School Policies
Attendance
Students are required to be in school between 8:30 a.m. and 2:55 p.m .
Tardies/Early Pick-ups
We expect children to be on time to school. Late arrival disrupts class and causes loss of instructional time. Any student who arrives at school after 8:30 is considered tardy. Students who arrive after 10 a.m. are counted as absent for the morning. Please make every effort to have students on time. If a student is tardy, they should check in at the office prior to going to class. Students will be issued a check-in permission slip by the office. Please do not accompany your student to their classroom after the tardy bell has rung. If your child needs assistance getting to their classroom, a staff member will assist them and deliver any messages to their teacher. Early pick-ups may be counted as a ½ day absence if they occur before 1:30 p.m. If an early withdrawal is planned, please send a note with your child so their teacher can prepare any homework they may need. Come to the office when you are ready to check your student out and the secretary will page their classroom. Please note: excessive tardies and/or early withdrawals may constitute an unexcused absence(s).
Absences
When a student is unable to attend school, parents should call the school between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. Parents should give the student's name, teacher's name, and reason for the absence. If a parent forgets to call, the school will call the home to confirm the reason for the student's absence. If a student is under a doctor's care and you anticipate the he/she will be out of school for an extended time, parents are asked to contact the office. Parents will receive a note from the office when their child has 9 unexcused absences in a semester or 18 unexcused absences for the school year.
Withdrawals
An application for withdrawal should be completed by the parent of any student(s) who is withdrawing in the middle of a semester. Teachers and staff will summarize the student's progress and prepare the student's file for forwarding to their next school. Once the student has enrolled in a new school that school will contact Ririe Elementary and request that the student's records be forwarded.
Make-Up Homework
Make-up work may be requested when a student is ill or must be absent from school for other reasons. A make-up request may be written and delivered to the teacher or parents may call the office. If you are calling in a request it's a good idea to call early in the day (prior to 9:00 a.m.) Teacher's have to gather the homework during their prep time or recess so early requests may be ready by noon. Requests that come in later in the day will not be ready until school is dismissed at 2:55 p.m. Make-up work will be delivered to the office and can be picked up there.
Doctor and Dentist Appointments
Parents are expected to make every effort to schedule doctor and dentist appointments outside of school hours. However, if this is not possible, students will be excused for these special appointments. In the event that a child has an appointment or needs to leave the school during class time, parents should come to the office and sign their student out. When a student needs to see a health
care professional, please obtain a signed excuse from that person's office.
Signed excuses from a provider's office must be received within one week of the visit. Excuses are kept on file and these
absences are counted as
excused absences if they are received within one week of the visit. They will appear on the student's report card but will not be counted in the 9/18 rule.
Emergency Information and Consent Forms
In case of emergency, each student is required to have on file at the school office the following information on the appropriate forms.
•1.
Parent(s) or guardian(s) name(s)
•2.
Complete and up to date address.
•3.
Home phone number, work phone number, cell phone number and an emergency phone number.
•4.
Emergency consent form signed in case parents cannot be contacted and there is an emergency.
•5.
Listing of special medical alert information.
Health Polcies
Please send your children to school in good health. Students often feel fine in the morning but may become ill as the day wears on. A student will be sent home if they are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
1. A fever of 100oF or greater
2. Nausea, Vomiting, and/or Diarrhea
3. Swollen tonsils
4. Red throat, especially when accompanied by a fever
5. Excessive coughing
•6.
Injury that requires a doctor's care (examples: broken bones, deep
wounds)
•7.
Suspicious rashes
•8.
Head Lice (Adults and/or nits present)
If you receive a call from the office telling you your child is ill, please pick them up as soon as possible. They are usually much more comfortable at home and we have limited space in our nurses office. It is also important that you have emergency contacts on file in the office in the event that we are unable to reach you by telephone.
Medication administered at school
The school has a licensed nurse to assist in administering medications at school. If a student is to receive medication at school the following conditions must be met:
-
A permission to administer medication form must be filled out and have a doctor's authorization to administer the medication.
-
Prescription medications must be in their original containers, and have the following information on them: Child's name, name of medication, dosage instructions, and doctor's name and prescription date.
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Non-prescription medications may be given by the nurse if the OTC (over the counter) form has been signed and is on file. Students may not bring their own medications to school and self-administer them.
-
Students who have been prescribed an inhaler must fill out a Physician and
Parental/Guardian Consent Form for Student Self-Administration of Asthma Medication and have the form signed by both the prescribing physician and parent/guardian if they wish to carry the inhaler with them during school hours. In addition, prescription information must be printed on the inhaler they bring to school. It is a student's right to carry their inhaler, however, the School District continues to recommend that the inhalers be locked up in the Nurse's office. This is for the safety of your child and their fellow students. The nurse as well as the school administrator and the secretary have access to the lock box .
Please Note:
If your child will carry their inhaler, it is recommended that they keep the inhaler on their person at all times. A fanny pack is recommended for this purpose. It is not recommended that they keep an inhaler in their desk . Again, these recommendations are made for the safety of your child and their classmates.
Food Allergies
The Idaho Board of Education requires all school cafeterias to keep a record of students with food allergies on hand. Each lunchroom must keep a file on these students which includes a physician's note stating the student's allergy (milk, peanuts, etc.) and their current classroom assignment. Our Food Service Director has also requested that we keep a picture of the student on file in the lunchroom so substitute personnel will be aware of which students have allergies.
Telephone
Telephone messages to students should be received prior to 2:00 p.m. No phone calls will be taken after 2:45 since we may not be able to get the message to the child before school is dismissed. The secretary will take your messages
and
deliver them to your child. Please
do
not
ask to speak to your child unless it is an extreme emergency. Pulling children from their classroom disrupts the learning process. Students are allowed to use the office phone in an emergency or under the direction of their teacher. They may not make arrangements to visit other students or change bus-riding plans.
Posting/Distribution of Nonschool Material
Any material that is not delivered by the district, postal service or delivery services must be approved by the principal before it can distributed in the school building. Announcements that pertain to student activities may be posted on the school bulletin board upon the approval of the principal. The bulletin board is not to be used for advertising services or goods for sale. If an organization or individual would like to send home approved material, they are responsible for copying and counting out the material for distribution. The secretary will deliver prepared material to each classroom pending approval by the principal.
Visitors and Volunteers
The school welcomes visitors and volunteers. Please make sure that you check in at the office prior to going to individual classrooms, lunchroom, and playground area. Federal Law requires us to have all visitors check in. If you are interested in volunteering your time and talents, contact the administration or the P.T.S.O.
Bus Conduct and Walking Students
Safety is of prime importance as students are transported to and from school. Safety depends on the conduct of students. We ask parents to discuss good conduct with their children. Students who violate bus regulations may lose bus privileges. When it is necessary for a student to deviate from their normal transportation routine (this includes walking students), the following is required:
•1.
Students, who wish to ride a bus different than the one assigned to them must have a note signed by their parent and the principal before boarding.
•2.
Students must also have a note signed by their parent when the student
•a.
Stays after school for a special event
•b.
Rides or walks to an address other than his/her own
•c.
Is being picked up by a parent when the student usually walks or rides the bus.
Restrictions on student pick-up . No one other than the parent(s) or guardian(s) is allowed to pick up a student unless notified by the legal (custodial) parent or guardian. If special restrictions have been placed on biological parents by the court, legal papers (divorce degrees, in their entirety or restraining orders) must be on file in the office in order for the staff to deny access to a biological child.
Cancellation of School and Inclement Weather
Cancellation of school takes place only during circumstances such as extreme weather or equipment failure. On such days, every practical means is used to notify parents of a cancellation, including radio, and TV. Please listen to local stations on those days. Decisions for cancellations will be made as early in the day as possible.
Pets
Pets are not allowed on the school grounds including for use during show and tell. Live animals will not be allowed in the building or on the playground due to safety and health issues.
Playground Rules
A teacher and/or paraprofessional is present on the playground during each recess and before school starting at 8:00 a.m. Students need to be courteous and take turns when using playground equipment. Specific rules apply to each piece of equipment. They are listed below.
Swings
No double occupancy.
No swinging high then jumping out.
No twisting of two swings together.
Swing back and forth only no other directions.
Always sit on your bottoms, no standing or sitting on knees.
Small Toy
All can play on it but if the preschoolers or kindergarteners come they have it for themselves.
Big Toy Complex
Go down the slides on your bottoms only.
No running up or down the slide
Hang on to rings (no kicking with your feet)
Take turns on the climbing wall
Big End Grass
All sports play together but no tackle football.
Accidents happen, but avoid direct hits to the head with balls when possible
Tennis Courts
Only students with tennis rackets on the court.
Play only with tennis balls.
Playground Equipment
Balls, jump ropes and other playground equipment are provided by the school.
Return all equipment to the proper classroom after recess.
Time Out
Time out is served on the wall with a time limit
Going to the restroom and getting a drink should be done as students go out to recess. If a student needs to use the bathroom they may come in and use the facilities.
Personal Property
Student should not bring personal items to school, unless the teacher has previously approved it. Do not bring toys unless they are used for show and tell, they should not be used on the playground. Trading cards are not allowed in school and will be confiscated. The school is not responsible for lost or damaged property.
Lost and Found
We have a lost and found table in the front hall across from the restrooms. Each year many articles are lost and not claimed. If your child has misplaced or lost an item, have them check the lost and found table. The lost and found table is also set up at Parent-Teacher Conferences so please check it at those times if you are missing items. Those items not claimed will be donated to a worthy charity.
SCHOOL FLUORIDE MOUTHRINSE PROGRAM
Ririe Elementary, in cooperation with the District 7 Health Department and the Department of Health and Welfare, offers all students grades 1-4 a Fluoride Mouthrinsing Program to prevent dental decay. This simple method of applying fluoride has been demonstrated to be safe and effective in controlling tooth decay. Participants rinse their mouths with a 0.2% neutral solution for one minute once each week under the supervision of their classroom teacher.
This project is very important to the oral health of your child. Participation is entirely voluntary and without cost to you. We encourage you to allow your child to participate in this valuable health project. This preventative program, however, should not take the place of regular dental care by your dentist or proper home care. In addition, children who are taking supplementary fluoride tablets or receiving topical fluoride applications in the dental office may safely rinse at school.
If you would like your child to participate in the program please mark "yes" on the Parent Permission Form. If you have questions regarding this project, please call Trixie, our school nurse or Alise the dental hygienist at the District 7 Health Department, 522-0310, Extension 118.
SCHOOL FIELD TRIP POLICY
The school will notify each parent/guardian of students eligible to participate in a field trip in writing before each trip. If you do not want your child to attend a specific field experience, you need to respond to the school in writing, requesting exemption from the field trip. Students who do not attend field trips are not excused from school. They will remain in school and work on assignments supplied by their classroom teacher.
Careful planning goes into each field trip and reasonable safety precautions are taken. Emergency forms filled out by each parent are taken along on each trip. Teachers also take a cell phone on field trips so they can remain in contact with the school. Parent volunteers generally attend as chaperones to further insure the safety of all students. By giving your permission to attend field trips you also assume the responsibility of instructing your son or daughter to follow the directions of the school official in charge, including teachers and chaperones. Failure to obey the rules may result in exclusion from future field trips.
The most common means of transportation for field trips is a school bus. It is therefore necessary for you to read and keep a copy of the bus rules. All parents/guardians also need to respond to the question regarding bus rules on the parent permission form.
ELEMENTARY DISCIPLINE POLICY
Our program includes:
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Emphasis on recognition of appropriate behavior.
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Detailed classroom management plans for all children.
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Clearly defined expectations.
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Fair and consistent use of consequences.
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Communication with students and parents regarding;
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Behavior successes
-
Behavior problems and consequences
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Record keeping of all behavior infractions for review.
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Discipline is a responsibility that needs to be shared between school and home. It is to our collective advantage to develop self-disciplined people. It is a life-long skill that we owe the children. Today's children are tomorrow's adults.
-
The goal of discipline is the development of positive self-esteem.
Definition of Discipline
Discipline is training that enables children to make appropriate choices in a climate of warmth and support, which includes limitations with both positive and negative consequences.
Elementary School Rules
•1.
Keep hands, feet, and objects to self.
•2.
All students are to remain is assigned areas.
•3.
Complete all work assigned.
•4.
Use only kind words towards others
•5.
Use "common sense". If you think there is a chance you might get hurt or hurt someone lese, "don't do it".
Responsibilities In the Building
•1.
Safety, kindness, honesty to ALL at ALL times.
•2.
I always walk in the building.
•3.
When I talk in the building, I will use a soft voice.
•4.
I will treat other people with respect.
•5.
I will be honest with other people's things.
•6.
I help keep my class/assigned area cleaned up.
•7.
Food and gum are not allowed at school except in designated eating areas.
On the Playground
•1.
Remember safety. Kindness, honest to ALL at ALL times.
•2.
I will stay inside the playground boundaries.
•3.
The "Four Big No's"
•a. No throwing (rocks, sand, snow, sticks)
•b. No fighting
•c. No swearing
•d. No spitting
•4.
"Big Toy Talk" - We slide down the slide, We do not skip the bars.
•5.
Games
•a.
I do not walk through someone else's game.
•b. I will not kick any ball against the school building walls.
•c.
I will not bounce any ball against a wall that has windows. (I pay for broken windows.)
•d.
We can use nerf balls, rubber balls, basketballs, softballs, and cloth balls. No hard balls.
•e.
The tennis courts may be used for playing tennis only
•f. Tackle football is prohibited
•g.
We do not play in the parking lot.
•6.
I help to keep the schoolyard cleaned up.
•7.
We do not bring toys to school (except balls, tennis rackets, etc).
In the Lunchroom
•1.
I use a soft voice when visiting
•2.
I eat all of my food in the cafeteria.
•3.
I pickup all of my scraps and put them in the trash can.
•4.
I do not throw food or any other objects.
•5.
I will ask permission to leave the lunchroom for any reason if the bell has not rung.
Bathroom Code
•1.
Flush after use.
•2.
Leave the sink clean
•3.
Throw paper towels in the trashcan
•4.
Show the custodian we care
"Doorknob to Doorknob"
I won't go to anyone's house or to the store before, during or after school. I will always check in at home first.
All School Plan
In accordance with the district discipline handbook, we at Ririe Elementary recognize two serious discipline problems: minor offenses and major offenses.
Minor Offenses Include:
•1.
Safety Violation
•a.
Throwing Objects
•b.
Pushing/Shoving
•c.
Spitting
•2.
Willful Disobedience
•3.
Profanity/Verbal Abuse
Major Offenses Include:
•1.
Physical Assault
•2.
Possession of weapons or drugs
•3.
Vandalism to school property/stealing (restitution required)
•4.
Willful Disobedience
Consequences:
Consequences can be decided by the student and teacher, or student and principal. The following list consists of possible consequences that could be instituted. The consequence should be something that helps the students learn from the mistakes they have made.
•1.
Warning
•2.
Lost recesses
•3.
Time out
•4.
Notify the parent
•5.
Assigned consequence
•6.
Involvement of principal
•7.
In-school suspension
•8.
Detention
•9.
Cleaning up if mess was made
•10.
Loss of privilege or "fun" activity
•11.
Conference with parent
•12.
Helping teacher with specific chores at recess
•13.
Behavior plan, contracting with student, making a commitment to a consequence if the behavior occurs again
•14.
Out of school suspension
Date of Adoption: July 1, 1995
Media and District
Photographs and Filming
Members of the media occasionally come to our school to film events and may request interviews with our students. If you would allow your child to be filmed, photographed, and/or interviewed by members of the media, please mark "yes" on the parent permission form. If you prefer that you child not receive any media exposure, please mark "no" on the parent permission form.
Classroom activities may be photographed by District personnel and may be displayed in the school building. If you wish to allow your child to be photographed by District personnel, please mark "yes" on the Parent Permission Form. If you would not like your child photographed, please mark "no".
You may choose to allow school photographs and not news media (or visa versa). If you would like this option, please circle news media OR Ririe Joint School District on the Parent Permission form and mark 'yes".
STUDENT DRESS CODE
The board of Trustees of Ririe Joint School District #252 recognizes the individual right of students to choose their style of dress. The board takes pride in the fact that the majority of this district's students have elected to wear clothing and observe grooming habits which represent the pride students have in their school.
Since it is the duty of the Board to provide an educational atmosphere conducive to learning and to protect the health, safety, and morals of students the following guidelines apply.
•1.
Clothing or grooming habits that are disruptive of the educational process, have a detrimental effect of the safety and morals of students, or that depict illegal or immoral acts is prohibited.
•2.
Clothing which depicts by word or picture, items or acts that are obscene, lewd, indecent or offensive are also prohibited, as is clothing with any depiction or words describing or advertising any alcohol, or tobacco products or any legal or illegal drug or substance.
•3.
The body shall be covered; no bare midriffs.
•4.
Tank tops, unlined sheer material, and fishnet tops are prohibited.
•5.
Hats and bandanas cannot be worn in the school building.
•6.
Shorts or skirts shall be no shorter than 3 inches above the top of the kneetcap.
7.
Roller shoes (wheelies) are not permitted in the school building or on the grounds.
If the superintendent or his/her designee determines that a student's attire or grooming habits is violating this code, that student will be required to return to his or her home and change into suitable clothing before coming back to school. Parents or guardians will be notified each time a student is asked to leave school because of inappropriate attire. If a grooming habit is determined to violate this policy, the student and his or her parents or guardians will be required to meet with the superintendent or his/her designee to discuss and resolve the matter. All time missed room classes for failure to adhere to this policy will be deemed unexcused absences. Repeated failure to follow this policy may result in further discipline.
Appropriate Clothing
In addition to the dress code, there are some common sense tips for parents and students. Students participate in P.E. on a regular basis and should wear appropriate shoes on those days. Tennis shoes are most appropriate. Students will not be allowed to participate in P.E. activities if they are wearing inappropriate shoes such as flip flops. They may bring a change of shoes to school if they desire to do so. When the weather becomes colder, please send your children with appropriate clothing, jackets, coats, gloves and hats. It may be necessary to keep children inside for recess if they are not "dressed for the weather". Appropriate clothing guidelines also extend to field trips.
