crestdale elementary school mission statement vision statement ...

JANUARY3 rd ............... .......................................... Return from Winter Break12 th ............... 6:00 pm ............................. PTO Meeting17 th ............... .......................................... MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY – NO SCHOOL20 th ............... 6:00-8:00 pm .................... School SkateFEBRUARY9 th ............... 6:00-7:15 pm .................... Science/Health Fair Night15 th ............... 4:00-6:00 pm .................... School Skate16 th ............... 6:00 pm ............................. PTO Meeting21 st ............... .......................................... PRESIDENT’S DAY – NO SCHOOL24 th ............... .......................................... 2 nd Trimester Ends – 6025 th ............... .......................................... TEACHER WORK DAY – NO SCHOOL28 th ............... .......................................... 3 rd Trimester BeginsMARCH9 th ............... 6:00 pm ............................. PTO Meeting16 th ............... 6:00-8:00 pm .................... School Skate21 st -25 th ............... .......................................... Book Fair21 st -25 th ............... .......................................... Parent/Teacher Conference Week (Student Schedule to beAdjusted)25 th ............... .......................................... SNOW MAKE-UP DAY (No School Unless Needed)30 th ............... 6:00 pm ............................. Kdg-2 nd grades Music Program @ Civic HallAPRIL4 th -8 th ............... .......................................... SPRING BREAK- NO SCHOOL13 th ............... 6:00 pm ............................. PTO Meeting20 th ............... 6:00-7:00 pm .................... Literacy Night-Poetry, Book Bingo21 st ............... 4:00-6:00 pm .................... School SkateMAYJUNE9 th ............... 6:00-8:00 pm .................... School Skate11 th ............... 6:00 pm ............................. PTO Meeting27 th ............... .......................................... SNOW MAKE-UP DAY (No School Unless Needed)30 th ............... .......................................... MEMORIAL DAY – NO SCHOOL1 st ............... .......................................... LAST DAY OF SCHOOL3 rd Trimester Ends – 60 days2 nd ............... .......................................... TEACHER WORK DAY (Snow make-up day if needed)3

FACULTY AND STAFF2009-2010ADMINISTRATONPrincipal ................................................................. Ms. Connie MillerFACULTY BY GRADE LEVELPreSchool ......... Mrs. Jamie OlerKindergarten .... Ms. Diane Givens, Mrs. Mary Keifer, Mrs. Diane Willis1st Grade ......... Mrs. Jessica Beck, Mrs. Lois Brown/Ms. Shirlie Brewer, Mrs. MaryAnn Fisher2nd Grade ........ Mrs. Jaci Ayotte, Mr. Matt Hasecoster, Mrs. Natalie Hatton3rd Grade ........ Ms. Sherri Hickey, Ms. Pauline Stanton4th Grade ........ Mrs. Amy Luce, Ms. Jane Pigman, Miss Kara Shelford5th Grade ........ Mrs. Lisa Oliver5 th /6 th Grade ... Mrs. Sarah Hasecoster6th Grade ........ Ms. Marsha Beeson/Mrs. Joani SullivanADDITIONAL FACULTY BY AREAArt .......................................................................................... Mr. Curt ChastainASPIRE .................................................................................. Mrs. Kristen BruntonExceptional Education........................................................ Ms. Kelli Barnes, Mrs. Linda SemlerInterventionist-Kindergarten/Reading Recovery ... Mrs. Melody WilliamsInterventionist-1 st Grade ............................ Miss Shirlie BrewerInterventionist-2 nd Grade ........................... Mrs. Joani SullivanLibrary/Media ...................................................................... Ms. Jane MossLiteracy Coordinator-Primary ....................... Mrs. Lois BrownLiteracy Coordinator-Intermediate ................. Ms. Marsha BeesonMusic ...................................................................................... Mrs. Holly LovePhysical Education .............................................................. Mr. Dave MarkerReading Recovery .................................... Mrs. Melody WilliamsSpeech Therapist ............................................................. Ms. Bonnie HertzogVisually Impaired ................................................................ Mrs. Cindy TaylorADDITIONAL STAFF BY AREAClerical Aide ......................................................................... Mrs. Sue BreeseCommunities-In-School Coordinator ............................. Mrs. Kathryn FansherCounselor (Centerstone) .................................................... Ms. Sheila MillerCustodian-Head ................................................................... Mrs. Lori SchwabCustodian-Night .................................................................. Ms. Sheila Davis. Mr. Chris JohnsLunch Checker ..................................................................... Mrs. Mindy HinesNurse ...................................................................................... Mrs. Diane HughesSecretary/Treasurer ......................................................... Mrs. Cyndi SmithParaprofessionals ................................................................ Ms. Kellie Adams, Mrs. Erin Caraway,Ms. Jamie Harshman, Mrs. Jann Lee,Ms. Jessica Sells, Mrs. Julie Robeson,Mr. Chris Robinson, Ms. Michelle Smith,Mrs. Tina Spencer, Mrs. Brandi UhteMrs. Elena West, Mrs. Nola Zimmerman4

CRESTDALE SCHOOL EXPECTATIONSSafety: To act in ways that keep you and others free from harm.Honesty: To be truthful and reliable, worthy of the trust of others.Respect: To show care and consideration for self and others.Responsibility: To take care of your duties.Perseverance: To continue doing something that is difficult.ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DAY7:15 am ...................... Gymnasium and Cafeteria are open for early arrivals and breakfast7:45 am ...................... Students go to their classrooms7:50 am ...................... Tardy Bell rings - attendance taken - morning announcements2:40 pm ..................... Dismissal grades K-6TWO HOUR DELAY SCHEDULE9:15 am ...................... Gymnasium is open for early arrivals- No breakfast is served9:45 am ...................... Students go to their classrooms9:50 am ...................... Attendance taken - morning announcements2:40 pm ..................... Dismissal grades K-61:35 PM TUESDAY EARLY DISMISSAL SCHEDULE7:15 am ...................... Gymnasium and Cafeteria are open for early arrivals and breakfast7:45 am ...................... Students go to their classroom7:50 am ...................... Tardy Bell rings - attendance taken - morning announcements1:40 pm ...................... Dismissal grades K-6ADMISSION POLICIESPupils entering Crestdale Elementary School for the first time must present a legal birthcertificate and immunization records and may be required to provide proof of residency.Parents are asked to fill out an enrollment form.5

ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL PROCEDURESYour child’s safety is our number one concern.Parents are not to go to the classrooms to pick up children for any dismissal.A. BUS STUDENTSKindergarten and first grade students will be dismissed to their buses beginning at 2:35 p.m.with all other dismissal at 2:40 pm. Students are to go directly to their bus and remain on thebus until they reach home. We are asking that parents or other adults NOT go to the classroomor to the bus area to get their child(ren) from the bus. Please come to the office and the officestaff will contact the teacher or the bus driver.B. CAR STUDENTSParents delivering or picking up students at school should do so in a single file line along thecurb closest to the school. If you need to enter the building, please park in a parking spacebefore leaving your vehicle. Otherwise, please stay in the moving car lane. School personnel willsupervise your child as they enter or leave the building.ATTENDANCE“Indiana Compulsory Attendance Law states that children between the ages of 6 and 16MUST attend school on a regular basis.” A child who is repeatedly absent/tardy from schoolwith or without the knowledge or consent of the child’s parent or legal guardian may beconsidered a habitual truant. A habitually truant student is defined as one who has FIVE daysor more of excused absences. The following year a student will be renamed a habitual truantafter 3 days of unexcused absences. If interventions prove unsuccessful, a complaint shall befiled with the Child Protective Services. Tardies and absences will be tracked and reported toparents at interim and report card periods.Regular and prompt attendance is essential for success in the elementary school. Frequentabsence leads to a lack of interest and effort, sometimes failure. Schoolwork is easier and moreinteresting when the pupil has the benefit of classroom instruction and keeps up with the class.All learning is based on continuity of instruction; therefore, it is imperative that all students bein attendance in order to profit the most from their schoolwork. The school is also concernedabout helping students develop a high quality work ethic, which shows in their dependability incoming to school every day and on time. Crestdale Elementary School parents and students havetaken attendance seriously. Over the last few years our students’ average daily attendance hasbeen greater than 95%. Improving attendance is important to our School Improvement Plan.Excused absences may include the following:Personal IllnessRecovery from an AccidentQuarantine of the homeObservance of religious holidayProfessional AppointmentRequired court appearance or probation appointmentAn emergency or set of circumstances as approved by the principalDeath of a relative6

A. ABSENCE PROCEDURESWhen a student is absent from school a parent MUST contact the school (973-3415) bycalling the first day of the absence between 7:45 and 9:30 a.m. All absences will be consideredunexcused absences without an explanation by phone or in writing from the parents or guardiansof the student within 48 hours.Parents should inform the school immediately if the student is going to be absent for anextended period of time. The proper school personnel should be notified prior to the absencewhen possible.In order to participate in extra-curricular activities the students must be present on theday of that activity. Exceptions may be granted by the administration for unusual or extenuatingcircumstances.Recorded tardy: A student will be marked tardy if entering school after 7:50 AM.Recorded absence (Full day): A student shall be recorded absent if out for a full day.Recorded absence (Half day A.M.): A student shall be recorded absent in the A.M. if theyarrive after 11:30 AM.Recorded absence (Half day P.M.): A student shall be recorded absent in the P.M. if leavingschool prior to 11:30 AM.When picking up your child, please come to the office to sign out your child.B. TARDYIt is the responsibility of the students and parents to be punctual. A student is consideredtardy when the student enters the school after 7:50 a.m.When arriving late to school, the student will report to the office, sign in, and request aclass admittance slip. If excessive tardies occur, (more than 3 per trimester) a letter will besent to the parent/guardian notifying them of their student’s accumulated tardies. A conferencemay be held to resolve the problem. Should the tardies continue, a report may be filed with theproper authorities.C. LEAVING DURING THE SCHOOL DAYUpon arriving at school, the student is expected to remain at school unless previousarrangements have been made with the teacher in writing. PARENTS NEED TO REPORT TOTHE SCHOOL OFFICE to sign students out. Students will only be released to parents or to aproperly identified person authorized by the parent in writing. If returning to school, studentsmust check-in at the office. To help minimize disruptions to the classroom, please do not cometo school to release your child without previously notifying the office in writing, unless it is anemergency. While medical and dental appointments during the school day are sometimesunavoidable, we do ask they be scheduled after school hours or toward the beginning or end ofthe school day to minimize the school time missed. We also ask that vacations and other specialdays be scheduled when school is not in session.EXCESSIVE ABSENTEEISM IS CONSIDERED TO BE ANYTHING OVER FIVE DAYS PERTRIMESTER OR MORE THAN ONE DAY OF UNEXCUSED ABSENCE PER TRIMESTER.EXCESSIVE TARDINESS TO SCHOOL IS CONSIDERED TO BE THREE (3) OR MORE TARDYDAYS PER TRIMESTER.7

BOOK RENTALRichmond Community School Corporation operates a book rental system for the convenience ofthe community. Book Rental is due the day of registration for grades K-6. Parents are expectedto pay the full amount unless special arrangements are made with the principal. The nonpaymentof these fees jeopardizes the textbook rental fund and activities made available by ourschools.If payment is not made within a reasonable time frame, late fees will be added and court actionby the Richmond Community Schools Board of Education will be taken. Applications for freetextbook assistance are available in the school office. Students who qualify for free lunchesqualify for free textbooks. Students who qualify for reduced price lunches do not qualify forfree textbooks.The Richmond Community School Corporation furnishes textbooks to all students. The care ofthese is the responsibility of each student. If textbooks are damaged or lost, the student isexpected to pay the cost of the replacement. Each student is expected to take good care ofschool property. Any student who damages school property is responsible for payment.A. Financial Assistance For TextbooksSince the corporation operates its textbook rental program on a non-profit basis, it isimportant for the corporation to collect 100% of the rental purchase cost of the materials.Indiana code 20-8.1-9 authorizes financial assistance for book rental to families who meeteligibility requirements. Information and forms are available at each school and may be picked upat registration or throughout the school year, as needed.BUS SAFETYIt is expected that students will follow the same behavior expectations while on the schoolbus as they do in the classroom. Our Student Transit has its own School Bus Safety andTransportation Handbook for your reference for specific bus safety expectations.Student Transit coordinates bus routes and stops. Questions about routes, bus stops,drivers, or safety concerns should be reported to the Transportation Department by calling973-3449.A. ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATIONOnce students have boarded the bus to go home, they will not be allowed to get off the busuntil their stop. For safety reasons, we ask that parents or other adults not ask the bus driversto get their children off the bus once they have boarded.In addition, we need a note for any changes to the regular dismissal plan. The note MUSTinclude the date, student name, teacher name and the exact nature of the dismissal change.Kindergarten and 1 st grade students must have an authorized adult waiting at the bus stop.Students will be returned to the school if no one authorized to receive the child is present.Our goal is to know the whereabouts of every student in our building and to assure that eachstudent arrives home safely. Your help is needed to achieve this goal.8

CAFETERIASchool breakfast and lunches remain one of the best bargains in today’s economy. TheCrestdale Elementary School cafeteria operates in cooperation with the school district foodservice director. Elementary children are privileged to be able to get a wholesome breakfastserved from 7:15-7:45 a.m. and noontime meal as scheduled by the administration.Students must buy or bring their lunch each day. Cost to purchase a breakfast is $1.25and lunch is $1.75. Milk can be purchased for $.45. Several options are available as choiceitems, which has reduced the amount of wasted food.Assistance for free or reduced meals is available for those who qualify. Applications areavailable in the school office.A. PAYMENTSThe school cafeteria serves a breakfast (with the exception of two-hour delay days) andlunch (with the exception of 11:00 dismissal days) every day school is in session. Menus arepublished monthly. Fees for the week should be paid the first day of the week. For security, weencourage you to make payment by check and enclose it in a sealed envelope labeled with yourchild’s name. Students may charge for three days. Applications for FREE or REDUCED lunchesare available at the school office. Milk is also available for students who bring their lunch. For$.45. Charges for milk are not allowed. Soft drinks and candy should not be sent as part of achild’s lunch. Adult lunches are available for staff, parents, and guests for $3.00. If you planto join us for lunch, please contact the office by 9:00 A.M.Elementary Breakfast $1.25 $ 6.25 weeklyElementary Lunch $1.75 $ 8.75 weeklyAdults $3.00 $15.00 weeklyChecks should be made out to Crestdale Elementary. We encourage parents to prepay as much aspossible.B. FREE AND REDUCED LUNCHEach year during registration of students and anytime during the school year, families mayrequest an application for free and reduced lunches. The application may be secured from anyschool office.C. FOOD ALLERGIESIn the case of allergies, or any other dietary needs, the cafeteria will need a note from thedoctor or other authorized documentation to alter the lunch tray.D. MANNERSThe following manners and rules are expected to be observed by the students in order tomake breakfast and lunch a pleasant and relaxing time.1. Students will be courteous and polite while walking through the cafeteria line.2. Good eating manners should be observed by all students.3. The cafeteria should be left in a clean/tidy condition.4. After dismissal, trash should be placed in the proper receptacle.5. Food may not be traded with others or taken from the cafeteria.6. Students may talk quietly with their neighbors in the cafeteria.7. Students should treat the cafeteria staff with respect and courtesy.8. Food and trash are not to be thrown.9. When entering or leaving the cafeteria the students will walk quietly in line.10. Students must listen to and obey all instructions given by the cafeteria supervisors.9

11. Carbonated beverages or glass bottles should not be included in a student’s lunch as theywill not be allowed in the cafeteria.12. After eating, students will be dismissed to recess with the Instructional Assistants.D. PARENTS BRINGING LUNCH IN TO STUDENTSAlthough we encourage parents to purchase a healthy school meal when visiting your childfor lunch, we realize an occasional “treat” may be fast food. You may only bring food to yourchild and sodas will not be permitted in the cafeteria.BIRTHDAYS/GIFT DELIVERIESStudents may bring birthday treats that are store purchased. Help us minimize theinterruptions to instructional time by making arrangements with the classroom teacher prior tobringing treats to school.FLOWERS, BALLOON AND GIFT DELIVERIES TO STUDENTS DURING THE SCHOOLDAY WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.CHANGE OF ADDRESS/PHONEIt is vitally important that we have your correct home and work addresses and phonenumbers in case of an emergency. If you move during the school year, or your phone numberchanges, please notify school immediately. (973-3415)CONFIDENTIALITYStudent records and information will be kept confidential in accordance with state andfederal regulations. Students needing to meet with school officials will be able to speak andreact confidentially, subject to the laws of the state of Indiana.ASSEMBLIES/CONVOCATIONSFrom time to time, we hold various performances for the entire student body. At all timesbehavior should be courteous. Each student is personally responsible for the impression made bythe school as a whole. Unacceptable conduct such as boisterousness, booing, and talking during aprogram will not be tolerated. Students may lose the privilege to participate if improperbehavior is displayed.10

G. Flannel and pajama pants are not permitted.H. Plain, plaid, or solid colored shorts may be worn and may not be shorter than the tips ofthe individuals’ middle fingers when they are standing upright with their arms at theirsides.5. Shirts and TopsA. Size appropriate short or long sleeved polo shirts or T-shirts with a crewneck areacceptable.B. Shirts must be plain and of solid color. Message bearing shirts are not permitted.C. Shirts worn outside the pants are to be below the waist, but above the thighs and sizeappropriate.D. Layering plain, solid colored sleeved shirts is permissible.E. Necklines at just below the collarbone are acceptable.6. Skirts and DressesPrinted and/or solid color skirts and dresses may not be shorter than the tips of theindividuals’ middle fingers when they are standing upright with their arms at their sides.7. UndergarmentsA. See-through or mesh garments may only be worn as undergarments.B. Spandex articles may only be worn as undergarments.C. Form fitting or overly tight clothing may only be worn as undergarments.D. Undergarments, such as boxer shorts, are not to be worn so that they are visible.8. OuterwearA. Plain, solid color sweatshirts are permitted, with the following guidelines:Two-inch band at the bottomWorn below the waist and above the thighsB. Message bearing sweatshirts are not permitted.C. Sweaters and vests may be worn with the same guidelines as the sweatshirts.D. Coats are not to be worn inside unless authorized by the school administration.9. ExceptionsA. Shirts and or sweatshirts will be permitted that promote:a. Richmond Community Schoolsb. Accredited universities and collegesc. The 5 branches of the Armed Servicesd. Partner organizations, such as Boys and Girls Club, Girls Inc, 4H, Boys and GirlsScouts.B. Specific outfits designed for extracurricular activities and authorized by the schooladministration will be permitted.C. Manufacturers’ logos are permitted in no more than two places on the garment and insizes smaller than 2” by 3” (ID card size)D. Decisions regarding questionable clothing will be left to the discretion of the principal.E. These guidelines represent minimal standards that may be modified to a more restrictivelevel at any of the buildings. Building principals may temporarily modify the Code in his/herrespective building to meet immediate needs. Permanent changes in the Code must beadvanced with Central Office approval through the established formal discussion process asestablished in Public Law 217.12

EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGSEmergency school closing, while usually weather related, may occur for a variety of reasons.In addition to bad road conditions in winter and power failures due to storms, energy shortagesand various mechanical failures may require closing the school temporarily.A. NOTIFICATIONDecisions to close school are made by the Superintendent. In the event of schoolcancellation, delay or early dismissal, a phone call will be placed to all stakeholders through theONE CALL System. You may also listen to: WRTV-TV (6), WISH-TV (8), WTHR-TV (13) or thefollowing radio stations: WKBV, Kicks 96 or Magic 101.3. The RCS school website will be postedfor cancellations and delay of school. Every effort will be made by school officials to make suchdecisions before 6:30 A.M., so that the word can be spread to all involved parties. Please do notcall the superintendent’s office.B. EARLY DISMISSAL PROCEDURESOur first concern, as always, is the safety of our students. Should weather conditionswarrant an early dismissal, it is imperative that students know their family emergency plan.Although we want to ensure that every student will have a place to go when dismissed early, it isnot possible for the office to know that every parent has received confirmation of the One Callthat would be placed that day. Having students call home or your workplace in cases of earlydismissal is not an option. You can be apprised of early closure by listening to previouslymentioned media sources and also be aware that a phone call through the One Call system will bemade to all numbers you give us for the system.Please take a few moments to sit down with your child(ren) and discuss the followingquestions and go over your plan with your child so he/she will know what to do.**What should I do if school is called off early?**What do I do when there is no one at my house when I arrive home?EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT BEHAVIORA. STUDENT BEHAVIOR STANDARDSA major component of the educational program at Crestdale Elementary School is toprepare students to become responsible workers and citizens by learning how to conductthemselves properly and in accordance with established standards. At Crestdale ElementarySchool we expect students to conduct themselves in a courteous and mannerly way and respectthe rights of others. We encourage students to do their personal best.Expected BehaviorsEach student shall be expected to abide by national, state, and local laws as well as the fiveexpectations of the school:1. Safety2. Honesty3. Respect4. Responsibility5. Perseverance13

At Crestdale Elementary School, our Constitution tells what is expected in each area of the school:LocationExpectationsSafety: To act inways that keepyou and othersfree from harm.Honesty: To betruthful andreliable, worthy ofthe trust of others.Respect: Toshow care andconsideration forself and others.Responsibility:To take care ofyour duties.Perseverance:To continue doingsomething that isdifficult.Crestdale Constitution2010-2011Playground Cafeteria Hallway Arrival/Dismissal/GymFollowplaygroundrulesLet an adultknow ifsomething iswrongShare and befairTake turnsKeep handsand feet to selfUseappropriatelanguageListen to alladultsWatch out foreach otherReturnplaygroundequipmentKnowplaygroundequipment andrulesPick uppersonalpropertyBe a goodwinner andloserProblem solveReport spillsUse utensilsappropriatelyReport chokingto adultEat only yourown foodLevel 1 voicesonlyKeep handsand feet to selfFollowdirections ofadults inchargeUse gooddining mannersClean up ownareaDispose oftrashappropriatelyFood shouldremain inappropriatecontainerEncourageothers tobehaveappropriatelyAttempt to takecare of ownneedsWALK!No horseplayGo straight toand fromdestinationUse zerovoices duringthe school dayUse voicelevel 1 duringarrival anddismissalDo not touchthings orpeopleStay in lineHave a passDo the rightthingKeep backpackon your backWalk to and fromthe busStay on thesidewalkReturn itemsfound to officeApologize foraccidentsimmediatelyStay indesignated areaKeep hands andfeet to yourselfVoice level is atrequested levelFollow directionsfrom all adultsMake sure anadult knowswhere you are atall timesCheck in at officewhen lateBe sure you leavegym with allbelongingsAsk for helpwhen neededRestroomsUse soap andpaper towel towash hands onlyKeep water in thesink and toiletReport problemsto adultsFlush for nextpersonPlace papertowels in trashcanHonor privacy ofothersDo not vandalizepropertyLeave promptlyAlways washhandsUse appropriatevoice levelClassroomSit with chair and feet flat on floorKeep hands and feet to selfWalk at all timesPush in your chairsKnow procedures for drillsKeep your possessions in your desk orin their proper placeBe aware of what and who is aroundyou(M.O.P.) If injury could happen to Me,Others, or Property, don’t do itOwn your actions and wordsTake responsibility for your mistakes(you will learn from them)ALWAYS tell the truthEncourage others to tell the truth, andsupport them when they tell the truthIf it is not yours, do not touch or takeDo the right thing even if no one iswatching or no one else is doing theright thingListen to others (peers and adults)Treat others the way you want to betreated (Golden Rule)Return borrowed thingsUse good manners (please and thankyou)Take turns (share)Respect all adults as authorityBe open-minded to everyone’s opinionAsk before using others’ thingsBe prepared for class (homework,planner, materials, folder returned,permission slips returned)Use materials properly (use of andreturn)Take responsibility for your own actions(no blaming others)Keep your desk cleanPut your things awayPick up after yourselfUse materials as if they are your ownTake care of your communityDo the right thing Do the right thing Never give upStay on taskFocus on the objectiveAdapt and overcomeExpect your bestAsk for help after your own attemptBe willing to try again14

The Principal or designee retains the right and privilege to issue penalties for acts of disciplinenot specifically stated herein and to alter any penalties, as he/she considers necessary.Furthermore, the principal reserves the right to amend any provision in this handbook, which shedeems to be in the best interest of the educational process. Positive self-discipline, selfcontrol,and respect for one another are expected from all students and staff. Each teacherhas developed a set of behavior guidelines that will help assure a positive learning environmentfor all. Disruptions of the learning process will not be tolerated.B. CORPORATION DISCIPLINE POLICYThe following is the approved student discipline policy for the school corporation:Recognizing that the behavior of some students may be so disruptive that it interferes withschool purposes or educational functions of the school corporation, school officials may find itnecessary to discipline a student. In this event and in accordance with the provisions of IndianaCode 20-33-8 (formerly IC 20-8.1-5.1), administrators and staff members may take thefollowing actions:1. REMOVAL FROM CLASS OR ACTIVITY - TEACHER: An elementary teacher will have theright to remove a student from his/her classroom or activity for a period of up to (1) schoolday, if the student is assigned regular or additional work to be completed in another schoolsetting.2. SUSPENSION FROM SCHOOL - PRINCIPAL: A school principal (or designee) may deny astudent the right to attend school or take part in any school function for a period of up tofive school days. (10 school days if an expulsion request is filed.)When a principal or designee determines that a student should be suspended, the followingprocedures will be followed:a. A meeting will be held prior to the suspension of any student. The meetingshall precede suspension of the student except where the nature of theconduct requires immediate removal. In such situations, the meeting will followthe suspension as soon as reasonably possible following the date of thesuspension. At this meeting the student will be entitled to:i. a written or oral statement of the charges,ii. a summary of the evidence against the student, andiii. an opportunity to explain his or her conduct.b. The parent or guardian of a suspended student will be notified of thesuspension in writing. The notification will include the date(s) of thesuspension, a description of the student’s misconduct, and the action taken bythe principal.3. EXPULSION – In accordance with Indiana Code 20-33-8-20, a student may be expelled fromschool for a period no longer than the remainder of the current trimester plus the followingtrimester, with the exception of a violation of rules regarding possession of a firearm or deadlyweapon. When a principal or designee recommends to the superintendent or designee that astudent be expelled from the school, a 10 step procedure will be followed and can be found inthe Uniform Code of Student Conduct, Page 10.Due Process- The Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution guarantees due process toindividuals. Due process in education implies that rules and regulations of school arepublished and distributed; that students know and understand these rules and regulations;that when a student is believed to have violated a rule or regulation, he or she is confrontedwith this belief and given the opportunity to respond to the accusation; that when rules orregulations are violated, certain consequences may occur; and that if expulsion or exclusionfrom school is a recommended consequence and if the student or his or her parent wish, a15

hearing must be held. Appeals to the Superintendent, School Board, and to the civil courtsmay follow in sequence. Indiana Codes 20-8.1-5.1-0.5 through 20-8.1-5.1-24, as indicated inthe most current Indiana School Laws and Rules Handbook, will be used as a guide for dueprocess procedures.C. GROUNDS FOR SUSPENSION AND EXPULSIONThe grounds for suspension or expulsion listed below apply when a student is:a. On school grounds immediately before, during, and immediately after schoolhours and at any other time when the school is being used by a schoolgroup;b. Off school grounds at a school activity, function, or event;c. Traveling to or from school or a school activity, function, or event; ord. attending summer school.D. STUDENT MISCONDUCT AND/OR SUBSTANTIAL DISOBEDIENCEGrounds for suspension or expulsion are student misconduct and/or substantial disobedience.Examples of student misconduct and/or substantial disobedience for which a student may besuspended or expelled include, but are not limited to:1. Using violence, force, noise, coercion, threat, intimidation, fear, passive resistance, or othercomparable conduct constituting an interference with school purposes, or urging otherstudents to engage in such conduct. The following enumeration is only illustrative and notlimited to the type of conduct prohibited by this rule:a. Occupying any school building, school grounds, or part thereof with intent to depriveothers of its use.b. Blocking the entrance or exits of any school building or corridor or room thereinwith intent to deprive others of lawful access to or from, or use of the building,corridor, or room.c. Setting fire to or damaging any school building or property.d. Prevention of or attempting to prevent by physical act the convening or continuedfunctioning of any school or education function, or of any meeting or assembly onschool property.e. Continuously and intentionally making noise or acting in any manner so as to interfereseriously with the ability of any teacher or any of the other school personnel toconduct or participate in an education function.2. Causing or attempting to cause damage to school property, stealing, orattempting to steal school property.3. Causing or attempting to cause damage to private property, stealing, orattempting to steal private property.4. Intentionally causing or attempting to cause physical injury orintentionally behaving in such a way as could reasonably cause physicalinjury to any person. Self-defense or reasonable action undertaken onthe reasonable belief that it was necessary to protect some other persondoes not, however, constitute a violation of this provision.5. Harassing or bullying a person in any form: verbal, non-verbal, emotional, or physical,including but not limited to:a. threatening, stated or implied, any person for the purpose of, or with theintent of, obtaining money or anything of value from the person;b. intimidating any person, physically or psychologically (emotional);c. sexual harassment; including unwelcome sexual advances or any form ofimproper physical or verbal conduct of a sexual nature;d. harassment or “hate language” based on gender, race, ethnicity,16

e. religion, disability, economic status, height or weight, or personalcharacteristics.6. Failing to report the actions or plans of another person to a teacher or administrator,when the student has information about such actions or plans, and where these actions orplans, if carried out, could result in harm to another person or persons, damage toproperty or criminal activity.7. Possessing, handling, or transmitting a knife or any object that canreasonably be considered a weapon, or is represented to be a weapon.8. Possessing, consuming or ingesting, transmitting, or being affected by any narcotic drug,hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, alcoholic beverage, or intoxicantof any kind. Also prohibited is the consumption of any of the stated substances immediatelybefore attending school or a school function event.9. Possessing, consuming or ingesting, or transmitting any substance which is represented to beor looks like a narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug, amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana,alcoholic beverage, or intoxicant of any kind. Also prohibited is the consumption of any ofthe stated substances immediately before attending school or a school function event.10. Possessing, consuming or ingesting, transmitting, or being affected by caffeine-basedsubstances, substance containing phenylpropanolamine (PPA), or stimulants of any kind, bethey available with or without prescription.11. Engaging in any activity forbidden by the laws of Indiana that constitutes an interferencewith school purposes or an educational function, including but not limited to:a. Engaging in unlawful selling of a controlled substance,b. Engaging in a criminal law violation that constitutes a danger to others.12. Falsely accusing any person of sexual harassment, violating a school rule and/or state orfederal law.13. Failing in a substantial number of instances to comply with directions of teachers or otherschool personnel during any period of time when the student is properly under thesupervision, where the failure constitutes an interference with school purposes or aneducational function.14. Aiding, assisting, or conspiring with another person to violate the student conduct rules orstate or federal laws.15. Violating any rules that reasonably necessary in carrying out school purposes or aneducational function and are validly adopted in accordance with Indiana law, including butnot limited to:a. Willful absence or tardiness of student;b. Disobedience of administrative authority;c. Engaging in sexual behavior on school property;d. Engaging in speech or conduct, including clothing, accessories, or hairstyle which isprofane, indecent, lewd, vulgar, or offensive to school purposes;e. Failing to tell the truth about an matters under investigation by school personnel;f. Possessing or using a laser pointer or similar device.16. Using on school grounds during school hours an electronic paging device or a handheldportable telephone in a situation not related to a school purpose or educational function,where such constitutes an interference with school purposes or an educational function.17. Displaying gang-like behavior, including but not limited to:a. Self-proclaimed membership in a gang;b. Graffiti;c. Special alphabet, symbols, insignia, emblems, terminology, or articles of clothing;d. Hand signs;17

e. Recruitment of gang members;f. Gang-related threats or intimidation; org. Gang-related violence.18. Bullying by a student or group of students against another student with the intent to harass,ridicule, humiliate, intimidate, or harm the other student through overt, repeated acts orgestures, including verbal or written communications transmitted, and/or physical actscommitted, or any other similar behavior is prohibited.a. This rule applies when a student is: on school grounds immediately before or duringschool hours, immediately after school hours or at any other time when the school isbeing used by a school group (including summer school); off school grounds at aschool activity, function, or event; or using property or equipment provided by theschool.b. Parents or students who suspect that repeated acts of bullying are taking placeshould report the matter to the school principal or designee.c. School personnel will investigate all reports of bullying.d. Counseling, corrective discipline, and/or referral to law enforcement will be used tochange the behavior of the perpetrator. This includes appropriate intervention(s),restoration of a positive climate, and support for victims and others impacted by theviolation.e. Educational outreach and training will be provided to school personnel, parents, andstudents concerning the identification, prevention, and the intervention in bullying.f. All schools in the corporation are encouraged to engage student, staff and parents inmeaningful discussion about the negative aspects of bullying. The parent involvementmay be through parent organizations already in place in each school.F. POSSESSION OF A FIREARM OR A DESTRUCTIVE DEVICE1. No student shall possess, handle, or transmit any firearm on school property.2. A firearm means any weapon that is capable of, designed to, or that may readily beconverted to expel a projectile by means of explosion.3. The penalty for possession of a firearm or a destructive device is suspension up to ten(10) days and expulsion from school for at least one calendar year, with the return of thestudent to be at the beginning of the first trimester after the expiration of the onecalendar year period. The length of the expulsion may be reduced by the superintendent ifthe circumstances warrant such reduction.4. The superintendent shall immediately notify the appropriate law enforcement agency if astudent brings or is in possession of a firearm or bomb on school property.For purposes of this rule, destructive device as defined by IC 35-47.5-2-4 is:o An explosive, incendiary, or over pressure device that is configured as a bomb, agrenade, a rocket with a propellant charge of more than four ounces, a missile havingan explosive or incendiary charge of more than one-quarter ounce, a mine, a Molotovoococktail or a device that is substantially similar to an item described above.A type of weapon that may be readily converted to expel a projectile by the actionof an explosive or other propellant through a barrel that has a bore diameter ofmore than one-half inch, orA combination of parts designed or intended for use in the conversion of a deviceinto a destructive device. A destructive device is NOT a device that althoughoriginally designed for use as a weapon is redesigned for use as a signaling,pyrotechnic, line throwing, safety, or similar device.18

G. POSSESSING A DEADLY WEAPON1. No student shall possess, handle, or transmit any deadly weapon onSchool property.2. The following devices are considered to be deadly weapons as defined inI.C. 35-41-1-8:o A loaded or unloaded firearmo A destructive device or weapon (as defined in IC 35-47.5 2-4), taser or electronicstun weapon (as defined in IC 35-47-8-1), equipment, chemical substance, or othermaterial that in the manner it is used, or could ordinarily be used, or is intended tobe used, is readily capable of causing serious bodily injury.o An animal (as defined in IC 35-46-3-3) that is:i. Readily capable of causing serious bodily injury; andii. Used in the commission or attempted commission of a crime.o A biological disease, virus, or organism that is capable of causing serious bodilyinjury.3. The penalty for possession of a deadly weapon: up to 10 daysSuspension and expulsion from school for a period of up to one calendaryear.4. The superintendent shall immediately notify the appropriate Law Enforcement agencywhen a student is expelled under in this rule.H. UNLAWFUL ACTIVITYA student may be suspended or expelled for engaging in unlawful activity on or off schoolgrounds if the unlawful activity may reasonably be considered to be an interference with schoolpurposes or an educational function, or the student’s removal is necessary to restore order orprotect persons on school property. This includes any unlawful activity meeting the abovecriteria that takes place during weekends, holidays, other school breaks, and the summer periodwhen a student may not be attending classes or other school functions.I. LEGAL SETTLEMENTA student may be expelled if it is determined that the student’s legalsettlement is not in the attendance area of the school where the student isenrolled.J. CONSEQUENCES OF INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIORWhen a teacher or staff member in charge of supervision observes behaviors that woulddisrupt the educational day, a variety of disciplinary practices may be utilized, depending on theindividual situation. If a staff member deems it necessary to consult with an administrator, thefollowing options, up to and including expulsion may be used by an administrator (not necessarilyin the order listed):1. student teacher conference2. teacher parent conference3. student administrator conference4. student parent teacher administrator conference5. referral to support personnel and/or outside professionals6. time out7. detention before, during, or after school8. in school detention9. parent or parent proxy monitors student in school10. Saturday School11. assignment to alternative class or program12. referral to juvenile division of Richmond Police Department19

13. referral to juvenile probation14. suspension from school for no more than ten days15. expulsion from school for no more than three trimesters with the exception of aviolation of rules regarding the possession of a firearm or deadly weapon.16. community service or another creative consequence17. required parent participation.K. CLASSROOM CONDUCTStudents shall follow rules established for their individual classrooms.FERPA ACTThe Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age(“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. These rights are:(1)The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the Schoolreceives a request for access.Parents or eligible students should submit to the School principal a written request that identifies therecord(s) they wish to inspect. The school principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parentor eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.(2) The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible studentbelieves are inaccurate.Parents or eligible students may ask the School to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate. Theyshould write the School principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why itis inaccurate. If the School decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, theSchool will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearingregarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will beprovided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.(3) The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’seducation records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent.One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimateeducational interests. A school official is a person employed by the School as an administrator, supervisor,instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); aperson serving on the School Board; a person or company with whom the School has contracted to perform aspecial task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on anofficial committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official inperforming his or her tasks.A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record inorder to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.(4) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by theSchool District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office thatadministers FERPA are:Family Policy Compliance OfficeU.S. Department of Education400 Maryland Avenue, SWWashington, DC 20202-460520

A. PURPOSEFIELD TRIPSStudents in Crestdale Elementary School have opportunities for first-hand learningexperiences such as field trips. Field trips are planned to support all curricular areas. Manylessons for students cannot be duplicated with media materials or textbooks. Teachers plan atschoolactivities to prepare students for what they will experience, as well as follow-up lessons.It is necessary that permission slips be signed for each activity. Your cooperation in signingthose slips and returning them to your child’s teacher will be appreciated. Field trips will beplanned to correlate with the curriculum for that classroom. Students without properly signedpermission slips will not be allowed to attend the trip. Responsibility for returning permissionslips lies with the student. Parents may be asked to attend a field trip for the safety of a childwith compliance issues.Teachers appreciate your support in these educational opportunities by both chaperoningand providing for the added expenses such as, a transportation fee, activity fees, meal costs, orentrance fees.B. CHAPERONESWe sincerely appreciate parental support of field trips. However, we must ask yourcooperation with the following guidelines for chaperones:1. There are many field trip opportunities within the school year. We will schedule asmany parents as is appropriate to help on each trip. Our destinations often haverestrictions or requirements as to the number of participants, and our arrangementsare made well ahead of the trip. It is necessary to schedule your participation toensure a successful outing.2. If you are able to attend a field trip with us, we are counting on you to help us withthe supervision of students. Since this is our primary goal, we need your undividedattention with our students. Therefore, we must ask that you do not bring infants,toddlers, or preschoolers along.3. Chaperones are expected to follow the same rules and guidelines as if on schoolproperty.4. All chaperones must have a criminal background check on file with the schoolcorporation in order to attend at least 2 weeks prior to the scheduled trip. Formscan be picked up at the school.FIRE AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS DRILLSFire drills are held once a month. Fire drills are indicated by the alarm system, which is acontinuous buzzer type alarm.Students will also be made aware of what to do in case of an earthquake or tornado while atschool as well as at home. Emergency preparedness drills are held each trimester.FRIENDSHIPSAt Crestdale Elementary, we encourage students to be friends and to be friendly. However,at the elementary level it is not developmentaly appropriate for boys and girls to develop“boyfriend/girlfriend” relationships. Crestdale Elementary will discourage this type ofrelationship and continue to promote healthy friendships among all students.21

HARASSMENTThe school believes that every individual deserves the right to attend school without fear ofdemeaning remarks or actions. The harassment of other students or members of the staff, orany other individuals is not permitted and will not be tolerated. This includes any speech oraction that creates a hostile, intimidating, or offensive learning environment.HEALTH SERVICESThe school maintains health services for all children so they may attend school with the bestphysical, mental, and emotional health conditions attainable to facilitate learning. Stateregulatory agencies mandate much of what we do in this area to help ensure as healthful anenvironment as possible.A. ADMISSION TO CRESTDALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL“When a child enrolls for the first time in a school corporation, the parents shall furnish tothe governing body of that corporation an adequately documented statement of the child’simmunizations which shall show that the child has received at least the minimum number ofdoses for his/her age”.All students must be immunized completely against diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus,measles, rubella, mumps, Hepatitis B,and poliomyelitis. Parents must show proof ofimmunization against Varicella or have written history of the disease. All transfer students,upon enrollment, must present proof of immunizations for diphtheria, tetanus, whoopingcough, measles, rubella, Hepatitis B, and mumps. There must be documentation of Varicellavaccine or a history of the disease.B. ACCIDENTSIf your child is injured or becomes ill while at school, every effort will be made to make thechild comfortable and then contact a parent or guardian of the child. If you can not bereached, we will attempt to contact the emergency numbers that you listed on the studentenrollment card. If this is not possible or if, in the opinion of school officials, immediateaction is required, emergency ambulance services will be called. The cost of such emergencyambulance services will be the responsibility of the parents or guardians.C. VISION/HEARING SCREENINGEach year, students in grades 1 and 4 are given a hearing screening. The students inkindergarten and grade 3 are given a vision screening. In the event that the screeningsindicate a potential area of concern, parents will be notified.D. HEAD LICENo student will be allowed to attend school with live head lice. All lice must be gone beforethe student will be allowed to return to school. The school nurse or designated assistantmust examine the student before s/he is allowed to return to school. Families should reportto the school office if a case of head lice has been observed.E. OTHER HEALTH PROBLEMSStudents who have a temperature above 100 degrees will be sent home from school.Students with a fever should be kept at home until such time as the fever has subsided.Immediate first aid is provided in the event of illness or injury at school. Parents arecontacted to assume responsibility in case of serious illness or injury. The school will callparents to take home any student who has a generalized rash or symptoms of a highlyinfectious disease such as: chicken pox, scabies, impetigo, ringworm and conjunctivitis.Students will be readmitted to school with a note from a medical doctor or proof oftreatment.22

F. MEDICATION POLICYAll medication (prescription and non-prescription) shall be administered in compliance withIndiana Law. The requirements of this act are as follows:1. Only employees designated by the school administrator are qualified to givemedication.2. All administration of medicine will be documented in writing.3. Parental permission is required for over the counter drugs. Prescription drugsrequire written documentation by a physician, as well as parental permission.4. Older students with chronic disease or medical conditions may possess and selfadministermedication, such as an inhaler, with the written permission of thephysician and the parent. A school is not liable for civil damages as a result of astudent’s self-administration of medication for an acute or chronic disease ormedical condition as provided under this rule, except for an act or omissionamounting to gross negligence or willful misconduct.5. All medication must be kept in its original container.a. Non-prescription drugs must be in their purchased container labeled with thechild’s name.b. Prescription drugs must be in original container with the pharmacy label, child’sname, current date, and written instructions of the doctor.6. All written permissions are kept on file at school.7. All medication (prescription and non-prescription) are kept in the secured areadesignated by the building principal.8. All medication (prescription and non-prescription) shall be administered through thispolicy. All medication brought to school should be delivered immediately to theoffice for its safekeeping and administration. Students are not to carry anymedication on their person during the school day with the exception of Rule #4.9. The school is prohibited from sending medications home with any student belowgrade 9. Medication may be released only to the student’s parent or an individualwho is at least 18 years of age, and designated in writing by the student’s parent toreceive the medication.School personnel will not administer medications, which are improperly packaged and/orpoorly labeled. The above requirements must be strictly followed. A request form for medicineadministration may be obtained in the office of the school building.G. MEDICAL COVERAGE FOR STUDENTSAlthough we make every effort to keep our playgrounds and buildings safe, occasionally studentsare injured. The school corporation's insurance policy doesn’t provide medical or accidentinsurance on students. You may wish to check with your health and accident insurance carrier toassure that your policy includes coverage for injuries to your child that may occur at school.H. SPEECH THERAPY SERVICESThe Speech Language Pathologist screens the speech and language skills of our students asrequired by state regulations, and all students referred by parents or teachers.If the screening indicates a need for further assessment, the Speech Language Pathologistwill obtain parental permission and will conduct a diagnostic evaluation to help assess the needsof children in one or more of the following areas:Language (vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, auditory processing, pragmatics);Articulation (pronunciation of speech sounds/words);Fluency (stuttering or abnormal rate of speech);Voice (voice quality, pitch, loudness)23

A case conference, including parents and classroom teacher, will be held after testing iscompleted. Eligibility for speech therapy services is determined by this Case ConferenceCommittee based upon the evaluation conducted by the speech pathologist, the input of all theCase Conference Committee members, and the eligibility criteria established by the state.HOME TO SCHOOL COMMUNICATIONA. WEEKLY FOLDERSYou can expect “The Crestdale Crusader” (The Crestdale Elementary School Newsletter) atleast once monthly in the classroom weekly folder. This communique will have announcements andarticles of interest to Crestdale Elementary School families and our community. Encourage yourchild to bring home the weekly folder. It continues to be our best communication tool.B. TEACHER CONTACTS/PARENT CONFERENCESParent conferences are scheduled in the fall and spring. We know that other conferences willbe necessary from time to time and can be initiated by families or teachers. Due to dailyschedules, teachers are not always available by phone, but will return calls as quickly as possible.We believe that the best schools work together with families in the educational experience.HOMEWORK POLICYSchool time is generally provided for completion of most assignments. However, there maybe some homework if a student does not complete the assigned work. In the case of a studentwho consistently says he/she has no homework, especially in the upper elementary levels, theparents should contact the teacher.1. Teachers assign homework to meet your child’s needs.2. Homework may be assigned on a regular basis, dependent on the level and/or the teacher.3. All homework should be meaningful and should provide reinforcement activities as well asenrichment activities. The teacher will ensure that every assignment is clear and the duedate is understood.4. All homework assignments are due the following day or upon the day of return in the eventof school cancellation, of personal illness, or other absences. Extended assignments will bedue on a date established by the teacher.5. It is the responsibility of the student to complete and return homework assignments toschool on time.6. Under special circumstances the teacher may keep a child from special activities or recessto complete an assignment.HOW PARENTS CAN HELP1. Help your child to understand that he/she is responsible for his/her own actions andbehavior.2. Expect your child to grow toward independence and offer challenging opportunities. He/sheneeds limits within which to function and direction as how to respond.3. Get both (or all) sides of the story before drawing conclusions. In case of amisunderstanding, contact the school.4. Remember that teachers have about twenty-five children to care for and need all the datayou have about your child if they are to be effective in providing the right kind of program.Such things as health problems (or other circumstances, which may affect your child’seducation) should be shared with the school.24

5. Remind yourself that teachers teach because they care about children, that their objectivesand yours are the same, and that agreement on how to achieve the objectives requires goodtwo-way communication.6. Spend a few minutes with your child every night to check on his/her homework.ITEMS FROM HOMEWith the exception of normal school items, no one is to bring items from home (toys,electronic devices, cell phones, etc.) No pets can be brought from home. The school is notresponsible for items brought from home.LEAST RESTRICTIVE ENVIRONMENTStudents with disabilities shall be educated and participate in academic, non-academic, andextracurricular activities with non-disabled students to the maximum extent appropriate. Theeducational placement of students with disabilities shall be determined annually by a caseconference committee and shall be based on the student’s individualized education program. Thecase conference committee shall also take into consideration any potentially harmful effect of asuggested placement on the student or on the quality of the services needed.Unless the individualized education program requires some other arrangement, a studentwith disabilities shall be educated with the student’s chronological peers in the school thestudent would attend if not disabled. Placement of students with disabilities in special classes orseparate facilites shall occur only when it is documented by the case conference committee thateducation in general education classes cannot be satisfactorily achieved. If necesssary, acontinuum of alternative educational placements shall be available to meet the individual needsof students with disabilities.LIBRARY MEDIA CENTERThe school media center is open each school day and contains many interessting educationalmaterials. Your child will have the opportunity to check out and use materials throughout theyear. The normal check out period for a book is one week and may be renewed. We urge you tohelp your child see that all materials are returned promptly and in good shape. You will be askedto pay for any materials not returned or damaged.LOST AND FOUNDArticles of clothing found are placed in the Lost and Found area in the office. Students andparents are encouraged to check with office personnel as soon as possible after an item hasbeen lost. Unclaimed articles are donated to charitable organizations periodically throughoutthe school year. Parents are advised to write children’s names on lunch boxes, sweaters, coats,etc.NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICYIt is the stated policy of the Richmond Community School Corporation not to discriminate onthe basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, disability or national origin including limitedEnglish proficiency, in its programs or employment policies, as required by the Title VI and VII(Civil Rights Act of 1964), the Equal Pay Act of 1973, Title IX (Educational Amendments),Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973), and Americans with Disabilities Act.This non-discrimination policy applies to students’ access to courses and programs, tophysical education and athletics, to counseling and guidance, to vocational educational programs,to financial assistance, to extracurricular activities, and to other matters related to students.This policy further applies to all employees and patrons of the school corporation.25

NON-SUFFICIENT FUNDSYou may make payments to the school from your checking account if you have sufficientfunds in your checking account at the time you make each payment. If a payment is returned dueto Non-Sufficient Funds "NSF" in your checking account, you may be charged an additional $30NSF fee plus the amount of the original check. If more than one NSF check is received, theschool may request payments to be made in cash only. Outstanding money owed the school,including NSF charges, may be turned over to a collection agency if not paid in a timely manner.PARENT CONCERNSIf a parent is concerned about an academic or behavior problem, it is very important thatthey contact the school so the problem may be solved. It is best for the parent to first contactthe teacher. No problem can be solved without the combined efforts of the parent and theteacher. If a parent still has concerns, the second step would be to contact Ms. Miller,Principal.PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)The PTO is a vital part of the school program. It serves to unite the efforts of parents andteachers to provide the best education for our children. PTO membership drive begins with thestart of the new year. Interesting, informative meetings are planned and many programs andfundraisers are sponsored. Their success depends upon your support. See page 1 for a list ofthis year’s officers.PARENT VISITATION AND CONFERENCESParent visitation to their child’s classroom is encouraged. We feel it is important to yourchild’s education for parents to show interest and visit the classroom. It is recommended thatvisitations be arranged in advance. We do ask that you sign in at the office when you arrive andpick up a “VISITOR” badge. This allows others in the building to know that you have been to theoffice. We do this for the safety of all children in the building.Parent teacher conferences are scheduled twice during the year. Dates and times will beannounced. Other conferences can be arranged by contacting the office or teacher. Theseconferences can be arranged by contacting the teacher by telephone or note. Such conferenceswill be set at a time convenient of both parent and teacher. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THESECONFERENCES BE ARRANGED IN ADVANCE TO AVOID INTERRUPTION OF VALUABLECLASS TIME. If an urgent problem arises and you need to see the teacher, please stop by theoffice to make arrangements.PARTY INVITATIONSWe encourage children to be social outside of school. However, party invitations may only bedistributed at school when every student in the classroom is included.PETSDue to risk of student allergies and injuries, and spread of diseases, pets are not allowed onschool grounds.26

PROMOTION/RETENTIONThe promotion and/or retention of a student is based on an evaluation of academic, physical,social, and emotional growth. The classroom teacher will discuss with the parents concernswhich may lead to a retention. The school does not take retention lightly. The decision isusually a very difficult one for the parents and the school. The purpose of retention is toprovide a child with an opportunity to be more successful in subsequent years.REPORT CARDSReport cards will be issued to students at the close of each Trimester grading period.Report cards will contain academic, effort, and conduct grades. Attendance will be reported onthe report card. Please carefully review your child’s progress and contact the teacher if youhave any questions concerning the grades. Please sign the report card envelope and return it toschool. Interim progress reports are issued approximately half way through each gradingperiod. The purpose of these reports is to keep you informed of your child’s progress.SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT TEAM (NCA)The School Improvement Team is a link between the school and the local community. Itserves as a mechanism for participatory management though which the various stakeholders inthe school community may assist the school. Shared decision-making among all stakeholders ofthe school, community, both internal and external, can benefit the school and produce betterstudent outcomes. The stakeholders are parents, business people, students, other communityinterests, professional educators, and other school staff.SPECIAL SCHOOL SERVICESA. RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION (RTI) TEAMA Response to Intervention (RTI) is convened at the request of a teacher or parent when astudent is experiencing difficulties in academic, emotional, behavioral, or social areas. This teammay include the following: the child’s classroom teacher(s), parent, social worker, resourceteacher, Title 1 staff, literacy coordinator, speech/language teacher, and principal. Otherindividuals may be included as necessary. This RTI team will review the concerns and attemptto identify the problem(s). Once these problems have been identified, the team will worktogether to develop a set of interventions that will be implemented. When the RTI team hasconvened, the parents will be informed of and be involved with the planned interventions. Thisprocess uses the skills and experiences of the entire team of educators in partnership with theparents to address the needs of the student.B. SCHOOL-BASED THERAPIST – DUNN CENTEROur school-based therapist is one component of a plan designed to address the needs ofchildren identified as “At Risk”. These children may be experiencing any number ofcircumstances that can negatively affect school performance, (i.e. a change in family structure,feelings of inadequacy, change in personal relationships, etc.) The school-based therapist isavailable to those students enrolled in the elementary schools. The focus of the program is toimprove a child’s social, emotional, and behavioral adjustment through individual/small groupcounseling and classroom discussions. A child may be referred to school-based therapistthrough a parent, teacher, or school administrator. Parents may be contacted by the schoolbasedtherapist for further assistance.27

C. SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICESThrough the Richmond Community School Corporation, students identified as having speciallearning needs are offered special services. These services include programs for languagedevelopment, speech and hearing, learning disabilities, and other special needs services.Recommendations and referrals are made by the school or parents.D. HIGH ABILITY/ASPIRE/LOGOSThese programs enable students identified as academically talented in the area of language artsand mathematics to participate in enrichment and exploratory activities beginning inKindergarten. For more information, please contact Ms. Miller, Principal.SCHOOL SUPPLIESSupply lists for each grade level are available in the school office at registration andthroughout the year as well as on the school website.SPECIAL SERVICES AND ACTIVITIESIn addition to regular classroom experiences, students at Crestdale Elementary School willhave available to them the following special services and activities:Music ClassesPhysical Education ClassesSpeech TherapyArt ClassesPsychological EvaluationMorning Announcement HelpersLibrary/Media ServicesComputer ClassesAccelerated ReaderStudent CouncilGirls BasketballBoys BasketballASPIRE/LOGOS (High Ability)Talent ShowsSpell BowlSpelling BeeBoston RunField DayLiteracy & Math NightsScience Fair/Science NightSchool NewspaperPlays and Music PerformancesTEACHER REQUESTS/CLASSROOM ASSIGNMENTSUpon the recommendations of the current classroom teachers, student assignments are madeeach spring. Parents who have a compelling reason for their child to have a particular classroomassignment may explain the reason to the principal by scheduling an appointment to meet withMs. Miller. Although requests will be considered, it may not be possible to fulfill them andproperly balance classrooms. Class lists for the following academic year are sent out with theend-of-year report cards.TELEPHONECalls made from school by the students must be approved by the teacher in charge of thestudent at that time and must receive approval from the office when the office phone is to beused. Permission will be restricted to calls of an emergency nature. Athletic equipment,homework, lunches, or lunch money left at home are not considered emergencies. Neither arerequests to stay at friends’ homes or staying for after school activities. These arrangementsshould be made before coming to school.It is important that classroom interruptions be kept to a minimum. Students will not becalled out of class to answer phone calls. Messages will be delivered in case of emergencies.Parents may leave messages 24 hours a day using the school’s voice mail system. To accessthe voice mail system, call the school, 973-3415.28

TESTINGThe Richmond Community School Corporation provides a formal testing program. Thesetests measure the student’s aptitude as well as their skill development. The ISTEP+ given toIndiana students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6 is one component of the testing program. Acuity, a newdistrict wide testing program will be initiated in 2008-09 that will replace Scantron for grades3-6. DIBELS will be the testing program for grades K-2. The major purpose of these testingprograms is to provide teachers and parents information to help students learn. All test resultswill be shared with the parents through parent reports issued in the child’s report card at thenearest grading period following the tests. Parents are encouraged to help their youngsters tobe prepared for all of these tests by making sure the children receive an opportunity to restand eat a good breakfast.A. Educational TestingWhen a student struggles with academics, many resources are employed to help the studentachieve. It may become necessary to refer the student to the Response to Intervention Teamwhich then may recommend further educational evaluation. Crestdale Elementary School isserved by a school psychologist who can administer these evaluations.VOLUNTEERSVolunteers are important to our school and to our students. We encourage your helpwhenever possible. We hope to involve not only parents, but grandparents, friends, andcommunity members in the day-to-day operation of our school. Sign up sheets and criminalbackground check forms will be available at registration or in the office. All volunteers musthave a criminal background check on file in order to volunteer. When volunteers arrive in thebuilding, we ask they sign in and receive a volunteer badge for the day. Together we can make adifference!VISITORSIn order to maintain safe conditions for our students, we ask that ALL visitors report to theoffice upon their arrival at school. They will be asked to sign-in and will be given a “Visitor” nametag. This name tag should be worn at all times while in the school. All parents and adults shouldfollow this procedure, even for short visits.WITHDRAWALShould it become necessary to withdraw your child from Crestdale Elementary School, thereare four important steps to follow:1. Notify the office2. Return all textbooks to your child’s teacher3. Return all library books4. Pay any outstanding breakfast and lunch charges.All information contained in this handbook was accurate and complete as of its printing. However, additionsand changes to this information will likely occur during the school year. Any additions and/or changes that aremade will be communicated to students and subsequently students are responsible for all information containedin this handbook and any information that might be added to or changed in this handbook.29