all students in all school settings.

9. Students must become responsible for accepting the consequences for violating their boundaries.

10. Parental contact, through telephone conversations, in-school conferences and written communication (e-mail, agenda messages) by staff members, shall be required for those students who demonstrate unsatisfactory behavior.

11. The central office should be used for extreme cases and in accordance with the school procedures and teacher responsibility.

12. A positive approach in interacting with children is much more productive than a negative one.

13. Determining the cause of the inappropriate behavior is much more important than reacting to that behavior in isolation.

14 .An eclectic approach in dealing with children and their diversity of problems is preferred over any single approach.

15. All individuals, faculty as well as pupils, must feel important, needed, and worthwhile.

16. All students and staff must believe in themselves, see themselves as leaders and be rewarded for their positive efforts.

17. The ultimate goal of any approach is to develop within the student the capability for self-control and self-discipline.

 Discipline:

While most students consistently observe these expectations and behave safely and appropriately, there are times when misbehavior warrants interventions and consequences. Teachers and other staff use a variety of classroom and behavior management strategies to address such behavior.

1. Discipline begins in the classroom.

2. Discipline is the responsibility of the teacher.

3. New Jersey State Law forbids corporal punishment.

4. Expect appropriate, responsible behavior from your students.

5. No child should be sent to the office without an Discipline Behavioral Referral form.

6. No child is placed in the hall or in another teacher's room as a means of punishment.

7. Do not use materials that are part of the child's learning experience as a means of punishment.

8. Do not assign punishment while angry. Think before you act!

9. A phone call home or a parental conference will, in most cases, do more constructive good than anything else.

10. Please make sure that students are NEVER left unattended.

11. Serious Offenses should be referred to the office at once:

a. Substance abuse. Violent behavior. Fighting

b. Threats

c. Profanity directed at a staff member or student with blatant disrespect

d. Safety and well-being of staff and students.

e. Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying

Discipline Procedure:

While it is our goal to focus on student success, there are times when we need to help students solve problems, make better decisions, improve academic excellence, and/or be more respectful. Our first and foremost goal is to make sure that each child is safe and has access to a positive learning environment. Therefore, it is sometimes necessary to use the discipline procedures to help redirect behavior to keep the student and our school safe. Please note that harassment, intimidation, and bullying is against the law and has more serious consequence.

In short, most issues involving student issues in the classroom may include the offenses listed below.

Offenses

• Classroom Disruption/Interference

• Out of Class Disruption

• Defiance

• Profanity

• Truancy

• Excessive Tardiness/Absences

• Cheating

• Theft

• Vandalism

• Inappropriate Use of Technology

• Physical Aggression (Shoving, Pushing, Kicking, Spitting)

The staff deals with major offenses as they occur. When handing out consequences, we attempt to help the child or children problem solve and resolve conflicts, but at the same time protect the safety and welfare of all students in the school learning environment. The consequences may include one or more of the following.

Consequences

• Verbal Warning

• Name on Board

• Reflection or Refocus Time

• Problem Solving with Adult

• Oral/Written Apology

• Telephone Call Home

• E-mail home

• Parent/Teacher/Child Meeting

• Recess Detention

• Counseling

MORE SEVERE offenses will be handled by the Principal or his designee. Habitual infractions lead to further interventions and more severe consequences. These offenses affect the safety and welfare of student and staff and cause a disruption to the educational process. A Discipline Referral Form will be initiated for such offenses.  In addition, because relationships are so valuable, we may look to create an alternative consequence that grows out of the concept of restorative practices - that is, looking at ways to help the children in conflict manage that conflict and walk through the process of having respectful relationships again.   This builds resilience and grows in children the ability to cope with challenges that come their way. 

Offenses:

• Classroom Disruption/Interference

• Defiance

• Profanity directed at a staff member or student with blatant disrespect

• Violent Behavior

• Fighting

• Truancy

• Excessive Tardiness/Absences

• Recess Detention Refusal

• Cheating

• Theft

• Alcohol/Tobacco

• Vandalism

• Drugs

• Assault

• Threats/Weapons

• Gang Activity

• Inappropriate Use of Technology

• Suicide

• Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying

The principal or designee deals with severe offenses as they occur. Habitual infractions lead to further interventions and more severe consequences. Severe offenses affect the safety and welfare of student and staff and cause a disruption to the educational process. A Discipline Behavioral Referral form will be initiated for severe offenses.

Consequences

• Recess/Office Detention

• Short-Term Suspension

• Long-Term Suspension

• Law Enforcement Referral

• Counseling/Child Welfare Referral

• Interagency/Intervention Referral (PESS, Children's Mobile Response)

Here is a sample of how we expect our students to behave:

ASSEMBLY ETIQUETTE

FOLLOW DIRECTIONS

SIT QUIETLY

BE COURTEOUS

LISTEN WELL

DEMONSTRATE RESPECT
​

CAFETERIA EXPECTATIONS

LISTEN THE FIRST TIME (3,2,1)

CLEAN UP

 USE GOOD MANNERS

USE INSIDE VOICE

RAISE YOUR HAND

SIT AT ASSIGNED TABLES
​

RECESS

SINGLE FILE

STAY TO THE SIDE

REMAIN QUIET

RESPECT CLASSMATES
​

EXPECTATIONS FOR LINING UP

SINGLE FILE

Follow Your Teacher’s Directions***

LINE UP BY CLASS

REMAIN QUIET

RESPECT CLASSMATES
​

BATHROOM EXPECTATIONS

USE TIME WISELY

WASH HANDS

GOOD BEHAVIOR

IN AND OUT QUICKLY

 HALLWAY EXPECTATIONS

SINGLE FILE

STAY TO THE RIGHT

PRACTICE QUIET VOICES

FIRE DRILLS

CONDUCTED IN ABSOLUTE SILENCE

SINGLE FILE

STAY WITH CLASS

*If you visit during an assembly, you will see me reminding the students of our assembly etiquette. This is an example you will see of us practicing with the students the behavior we expect to see.

Finally, not all issues fit neatly into a shoebox. We will use our best judgment and the concepts outlined here to deal with a given situation. This said…

THE BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION RESERVE THE RIGHT TO NOT INVOKE THE DISCIPLINE CODE IN THE DISPOSITON OF THOSE REFERRALS THAT WARRANT SPECIAL CONSIDERATION. THE BOARD AND ADMINISTRATION ALSO RECOGNIZE ITS RESPONSIBILITY AND RIGHT TO TAKE REASONABLE DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS FOR STUDENT BEHAVIOR AND/OR CONDUCT THAT IS NOT SPELLED OUT IN THE CODE BUT IS JUDGED INAPPROPRIATE BY THE ADMINISTRATION.

Student attire must be school appropriate – neat, clean and modest. The following guidelines are established regarding student dress code:

In general, the following decorations and/or designs imprinted upon or attached to the body or clothing is prohibited:

Symbols, mottoes, words or acronyms advertising tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia, that convey crude, vulgar, profane, violent, death-oriented, gang-related, sexually explicit, or sexually suggestive messages, identify a student as a member of a secret or overtly antisocial group or gang or that identifies a student as a member of an organization that professes violence or hatred toward one's fellow man.

Clothing that is extremely ragged or extremely tight or transparent is not permitted. Bathing suits are not permitted.

Outerwear

Students must store outerwear (coats, hats, gloves, scarves, etc.) in their cubbies upon arrival to school. Outerwear will not be permitted in classrooms, cafeterias, libraries, corridors or other areas of the school buildings after arrival unless authorized by the school's administration.

Head Coverings/Sunglasses

Scarves, curlers, bandanas, sweatbands, or other similar head coverings or adornments shall not be worn to class or within school buildings.

Caps, hats or other similar head coverings shall not be worn to class or within school buildings unless prescribed by a physician, previously approved by the school's administration for religious reasons, or approved by the school's administration for a special school activity.

Sunglasses (unless prescribed by a physician) shall not be worn to class or within school buildings.

 

Upper Garments

Undergarments should not be visible or exposed. Strapless garments are prohibited. Shoulder straps of permitted garments must be a minimum of thewidth of three fingers of the person wearing the garment.

Bare midriffs, immodestly low cut necklines, off the shoulder straps, or bare back shirts are prohibited. Shirts altered by tying in the back, front or side, crop tops, halter-tops, tube tops with straps less than two inches of the person wearing the garment or that expose the lower back or abdominal area are not permitted. Garments must be of appropriate length, cut and/or fit to meet these requirements while standing, sitting and/or bending.

 

Lower Garments

Undergarments shall not be visible. Pants and shorts shall be worn at the waist. Shorts and skirts must not be above the fingertips of the students wearing them with the arm fully extended. No holes, slashes or frayed material is permitted above the short/skirt minimum length requirement.

Tights or leggings worn as outerwear, spandex, bike shorts, bathing/swimming wear, sleep wear (including pajamas), etc., are not permitted and do NOT negate the length requirement.

Footwear

Students must wear appropriate footwear for protection and hygienic reasons while on school grounds, participating in school activities, or on school transportation. All footwear must have a back or a back strap.Slippers, sliders/sandals and flip flops are examples of unacceptable footwear.

Accessories

Jewelry and other accessories shall not convey prohibited messages as defined above. Visible pierced jewelry may not be worn when participating in physical education classes or athletic practices or competitions. Dog collars, wallet chains, chains that connect one part of the body to another or other jewelry/accessories that pose a safety concern for the student or others are prohibited.

 

Enforcement

1st Offense – Results in a warning and the incident is documented. Students must call home for or borrow alternate clothing.

2nd Offense – Results in a lunch detention and the incident is documented. Students must call home for or borrow alternate clothing.

3 or More Offenses – The incident will be documented and then referred to the administration. Parent/Guardian may be called in for a conference.

At no time will alcohol, drugs, drug paraphernalia or mood altering substances be allowed on school property. Any teacher suspicious of a student being in possession of or under the influence of such substances must notify the office immediately and send the student to the nurse’s office. Parents will be contacted and the drug protocol will be then implemented.

Except in cases of emergency, schools will be kept open in accordance with the school calendar. When it’s necessary to close schools due to inclement weather or other emergencies, radio stations WOBM (FM) 92.7, and WJRZ (FM) 100.1. will make the announcement (or visit our website: http://rlhs.barnegatschools.com/). You will also receive a School Messenger alert from our school district.

Parents and students are asked not to call the school. Incoming phone inquiries close needed phone lines necessary for school district communication and emergencies. All school closing information will be available from local radio station announcements. With your help in this matter, our phone lines will remain open, and we will be able to assist you with any emergency.

Students should be informed where they are to go in the event of on emergency closing. Arrangements should be made ahead of time; this will help ensure the safety and well being of all our children. Please make sure that you complete and return the Emergency Closing of School card that is sent home in the beginning of the school year.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN

As you may be aware, a portion of this county may be affected in the event of a problem at the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station. The state, county, and your municipality have combined resources to prepare a detailed plan for any emergency. While it is highly unlikely that a plant condition could warrant protective actions, it is wise that our parents be prepared for this remote possibility. Parents are reminded to review and complete the KI- Potassium Iodine information sent home at the beginning of the year.

In the event of an emergency, the first action may be IN-PLACE PROTECTION/SHELTERING- which means just that. Students will remain indoors to reduce or eliminate potential exposure. If the plant condition continues, long before the public is in danger, the Superintendent of Schools will order an evacuation. Specific plans have been developed for transporting school children to safe locations.

Students registered in the Horbelt School will be transferred, with adult supervision, to StocktonState College in Pomona, NJ(Atlantic County). Students will be registered and cared for until the arrival of a parent or guardian. Please remember to bring proper identification.

Parents/guardians have the right to present to the school principal a signed statement indicating that specific instructional lessons in health, family life education or sex education are in conflict with their conscience, moral or religious beliefs and, as a result, may request their son/daughter be excused from that portion of the course where such instruction is being given. There are no penalties to a student’s academic results should a parent chose not to have their child participate.

Health services require the nurse’s input.

All students will be weighed and measured on an annual basis. They will also have their eyes examined and their hearing tested.

According to state law, every student is required to have the following immunizations:

1. Completed polio immunization series including booster after 4th birthday

2. Measles rubella immunization on or after the 1st birthday

3. Rubella (German measles immunization on or after the 1st birthday.

4. Mumps immunization on or after the 1st birthday

5. Second (2nd) MMR or equivalent before Kindergarten

6. Mantoux test for TB is recommended. Any student transferred in from high incidence areas in NJ or certain states and countries depending on Health Dept. recommendation.

7. Three (3) Hepatitis B vaccines for students entering Kindergarten

8. Varicella (Chicken pox)

All prescription medicines are to be brought to the Nurse’s Office in the original container with the prescription at the beginning of the school day by the parent or guardian. Under no circumstances is any student to transport or medicate himself without a physician’s note as per board policy. All over-the-counter drugs must also be handled through the Nurse’s Office. Students may not be in possession of aspirin products, vitamins, etc.

It is extremely important that all students have a medical emergency card on file in the Nurse’s Office. Please notify the main office if there are any changes to be made on this card during the school year.

Homework is an extension of classroom learning activities.  Many lessons will require home preparation, practice or extension.  During the course of each week, students will have frequent assignments or the need for home study of lesson notes and readings. Homework policies are designed by each grade level.

Students visit the Library Media Center during scheduled library time and may also visit the library at other times with a teacher’s note.   Books and magazines may be checked out by students.  Books which are lost or damaged must be paid for at replacement price.

 During the course of the school year, the Media Center, in conjunction with the PTA, will offer our students and parents the opportunity to purchase books at our book fair.  Dates will be determined and posted for your reference.        

The Lost and Found section is located in the Nurse’s Office.  It may be visited with the teacher’s permission.Please be sure to mark all of your child’s belongings with his/her name, especially hats, coats, lunch boxes and book bags.

Students will be given an opportunity to make up missed work as a result of an absence. Parents should make arrangements for make-up work immediately after the student returns to school. Teachers may reassign or adjust make-up work based upon individual student needs.

When requesting make-up work for a student who is absent, please contact the Main Office prior to 11:00 am. Teachers will do their best to see that work is waiting in the office after 3:00 PM.

If you are having a sibling or a friend pick up the work, please provide the Main Office with this individual’s name.

One week every year has been set aside for parent-teacher conferences. Limited evening appointments will be available 2 evenings – Please do not request an evening conference unless it is necessary. You will be notified of this conference time via letter home and website posting. 

 A parent-teacher conference is a time to build bridges. It is an opportunity for you and your child’s teacher to come together and come away with a better perspective on your child’s educational and emotional growth. To make the most of these conferences, prepare yourself for them. Check your child’s books, homework assignments, test grades and report cards. Communicate with your child’s teacher(s). Parents are encouraged to contact the teacher as soon as a problem or difficulty is noticed to set up a conference and discuss the matter

In order to maintain our educational focus and for safety reasons, students are requested not to bring toys, cameras, electronic games/devices, MP3 players, IPods, headphones and other such non- instructional items to school.  It is also recommended that any item of value be left at home as well.  In addition, we strongly recommend that cell phones not be brought to school by students.

Weather permitting, students in grades K-5 have a twenty minute recess on the playground. Students are expected to follow all the rules and regulations established by the administration and teachers on duty. Students should dress properly for the weather and wear sneakers or rubber sole shoes. A light jacket is always a good idea during the early Fall and Spring.  The weather may seem mild, but the wind can make it chilly on the playground.  Hats and gloves are also recommended for the winter months.

Progress Reports and Report Cards will be issued four times a year.  Please watch for the announcements on the web page each year as to the specific dates when they will be released.

For the safety and protection of all students, periodic fire drills will be conducted. It is most important that students follow the teacher’s directions and move quickly and in absolute silence.

ANY STUDENT FOUND TAMPERING WITH THE FIRE ALARM SYSTEM WILL BE SUBJECT TO SUSPENSION, EXPULSION AND A COMPLAINT SIGNED IN JUVENILE COURT.

ANY STUDENT WHO REFUSES TO COMPLY WITH ANY FIRE DRILL REGULATION WILL BE REFERRED TO THE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY.

We will also conduct regular code blue, lock-down, and evacuation drills to prepare for an emergency. You will be contacted via School Messenger to let you know when a drill has occurred. 

The RLHS Safety Patrol is a very responsible organization, and its members are expected to show good leadership and citizenship traits.  Students are selected through a rigorous application process.  The organization is extremely important in dealing with the safety of the students who attend the school.  Please remind your child that they should obey the members that are on duty.  They are there to help enforce the rules when children are arriving at and leaving school.

Please be aware that smoking is not permitted in the school or on school grounds at any time!

The main office should be notified immediately of any change of address or telephone number.  Anyone wishing to withdraw their child from school must do so through the main office.  Two days notice is required to complete the transfer request.

Visitors must receive permission from the Main Office to visit the building. Visitors will be required to have a valid I.D. Please do not go directly to your child’s classroom. This is to protect the students and staff. We are happy to have you visit with us, but we must maintain control of the visitors in our school. Teachers are not available for unscheduled conferences. Birthday treats should be dropped off at the Main Office.

Children who will be walking to and from school on a daily basis will follow the ensuing procedures.

All walkers will enter school at 8:10 a.m. by way of the second gym door. Staff will be on hand at that time to make sure they line up properly and proceed to class. Children should not arrive earlier than 8:10 a.m. as there will be no staff supervision prior to that time. Also, no children will be permitted to enter the building through the front door. Due to security procedures, doors to the school are locked at all times. At dismissal, the walkers will leave from the same gym door; this is where you will meet them at the end of the day.

In order to ensure the safety of each student who will be walking, children will have friends or walking buddies who they can team up with as they walk to and from school. At dismissal, students in Grades 3-5 will be reminded to join their friends as they leave school to walk home. 

For students in Grades K – 2, each parent will send in a list of four (4) approved walking buddies who will accompany them as they leave for the day. The list may include parents, friends, relatives, even siblings who are in Grades 3 – 5. There will be staff on hand to make sure that the younger students walk home with only those who are on the approved list. NO Grade K – 2 student will be permitted to walk home alone. If no one from the list is there at dismissal to meet the child, a staff member will walk the child to the main office and a call will be made for the child to be picked up there. 

Research shows that children are more likely to succeed in school if parents or caregivers take an active part in their education. A good education is important for finding a good job and having a good future. It makes sense to help your child do well at school. Most parents want to get more involved in their child’s education, but may not be sure how to begin. A great starting point is sharing a positive attitude about school with your child.

Remember, you don’t have to know how to do the homework to help your child succeed in school.

Helping Your Child Succeed at School

Share your ideas about the importance of education with your child.
Talk about ties between what your child is learning today and how that knowledge might be used in the future. Begin to talk about possible education goals for your child. If you begin to think about goals, your child will, too. Talk about technical and professional schools in your area, careers that you find interesting, or people you have met that seemed to enjoy their work. Let your young student know that they have many educational possibilities!

Be careful not to pass on negative attitudes about school that may be a part of your own past experience. 
Without realizing it, you could start your child off on the wrong foot by recalling bad memories from your own school days. Giving children the idea that school is too difficult, that teachers are unfair, or that school isn’t important will discourage them from doing well. Instead, talk about your friends from school, your favorite teachers or your best subject. If school was a bad experience for you, you might tell them you made the mistake of not liking school and you don’t want them to do the same.

A positive attitude about school is perhaps the most important gift you can give your child.

Help your child set education goals, both short term and long term. 
Talk to your child about the future and plans for high school, technical school or college. Tell your child you hope they will be successful in school.

A short-term goal may be finishing a writing assignment by Sunday night.

A long-term goal could be attending a trade school, the local community college or a university after high school.

Talk to your child about what they are learning at school.
From kindergartner to high school senior, it’s important to ask students about their school subjects. Ask open-ended questions about their class work —questions that can’t be answered with a “yes” or ‘no.” Share any knowledge you have, and if you are curious, read the textbook!

Help your child get organized to do homework. 
Create a study area or corner for homework. You can start this as early as first grade, and it becomes more important as homework is assigned. Have a table and chair in a quiet place away from the TV, perhaps in the corner of a bedroom. Add a lamp, if needed. Add a box for books and supplies. Make a special trip to the store to buy supplies such as paper, pencils, and colored pens. As your child gets older, add a clock. Help keep this area tidy and ready for use.

Have a place to keep all communications from school. 
All schools are making an effort to keep in better touch with parents. Most communication is on paper and is sent home with your child. This includes reports on your child’s grades, lunch menus, coming events, newsletters, requests for materials from home, and so on. After you have read them, save them all in a box, basket, or easy-to-find location. This system will save the day over and over when a form needs to be read or returned to the school and your child is hurrying out the door. It takes some effort to make this plan work, but it also lets your student know that these communications from school are important to you.

Make rules about homework. 
Decide with your child on a good time to do homework and stick to that schedule as much as possible. Try to keep noise down during study times.

Ask what homework your child has been assigned and look it over when it is finished. Don’t be a tyrant about homework, though. The goal is for the student to be responsible for getting it done without excessive nagging. If homework isn’t getting done, talk to the teacher about ways to help your child. A joint effort may work better than “laying down the law.” Some schools post assignments and grades online or record homework assignments on telephone voice mail.

Help with assignments if you are asked, but don’t feel bad if you are unfamiliar with a subject. School has changed since you attended! The teacher is always there for additional help.

Have a place to keep all communications from school. 
All schools are making an effort to keep in better touch with parents. Most communication is on paper and is sent home with your child. This includes reports on your child’s grades, lunch menus, coming events, newsletters, requests for materials from home, and so on. After you have read them, save them all in a box, basket, or easy-to-find location. This system will save the day over and over when a form needs to be read or returned to the school and your child is hurrying out the door. It takes some effort to make this plan work, but it also lets your student know that these communications from school are important to you.

Make rules about homework. 
Decide with your child on a good time to do homework and stick to that schedule as much as possible. Try to keep noise down during study times.

Ask what homework your child has been assigned and look it over when it is finished. Don’t be a tyrant about homework, though. The goal is for the student to be responsible for getting it done without excessive nagging. If homework isn’t getting done, talk to the teacher about ways to help your child. A joint effort may work better than “laying down the law.” Some schools post assignments and grades online or record homework assignments on telephone voice mail.

Help with assignments if you are asked, but don’t feel bad if you are unfamiliar with a subject. School has changed since you attended! The teacher is always there for additional help.

Make interactive homework fun. 
Many teachers assign projects that require a student to interview adult family members. For example, elementary students may ask questions about their ancestors: what was their country of origin and when did they come to North America Your young interviewer may ask opinions on current events, favorite books or hobbies. Respond with enthusiasm and give your child as much help and good information as you can. One of the purposes of this type of assignment is to practice good conversation skills with your children.

A study of students who get good grades showed that children whose parents talk to them almost every night at dinner do better in school than children who rarely talk to their parents except to argue. Message: try to eat one meal seated together and talk about what’s going on in everyone’s life without arguing.

Do a community service project together. 
Watch for opportunities for the whole family to join a park cleanup, to collect food for the hungry, or simply to help an elderly neighbor with chores. Doing things together for others helps students practice cooperation and caring, skills they will need to be successful in school and on the job.

Help your child do research projects at your library, museum or nature center. 
Provide transportation to the library for work on projects. Access to learning centers other than school introduces children to the world of learning outside of school.

Help your child succeed at school—work with the teacher!

One reason parents say they don’t know how to help their children at school is because schools have changed so much since they were students.Subject matter and teaching methods are different and unclear to parents. Parents often feel that teachers talk down to them or that teachers are not honest with them. Student learning patterns have also become much more visual and fast-paced with the advent of television and video games.

These barriers are very real. The good news is that schools are aware of these communication problems and want to work with both teachers and parents for the good of the student. These problems will not be solved immediately, but at least they are out in the open and can be discussed. Much of what is needed between the parent and the teacher is better communication. By being open minded and willing to try new ways, you will help your child succeed in school.

From: http://learningtogive.org/parents/helping/1_what_you_can_do.asp?idioma