Lower School - Sayre School

Lower School
Parent Handbook
2012-2013

Sayre School
Welcome to Sayre Lower School! This handbook is designed to help you better
understand our school. Even if you think you already know the Lower School, we
urge you to review the contents of this handbook.
Handbooks, by their very nature, are summaries containing only the highlights of a
particular subject. It is not possible to portray the true personality of Sayre’s Lower
School within the pages of this book. The strength of the academic program, the
nurturing school environment, the dedication of the faculty or the enthusiasm of the
students cannot be reduced to the printed word. We urge you to come and spend
some time within our classrooms and experience our school first hand.
The policies, rules and regulations summarized here have been conceived so that
the total school community may live in harmony and safety and thereby take full
advantage of the educational process. It is in this spirit that this handbook has been
written.
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LOWER SCHOOL TEACHER CALENDAR
2012-2013
August 20 Lower School Open House - 10:00-Noon
21 School Opens
30 Lower School Grades K-5 Back-to-School Night - 7:00 p.m.
September 3 Labor Day Holiday – School Closed
20 Picture Day (Lower School)
October 5 Lower School Tour & Information Day 9:30-11:00
11 Fall Break – School Closed, Extended Day Open
12 Fall Break – School Closed, Extended Day Open
18 Lower School Evening Conferences (noon dismissal)
19 Lower School Conference Day/8:00-12:00
26 Halloween in Lower School & Fall Festival
November 20 Grandparents’/Special Persons’ Day (11:30 dismissal)
21-23 Thanksgiving Vacation – School & Extended Day closed
December 6 Holiday Event sponsored by the Parents Association
19 Last Day of School before Holiday Vacation 3:00 p.m. Dismissal
20-2 Holiday Vacation – NO SCHOOL, Extended Day Closed
January 3 Classes Resume
21 M.L.K.’s Birthday - NO SCHOOL – Extended Day Closed
February 11-15 Mid-Winter Break – School Closed
March 8 Sayre Spectacular
15 Lower School Tour & Information Day 9:30-11:00
15 Lower School ½ Day Records Day – (noon dismissal)
21 Lower School Evening Conferences (noon dismissal)
22 Lower School Conference Day/8:00-12:00 noon
April 1-5 Spring Vacation – School Closed
May 10 Lower School Field Day – Grades 1-5
17 Fifth Grade Music Production – 7:00 p.m.
22 Preschool Field Day – Grades PK3-K
23 Last day of Preschool - Regular dismissal times
24 Last day of Lower School - 11:30 dismissal
Fifth Grade Recognition Ceremony – 8:30
For the Lower School calendar and information visit www.sayreschool.org.
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HISTORY OF SAYRE SCHOOL
David Austin Sayre, a man of humble origin who received most of his education by hard
work and experience rather than by formal education, founded Sayre School. David Sayre
was born on March 12, 1793, near Madison, New Jersey, and was apprenticed as a youth
to a silversmith. In 1811, Sayre left his home traveling west to Lexington in pursuit of his
trade. Within a short time, he became his own master and eventually expanded into
banking where he accumulated a large fortune. During the course of his life, and with the
counsel of his wife, Abby, he donated a large portion of his wealth to the Presbyterian
Church and to numerous local charities. In 1854, convinced of the need for female
education, he founded a school for girls located on the corner of Mill and Church
Streets. The school proved to be highly successful and within a year outgrew its original
location. As a result, in 1856, Mr. Sayre purchased a five-acre tract on Limestone Street
(Johnson’s Grove) and the school moved to its present location.
Since 1856, the school has continued to grow and expand despite periods of crisis - most
notably during the American Civil War and the late 1940s. In 1876, boys were admitted to
the Primary Department and the school established the first kindergarten program in the
state. For a short time, the school became a junior college granting a two-year degree
(1908-1922) along with a regular high school diploma. The college was discontinued in
1922 and in 1947, due to declining enrollment; the school closed the high school.
In 1961, the Board of Trustees believing in Lexington’s need for a co-educational, college
preparatory school began a campaign to renovate and expand the campus. By 1963, the
C.V. Whitney Gymnasium (renovated in 2000) and the Headley-de Waal (renovated in
2002) buildings had been constructed, and in 1965 the first high school class of the “New
Era” graduated. Further additions to the campus include the Marie Louise Whitney Lower
School Building (1971), the Edward F. Simms Library (1973), the Johnson-McCoy
Building (1980), the Violet Milton Price Combs Garden (1980), the Field Oldham
Playground (1984 and renovated in 1998), the Edith A. Whitaker Fine Arts Center (1987),
the Parker House (2000), and the Buttery (2001). A technology center (1996) occupies
part of the library, and a wireless, state-of-the-art Upper School was opened in January
2003. Since the first graduating class of the “New Era” in 1965, the school has graduated
over 1,500 young men and women. Now in the Twenty-first Century, the school
continues to expand its campus, its enrollment, and its progressive curriculum fulfilling
its founder’s dream.
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SAYRE SCHOOL MISSION
In 1854, David A. Sayre established Sayre School to provide an “education of the widest
range and highest order.” Today, our school community upholds that mission by fostering
an enthusiasm for learning, respecting the unique contributions of its members, cultivating
personal integrity, and equipping students for further education and fruitful lives.
PHILOSOPHY
Founded in 1854 in Lexington, Kentucky, Sayre School is an independent co-educational
college preparatory day school, serving students from pre-school through twelfth grade.
Sayre promotes intellectual, emotional, physical, social and aesthetic growth in each of
its students and fosters enthusiasm for learning and discovery. The school strives to help
each student realize his or her intrinsic worth, develop critical thinking, acquire selfdiscipline,
and establish a moral framework.
Students participate in a wide range of courses and extracurricular activities in a
community that appreciates individual interests, talents and skills. The rigorous
curriculum stretches the intellect and promotes creativity, building the proper foundation
for higher education. Sayre teachers provide innovative and differentiated instruction and
supportive interaction with students; students develop independent and analytical thinking
skills and learn to communicate effectively with adults and each other.
Woven through all of Sayre’s endeavors is the objective of developing character. We help
students understand the meaning of honorable behavior, the importance of accountability,
the mandate of citizenship. Our downtown location extends the boundaries of the
classroom, providing us with a rich array of resources for learning and service in our
community.
Sayre students, teachers, administrators, staff, parents, trustees, and alumni share a spirit
of mutual respect and kindness and a commitment to lifelong learning. We value equity,
social justice and the diverse perspectives of a multicultural world. Our community
honors tradition and embraces the future.
ratified by the Board of Trustees
March 18, 2004
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Lower School Faculty and Staff
Roberta Wykoff
Luanne Stiles
Prekindergarten
Anna Brewster – PK-3
Meghan Brady – Assistant
Beth Pitman – PK-4
Kaye Kaplan – Assistant
Michelle Simpson – PK-4
Alana Stuart - Assistant
1st Grade
Pam Brown
Lower School/Preschool Director
Assistant to the Lower School Director
Kindergarten
Barbara Asbury
Beth King – Assistant
Montessori
Emily Webb
Kimberly Moynahan – Assistant
Community Matters
Jason Nahra
2nd Grade
Special Teachers
Eve Greathouse
Amy Allen – Art Grade 5 & Middle School
Carol Miller Tiffany Conley – Spanish Preschool - 2, 6 & 8
Georgia Henkel – Art Preschool - 4
3rd Grade Jennifer Hurst – Music/Band/Chorus 4 & 5
Anne Gross Sarah Kuchera – Music Preschool - 3
Patty Ryan Deborah Melear – Science 2 - 5
Ola Samadi – French 3 - 5
4th Grade
Joan Skees - Computer
Susan Keegan
Michele O’Rourke
Math Specialist
Amy Sheehan
5th Grade
Martha Heil
Reading Specialist Lower School
Glenda Kesling
Colleen Cornelius
School Counselor
Blythe Jamieson
Academic Services
Alison Brown
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DAILY OPERATION
ABSENTEES
Parents are asked to call the Lower School office by 10:00 a.m. when their child will
be absent. Upon request, assignments for absent children will be collected on a daily
basis and sent to the office. If a student misses school due to a family vacation, daily
assignments are collected during the period and given to the student when he/she returns.
When possible please arrange for personal vacations only during scheduled school
vacation times. Pre-arranged absences - Absences due to medical appointments or
religious holidays should be arranged with the classroom teacher in advance. The student
should bring a note to his/her teacher indicating:
1. the time the student will leave school
2. the estimated time he/she will return
3. the nature of the absence
AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
There are a variety of activities offered to Lower School students throughout the year
such as scouts, chess, chorus, music lessons and art programs. Please read our weekly
Lower School Notes to learn about each year’s offerings.
AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM
Sayre offers an Extended Day Program to its families that allow students to remain on
campus until 5:45 p.m. This program operates from the Johnson-McCoy Building and is
open to all Preschool and Lower School students. This is not a drop-in day care situation,
thus students must be enrolled in advance with the Extended Day Director. Parents may
opt to send their child from one day to five days per week. There is an additional fee for
this service.
ARRIVAL
Children may begin arriving in the Lower School at 7:30 a.m. but do not go into their
classrooms until 7:50 a.m. Preschoolers and Lower Schoolers are supervised in two
different locations by a duty teacher until they are dismissed to their rooms at 7:50 a.m.
Preschoolers & Kindergarteners come into the Lower School and go to one designated
classroom from 7:30-7:50. Lower Schoolers grades 1-5 go directly to the gym from 7:30-
7:50. The school day begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. (M, W, Th. & F) and ends at
2:15 p.m. (Tues.) for full-day kindergarten, grades one through five and older Montessori
students. Student will gather outside for dismissal at 3:00 p.m. (M, W, Th. & F) and 2:10
(Tues.) Students who are tardy in the morning must report to the office before going to their
classrooms. Students still at school 15 minutes after dismissal will be taken to the Extended
Day Program. Parents will be charged an appropriate late fee for this service.
Morning drop-off takes place on the blacktop driveway in front of the Lower School.
There are two lanes of traffic that stop at the crosswalk to let out children. Parents
should not leave their car once they have entered these lanes. If parents need to park to
accompany children into the Lower School, they must do so in the front circle, blacktop
behind gym or visitor parking. FOR SAFETY REASONS CELL PHONES SHOULD
NOT BE USED DURING DROP-OFF & PICK-UP.
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MARIE LOUISE WHITNEY LOWER SCHOOL
MARIE LOUISE WHITNEY LOWER SCHOOL
First Floor
(Basement)
102
103
114
113
112 C C B 108
104
C
106 107
Second Floor
(Middle)
202
205
206
208
207
222
219
218 C C B 214
209
C
213
Third Floor
(Top)
301
302
303
314
313
312 C C B 308
304
C
306
307
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ATTENDANCE
Daily attendance is taken each morning after announcements and sent to the office.
Children are considered tardy if they arrive after morning announcements which occur at
approximately 8:05. The Lower School office keeps a record of attendance as well as the
classroom teacher. Children are not counted absent for religious holidays.
BIRTH CERTIFICATES
All students enrolled in Sayre Lower School must have a birth certificate on file in the
Lower School office.
BULLYING/HARASSMENT PHILOSOPHY AND PROCEDURES
It is the mission of Sayre School to foster and provide an environment that encourages,
supports, and values the individual, her/his person, and property. Therefore, we do not
endorse or condone, accept or abide any form of bullying/harassment, be it emotional,
physical, psychological, or sexual, and we encourage bystanders to bullying/harassment
to speak up against the behavior and to report the aggressor.
Bullying/harassment includes, but is not limited to:
Punching, shoving, and other acts that hurt people physically
Behaviors or actions that cause emotional pain
Spreading bad rumors about people
Keeping certain people out of a “group,” or other means of exclusion
Teasing people in a mean way
Getting certain people to “gang up” on others
Sending mean text, email, instant messages, pictures or videos
Posting inappropriate pictures or messages about others in blogs or on websites
Impersonating someone online to spread rumors or lies about someone
Simply put, bullying/harassing is the act of hurting one person or a group of people repeatedly
as a way for the bully to feel superior, and we realize that recognizing acts of bullying/
harassment is a complex and personal social issue. As an independent school, we know
that a one-size-fits-all, zero tolerance disciplinary policy is ineffectual and often
counterproductive to our mission. Therefore, our approach is both programmatic and
disciplinary. We work with the victim and his/her parents to provide them with both emotional
support and strategies; we encourage spectators of bullying/harassment to report the aggressor,
and we discipline the aggressor with appropriate consequences, from punitive to therapeutic.
Reported incidents will be handled as sensitively as possible. However, as part of the
school’s response, victims, bullies, and by-standers will be addressed about specific issues.
Standards of Practice:
• Clearly defined expectations
• Clarification of terms
• School-wide and age- appropriate programs including: LS class meetings using
the Responsive Classroom model; Kindergarten and fifth grade buddies;
Community Matters (life skills classes) and grade level meetings in Lower and
Middle Schools; advisory groups in Middle and Upper Schools; student clubs
such as the Gay Straight Alliance, Anti-Harassment Committee, Community
Matters Club in US; and Kids to Kids program
• Escalating consequences for incidents of bullying/harassment
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• Parent contact for repeated or egregious behaviors
• Documentation of bullying/harassment incidents kept in individual student
division files
• Structured opportunities for aggressive students to think about their actions
and make amends
• Work with bullied students and their parents to facilitate strategies for
positive interactions
Tips For Parents:
• Talk to your child about the definitions of bullying/harassment shared by the school
• Encourage your child to talk to you about his/her social life, but avoid
questioning too directly and too often to draw attention to everyday interactions
• Share strategies to stop bullying/harassment that are developmentally appropriate
• Watch for parent education sessions offered by the school on the topic
• If an incident occurs outside of school, we encourage parents to speak to each
other directly
• Incidents that take place outside of school sometimes impact the social
climate at school. The school will intervene appropriately as needed
• Contact teachers, administrators, and/or the counselor if you have
questions or concerns
BUTTERY
All children in grades Preschool – 5th eat lunch in the Buttery on Sayre’s campus. This
lunch is included in the tuition. Students may also bring packed lunches from home.
Outside food from restaurants is not allowed.
CELLPHONES
(See Electronics)
COMMUNICATION
Each Wednesday, the Lower School office issues a weekly newsletter entitled “Lower
School Notes” that is posted on the Sayre website. You will be sent a weekly email with
a link to this website and the Wednesday Notes. Faculty in grades one through five write
course overviews each quarter and narrative comments on report cards for the 2nd and 4th
quarters in addition to monthly classroom newsletters.
Parents will be notified if a student is not progressing or if behavior is not what is
expected. Parents are advised to speak to the Division Head about any unusual behavior
or family situation that might affect the child’s performance at school.
CONDUCT
An important factor in a student’s academic success is a safe and nurturing environment.
One of the main components of our curriculum is the social and emotional dimension as
it pertains to one’s behavior. Students are encouraged to reflect upon the choices they make
and the consequences a specific choice carries, realizing that one’s behavior not only
affects the person responsible but those around him/her. Expectations are as follows:
1. Whether inside or outside the classroom, students must fully respect in
action and word their classmates, teachers and other adults, recognizing
that each is a unique individual.
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2. Students must recognize the right of every individual to learn.
3. Students must take responsibility for their own behavior.
4. Students must be honest in all dealings with their peers, teachers and other adults.
Sayre believes that when dealing with an infraction of these rules it is our responsibility
to help it become a learning opportunity for those involved. We want students to
understand what acceptable behavior is and work towards exhibiting that behavior. If a
student makes a poor choice, reflection and understanding the effects of their behavior are
very important. They must also be able to look at other ways in which they could have
handled the situation. Students must accept the consequences of their behavior and work
to rectify the situation in a positive fashion.
Behavior issues will mostly be handled by teachers so that the situation may be resolved
as quickly as possible. In situations where a behavior becomes habitual or is not able to
be resolved in a successful manner the child will then be referred to the Director. The
following offenses require immediate referral to the Director where parents may be asked
to attend a conference at school. Also, a summary of the incident and resolution is written
up with a copy mailed home to parents and one placed on file in the Lower School.
1. Physical altercations with any student or adult.
2. Damage to another’s property.
3. Overt disrespect or abusive language to another person.
4. Conduct detrimental to the standards of the school.
5. Physical or emotional harassment. (See Bullying/Harassment Philosophy
and Procedures)
Sayre reserves the right to suspend a student for a set period of time or demand
withdrawal when conduct is detrimental to the school and its members.
DISMISSAL – end of school day
Preschoolers dismiss at 12:00. The five-year-old Montessori students and full day
kindergarten students will gather out front at 3:00 (M, W, & F) for dismissal and 2:10
(Tues.) for the 2:15 p.m. dismissal along with grades 1-5. Dismissal takes place in front
of the Lower School Building. Two lanes of traffic are formed in the driveway in front of
the Lower School. Indoor dismissal will be held during inclement weather. You will be
provided with name cards for car windows to be used at dismissal. This will facilitate
the pick-up process and help the faculty to properly identify family cars during dismissal.
Please put these name cards in the front window of your car preferably behind the sun
visor facing outward. When parents wish that their child’s normal dismissal pattern
be changed, a note to the office is required. We cannot allow children to go home with
another child or to be picked up by a stranger without parents’ written consent.
For safety reasons cell phones should not be used during pick-up.
EARLY DISMISSAL
All divisions of Sayre School will dismiss early on Tuesdays. The Lower School will go
out front at 2:10 for the 2:15 dismissal. The Middle and Upper Schools will follow at
2:35. This early dismissal is designed to provide faculty with additional after school time
for professional development.
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DRESS CODE
We believe that standards of neatness and appropriateness in clothing encourage an
atmosphere more conducive to learning. Appearance reflects respect for School and
Self. The purpose for the student dress code is to contribute in a positive way to the daily
school learning environment. Modifications will be made as the activity warrants.
The following applies to all students Pre-K 3 through 5th grade unless otherwise
noted. In addition to the following, the school reserves the right to address any dress
issue that is deemed distracting to the learning environment.
Note: No denim clothing of any type is permitted (Except for PK-3, PK- 4, and Montessori).
Females:
Clothing that IS permitted includes:
• dress shorts (during the months of August, September, October, April and May only),
• skirts or dresses (no more than 4 inches above the knee),
• slacks,
• buttoned-down shirts (all shirts with long tails must be tucked in),
• turtlenecks,
• collared knit shirts,
• shirts with a jewel neck or a banded collar that is part of short/pant matching set or
worn under a jumper,
• sweaters,
• Sayre t-shirts (they are the only t-shirt that may be worn and must be solid in color),
• Sayre sweatshirts with or without a hood (they are the only sweatshirts that may be worn),
• leggings if worn with a skirt or long tunic top that covers the child’s entire bottom (no
shorter than 4” above the knee),
• tennis shoes (must be clean),
• any well-kept casual shoe or dress shoes (no high heel),
Please note:
• belts are worn with all pants having belt loops;
• it is expected that all shirts will totally cover the midriff;
• it is expected that all leggings be long and worn with a skirt or tunic top that totally
covers the bottom;
• all shorts, dresses, and skirts must be of an appropriate length (no shorter than 4 inches
above the knee or at the discretion of the Lower School Office);
• all tops must be appropriately modest for school (no thin straps).
Clothing that is NOT permitted includes:
• any clothing with words or lettering (other than Sayre School),
• oversized slacks or shorts,
• short shorts (any short that is shorter than 4” above the knee),
• denim/jeans (whether it be blue, black, white, red, etc.),
• sweatshirts that do not say Sayre,
• clogs, flip flops of any kind, croc-style shoes or shoes with wheeled inserts,
• t-shirts (other than Sayre logo),
• spaghetti-strapped shirts, strapless tops or low cut shirts,
• hats,
• torn clothing,
• athletic apparel or sweatpants,
• spandex, skin tight shorts, or cargo-style pants or shorts that do not have pockets that lie flat.
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Males:
Clothing that IS permitted includes:
• dress shorts (during the months of August, September, October, April and May only),
• slacks,
• buttoned-down shirts (all shirts with long tails tucked in),
• turtlenecks,
• collared knit shirts (all shirts with long tails must be tucked in),
• sweaters,
• Sayre t-shirts (they are the only t-shirt that can be worn and must be solid in color),
• Sayre sweatshirts with or without a hood (they are the only sweatshirt that can be worn),
• tennis shoes (must be clean),
• any well-kept casual or dress shoe,
Please note:
• belts are worn with all pants having belt loops;
• it is expected that all shorts be of an appropriate length and that no oversized slacks or
shorts will be worn.
• shirts with a banded collar may be worn by boys in preschool through 3rd grade if they
are a part of short/pant matching set.
Clothing that is NOT permitted includes:
• any clothing with words or lettering (other than Sayre School),
• oversized slacks or shorts,
• denim/jeans (whether it be blue, black, white, red, etc.),
• sweatshirts that do not say Sayre,
• t-shirts that do not say Sayre,
• sweat pants, camouflage, or cargo-style pants or shorts that do not have pockets that lie flat,
• hats,
• torn clothing,
• athletic apparel,
• clogs, flip flops of any kind, or croc-style shoes or shoes with wheeled inserts.
Special Program Dress:
Beginning in Kindergarten, girls must wear dresses, skirts and blouses or dressy pants
outfits of any color or pattern on Special Program days. Dress shoes are required. Boys
must wear jackets or dress sweater with dress shirt, tie, and dress shoes. Jacket or sweater
is optional during September and May. (Please note: If this is a PE day for your child he/
she must also bring PE clothes and sneakers and/or appropriate shoes for recess.)
Dress Down/Spirit Days:
A Dress Down/Spirit Day will be scheduled at least one time during each month. On these
days and the many others that warrant a more casual dress, the dress code is relaxed and
students may wear jeans. Sayre logo t-shirts and sweatshirts are preferred to show Sayre
spirit, cargo pants/shorts, and jeans are permitted on these days. To dress down children
must bring in a dollar donation for our ongoing classroom/school service projects.
Dress Code Infractions:
On a regular school day students will be given one warning for a dress code infraction
with a dress code infraction slip sent home to parents. If a second infraction occurs,
parents will be asked to bring a change of clothes for their child. The child will not be
permitted to return to the classroom until properly dressed. On a special program day
students will be sent to the office and a call home will be made for proper clothing. If
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the parent is unable to bring dress clothes the student will be given a warning but may be
required to sit out of the special program. If a second infraction occurs, a call home for
dress clothes will be made, the student will sit out of the special program and a parent
conference will be scheduled with the Director.
ELECTRONICS
Because of possible disruption and the expense of personal electronic devices, cell
phones, iPods, Game Boys and other electronic entertainment equipment are not allowed
at school. On special days when electronic equipment would be allowed the teacher will
notify parents in advance.
EXTENDED DAY
(See After-School Program).
HOMEWORK CLINIC/STUDY BUDDIES
(See Support Services).
IMMUNIZATION & EYE EXAM REQUIREMENTS
Sayre School is required by the state of Kentucky to have on file a copy of each enrolled
student’s immunization records. This information must be on a Commonwealth of
Kentucky Immunization Certificate. These records must be valid through the current
school year. These medical records must be sent to the registrar (attn: Luanne Stiles)
before your child enters school in August or within 30 days from entering.
a) State law as of 1/1/98 requires that all students, within 30 days of their fourth
birthday have the following shots: 5th DPT, 4th Polio Vaccine and 2nd MMR.
b) All students entering Kindergarten, or born October 1, 1992, or later are
required to have three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine.
c) State law as of 7/31/01 requires that all students entering preschool, or born
August 1, 1995, or later are required to have the Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine
before entering school. This vaccine is required unless a parent or physician
states that the child has already had chickenpox disease.
d) State law mandates that all students entering preschool through kindergarten
or any new student entering school have an eye exam from an ophthalmologist
or optometrist. This is mandatory.
LUNCH
(See Buttery).
MEDICATION
Families should let the office know if their child begins or changes a medication. This
is necessary in order for the school to provide appropriate support and follow-up. All
medical information is confidential and given out on a need to know basis.
Prescription drugs may not be sent to school with a student for self administration.
The Lower School office will dispense prescription medication to students upon
written instructions from parents. Non-prescription medication (Tylenol, etc.) will be
administered after phone approval from parents.
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MESSAGES & PHONES
Arrangements for after-school activities should be made before students come to school
in the morning. Students will not be called from class to take or make phone calls.
Messages will be given to students when class time will not be interrupted.
NEWSLETTER
Each Wednesday, our weekly newsletter called “Lower School Notes” will be posted on
the Sayre website. You will receive a weekly email with a link to the Wednesday Notes.
This newsletter is also available to non-custodial parents.
PARTIES
Parties are very important social times in the lives of our children. Every attempt should
be made to be inclusive and respectful of children’s feelings. Invitations to parties may
be distributed at school only when all students in a class are invited or when all members
of the same sex are included.
RECESS
All Preschool and Lower School students have a daily outdoor recess. Children should be careful
to dress for the weather, as outdoor playtime will occur daily unless it is raining or lightning.
ROOM PARENTS
Each Preschool and Lower School teacher will ask for parent volunteers to serve as
room mothers/fathers. The responsibilities vary according to the needs of the individual
teacher; however, most room mothers/fathers assist with class parties, fall festival and
organizing volunteers for field trips, etc.
SCHOOL CLOSING
All determinations as to whether school will be canceled or delayed will be made in
the morning of a given day. Only in emergency situations will decisions be made
earlier. Student safety will be the prime concern in any decision, yet since our school
community comes from several counties, parents should determine for themselves the
advisability of attending classes. Sayre has instituted a telephone broadcast system that
will enable school personnel to notify all households by phone within minutes of an
emergency or unplanned event that causes early dismissal, school cancellation, or a late
start. Sayre will continue to report school closings on local television and radio stations.
Additionally, information about closings and delays will be available on the Sayre School
website home page (www.sayreschool.org).
One-hour delay - Sayre may choose to delay morning classes one hour rather than cancel
school entirely. This delay will be announced via the same channels as stated above.
When school is on a one-hour delay, dismissal takes place at the regular time.
SECURITY SYSTEM
During the school day, parents/visitors may access the Lower School by coming to the
main entrance and ringing the bell. This entrance is monitored by a video camera which
alerts the Lower School’s administrative assistant, Mrs. Stiles, to visitors. All parents/
visitors must then come to the Lower School office, sign-in and receive a visitor’s
pass. Students who leave early for appointments or due to illness must be signed out by
their parents or guardian.
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SNACKS
We cannot over stress the importance of parents working with us to help children
make healthy food choices. Research shows that children function better throughout a
school day when snacks are healthy and not filled with sugar and empty calories. With
the high level of allergies, food that is low in additives and sugar is a better choice. Due to
peanut allergies the Lower School has decided to become nut free. IMPORTANT: Due
to continual changes in manufacturer packaging, please read the ingredient label of
all snacks, including those on this list, to ensure that it does not contain any of the
following: peanuts/nuts, peanut/nut butter, peanut oil, peanut/nut flour, peanut/nut
meal, or any variety of the statements, “Contains peanuts,” “May contain traces of
peanuts/nuts,” or “Manufactured in a facility or on equipment that also processes
peanuts (and/or other nuts).” Information will be sent home at the beginning of the
year on healthy/nut free snack selections. Please read this information very carefully.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS DAY
Beginning in Kindergarten, girls must wear dresses, skirts and blouses or dressy pants
outfits of any color or pattern on Special Program days. Dress shoes are required (Uggs,
and sneakers are not considered dress shoes.) Boys must wear jackets or dress sweater
with dress shirt, tie, and dress shoes. Jacket or sweater is optional during September and
May. (Please note: If this is a PE day for your child he/she must also bring PE clothes and
sneakers and/or appropriate shoes for recess.) Please be sure to look at each Wednesday’s
Lower School Notes to determine if Friday Dress clothes will be worn that week.
STRUCTURE OF THE LOWER SCHOOL
There are two divisions within the Lower School. The Preschool division includes
Montessori, the pre-kindergarten three-year old class, and pre- kindergarten four-year old
class. The other division which we refer to as Lower School encompasses the elementary
grades kindergarten through five. These two divisions come together for many school
activities, but at times throughout the year may have different schedules.
TOYS
Because of possible disruption, toy items such as dolls, trucks, cards, or games are not
allowed at school. On special days when items like these would be allowed such as
reports being given or special events the office will notify parents in advance.
VISITORS AND VOLUNTEERING
Sayre is a family-oriented school that warmly welcomes parents to participate in school
life. Parents are invited to hear speakers, attend special programs, and visit classes.
Parents are also encouraged to become active volunteers and to share their time and
talents with the school community. Parental involvement gives vitality and strength to
the school and gives the volunteer a clearer understanding and appreciation of Sayre.
For security purposes all visitors including parents must report to the Lower School
office to sign-in and receive a visitor’s pass before going into classrooms.
The Head of School, Division Heads, and faculty welcome conferences, by appointment.
If parents wish to visit classes, kindly make an appointment two days in advance.
This will help us avoid visits during field trips or tests. Please do not call on teachers
unannounced before the start of the school day. This is a time when faculty members are
assembling materials for the day’s activities.
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ACADEMIC POLICIES
CLASS PLACEMENT
The Lower School’s student placement process is a team effort orchestrated with great care.
The Lower School teachers and Director work together, following a set criteria to insure an
appropriate class placement for each student. If parents would like to share in this process,
they may write a letter to the Lower School Director. This letter may not contain requests
for individual teachers, but rather give the school additional information that will help us in
selecting the right classroom for their child. Parents should be assured that with or without
a letter, the Lower School Director and staff will review each child’s needs individually and
select the classroom in which we believe he/she will meet with success.
CONFERENCES
The school calendar includes two scheduled Parent/Teacher Conference Days. Parents
will receive a postcard in the mail informing them of their scheduled time. Conferences
are arranged at 30 minute intervals. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend these
regularly scheduled conferences which take place at the end of the first and third quarters.
Special teachers are also available during these times. If you would like to see a specialist
on conference days, please contact that teacher directly to set up an appointment. On these
days, Preschool and Lower School students are not in attendance. It is never necessary to
wait for scheduled conferences to meet with teachers. Parents are encouraged to call or
meet with teachers whenever they have questions or concerns. It is particularly helpful
for parents to keep the School informed of significant events in the family that might
have an impact on the child’s performance at school. Family illnesses, death, divorce or
separation are all examples of events that can affect children dramatically.
HOMEWORK (See Homework Clinic/Study Buddies also)
Homework is designed and applied in a manner that is consistent with the school
philosophy that all children can and want to learn and have varied learning styles.
Knowing that children learn in different ways, homework can be a powerful and positive
learning tool. It shouldn’t be busy work, but an undertaking that engages the student in a
meaningful fashion. Taking into account the needs of the family and their personal time,
assigning homework in the Lower School is not based upon a certain amount of time per
grade level, but rather the rationale behind the assignment. The Lower School faculty
considers the following criteria when assigning homework:
• Practice that reinforces newly acquired skills.
• Individualized skills that build upon the strengths and learning styles of each
student.
• Foundation building that prepares students for upcoming work in a class.
• Extension that transfers skills or concepts to new situations.
• Creativity that promotes higher level thinking, demonstrates a new level of
understanding, or integrates information to produce original responses.
SPECIALIST TEACHERS
Students in the Preschool and Lower School receive instruction from specialists in these
areas: computer, art, music, French or Spanish, library, and physical education. Students
in grades two, three, four and five receive instruction in science lab.
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STANDARDIZED TESTING
Standardized testing is given during the spring of grades three and five. The Stanford
Achievement Test and Otis Lennon School Ability Test are used. Results are mailed
to parents when they are received, usually in late May. The School encourages parents
to remember that test scores are only a small part of a student’s total profile. Teacher
recommendations, progress reports and the student’s work must also be considered.
REPORT CARDS
Report cards are posted on-line for students in grades one through five at the end of
each 9-week quarter. Preschool parents’ reports are posted on-line at the end of each
semester. At the midpoint of the nine-week grading period, midterm progress reports
will be sent home to children working below average in any subject. Midterm progress
reports may also be used to make note of improvements. All new students receive
midterm progress reports at the midpoint of the first nine-week quarter.
SUPPORT SERVICES
ACADEMIC SERVICES
Sayre offers an Academic Services Program (AS) for students who may be experiencing
learning difficulty. AS staff are trained and experienced in helping children with learning
differences.
AS offers an array of services, one of which includes direct, individualized instruction.
This instruction is provided by one of the AS staff and is coordinated with the student’s
regular classroom teacher. The staff provides appropriate intervention for students
with identified learning issues, reinforce content covered in the classroom and teach
compensatory learning strategies. There is a fee, above tuition, for this service, and the
parents of participating students will be billed. For some students, continued enrollment
at Sayre may be contingent upon participation in AS. Written parent permission for
student placement in AS, for observations of specific students referred by teachers or
parents, and for extensive modifications in classroom learning will be secured. Specific
questions about this program policies and procedures should be referred to the AS
director or the administration.
COUNSELING SERVICES
Blythe Jamieson, MSW, is the Sayre School Counselor. Her office is located on the
second floor of the Library. She works with students, parents, and faculty in all three
divisions. Sayre School counseling services include student education and counseling,
parent and teacher education and training, parent and teacher consultation regarding
students (which may involve observations), and referral to resources in the community as
needed. Students who require intensive, long-term support for mental health issues are
referred to necessary services outside of school. The counselor serves as an advocate for
students in their academic, social, personal, and emotional development.
Confidentiality is integral to a successful counseling program. The Sayre School policy
is based on the American School Counselor Association ethical guidelines regarding
confidentiality. Counseling sessions with students are confidential. Counseling records
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are also confidential and are not part of the student’s educational record. The following
are situations in which confidentiality may be broken:
• The student presents a threat of danger to self or others.
• The student requests or gives permission for the sharing of information
with specified others.
• Court order.
• Suspected neglect or abuse (physical, sexual, or emotional) will be reported to
the appropriate authorities.
• In a group situation, confidentiality is stressed, but difficult to guarantee.
Students may request to see the counselor or be referred by teachers and/or parents.
Open communication among students and parents is encouraged and may be facilitated as
part of the counseling process. Parents with any questions or concerns about counseling
should contact Blythe Jamieson. Sayre School is committed to providing a safe,
supportive environment for students and their families.
HOMEWORK CLINIC/STUDY BUDDIES
Homework Clinic is an after school program and is open to students in grades 4-5 and
meets weekly Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:15-5:15 and 2:15-4:15 on
Tuesdays. It is designed to help students with organization and study skills as well as
assist with specific homework assignments. Study Buddies is an after school program
for Grades 1-3 and meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:15 to 4:15. It is
designed to help students in completing their homework as well as provide assistance as
needed. Learning activities such as spelling and math games and independent reading
will also be provided. The is an additional fee for this service.
SPEECH PATHOLOGY
All students, referred by parents or teachers, are screened by a licensed Speech and
Language Pathologist whose office is located in the Lower School. This initial screening
is provided by the School. Parents are then charged a fee for any additional services
provided by the Speech and Language Pathologist.
SPECIAL EVENTS/PROGRAMS
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
Shortly after the opening of school, parents are invited to an evening informational
program about the Lower School and their child’s class in particular.
BIRTHDAYS
Students in the Lower School may celebrate their birthdays by providing a special snack
for their classmates. This should be pre-arranged with the classroom teacher. Please
remember our nut-free policy when sending in birthday treats. Birthday invitations
may be distributed at school only when all students in a class are invited or when all
members of one sex are included.
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BIRTHDAY BOOK CLUB
This program is sponsored by the Sayre Library. The Birthday Book Club allows
students to make a gift to the Library in honor of their birthday. Please be sure to look for
information about this special program in the fall of the year.
BOOK FAIRS
Book Fairs are fundraisers for the Library. Parents and students are encouraged to buy
books with the proceeds benefiting the Library. The fall Book Fair usually coincides with
the Fall Festival. A second Book Fair occurs in the spring.
CLASS PARTIES
Class parties are held to celebrate the following holidays: Halloween, Christmas/
Hanukkah, and Valentine’s Day. Most classroom teachers will arrange parties via the
Room Parent. Please be alert to information coming from school at these special times.
COMMUNITY MATTERS
The Community Matters Coordinator meets with children in grades one through five
on a regular basis. The program uses a variety of modalities to deal with topics such as
self-awareness, self-esteem, communication skills, good decision making skills, creating
and maintaining healthy relationships and community building. Community Matters
philosophy ties nicely with Responsive Classroom.
FALL FESTIVAL
The Sayre Parents’ Association converts the gym and surrounding areas on campus into a
carnival-like atmosphere. The Fall Festival is usually held on a Friday afternoon in October.
FIELD DAYS
During the last month of School, all Preschoolers and Lower Schoolers enjoy a day of
planned outdoor events. Specific information will be sent home well in advance of these
special days.
FIELD TRIPS
Teachers plan field trips to various places during the course of the year to enhance the
academic program. All Preschool and Lower School students take field trips throughout
the year. Please be sure to read all notes/letters sent home which will alert families to the
specific details of these special events.
FIFTH GRADE RECOGNITION PROGRAM
On the last day of school, fifth grade students are recognized with a special program in
their honor. Academic awards as well as the prestigious Amos Lawrence & Karen M.
Ulack Awards are given.
GRANDPARENTS’/SPECIAL PERSONS’ DAY
Each year Grandparents of Preschool and Lower School students are invited to campus
for a morning of special events. Please check this year’s calendar for the exact date.
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LOWER SCHOOL SERVICE LEARNING PROJECTS
Our Lower School service project is a program where on dress down/spirit days each
student in grades Preschool-5 is asked to bring in a dollar of his or her earned money in
order to help local charities in the Lexington area. We stress that the money be earned
by the giver because it will make the effort more personal and meaningful. At the end of
the school year all collected money is donated to select organizations that impact the lives
of children in a positive way. The Lower School also sponsors other service learning
projects, such as can drives or clothing drives.
LOWER SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE
On the day before opening day, Lower School students are invited to “drop-in” and
briefly meet their new teachers. The goal of this short visit is to make the first day of
school a more comfortable experience for children.
PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL (PAC)
An advisory group of parents, selected by the director of the Lower School, meets on a
monthly basis to discuss and give input regarding programming and activities.
SAYRE SPECTACULAR
The Sayre Spectacular, usually held in the early spring, is Sayre’s major fundraising event
and is organized by a special parent committee. The Spectacular raises money for special
school projects.
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NOTES

Sayre School
194 North Limestone Street
Lexington, Kentucky 40507-1121
859-254-1361 Telephone
859-231-0508 Facsimile
www.sayreschool.org
Clayton G. Chambliss, Headmaster
Students and parents are responsible
for all the information found in
this handbook.