Download - Cowlishaw Elementary School - Indian Prairie School ...

2010-11 Cowlishaw Elementary School Parent-Student Handbook

2010-11 Cowlishaw Elementary School Parent-Student Handbook
Cow
Claudette Walton, Principal
Cowlishaw Elementary School
1212 Sanctuary Lane
Naperville, IL 60540
(630) 428-6100
Mary Howicz, Student Services
Dear Cowlishaw Parents and Students:
Welcome to the 2010-11 school year at Cowlishaw Elementary School!
This Parent-Student Handbook provides you with basic information about our
school. It has been put together to help answer questions and explain our
procedures and practices. Please look through it carefully and place it in a
convenient location for an easy reference during the course of the school year.
In addition to this handbook, please refer to the 2010-11 District 204 Parent-
Student Handbook, which has more detailed information concerning school
policies and procedures. The District handbook can be accessed online at
www.ipsd.org.
Strong academic programs are a tradition at Cowlishaw Elementary School.
The staff and I are committed to providing a nurturing and supportive learning
environment, where students are respectful, responsible, safe and ready to learn.
Students are encouraged to be active participants in their own learning.
We welcome you as a valuable partner in your child’s education and encourage
you to be involved in their education. Please help foster this partnership by
supporting school functions and monitoring your child’s homework and progress.
Your participation will help to insure success for all of our students. Please feel
free to call if you have questions, concerns, or want to visit or volunteer.
We sincerely hope you will enjoy and contribute to the rich school experience
that we share at Cowlishaw Elementary School. Thank you in advance for your
support and involvement this year. Please feel free to call me at any time if you
have any questions and/or concerns.
Respectfully,
Claudette Walton
Principal

2010-11 Cowlishaw Elementary School Parent-Student Handbook
School and Office Hours……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3
• School Hours
• Office Hours
Arrival/Dismissal Procedures………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3
• Buses/Daycare Riders
• Cars
• Walkers
• Bicycles
• Parent Pick-Up & Drop-Off Instructions & Map
Art/Music/Physical Education…………………………………………………………………………………………..7
• Schedule
• P.E. Clothes
• P.E. Participation
Attendance……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….7
• Philosophy
• Expectations
• Make Up Work
• Medical Documentation
• Vacations
• Excessive Absenteeism
• Tardiness
Behavior at School……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 9
• Cowlishaw Rules of Thumb
Birthdays………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 11
Bus Transportation……………………………………………………………………………………………........... 11
• Bus Safety
• Bus Rules
Cell Phones/Cameras……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 12
Early Dismissal……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 12
Emergency Delayed Dismissal……………………………………………………………………………………… 13
Emergency Information/Procedures………………………………………………………………………………… 13
• Emergency School Closings
Emergency Parent Contact Information…………………………………………………………………………….. 14
Extracurricular Activities……………………………………………………………………………………………… 14
Health Policies………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 14
Home/School Communications……………………………………………………………………………………… 15
• Cowlishaw Newsletter
• Indian Prairie District 204 Handbook
Homework……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 16
Library Media Center (LMC)…………………………………………………………………………………………. 16
• Book Fines
Lost and Found………………………………………………………………………………………………………... 17
Lunch and Lunchroom Rules………………………………………………………………………………………… 17
• Lunch/Playground Rules
• Food Allergies
Medication Policy……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 18
Money…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... 18
Parent/Teacher Association (PTA)………………………………………………………………………………….. 18
Parent/Teacher Conferences………………………………………………………………………………………… 18
Parent Involvement…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 18
Parties………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 20
Pets……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………... 20
Recess/Playground Rules……………………………………………………………………………………………. 20
• Playground Guidelines
School Colors and Mascot…………………………………………………………………………………………… 20
Scooters/Skateboards/Roller Blades/Wheeled Sneakers………………………………………………………… 21
Student Insurance…………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 21
Technology…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 21
Telephone Use/Messages…………………………………………………………………………………………… 21
Valuables/Toys/Games………………………………………………………………………………………………. 22
Visitors………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 22
Web Page……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 22
2010-11 District 204 Calendar……………………………………………………………………………………….. 23

2010-11 Cowlishaw Elementary School Parent-Student Handbook
School and Office Hours
School Hours (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays)
Grades K-5 9:05-3:35
1st Bell 8:50
Tardy Bell 9:05
Bus Dismissal 3:30
Dismissal Bell 3:35
All children not riding the school bus should arrive on school grounds after 8:50 a.m.
Teacher supervision does not begin until that time. Children will enter the building and
go directly to their classrooms. Students arriving prior to 8:50 a.m. are to wait outside
the building. There is NO supervision provided before 8:50 a.m. For purposes of
intramurals, band, chorus or orchestra, or with special faculty permission, students may
enter the building early.
All school announcements begin promptly at 9:05 with the Pledge of Allegiance. Student
announcers are used whenever appropriate.
School Hours (Wednesdays)
Grade K-5 9:15-3:35
1 st Bell 9:00
Tardy Bell 9:15
Bus Dismissal 3:30
Dismissal Bell 3:35
Please note that student arrival for Wednesday mornings is 9:00 a.m. rather than 8:50
a.m. If your child must be dropped off at 8:50 a.m. for safety reasons on Wednesday
mornings, please indicate this on the Green Arrival/Departure Information Form. A staff
member will be on duty to supervise the students in the gym from 8:50 a.m.- 9:00 a.m.
You must walk and sign your child in at the gym EACH Wednesday at 8:50 a.m. if you are
choosing this option for safety reasons. Students are expected to sit quietly in the gym
and read a book or do work (that they must bring) from 8:50 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. All students
will be allowed to enter their classroom at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday mornings. There is NO
supervision provided before 8:50 a.m. Please do not drop off your child any earlier than
8:50 a.m. Thank you.
Office Hours
The office is open each day from 7:45 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. The office telephone number
is (630) 428-6100 and the fax number is (630) 428-6101. To report your child’s absence
from school please call the 24 hour a day attendance line at (630) 428-6114.
Arrival/Dismissal Procedures
Student Drop Off/Pick Up Procedures
As you know, the safety of your children is our main concern. Parents are asked to fill
out a green form stating travel arrangements for their child both to and from school.
Your child will be classified as a walker, bus rider, daycare van, or parent pick-up. Once
we have established your designated travel, you must notify your child’s teacher in
writing each time a change is made from the routine. If we do not hear from a parent,
we will not accept a child’s word for a change in routine. Children often get the facts or
3

2010-11 Cowlishaw Elementary School Parent-Student Handbook
days mixed up. All transportation changes need to be made prior to 3:00 p.m.
daily. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter. Our rules are for the safety of your
children.
Please familiarize yourself with the following drop off/pick up procedures. Your
cooperation with these procedures allows us to ensure safe arrival and departure for all
students.
Buses/Daycare Riders
Buses and daycare vans will drop off and pickup students in the front circle drive area in
the front of the building. There is no parking permitted in the circle drive area while
buses or vans are present or during times posted.
Cars
Students who arrive and depart from school in cars will be dropped off and picked up at
the west end (door #13) of the building. Cars will enter the parking lot near the
playground and line up around the perimeter as they approach the drop off or pick up
point. When cars are within the painted lines on curbs children are to get in and out of
the vehicles on the passenger side. We ask that drivers follow all the directions given to
them by staff and not leave their vehicles unattended. Students are not to exit vehicles
in the parking lot and cross the drop-off lane for safety reasons. Students will NOT be
allowed to cross the drive to go to vehicles in the parking lot. Do not pick up children
anywhere but the west end of the building.
Walkers
Walkers should enter the appropriate door depending on the direction they are traveling
to and from school. We ask that all students use the sidewalks at all times. Students
should not arrive at school prior to 8:50 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays
and Fridays and 9:00 a.m. on Wednesdays.
If approaching from the Fort Hill/Sanctuary intersection, students enter and exit through
the back west doors near the playground (door #12).
All Kindergarten students that walk will exit from the west end (door #10).
Parents may pick up and drop off walkers at the designated doors. Drop off times are at
8:50 a.m. (9:00 a.m. on Wednesdays) and pick up times are at 3:35 p.m. Any changes
to your child’s arrival/departure information should be made in writing to your child’s
teacher prior to the start of the school day. No transportation changes will be made
without a written or verbal request from the parent. All changes must be made no
later than 3:00 P.M.
Please see the Parent Pick-Up and Drop-Off and Arrival/Dismissal Maps included in this
handbook.
Bicycles
Students have the opportunity to ride bicycles to school. Once students are on school
property the following rules must be followed:
• Bikes are to be walked and locked in the bike racks during the school day.
• Students must obey all traffic rules when traveling to and from school.
• Students are expected to wear properly fitted bike helmets.
4

2010-11 Cowlishaw Elementary School Parent-Student Handbook
Parent Pick-Up & Drop-Off Instructions
Cowlishaw Staff
Loading
(Unloading) Zone
NO Pick-Up in
Parking Lot
Loading
(Unloading) Zone
Parents
enter and
exit HERE
PLEASE do NOT
drop off or pick up
students in the front
school bus loading
area
NOTE: It is a
violation of state law
to pass a school bus
while it is loading or
unloading children
Did You Know... that on any given morning or afternoon as many as 200 cars/trucks/SUVs pass through Cowlishaw
Elementary’s parking lot to drop off or pick up children The fact that so many vehicles safely and efficiently navigate the
Pick-up/Drop-off area is a testament to our wonderful parents and our dedicated staff. As we approach the start of another
school year we thought it might be a good time to briefly review our Parent Drop-off and Parent Pick-up procedures. During
arrival and dismissal please:
9. Pull your vehicle forward until the loading/unloading area is full
a. Look for signals from our staff members pulling you forward or asking you to stop
b. When all vehicles come to a stop students may safely enter/exit
• Please exit your children on sidewalk side not into the traffic flow
10. When your child is safely in/out of the vehicle follow the line of cars out of the area
• Please do not try to pass vehicles that are still loading/unloading to exit the parking lot.
11. Be flexible especially on inclement weather days
12. Please remember the new Illinois Driving Laws - No Cell Phone use in a school zone and electronic
messaging is banned when operating a motor vehicle.
5

2010-11 Cowlishaw Elementary School Parent-Student Handbook
Walker Pick-
Up & Drop-Off
Walker
Door 11
Walker
Door 10
Walker
Door 12
Playground
8:50 A.M. Students Arrive/Enter Building
9:00 A.M. Students Arrive/Enter on Wed.
9:05 A.M. Tardy Bell
3:30 P.M. Buses Begin Loading
3:35 P.M. Parent Students Pick-Up Dismissed – Day Care,
& Walkers, Drop-Off Parent Pick-Up
Day Care
vans will be
directed to
pull forward
COWLISHAW SCHOOL
Walkers
Day Care
Exit #2
Main
Entrance
Bus Loading
Car
Pick Up/
Drop Off
Door #13
NO Pick-Up in
Parking Lot
Day Care Loading
Bus Loading Zone
SANCTUARY LANE
6

2010-11 Cowlishaw Elementary School Parent-Student Handbook
Art, Music, and Physical Education
Schedule
Students will receive instruction in these special areas as scheduled. Necessary
supplies, materials, and gym shoes are required to participate.
Art........................ 50 minutes one time per week (1-5); 25 minutes two times
per week (K)
PE....................... 25 minutes three times per week
Music................... 25 minutes two times per week
P.E. Clothes
All students need a few basic supplies for P.E. All children should have a
separate pair of gym shoes to leave at school for P.E. use only. This is so we
have dry shoes for emergencies and for changing when the ground is wet
outside. Additionally, everyone should have a gym jacket or sweatshirt to leave
at school. Girls should have shorts to wear when they are wearing a skirt or
dress on gym days.
P.E. Participation
In the event your child is recovering from illness or you have concerns regarding
P.E. participation, you may send a written request that he/she not participate in
P.E. for up to 3 days. This will also limit the type of activities allowed at recess.
After the third day, a doctor’s note is required for exclusion. A note to the P.E.
teacher to monitor participation will keep the P.E. teacher informed.
Attendance
Philosophy
Cowlishaw Elementary School’s educational program is built on the premise that
regular attendance and punctuality is vital to a student’s success in school.
Seeing that a student maintains regular attendance requires a cooperative effort
by the student, parent(s) or guardian(s), and school personnel. The student who
is frequently absent or tardy misses social interaction, and class instruction and
discussion, even though written work is made up.
Expectations
Cowlishaw Elementary School expects parents or guardians to make reasonable
efforts to ensure the regular attendance of their children, consistent with Section
26-1 of the Illinois School Code, and to inform the school of any absences and
their causes. Cowlishaw staff will monitor each student’s attendance and
punctuality. Absences will be recorded in accordance with District policy. Please
refer to the Indian Prairie District 204 Handbook for more specifics.
7

2010-11 Cowlishaw Elementary School Parent-Student Handbook
PARENTS MUST REPORT ABSENCES TO THE OFFICE BY CONTACTING
THE ATTENDANCE LINE (630) 428-6114 BY 9:30 A.M. This is a 24 hour a
day voice mail system that can be called at any time. In the case of a known
extended absence of one week or more, only one call needs to be made. If we
are not contacted by 9:30 a.m., a parent will be called. If the sickness is
interpreted to be a contagious disease or if the sickness lasts 5 school days or
more, readmission to school requires a signed note from your physician.
Make up Work
If a student is unable to attend school for two or less days, he/she will receive
make-up work upon returning to school and be given an appropriate due date.
For extended emergencies/illness, a parent may call the office on the morning of
the third day of absence to request make-up work. A parent may then come to
the office at the end of the day to pick up homework. Students with critical
illnesses that result in an absence of more than two weeks a homebound tutor
may be available. Please contact the school office for more information.
Medical Documentation
Under certain circumstances, parents or guardians may be required to present
medical documentation of physical or emotional conditions causing a student’s
absence.
Vacations
Every effort should be made to have students in school when it is in session.
When an absence must occur due to a vacation, students will not receive
homework in advance. Experience has shown that it is difficult at best for
teachers to accurately predict homework and for students to do homework
properly on vacation. Upon return to school, students will receive make-up work
and an appropriate due date.
Excessive Absenteeism
Cowlishaw Elementary School considers absenteeism excessive when it
significantly interferes with a student’s learning, as reflected in academic
performance or social development. Per Board policy, any student that is absent
or tardy for more than 12 days in any one semester will be considered as having
excessive absences or tardiness.
Tardiness
If a student arrives at school after 9:05 a.m. he/she is considered tardy and
should report to the main office for a pass. Please note that students should
enter the building by 9:00 a.m. (9:10 a.m. on Wednesdays) so they are in the
classroom by 9:05 a.m. to begin the activities of the day. Please remember that
your child is beginning to form life-long habits. We encourage students to be on
time every day. Please help your child into the school through the main front
entrance and sign them in before they are able to attend class.
8

2010-11 Cowlishaw Elementary School Parent-Student Handbook
Behavior at School
We believe and expect that all students can behave appropriately at school. All
expectations build on the premise that respect for oneself, other individuals and
property is key to establishing a safe, positive school climate. Our school-wide
focus is on positive behavior. Your child will become familiar with the Cowlishaw
Rules of Thumb which emphasizes how to be responsible, respectful, safe and
ready in all areas of the school environment.
We continually promote positive approaches by recognizing respectful and
appropriate choices. Our goal is to provide an organized and positive learning
climate for all students and staff. We will not allow any student to disrupt
teaching-learning time.
Student behavior is purposeful and needs based. Students need positive
behavioral instruction as well as consistent discipline policies. Therefore, an
effective school-wide approach to behavior needs to include strategies that are
preventative, instructional, problem solving in nature, and must offer dignified
ways to develop responsible and respectful leaders.
We believe that the most successful schools have teams of educators who
actively teach students how to be respectful, define behavioral expectations,
monitor and follow up on student behavior and acknowledge appropriate
behavior. Cowlishaw Elementary School’s goal is to implement a plan for
responsible behavior that encourages personal growth and learning. This plan
includes clear expectations, methods for teaching and encouraging expected
behaviors, and strategies for discouraging problem behaviors.
The Cowlishaw Rules of Thumb are included in this handbook. Please review
these expectations with your child. Parents, teachers and school officials are all
partners in helping students behave appropriately. Communication between
school and parents facilitates positive support for students. Parents will be
contacted by teachers, the Student Services Coordinator or the Principal as one
of the steps in the intervention and problem solving process.
Maintaining a safe and positive learning environment for all students is a high
priority at Cowlishaw Elementary School. Any actions that compromise student
safety, including any form of harassment, bullying or threats of violence, will be
taken seriously and will not be tolerated. These situations will be handled by the
Student Services Coordinator or the Principal and parents will be notified.
9

2010-11 Cowlishaw Elementary School Parent-Student Handbook
10

2010-11 Cowlishaw Elementary School Parent-Student Handbook
Birthdays
Birthday recognition is important at Cowlishaw! Each student is honored by
having their name read during morning announcements and receiving a birthday
pencil and sticker from the office. Summer birthdays are announced on the
student’s half birthday.
PLEASE DO NOT SEND BIRTHDAY TREATS TO SHARE AT SCHOOL.
Because so many of our children suffer from food allergies we ask that you do
not send food items to celebrate your child’s birthday. As an alternative to
sending a birthday treat for your child’s class you may purchase a book to donate
to the LMC in your child’s name. Individual teachers may occasionally plan a
special activity and ask for parent participation.
Invitations to your child’s birthday party are to be handled by you. Invitations to
any parties will not be handed out at school.
Bus Transportation
A list of bus routes is available in the school office. Questions concerning routes
should be directed to Karla Zozulia, Director of Support Services, at the Crouse
Education Center at 375-3000 or by email at karla_zozulia@ipsd.org.
If your child will not be riding the bus on any particular day, please send a note
stating that he/she will not be riding the bus and who will be responsible for
picking him/her up from school. Students who do not have a note will be asked
to ride the bus home. If a permanent change in transportation occurs, you will
need to complete a new green Student Arrival and Departure Information form.
It is district policy that students may ride only their assigned buses. Students that
are considered walkers are not eligible to ride the school bus to or from school.
For bus transportation procedures to and from permanent, in-home day care
providers, please call the school or refer to the district handbook.
Bus Safety
All school rules apply at bus stops and on the bus. In order to provide the safest
and most efficient transportation, the district has developed certain rules and
expectations which will be enforced. We ask that students and parents
familiarize themselves with the following information and encourage observance
of these guidelines and regulations.
Bus Rules
1. Remain in your seat.
2. Do not throw objects on or from the bus.
3. Keep head and hands inside the bus.
4. Do not eat or drink on the bus.
11

2010-11 Cowlishaw Elementary School Parent-Student Handbook
5. Obey the driver.
6. Be at your bus stop five minutes before the scheduled time.
7. Be courteous to classmates and neighbors at bus stops and while
traveling on the bus. Use appropriate language.
8. Students will exit the bus in a safe, orderly manner.
If a student violates a safety regulation, the following disciplinary action will be
taken:
1. Disciplinary referral filed and parent notified.
2. Disciplinary action recommended:
• 1st offense - warning form which parent signs and returns to school.
• 2nd offense - bus privileges may be suspended for up to 5 days.
• 3rd offense - bus privileges suspended for up to 10 days.
3. If it is deemed in the interest of the school and the safety of the students
riding the bus, an immediate bus suspension may be imposed without the
1st offense warning.
Cell Phones/Cameras
During the school day, cellular phones must be turned off at all times.
Programming such devices to vibrate rather than ring does not fulfill the “off”
requirement. Cell phones must be stored away and out of view such as in a
backpack. If a student is seen with a cellular phone in view of students or staff
the phone will be confiscated and parents will be asked to pick it up from the
office. Cell phones may not be used in any manner which interferes with, or is
disruptive to educational or extracurricular activities or events. Cell phones
cannot be used as a camera. Cell phones are not allowed in bathrooms.
Parents are referred to Board Policy 710.20 for further details.
Early Dismissal
Parents are asked to make every effort to schedule appointments for children
during non-school times. Early dismissal requests for emergency situations and
medical appointments should be sent in writing to the classroom teacher no later
than the morning of the dismissal. Board of Education policy #5060 states that
students will not be released from school on a regular basis.
Parents must come to the school office and remain there to wait for their child.
We will send for the child as you sign them out for dismissal. A child will only be
released to his/her parents/guardians unless other arrangements have been
made.
12

2010-11 Cowlishaw Elementary School Parent-Student Handbook
Emergency Delayed Dismissal
If severe weather conditions (tornado warning, high winds, severe thunderstorm
and lightning) exist during the dismissal times (3:20-3:35) for p.m. consideration
is given to announcing an Emergency Delayed Dismissal. If this occurs, students
will remain in school until the dangerous weather conditions subside. When
informed by the District office that there will be a delayed dismissal, the following
procedures will be followed:
• Announce to students and staff that there will be a delayed dismissal.
• Students and staff are instructed to remain in safety areas of classrooms
until the all clear signal is given.
• Parents are not encouraged to take their children from school, during
stormy weather; however, parents who wish to pick up students during this
time are required to sign them out prior to their release. Parents should
enter and assemble in the office hall for instructions. Please sign students
out in the office and we will call the students from the classrooms.
• Parents may only sign out their own child unless the school has received
written permission from the other parent or a phone call.
• No buses or vans will be released until the all clear is given.
• An all clear announcement will be given to signal release time.
• Cowlishaw staff will monitor and assist parents and students during this
emergency delayed dismissal.
Emergency Information/Procedures
Emergency information is located in all classrooms and offices in our building.
An emergency information bin is hung on the wall near the door to each room.
A sufficient number of fire, tornado and emergency drills will be held during the
year in order to familiarize the students with the alarm sound and procedures.
Our school is equipped with a warning system radio for severe weather bulletins.
During tornado warning conditions, all students are directed to designated areas
of cover within the building.
Emergency School Closings
In cases of bad weather or dangerous road conditions, school closings or early
dismissals may be announced over local radio stations. Tune into one of the
following radio and television stations:
Television: CBS (2), WMAQ (5), WLS (7), WGN (9), FOX (12), WGBO (66),
CLTV (Cable)
Radio: WGN (AM 720), WBBM (780 AM), WLS (890 AM), WKKD (1580
AM/95.9FM), WBIG (1280 AM), WSPY (930 AM/107.1FM), WPCB
(1610 AM)
13

2010-11 Cowlishaw Elementary School Parent-Student Handbook
Information will also be listed on the district web site at www.ipsd.org. Cowlishaw
voice mail (630-428-6100) will be updated when school closing notification is
received by the district. A recorded phone call will be sent out through the
connect ed automated phone system.
Emergency Parent Contact Information
It is of the utmost importance that your emergency telephone numbers listed on
the registration and health forms are current. As changes occur during the year,
please contact the office to revise information. Please remember that the
Student Health Information card asks for two people in the nearby area to contact
in the event of an emergency and parents cannot be reached. Working parents
must give us current work numbers where they can be reached.
In case of accident or illness of a student at school, this procedure will be
followed:
1. Provide immediate first aid.
2. Telephone parent.
3. Contact school nurse (depending on the severity).
4. If parents are unavailable, telephone the emergency contact.
5. If the parents and emergency contact are unavailable, and the situation
necessitates it, 911 will be called. Indian Prairie District 204 does not
assume any financial obligation.
Extra Curricular Activities
Intramural activities may be offered this year to grades 2, 3, 4, and 5 students as
before and after school events. Activities will vary from sports to homework club.
Other activities will include band, orchestra, and chorus. Please watch for
additional information about these activities.
Health Policies
The health policies listed below are recommended by the DuPage County Health
Department and are followed at Cowlishaw Elementary School to maintain a safe
and healthy school environment:
1. If your child is running a fever, the health department recommends the
child’s temperature be normal (98.6 F) for 24 hours before returning to
school.
2. Do not send your child to school with a consistent cough or runny nose, as
this infects other children.
3. Keep children home for 24 hours after vomiting and flu symptoms subside.
This helps to ensure a healthy reentry into the classroom.
14

2010-11 Cowlishaw Elementary School Parent-Student Handbook
4. Please report all cases of strep throat and strep-related infections to the
school nurse or health aide.
5. All communicable diseases (chicken pox, head lice, impetigo, mumps,
measles, etc.) are required to be reported to the school nurse. There are
specific requirements and regulations for readmission to school after
communicable diseases.
6. Please do not send children to school with diarrhea or vomiting.
7. A student who has been absent from school for more than 5 days or who
has a communicable disease must present a physician’s release for
readmission to school.
8. If a rash is present, it needs to be evaluated by a physician. A diagnosis
of the underlying cause should be elicited before readmittance to school.
9. If there are signs of conjunctivitis (“pink eye”) with matter/drainage in one
or both eyes, itching, redness, or crust on the eyelid, the child needs to be
evaluated by a physician. Antibiotic therapy needs to be maintained for 24
hours before readmittance to school.
10. Parents must report absences to the office by 9:30 a.m.
11. Please keep your emergency phone numbers and contacts updated!
Again, your help and cooperation in maintaining a healthy school environment is
most appreciated. If you have questions, please contact our School Nurse or our
Health Aide.
Home/School Communications
A quality education occurs with good communication between home and school.
Parents are encouraged to email or telephone the school if they have questions.
The first contact for parents is normally the classroom teacher. However, the
principal is always available to help clarify or resolve situations or problems. Our
goal is always to provide the best possible information and communication.
Email communication is increasingly the way that our school and district will
communicate with families. Please be sure that the office has an accurate email
address for you.
Please check your child’s book bag on a daily basis but especially on Friday
when the Friday Folder of information comes home. Encourage your child to take
15

2010-11 Cowlishaw Elementary School Parent-Student Handbook
responsibility for giving you informational items, community announcements, school
schedules, and newsletters which he/she may carry home in the book
bag. Parent/child communications will be improved through jointly exploring
school work and school communications each day.
Cowlishaw Newsletter
The Cowlishaw PTA will publish the Koala Talk newsletter monthly. Enjoy reading it and
reinforcing school activities with your child. Please retain the calendar enclosed in the
newsletter for important dates. Koala Talk will also be available on our web page at
www.ipsd.org.
Indian Prairie District 204 Handbook
Indian Prairie School District #204 provides a Parent/Student Handbook that contains
information pertinent to the entire school district organization. This handbook will be
available online at www.ipsd.org at the beginning of the school year.
Homework
Cowlishaw Elementary School’s homework guidelines support the BOE Homework
Policy #725.03. Cowlishaw School supports homework assignments as an extension of
the classroom. Homework benefits student learning when it connects to, not replaces,
direct instruction. It should be used for meaningful practice, remediation and to expand
concepts taught in the classroom. Homework begins in an informal fashion becoming
increasingly more formal as the child progresses through the grade levels.
The “Ten Minute Rule” should be applied as a general rule for homework assignments
(ten minutes multiplied by the grade level per night). Included in
the “Ten Minute Rule” time are long term projects but not independent reading
assignments. Time requirements, quality and subject are varied and reasonable within
each grade level. Homework will only be assigned up to 5 nights per week. Each grade
level will inform parents about specific homework guidelines and procedures.
Assignment notebooks will be issued to all students in grades 3-5.
Assessment of student learning should occur in conjunction with instruction. Grades for
that student learning should be based solely on academic achievement that takes place
during instructional time. Although it is appropriate to provide feedback to students on
their quality and completion of homework, this feedback should be kept separate from
that provided on academic achievement.
Library Media Center (LMC)
Our LMC is integrated into the curriculum and is central to the learning process. The
LMC is a service center for all students and includes a computer lab which is used by all
students at various times of the week. Students will have the opportunity to learn about
and effectively use the resources available in the LMC as well as choose personal
reading books.
16

2010-11 Cowlishaw Elementary School Parent-Student Handbook
Book Fines
Students who lose or misuse textbooks or library books will be charged an additional fee
based on the decreased life of the book. Reasonable wear is accepted, but fines will be
imposed for excessive wear or damage.
Lost and Found
We regret that each year our lost and found box has many valuable items that are never
retrieved by the proper owner. Help us avoid this problem by clearly labeling your child’s
clothing and other articles with his/her full name. Remind your child to check in the
Multi-Purpose Room (Lunchroom) for lost items. Feel free to come in to look for the lost
items at any time during the year.
Lunch and Lunchroom Rules
We will have a thirty-five minute lunch/recess period for all grades. Chartwells will
provide a hot lunch program on a daily basis. Lunch must be purchased prior to
receiving it. Sack lunches are needed unless your child is participating in the hot lunch
program. Milk is available this year on a daily basis through Chatwells our lunch
provider and may be paid for by setting up a milk account through Meal Pay Plus.
Forgotten lunches may be dropped off at the office prior to your child’s scheduled lunch
period. Lunches will be placed in the lunchroom for your child to pick up. We will not
interrupt classroom instruction to deliver lunches.
We expect students in the lunchroom to respect the rights and property of others. Good
manners are essential. Please review the following lunchroom rules with your child:
Lunchroom Rules
• Use proper table manners.
• Walk in the lunchroom.
• Maintain inside voices.
• Raise your hand and wait for help.
• Never throw food.
• Properly discard your food and waste, clearing the tables and floor in your area.
• Recycle or reuse lunch containers and any other recyclable materials.
• See Cowlishaw’s Rules of Thumb for more specifics (page 10).
Due to space limitations and the number of students that must be in the lunchroom at
one time, we do not allow parents or siblings to join students for lunch.
Food Allergies
A separate table is provided in the lunchroom for students whose food allergy requires
them to have special seating. Arrangements for other students to sit at these tables are
made through their classroom teacher. Any person sitting at the table is required to
follow food restriction guidelines.
17

2010-11 Cowlishaw Elementary School Parent-Student Handbook
Medication Policy
Administering medication to a child is the responsibility of the parent/guardian. If it
becomes necessary for medication to be given at school, only medications prescribed by
a physician, and under outlined procedures, will be administered. Please contact the
school health office for procedures and details.
Money
Any money sent to school for hot lunch, field trips, book orders, or other appropriate
reasons must be put in a sealed envelope marked with the child’s name, teacher’s
name, purpose of the money, and the amount enclosed.
Parent/Teacher Association
The Cowlishaw PTA, an affiliate of both the Illinois and National PTAs, seeks parent
membership and support in the many projects, events, and activities throughout the
year. General membership meetings, as well as other PTA activities, are included in the
events calendar. Cowlishaw is also represented on the District 204 Indian Prairie
Parents’ Council (IPPC) which works for the betterment of the entire school district.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Communication with your child’s teacher is vital to his/her success in school. Parent-
Teacher conference times are listed on the events calendar in this handbook. If at any
other time you feel the need for a conference, please contact the teacher. We request
that you contact the teacher at least one day prior to the desired conference time or
visitation to make the appropriate arrangements. Classroom visitations are discouraged
during the first/last three weeks of the school year and during testing sessions.
Parent Involvement
Policy
Indian Prairie School District 204 and Cowlishaw Elementary School believe that
parental participation is a very important part of the educational program. We recognize
that parents are concerned about their children’s education and through the use of Title I
funding, we hope to promote strong communication between home and school. In
addition, Cowlishaw School will continue to provide programs, activities and
opportunities for our parents and students supported by Title I.
To ensure effective involvement of parents and to support a partnership within our
school community, listed below are important components to our school program.
• We will provide assistance to parents/guardians in understanding the State’s
academic content standards and State student academic achievement
standards.
• We will provide an explanation of the curriculum in use at the school, the forms of
academic assessment used to measure student progress and the proficiency
levels students are expected to meet.
18

2010-11 Cowlishaw Elementary School Parent-Student Handbook
• We will monitor the academic progress of all children working with
parents/guardians and teachers to improve achievement.
• We will provide parents with opportunities to ask questions and dialogue about
student academic achievement and school performance.
• We will provide materials and training to help parents/guardians work with their
children.
• We will educate teachers and other staff in the value and utility of contributions of
parents/guardians and how to effectively communicate and work with them as
partners.
• We will implement and coordinate programs that will build ties between
parents/guardians and school personnel.
• We will provide parents/guardians with timely information about programs.
• We will offer a variety of opportunities to maximize parental involvement and
participation.
We look forward to a productive and rewarding partnership with the Cowlishaw School
community.
School-Parent Compact
We value your role in working to help your child achieve high academic standards. The
following is an outline of some of the ways that we can together build and maintain a
strong home-school partnership to share the responsibility of supporting your child’s
learning.
School’s Responsibility:
• Provide high quality curriculum and learning materials
• Provide parents with assistance in understanding academic achievement
standards and assessments and how to monitor student progress
• Provide opportunities for ongoing communication between parents and teachers
through:
1. Annual Parent-Teacher Conferences
2. Frequent reports regarding student progress,
3. Opportunities to talk with staff, volunteer in class, and observe classroom
activities
Parent’s Responsibility:
• Encourage your child to attend school regularly
• Encourage your child to show positive school behavior
• Review your child’s homework
• Monitor television watching and encourage positive use of your child’s
extracurricular time
• Volunteer in your child’s school and classroom if time or schedule permits
• Attend parent-teacher conferences and participate, when appropriate, in
decisions relating to the education of your child.
Please review this School-Parent Compact with your child. This School-Parent Compact
may be discussed with you during a parent-teacher conference as it relates to your
child’s school progress.
19

2010-11 Cowlishaw Elementary School Parent-Student Handbook
We thank you in advance for your support and involvement in your child’s education.
Please feel free to contact your child’s teacher or the building principal for further
information.
Parties
Special parties are sponsored by the Cowlishaw PTA throughout the school year.
Parents/guardians involved in the parties must sign in before going to the classrooms.
Due to limited classroom space, siblings are not allowed at the school parties. If parents
or guardians leave before the end of the school day and plan to take their child with
them, they MUST sign the child out in the office.
Pets
Due to safety and health concerns, pets should not be brought into school or on school
grounds before, during or after school. In addition, dogs should not be walked on school
grounds at any time when students are present.
Recess/Playground Rules
All students have a 15 minute recess before lunch. During recess students will be able
to enjoy the playground except for days of extreme weather. Please make sure that
your child is dressed for the outdoors. You may expect that your child will have indoor
recess if the wind chill is 5 o or below. If your child needs to be excused from having
outdoor recess because of medical reasons, please have your physician verify your
request starting with the first day of your request.
Playground Rules
• Play in designated areas only. (Students are to stay in the play area near the
playground. If a ball goes beyond the play area, students should tell a
supervisor. Under no circumstances should the ball be retrieved by the student.)
• Follow directions of supervisors.
• No fighting or tackling.
• Throw nothing on the playground except authorized equipment.
• Play games that are not dangerous or unsafe.
• Respect the rights and property of others.
• For safety reasons, parents should be aware that the playground is not
supervised before 8:50 a.m. (9:00 a.m. on Wednesdays) or after 3:40 p.m. on
school days.
• Student safety is the number one concern at recess.
• See Cowlishaw’s Rules of Thumb for more specifics (page 10).
School Colors and Mascot
Cowlishaw Elementary School colors are green, blue, and black. The mascot is the
koala. Students are encouraged to wear their school colors on Friday spirit days.
20

2010-11 Cowlishaw Elementary School Parent-Student Handbook
Scooters/Skateboards/Roller Blades/Wheeled Sneakers
Scooters, skateboards, and roller blades are not to be brought into school due to safety
concerns.
Wheeled sneakers or “heelys” are not to be worn at any time unless the wheels are
locked or removed from the sneakers. Students who wear these shoes to school without
the wheels removed or locked and who are caught “wheeling” on school grounds will be
required to remove the wheels. The wheels will be kept in the office.
Student Insurance
Student insurance is available for purchase. Forms are available in the office upon
request. Follow the instructions provided on the insurance envelope.
Technology
Cowlishaw is fully wired for voice and data. Each classroom has a link to the outside
world with voice mail, email, and full access to the Internet. The LMC as well as each
classroom are home to computers used to support and enrich the curriculum. Each staff
member has voice mail and an email address (first name_last name@ipsd.org).
Our Board of Education policy allows all students’ access to Internet related activities
during the school day unless the parent signs a form to exclude their child from internet
use. Please contact the office for the form or download it from the district’s website.
Telephone Use/Messages
One of our primary goals is to provide a learning environment free from disruption. It is
for this reason that parent cooperation is requested. Students need to be aware of
dismissal procedures, after school events, and other special arrangements BEFORE
coming to school in the morning.
Please note the following:
1. Students should not expect to use the telephone at school.
2. Students will not be called from class to answer the telephone.
3. Messages will not be delivered unless it is an emergency situation.
4. Plans for after school should be made before school.
5. Teachers will not be called from class.
6. Teachers will not receive phone calls in their classrooms during instructional
times.
7. Forgotten lunches, homework or other miscellaneous items should be delivered
to the school office labeled with your child’s name and classroom teacher’s
name. The office will then pass these items on to the appropriate teacher’s
mailbox. Lunches will be picked up in the lunchroom by your child during their
scheduled lunch period.
At the beginning of the school year, teachers will provide their voice mail numbers to
parents. The ringers for classroom phones are turned off during the day, but messages
can still be left for the teachers. Teachers check their voice mail at the end of the school
day.
21

2010-11 Cowlishaw Elementary School Parent-Student Handbook
Valuables/Toys/Games
As stated in the District 204 Parent/Student Handbook, students are cautioned not to
bring money, cameras or other valuables to school. The school is not responsible for
articles that are lost or stolen. Students should not leave valuables at school.
Balls, toys, and games in any format (including electronic) are not permitted unless
permission is given by the teacher for a special event. The school cannot be
responsible for lost, broken or stolen items. It is best to keep them safe at home.
Visitors
All visitors, even parents, are required by Illinois State Law to report to the office upon
entering the building. Everyone must sign in/out and state the purpose of the visit. Each
visitor will be issued a visitor’s tag to wear while in the building. The front center doors
of the building are equipped with a monitor system. All school doors will be locked after
students have entered the building. When entering the building please use the left-hand
door. Since the interior doors are locked please ring the bell and pull open the second
door. Please note that this precaution will help to insure the safety of our students. All
visitors are required to make prior arrangements before visiting a teacher and/or
classroom. It is most important that classroom instruction not be interrupted for
individual concerns. As always, students’ safety and good educational practice are our
main concern.
Web Page
Please visit our web page at www.ipsd.org.
22