PDF file of the Charles Russell Elementary Student Handbook for ...

Table of ContentsWelcome Letter 2Arrival 2Walkers/Car Riders 3Bus Riders/Late Arrivals 3Parking 3School Newsletter/Website 3Dismissal 3Walkers/Car Riders/Bus Riders 4Leaving Early 4Homework Policy 4Calls/Messages 5Head Lice Policy 5Parties 5Flowers/Balloons 5Parents and the School 5Media Center 6School Map 8Board of Education 9Statement of Nondiscrimination 9Chain of Communication 10Grievance Process 10Code of Conduct 11Acceptable Use Procedures 13Absences and Excuses 161

Dear Parent of Guardian:The faculty and staff at Charles Russell Elementary would like to welcome you to our school. We believe thatit is our mission to provide each and every student with the most comprehensive, positive and nurturing environmentso as to encourage them to reach their highest academic potential, while developing their independentthinking skills, creativity, physical well being, and social skills.We believe that this mission will be accomplished through continuing positive relationships and interactionsbetween our school and the community that we serve. Positive parent involvement plays a major role in thesuccess of both the individual student and the school as a whole.Charles Russell elementary is a facility of approximately 325 students in grades Kindergarten through 6 thGrade. Our school has a total of 36 staff members who are dedicated to the well being of each and every student.This staff includes a secretary, 14 classroom teachers, 1 special education and 1 speech teacher, alongwith a full time library/media specialist. Other staff members include counseling, music and P.E. Our staffalso includes 10 instructional assistants, one of which is a full time technology specialist. There are also 7 supportstaff for lunch and custodial services.Charles Russell Elementary is a site based decision-making school. Our council meets on the second Mondayof every month. Our council is composed of the principal, 3 teachers, and 2 parents. Parents are elected to thecouncil through our school PTO. All are welcome to attend SBDM meetings.Programs offered at our school include the Student Technology Leadership Program, video club, and book discussionclubs.We encourage parents to be involved with their children both during school by volunteering and at home byencouraging and supporting their child to always do their best. By working together, Charles Russell will be apositive place for your child to learn and grow.Thank you for your support.Steve SalyersPrincipal, Charles Russell ElementaryWalkersCHARLES RUSSELL ELEMENTARYArrival (school begins at 7:55am)If your child will be walking to school, we ask that you do not allow your child to arrive at school before7:25am. Stress to your child that it is important that they do not take shortcuts and to walk directly to school.2

Students also have the option, at the discretion of their teacher, to come to the library during the week to checkout new books as needed.Overdue BooksBooks are considered overdue the second week it is not returned. Once a student has any book that is overdue,they will not be allowed to checkout any further books until the overdue item is returned to the library.Lost or Damaged BooksBooks that are lost or damaged must be paid for before the student can resume checking out furtherbooks.Please do not try to repair books.Once you have paid for a book, it is yours. The school cannot refund your money, as the money collectedfor lost or damaged books is used to purchase replacements for the library as soon as possible.Please look carefully for any missing books. We would much rather have the book than the money.Please see that your child has a place at home to keep library books where they are out of reach ofyounger children and pets.We hope that you will encourage your child to read every day. Reading for pleasure is one of the best ways toimprove reading skills and broaden horizons. Please make reading a family affair at your home.Thank you,Sheila Meade, Library Media SpecialistSteve Salyers, Principal7

Ashland Independent SchoolsBoard of EducationCarol JacksonTrish HallFrank DeMartinoMolly WebbCharlie ChatfieldSuperintendentSteve GilmoreBuilding PrincipalsDerek Runyon, Paul G. Blazer High SchoolDavid Greene, George M. Verity Middle SchoolBrad Greene, Crabbe Elementary SchoolPhillip Caudill, Hager Elementary SchoolDebbie Diamond, Oakview Elementary School, Poage Elementary SchoolSteve Salyers, Charles Russell Elementary SchoolCentral OfficeLisa Henson, Student Support ServicesPatsy Lindsey, Pupil Personnel/Title IRichard Oppenheimer, Student AchievementTim Walters, FinanceStatement of Nondiscrimination“The Ashland Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the educational programs or activitiesthat it operates, and is required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 (P.L. 92-318) notto discriminate in such a manner: further, the Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of handicap,in treatment, admission of, access to, or employment in its programs or activities, as required by the RehabilitationAct of 1973 (P.L. 92-112), as amended, section 504: nor does the Board of Education discriminatein the education programs or activities it operates.”9

Chain of CommunicationAny parent experiencing a problem with a child’s school should first contact the secretary to arrange a conferencewith the teacher. If the problem is not solved, discuss it with the Principal. If there is still no solution, itshould be taken to the SBDM if appropriate, Superintendent, and finally the Board of Education – in that order.Ashland Independent Schools Student Formal Grievance ProcessTitle IX – Section 504 – Title VI Step 1. A grievance shall be filed in writing with the school principal within(15) school days of the knowledge of the alleged cause. The student shall set forth in writing the nature ofthe violation, the dates it occurred, and be signed by the student making the complaint.Response: The school principal shall notify the complainant in writing within five (5) school days from thedate of the written notice what (if any) action was/or will be taken. Note: If the Principal does not resolve thecomplaint to the satisfaction of the student, the student may appeal to the next step.Step 2. The student (complainant) may appeal in writing to the public school superintendent within five (5)school days of the date of the principal’s response in Step 1. This written notice must contain all written informationfrom the student and the principal’s response.Response: The superintendent will notify the complainant in writing within five (5) school days from the dateof the appeal, as to what action was/will be taken.Step 3. If the student (complainant) is not satisfied with the action taken by the school superintendent in Step2, the complainant may notify in writing within five (5) school days of the response to the board of education.This written notice must identify the grievance and dates and all written information and response from all previoussteps.Response: The board of education will notify the complainant in writing within twenty (20) school days ofthe date of the appeal letter in Step 3 as to what action was/or will be taken.Step 4. In the event that the complainant is still not satisfied with the action taken, the complainant may write,within five (5) days of the last response, to the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 101Marietta Tower, Suite 280, Atlanta, Georgia 30323.Note: If appeals are not made, it is assumed the decision at that level is accepted.Note: At any point in this grievance procedure, a student has the right to go directly to the Office of CivilRights. Adopted: September 28, 1987For further information contact: Lisa Henson, Director of Student Support Services at 327-2706 ext. 2728.Note: The Ashland Independent School System has a board-approved code of acceptable behavior and discipline.If a student or parent requests a copy from the school, one will be provided.STUDENTS 09.43810

DEVELOPMENTStudent Code of ConductDistrict GuidelinesIn accordance with KRS 158.148 and 704 KAR 007:050, the Board shall develop a student discipline code thatshall be posted at each school, referenced in all school handbooks, and provided to school employees, parents,legal guardians, or other persons exercising custodial control or supervision. As required by KRS 158.148, aprocess shall be developed to provide information to those parties and to train employees.The code shall establish standards of acceptable behavior and discipline and may include District-wide standardsof behavior for students who participate in extracurricular and co-curricular activities.The code shall include a process addressing how students can report code violations to District personnel forappropriate action.REVIEWThe Board shall update the student discipline code at least every two (2) years.REPORTING OF DATAAs directed by the Kentucky Department of Education, the District shall report to the Center for School Safetywhen a student has been disciplined by the school for a serious incident or charged criminally for conduct constitutinga violation of any offense listed in KRS 158.444, KRS 525.070 or KRS 525.080.Data collected on an individual student committing a reportable incident shall be placed in the student’s disciplinaryrecord.SUSPENSION AND EXPULSIONThe Ashland Independent School District Board of Education declares that the following constitutes cause forsuspension or expulsion from school:Serious or repeated misbehavior, violations of state of federal law, or violations of school rules or pupilpersonnelpolicies that bring about a disruption in the educational process (AISD Policy 09.426).1. Honor Code - Students are to be honest in completing all tests, assignments, and classwork and incommunicating with school personnel. During all assignments and tests, students shall not secure anyinformation for their work from any authorized source.2. Tardiness - Students are expected to be on time to school, classes, and other school activities. Studentsshall be subject to the policies established by the classroom teacher and individual school policy in determiningwhat constitutes tardiness to class. (AISD Policy 09.123)3. Gambling - Gambling by students on school property or at a school sponsored activity, wherever located,is prohibited.Willful disobedience or defiance of the authority of teachers or administrators.1. Insubordination - Students shall not disregard or refuse to obey any reasonable direction or instructiongiven by school personnel during any period of time when the student is under the authority of schoolpersonnel. Repeated minor violations of any school rule shall also constitute insubordination. (AISDPolicy 09.42)2. Leaving School without Permission (a.k.a. “Cutting Class”) - Students are not permitted to leave theschool building or grounds before the school day is completed without having first obtained permissionfrom the office. Neither is any student to fail to report to assigned classes. (AISD Policy 09.1231)Use of profanity, vulgarity, pornography or other inappropriate behavior11

1. Public Display of Affection - Displays of affection are not permitted by students in the school building,on school grounds, in school vehicles or other Board-operated vehicles, or at any school-sponsored activity,wherever located.2. Immorality - Students are not to engage in sexual acts, nor are they to possess, conceal or transmit pornographicmatter on school property or at a school-sponsored activity, wherever located.Assault or battery or abuse of other students or school personnel1. Assault - Students shall not behave in such a way as could reasonably cause physical injury to a schoolemployee, student, or other person(s) at any time while on school property, off the school grounds at aschool-sponsored activity, or on school vehicles or other Board-operated vehicles. (AISD Policy09.425)Unless immediate suspension is necessary to protect persons or property or to avoid disruption of the educationalprocess, no suspensions may be made until due process procedures are implemented. Suspension of primaryschool students shall be considered only in exceptional cases where there are safety issues for the childor others. (AISD Policy 09.434) Due process must be given before educational benefits are taken away andshall include: Oral or written notice of the charge(s) against the student. An explanation of the evidence, if the student denies the charge(s). An opportunity to present his/her own version of the facts concerning the charge(s). (AISD Policy09.431)Exclusion from the regular school setting for a period longer than ten (10) days, not to exceed the end of thecurrent year, is usually considered to be an expulsion. Only the Board may expel. (AISD Policy 09.435)A student may be brought before the Board for expulsion only after a reasonable effort on the part of theschool to resolve the situation has failed. This effort should include the principal, teacher(s), parent/guardian,and student conference(s) with the use of guidance and social agencies that are available.In order for expulsion to take place, the pupil is entitled to a procedural due process hearing before the Board(AISD Policy 09.431), including the following:1. A written statement, setting forth the specific charges and grounds which if proven would justify expulsionunder the law, will be presented to the pupil and his/her parents/guardians. The statement will be of sufficientclarity and given adequately in advance of the hearing to allow the pupil to prepare a reasonable defense.The action of the Board will be based on those charges, no others.2. The pupils and parents/guardians will be provided with the names of witnesses against the student, if any.If there are no witnesses, the student will be fully informed of the manner in which the alleged violation(s)came to the attention of the Board.3. During the hearing, the pupil and his/her parents/guardians will be afforded the opportunity to present theBoard with a defense to the charges by oral or written testimony, including the introduction of a reasonablenumber of witnesses on his/her own behalf.4. Should the pupil and his/her parents/guardians desire, they may be accompanied by a lay advisor and representedby legal counsel. If the latter is desired, they must notify the Board of this intention so that theBoard attorney may also be present.5. The pupil is entitled to an expeditious handling of his/her case and prompt decisions after the hearing, consistentwith the requirements of mature and careful reflection by the Board.6. The pupil will be given the Board’s decision in writing.12

7. The decision of the Board is final. If the pupil and parents/guardians fail to appear at the scheduled hearing,the Board will take whatever action it deems appropriate, according to the charges.If the pupil is expelled for a period less than the full school year, a conference should be held with the Board orits designees prior to readmission.(For specific information related to disciplinary offenses and responses at the individual schools, please referto that school’s student handbook and SBDM council’s discipline policy.)REFERENCES:KRS 158.444; KRS 158.148; KRS 158.153; KRS 158.165; KRS 160.295KRS 525.070, KRS 525.080704 KAR 007:050, Student Discipline Guidelines, Kentucky Department of EducationRELATED POLICIES:09.2211, 09.3, 09.42, 09.421, 09.422, 09.426, 09.42811CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION 08.2323USEAccess to Electronic Media(Acceptable Use and Technology Plan Policy)13Adopted/Amended: 10/27/2008Order #: 151The Board supports reasonable access to various information formats for students, employees and the communityand believes it is incumbent upon all users of electronic media and/or the AIS network to utilize this privilegein an appropriate and responsible manner.SAFETY PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINESThe Superintendent shall develop and implement appropriate procedures to provide guidance for access toelectronic media. Guidelines shall address teacher supervision of student computer use, ethical use of electronicmedia (including, but not limited to, the Internet, e-mail and other District technological resources), and issuesof privacy versus administrative review of electronic files and communications. In addition, guidelinesshall prohibit utilization of networks for prohibited or illegal activities, the intentional spreading of embeddedmessages, or the use of other programs with the potential of damaging or destroying programs or data.Students shall be provided instruction about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individualson social networking sites and in chat rooms and cyberbullying awareness and response.Internet safety measures shall be implemented that effectively address the following:Controlling access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide Web;Safety and security of minors when they are using electronic mail, chat rooms, and other forms of directelectronic communications;Preventing unauthorized access, including “hacking’ and other unlawful activities by minors online;Unauthorized disclosure, use and dissemination of personal information regarding minors; andRestricting minor’s access to materials harmful to them.The District shall provide reasonable public notice of, and at least one (1) public hearing or meeting to addressand communicate, its Internet safety measures.Specific expectations for appropriate Internet use shall be reflected in the District’s code of acceptable behaviorand discipline including appropriate orientation for staff and students.

Users with network access shall not utilize District resources to establish electronic mail accounts throughthird party providers or any other nonstandard electronic mail system.PERMISSION/AGREEMENT FORMA written parental request shall be required prior to a student’s being granted independent access to electronicmedia involving District technological resources.The required permission/agreement form, which shall specify acceptable uses, rules of on-line behavior, accessprivileges and penalties for policy/procedural violations, must be signed by the parent or legal guardian of minorstudents (those under 18 years of age) and also by the student.This document shall be kept on file as a legal, binding document. In order to modify or rescind the agreement,the student's parent/guardian (or the student who is at least 18 years old) must provide the Principal with awritten request.EMPLOYEE USEEmployees shall use electronic mail only for purposes directly related to work-related activities.Employees shall not use a code, access a file, or retrieve any stored communication unless they have been givenauthorization to do so. (Authorization is not required each time the electronic media is accessed in performanceof one’s duties.) Each employee is responsible for the security of his/her own password.COMMUNITY USEOn recommendation of the Superintendent/designee, the Board shall determine when and which computerequipment, software and information access systems will be available to the community.Upon request to the Principal/designee, community members may have access to the Internet and other electronicinformation sources and programs available through the District’s technology system, provided they attendany required training and abide by the rules of usage established by the Superintendent/designee.DISREGARD OF RULESIndividuals who refuse to sign required acceptable use documents or who violate District rules governing theuse of District technology shall be subject to loss or restriction of the privilege of using equipment, software,information access systems or other computing and telecommunications technologies.Employees and students shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination (employees)and expulsion (students) for violating this policy and acceptable use rules and regulations established by theschool or District.RESPONSIBILITY FOR DAMAGESIndividuals shall reimburse the Board for repair or replacement of District property lost, stolen, damaged, orvandalized while under their care. Students or staff members who deface a District web site or otherwise makeunauthorized changes to a web site shall be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion andtermination, as appropriate.RESPONDING TO CONCERNSSchool officials shall apply the same criterion of educational suitability used to review other educational resourceswhen questions arise concerning access to specific databases or other electronic media.DISTRICT TECHNOLOGY PLANThe District Technology Committee shall review, revise, and resubmit the District Technology Plan for Boardapproval annually by November 1 and at other times when necessary to ensure successful implementation andutilization of equipment, software and materials in a high performance learning environment.CONTENTThe District Technology Plan shall set operational guidelines and procedures for:14

a. Implementationb. Technology/curricular Integrationc. Program support through technology populationd. Annual assessment models for staff and studentse. Access equityf. Hardware/software selection criteria and/or standards for consistencyg. Network infrastructure requirementsh. Technology maintenance requirementsi. Professional developmentj. Community/Public information and involvementk. Assistive technology and special populations recommendations including Gifted and Talentedl. Alternative technologies (media retrieval systems, display equipment, library automationm. Cooperative programs with both institutions of higher education and among District schoolsn. An auditing process to prevent access of sexually explicit materialsCOMMITTEE COMPOSITIONThe District Technology Committee shall be composed of representatives of stakeholders consisting of,but not limited to:1. One (1) community member2. Representatives from each school to include one (1) principal, one (1) teacher, one (1) STC/STA and one (1) parent3. One (1) Central Office representativeUNITY OF DIRECTIONIn order to provide consistency among schools, effective utilization, and lowest cost implementationand maintenance as well as a continuum across the K-12 school community, technology purchasing,implementation, and utilization shall be consistent with the District Technology Plan as approved bythe Board.AUDIT OF USEThe Superintendent/designee shall establish a process to determine whether the District’s educationtechnology is being used for purposes prohibited by law of for accessing sexually explicit materials.The process shall include, but not be limited to:1. Utilizing technology that meets requirements of Kentucky Administrative Regulations and thatblocks or filters Internet access for both minors and adults to certain visual depictions that areobscene, child pornography, or, with respect to computers with Internet access by minors,harmful to minors;2. Maintaining and securing a usage log; and3. Monitoring online activities of minors.15

REFERENCES:KRS 156.675; 47.U.S.C.§ 254; 701 KAR 005:120Public Law 110-385, Broadband Data Improvement Act/Protecting Children in the 21st Century Act.Kentucky Education Technology System (KETS)RELATED POLICIES:03.1325/03.232504.32, 05.2, 05.2208.1353, 08.2321, 08.232209.14, 09.421, 09.422, 09.425, 09.426STUDENTS 09.123Adopted/Amended: 07/27/2009Absences and ExcusesPupil are required to attend regularly and punctually the school in which they are enrolledOrder #: 115Truancy DefinedAny student who has attained the age of six (6), but has not reached his/her eighteenth (18 th ) birthday, who hasbeen absent from school without valid excuse for three (3) days or more, is a truant.Any student enrolled in a public school who has attained the age of eighteen years, but has not reached his/hertwenty-first (21 st ) birthday, who has been absent from school without valid excuse for three (3) or more days,or tardy without valid excuse on three (3) or more days, is a truant.Any student who has been reported as a truant two (2) or more times is a habitual truant.A student who is absent for sixty (60) minutes or less of the regularly scheduled school day is tardy.Students who are habitual truants will, along with their parents(s), be subject to court action.For the purposes of establishing a student’s status as a truant, a student’s attendance record is cumulative foran entire school year. When students transfer from one Kentucky district to another, attendance informationfrom the previous district shall become part of their official attendance record for that school year.Excused AbsencesAn excused absence or tardiness is one for which work may be made up, such as:Death or severe illness in the pupil’s immediate family;No more than three (3) days shall be excused due to the death of a family member.Illness of the pupil,Religious holidays and practices,One (1) day for attendance at the Kentucky State Fair,Documented military leave,One (1) day prior to departure of parent/guardian called to active military duty,One (1) day upon the return of parent/guardian from active military duty, orOther valid reasons as determined by the principal.A student shall have up to five (5) school days upon returning to school to present a valid absence excuse.A maximum of five (5) days of absences per school year may be excused by a note from the student’s parent.Absences exceeding five (5) days per school year may be excused by a physician’s statement.After ten (10) days of absence in a school year, the District medical excuse form shall be completed in orderfor the student to receive additional medical absences.Emergency Absence Extension16

Charles Russell ElementaryDress Code2010 – 20111. All students are expected to be clean and well groomed. Appearance that is disruptive or distracting will not bepermitted.2. Dress should vary with the season and be appropriate for health and safety requirements and class work.Excessive tightness or exposure of any garment will not be permitted. The following clothing items are not permitted:Basketball or cheerleading uniforms except for approved activitiesPants with tears above the kneesSpandex garmentsLow cut tops (tops should not be revealing in any manner)Low rise bottoms (jeans / pants must have a rise high enough to prohibit undergarments or bodyfrom showing when the students are sitting.Skirts, mini skirts or shorts must extend to the fingertips when the student is standing and theirhands are at their side.4. Students may have outdoor recess when the temperature is above 35 degrees. Students who do not wear appropriateclothing during cold weather will not be permitted outside.5. Athletic shoes must be worn to gym class.6. No heelies or skates7. Muscle shirts, spaghetti straps and undershirts are not permitted attire unless worn over or under another shirt. Allclothing must extend to the shoulder and cover the midriff.8. Students may not wear garments that display obscenely suggestive behavior, violence, disrespect, profane language,illegal activity (i.e. alcohol, tobacco, or drug related) or symbols of such manner as to be commonly understoodto convey hatred.9. Hair paint, wallet chains or other accessories may not be worn without permission of the principal.10. Offensive fake tattoos are not permissible.11. The following items may not be worn in the building without permission of the principal:Ball capsSweat bandsBandanas / Head scarvesSunglasses18

Cult or gang related attire is not permittedPierced body jewelry (nose ring, eyebrow ring, etc) may not be worn.Permanent tattoos must be covered.Any student in violation of the dress code is to be sent by the staff member who observes the violation, to the principalor his designee, who will:Call the parent or guardian so that the necessary changes can be made, or send the student home to correct the violation.Any student who continually violates the dress code may be placed in In School Suspension.19