Ruth Moyer Elementary Handbook - Fort Thomas Independent ...

Ruth Moyer Elementary HandbookA 2009 Blue Ribbon School of ExcellenceSchool Year 2011-12Page 4If it is essential for your child to be out of school for something other than illness, this should be cleared withthe office prior to the absence. State financial assistance is based upon actual attendance of your child inschool.Since three tardies are by state law, considered truancy, parents will be notified in writing after the third tardyand the Director of Pupil Personnel Services will be notified. The Kentucky Department of Education definesTardy as “missed instruction time.”As such, tardies will be accumulated by a student being late to school, signingin and out during the school day, or leaving school before the regular school dismissal.If a student has an excused absence, he/she should ask the teacher what assignments were missed and/or whatwork should be completed.Ways To Help Us1. If it is necessary for your child to be absent from school, please call the school office before 9:00 AM. You mayleave a message on the attendance line by dialing 815-2399. When your child returns to school, send awritten explanation of the absence to the homeroom teacher. Anytime an absence results in a visit to thedoctor, please acquire a doctor’s note and file it with your child’s homeroom teacher.2. Remember to write a note if your child is leaving early for a doctor’s appointments, etc. Small ones becomeconfused as to time and other details without your help.3. Report to the office if you need to pick up a child during the school day. Students must be signed out to leave.4. Limit your calls to school to give directions to your child for after school activities by working those out beforehe/she leaves home in the morning. Student use of the school phone is restricted to those calls deemedabsolutely essential.5. Teachers are more than willing to discuss pupil progress with parents. This should be done by sending a noteto the teacher or calling the school office to arrange a conference. Informal or casual conferences do not dojustice to you, your child, or teacher.6. If your child has forgotten his/her lunch, musical instrument, etc., please drop it off at the office with his/hername on it. We will see that it gets to the classroom.CAFETERIARuth Moyer provides the opportunity for all students to take part in a healthy and balanced lunch. Students canpack his/her lunch or they can purchase a lunch in the cafeteria. Students who qualify for a free/reduced lunchare provided the same lunch as other students. For information regarding our free/reduced lunch program,please contact our school office.Our school lunch prices are as follows:Student: $2.50(Includes entrée, fruit, vegetable, and a drink)Adult: $3.25Additional Entrée: Adult: $1.50 Child: $1.50Vegetables, Fruits: $ .50Ice Cream: $.35 and .65All packaged snacks: $.35 and .65Milk: $.50100% Orange Juice: $.50Our cafeteria uses a computerized accounting system and we highly encourage all parents to pre-pay for theirchild’s lunch. To do this, simply send in a check for any amount to “Moyer Cafeteria.” All checks should be givento the cafeteria manager. This will create an account that students deduct from everyday. Notification of accountbalances will be given to students when they are low. Parents will also be notified if accounts become overdrawn.Please write your child’s name on the check.Ruth Moyer Elementary School Phone: (859) 441-1180219 Highland Avenue Fax: (859) 441-9440Fort Thomas, KY 41075Website: http://www.fortthomas.kyschools.us/

Ruth Moyer Elementary HandbookA 2009 Blue Ribbon School of ExcellenceSchool Year 2011-12Page 5Parents play a vital part in serving lunch at our school. Parents volunteer to serve on a select day of the month.Lunch hours are from 11:00- 12:30. For more information regarding volunteering in our cafeteria, please contactour PTO.Cafeteria Expectations1. Each class will enter the cafeteria quietly and go through the line single file.2. Take a top tray only.3. If waiting for food, step back and let others progress.4. Be polite to all people working in the cafeteria. Remember to say “please” and “thank you.”5. Do not handle food unless you plan on buying it.6. Get all your food and everything you need the first time you go through the line. You cannot go through theline again, or go back to the food counter to purchase food.7. Choose one dessert and take one serving only. For example: one piece of pie or one piece of cake or cookies.8. Pick up anything you drop.9. Empty tray and return to the same seat.10. Stay on your chair with your knees under the table until signaled to leave.11. Place chairs under the table as you leave (if necessary).12. Leave by rear door only.13. Never take food out of the cafeteria.14. All paper and food must be removed from the table before dismissal.15. WALK—do not run in the cafeteria.16. Balls or play equipment brought into the cafeteria must be placed on the cart for equipment.17. Talk softly at all times in the cafeteria.18. Each teacher, teacher assistant and person working in the cafeteria has the authority and responsibility forcorrecting misbehavior in the cafeteria.19. Soft drinks or soda are not allowed to be “packed” by students.20. Fast food lunches are prohibited to be brought in by parents.CODE OF CONDUCTCode of Conduct PhilosophyRuth Moyer Elementary School is committed to providing all students with an environment that fosters a love oflearning, enhances student achievement, cultivates respect for individual diversity and prepares students formaking sound personal choices.Discipline in the school environment allows for development of all students’ potential. It is necessary to assure anorderly environment in which each person may live and learn to his/her capabilities in harmony with others.When self-control falters and self-discipline fails, disciplinary forces outside the individual must be imposed toprotect the rights of others. The students’ age is a factor in determining expectations for self-discipline.Discipline is the cooperative effort and responsibility of students, parents/guardians, teachers and administration.If followed by all parties, this will create an environment for all students to learn to their fullest potential.The following code of conduct provides grievance procedures to provide an atmosphere of open communicationand fairness as required by constitutional due process.Discipline AlternativesStudents who violate policies and rules are subject to the following disciplinary alternatives:• Verbal correction• Change of seating assignment• Student conference• Parent conferenceRuth Moyer Elementary School Phone: (859) 441-1180219 Highland Avenue Fax: (859) 441-9440Fort Thomas, KY 41075Website: http://www.fortthomas.kyschools.us/

Ruth Moyer Elementary HandbookA 2009 Blue Ribbon School of ExcellenceSchool Year 2011-12Page 7V. OUTDOOR PHYSICAL EDUCATIONA.Disruptive conflict between studentsB. Intentional disruption of other classrooms which are engaged in the educational processC. Rough play1.2 Disrespect to Another Student is an intentional or willful maligning or gross insult including the use ofany language, act, expression, or remark which is offensive to modesty or decency. (KRS 158.150 KentuckyStatutes and Laws)A. Foul languageB. Intention rudenessC. Intentional harassmentD. Inappropriate gesturesE. Name callingF. Bullying1.3 Failure to Complete Assignment is the failure to turn in assignments, or failure to do assignment within aspecified time.I. CLASSROOMA. InattentiveB. Not working on taskC. Not having necessary materials to complete assignmentII. HOMEWORKA. Inattentive to classroom examplesB. Failure to know classroom assignmentC. Not having necessary materials to complete assignmentD. Refusal to complete assignmentE. Incomplete assignment book1.4 Academic Cheating is the use of unauthorized notes or other aids, or the copying or using of the work ofother students without permission of the teacher. Academic cheating will result in a “0” for that assignment.1.5 Lying is to make an untrue statement with intent to deceive or create a false or misleading impression.1.6 Excessive Tardiness is the repeated failure (3 or more times) to report to assigned classroom or otherinstructional areas on time without an acceptable excuse.1.7 Gambling is the act of wagering, betting, or taking risks for monetary or other gain.1.8 Non-Permanent Defacing of School Property is the willful marking or defacing of school property thatdoes not cause permanent damage.1.9 Littering is the act, intentional or otherwise, of scattering debris on school grounds or property.1.10 Gum Chewing or Eating Candy is prohibited. Gum chewing is always prohibited; eating treats may takeplace on special occasions.1.11 Dangerous Physical Activities is engaging in activities that could cause physicaldamage to oneself or others.1.12 Use of Profane language is the use of language, act, expression, or remark, which is offensive to modestyor decency.1.13 Skipping Class is the failure of a student to report to a scheduled class without first obtaining consent of theproper school authority.Ruth Moyer Elementary School Phone: (859) 441-1180219 Highland Avenue Fax: (859) 441-9440Fort Thomas, KY 41075Website: http://www.fortthomas.kyschools.us/

Ruth Moyer Elementary HandbookA 2009 Blue Ribbon School of ExcellenceSchool Year 2011-12Page 9political beliefs, sex, or disability.2.14 Verbal abuse of Another Student is an intentional or willful maligning or gross insult of anotherstudent. (KRS 158.150 Kentucky Statues and Laws.2.15 Distribution of Unauthorized Material is the distribution of pamphlets, leaflets, buttons, insignia, orthe posting of signs or slogans without the permission of proper school authority.2.16 Inappropriate behavior- Unacceptable behavior towards a student, teacher, or staff member thatdisrupts the learning environment.2.17 Terroristic Threatening is the intentional, unlawful threat by word or act to do violence to the person orproperty of another or any act which creates a well-rounded fear within the other person.2.18 Terroristic Threatening of School Personnel is the intentional, unlawful threat by word or act to doviolence to the person or property of a school employee or any act which creates a well-founded fear with theschool employee.2.19 Extortion is the solicitation, either verbally, in writing or by printed communication, of money or anythingof value from another person (regardless of amount) in return for protection or in connection with a threat toinflect harm.2.20 Activation of a Fire Alarm is the intentional, unjustified activation of a fire alarm or like warningdevices. (KRS 438.200 Kentucky Statutes and Laws.)2.21 Possession Display or Distribution of Obscene Materials or Objects is the possession orcirculation of obscene materials or objects.2.22 Illegal use of School Facilities is the secreting or hiding of controlled substances (drugs) alcohol,weapons, or any other items detrimental to the welfare of students and the educational process.2.23 Skipping School (Entire Day) is the unexcused and/or unauthorized absence from school for the entiredesignated school day.2.24 Defiance of Authority is any verbal or non-verbal refusal to comply with a lawful directive or order of aschool employee. (KRS 158.150 sub-section (1) Kentucky Statutes and Laws)2.27 Incorrigible Bad Conduct Persistent violators of the Code of Conduct or persistent violations of thecriminal laws of Kentucky constitute “Incorrigible Bad Conduct.” Ten class I offenses during the school yearcan be considered as “persistent”. (KRS 158.150 sub-section (1) Kentucky Statutes and Laws)General RulesIt is the responsibility of every teacher to discipline or correct misbehavior in every child, at any time. Studentsmust understand that the same respect should be given to our teacher assistants as to our teachers. They areexpected to obey an assistant whether it be in the cafeteria, on the playground, or in the classroom.Bicycle Riders1. Only students in grades 4 and 5 are permitted to ride bikes to school.2. Ride on the right side of the street on the sidewalk in single file.3. Use hand signals.4. Ride single – one person to a bike.5. Carry books and articles in baskets, back-packs, and saddle bags. Do not overload.6. “Walk” your bike from the front curb of the school to the bicycle rack.Car Rides1. Load and unload children at curb only. Do not stop in the street and let students out of the car. Please doRuth Moyer Elementary School Phone: (859) 441-1180219 Highland Avenue Fax: (859) 441-9440Fort Thomas, KY 41075Website: http://www.fortthomas.kyschools.us/

Ruth Moyer Elementary HandbookA 2009 Blue Ribbon School of ExcellenceSchool Year 2011-12Page 11Safety Procedures1. At 8:00 a.m., the front doors by the office and library will open for students to enter the building. All otherdoors will remain locked throughout the day.2. All adults who need to enter the building will enter by the front doors and register in the office. No one will beadmitted to the building without being a part of a regular volunteer program or having a scheduledappointment. There will be no exceptions to this practice; all adults are expected to register as they enter.3. At 2:55 p.m., kindergarten students will be dismissed from the front yard or the side playground door whenthe person picking them up is visible. At 3:00 p.m., primary students may be met in the front yard or on theplayground blacktop. At 3:05 p.m., the fourth and fifth grade students will be dismissed. The front doors willremain open until 3:30 p.m.4. Kindergarten will have special arrangements for arrival and dismissal during the first few days of school.5. Anytime that a child needs to leave the school early, a parent or designated adult must sign the child outthrough the school office. Designated adults may be indicated on the family data sheet at the time ofregistration, on the family data sheet update that is sent home soon after the start of school, or by a parentstopping in the school office and reporting in writing any new additions to the school secretary.These procedures have been enacted to help insure the safety of your child during the time with us. We ask thatyou and your child follow all procedures without exception.Student/Parent Concerns Regarding Discipline IssuesEvery effort should be made to resolve concerns directly with the teacher involved. This should be done through atelephone call or a scheduled conference.If a resolution is not achieved, the issue can be pursued further by submitting a complete Grievance Documentthat is available in the office, having an appointment with the principal, and, if still not resolved, contacting thesuperintendent.Walkers1. Cross Highland Avenue ONLY at the crosswalk in front of school.2. Cooperate with the patrol officer(s) both here and at the major intersections – Grand, Pentland, Highlandand Fort Thomas Avenues.3. Remain on the sidewalk at all times and respect the property of homeowners along the way.4. Cross streets only at corners and stay within crosswalks.CURRICULUMRuth Moyer Elementary School prides itself on an excellent curriculum for all students. All students are exposedto a rigorous and challenging curriculum that is aligned with state standards. Currently we are using HarcourtTrophies as our language arts series, Everyday Math, Harcourt Science, and “Social Studies Alive!” in allclassrooms at all grades. We integrate these series on a daily basis with such programs as SuccessMaker, JuniorGreat Books, Shake and Learn, novels and trade books, Accelerated Reader, and the Six Traits of Writing. Toview our curriculum, please visit the following web-site:http://www.fortthomas.kyschools.us/CUSTODIAL AND NON-CUSTODIAL PARENTS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIESRuth Moyer Elementary abides by the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 1974. Whenparents of a student are separated, involved in divorce proceedings, or are divorced, the administration willrespect the rights of both the custodial and the non-custodial parents. Court orders concerning specialrestrictions will also be respected and followed by the school administration. In the absence of a court order to thecontrary, Ruth Moyer Elementary will provide the non-custodial parent with access to the academic records andRuth Moyer Elementary School Phone: (859) 441-1180219 Highland Avenue Fax: (859) 441-9440Fort Thomas, KY 41075Website: http://www.fortthomas.kyschools.us/

Ruth Moyer Elementary HandbookA 2009 Blue Ribbon School of ExcellenceSchool Year 2011-12Page 12to other school-related information regarding the student. Ruth Moyer Elementary is not required to inform thecustodial parent/legal guardian(s) if such information has been requested or given to a non-custodialparent/guardian. If there is a court order specifying that there is to be no information given, it is theresponsibility of the custodial parent to provide the school with an official copy of the court order.Parent rights include access to student records and school mailings, attendance at parent/teacher conferences aswell as the authority to request that a student be released early or be absent from school for a legitimate reason.However, only the custodial parent has the right to withdraw the student from school. For the school’s purposes,the parent with whom the child resides is known as the custodial parent.FIELD TRIPS AND CHAPERONE AGREEMENTThroughout the year our classes will make visits to regional sites of interest. These trips are wonderfulopportunities to extend learning beyond our classroom walls and incorporate real-life experiences in our teaching.Parent and family chaperones are often used to help us manage such trips. For the safety of our students all adultchaperones must have a Youth Leader Request form (criminal background check) on file in the school office. TheFort Thomas Independent Schools has designed the following Chaperone Agreement to be signed by any personassisting with a fieldtrip. The actual form may be obtained from the office.RUTH MOYER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CHAPERONE AGREEMENTWe appreciate your willingness to be a chaperone for one of our school groups. So many of our functionsextendingbeyond our school campus depend directly on your being an integral part of the effort. For the safety ofour entire group of students we ask that you agree to comply with the following guidelines for Moyer Schoolchaperones. Please sign and return this agreement to the teacher sponsoring the trip.As a chaperone, I will:• fill out and have on file in the school office, a Youth Leader Request form (criminal background check)• supervise the group of students assigned to me, doing my best to keep them orderly and out of harm’s way• refer any unmanageable behavioral problems to the teacher• follow the schedule and rules as outlined by the teacher in charge of the function• refrain from granting “special privileges” that set my group apart from the remaining members of the schoolgroup (such as an unscheduled stop for ice cream on the way home)• refrain from smoking while in direct contact with the students• remain drug and alcohol free during the entire time of the school function• and when driving, I will:-see that each student uses a seat belt-obey the posted speed limits-operate my vehicle responsibly for the driving conditions.By signing this form, I am agreeing to abide by all of the points listed above.___________________________________(Chaperone’s signature)(Date)___________Ruth Moyer Elementary School Phone: (859) 441-1180219 Highland Avenue Fax: (859) 441-9440Fort Thomas, KY 41075Website: http://www.fortthomas.kyschools.us/

Ruth Moyer Elementary HandbookA 2009 Blue Ribbon School of ExcellenceSchool Year 2011-12Page 13FUNDRAISINGOur school participates in the following fund raising programs:ooooCampbell’s Labels for Education. Over 1,000 Campbell products are eligible for redemption in this program.See http://www.labelsforeducation.comBox Tops for Education Program. The box tops are worth ten cents each. You will find the box tops onGeneral Mills and Betty Crocker products. See http://www.boxtops4education.com.Tyson Project A+. The labels are worth twenty-four cents each. Clip the labels from various Tyson products.See http://www.tyson.com.Kash for Kids. Recycling of empty ink jet cartridges. Each cartridge is worth two dollars. Seehttp://www.kashforkids.comGIFTED AND TALENTEDThe Gifted and Talented Program in the Fort Thomas Independent Schools is called QUEST. What is QUEST?QuestioningUnderstandingEvaluatingStudyingTogetherQUEST has been part of the Fort Thomas Independent Schools for over twentyyears. Originally limited to academic areas, QUEST has grown in recent years tomeet the needs of students gifted or talented in leadership, creativity, the visual andperforming arts, as well as academic and intellectual areas.Please visit the QUEST program's website at this link for more information.http://www2.fortthomas.kyschools.us/QUEST/index.htmGUIDANCE PROGRAMThe elementary guidance and counseling program is a part of education and tries to help each child developfeelings of self-worth, development of individual potential, and greater effectiveness in making decisions andresolving conflicts. The elementary counselor at Moyer is Carole Barnes, and she is available on Mondays,Wednesdays and Fridays to teachers, parents and students. Specific activities in the guidance program this yearare listed below.1. Counseling – with individuals and small groups – students may write a note to the counselor asking for aconference, or teachers and parents may refer students. Small groups may be formed for divorced families,(Banana Splits) or for other shared needs such as study skills, making friends, the shy child, and others.2. Classroom guidance – a developmental program in the classroom for all students. Meetings are once aweek in each classroom for half of the school year.3. Consultation – about students for parents, teachers, administrators, and others concerning problems, testinterpretation, or other topics.4. Orientation – of new students and coordination of fifth grade orientation to the middle school with themiddle school counselor.5. Information – guidance related information is being collected and is available in the counselor’s office uponrequest. Programs being used this year may include the DUSO program, Banana Splits, the PALS program,the PUMSY program, a Conflict Resolution program, the Second Step Program, personal safety programs,Bully Free Classrooms, and others.6. Student Council – supervision of Student Council elections and monthly meetings.Ruth Moyer Elementary School Phone: (859) 441-1180219 Highland Avenue Fax: (859) 441-9440Fort Thomas, KY 41075Website: http://www.fortthomas.kyschools.us/

Ruth Moyer Elementary HandbookA 2009 Blue Ribbon School of ExcellenceSchool Year 2011-12Page 16Lost or damaged books incur a replacement fee for the borrower, K through 5. Students who move during theschool year are asked to clear all library responsibilities before withdrawing. Students who find library materialsafter they leave Moyer School or during the summer, are urged to return all materials, which are still in usablecondition. A portion of the replacement fee may be returned.In the spring, the library is buzzing during Scholastic Book Fair Week. It is celebrated in March during the week ofthe Fine Arts Fair and Open House. Students can come into the library to shop for books. The money madeduring the Book Fair is used to order new books and materials for the library.Each year about 100 students/families participate in the Buy It, Read It, Seed It Program sponsored in the library.New hardback books are available for students to "shop" through and donate for $10.00. A nameplate is placed inthe front of the book to honor the child. This program enables us to purchase new books and materials for ourlibrary.A group of volunteers from the PTO render valuable services at the checkout desk and in shelving returnedmaterials. Volunteers are scheduled for either morning or afternoon duties.LOST AND FOUNDStudents are expected to assume responsibility for their own belongings. A box is maintained in a prominent placenear the office for all lost items (except money and jewelry). Students are expected to check there for lost ormisplaced items. We strongly recommend that all personal belongings be labeled. Money or jewelry may bereclaimed at the office.MISSION STATEMENTThe staff and parents of Ruth Moyer Elementary School believe that all students deserve the opportunity toachieve their maximum potential. We accept the responsibility to help all students achieve academically, learnlife-skills, and to continue their education at the next level.MUSTANG MANNERS1. We say “Hello.”When we pass someone, we greet them. Whenever possible we say something “nice” about them. When we meetsomeone for the first time we shake their hand and repeat their name.2. We make “Eye Contact.”When someone is speaking, we keep our eyes on him or her. If someone makes a comment, we turn and face thatperson.3. We say “Thank You.”When given something, or when some helps us, we say “Thank You!”4. We say “Please.”When we need something or ask for something, we say “Please.”5. We say “Excuse Me.”If we bump into someone accidentally or knock something down, we say “Excuse me.”6. We hold doors for others.We do not “race” to be first or let others “cut” in line. When we come to a door first, we open it for others.7. We pick up after ourselves.If we got it out, we put it back.8. We let an adult know if we are being picked on.If someone is not being nice to us, we let an adult know.9. We are honest.Everyone makes mistakes; we can live with that. We don’t make them worse by lying about them.10. We show respect for ourselves and others.Ruth Moyer Elementary School Phone: (859) 441-1180219 Highland Avenue Fax: (859) 441-9440Fort Thomas, KY 41075Website: http://www.fortthomas.kyschools.us/