MES School Handbook
ATTENDANCE/DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
The fundamental right to attend the public schools places upon the students the accompanying responsibility to be faithful in attendance. Regular attendance can be assumed to be essential for a student's successful progress in the instructional program.
STUDENTS SHALL BE EXPECTED TO BE IN ATTENDANCE EVERY STUDENT ACTIVITY DAY SCHEDULED BY THE ST. TAMMANY PARISH SCHOOL BOARD.
Schools administer attendance regulations in accordance with State and locally adopted policies.
In order to be eligible to receive credit for courses passed, elementary students shall be in attendance a minimum of 160 days a school year. Students who have less than 160 days attendance will be retained or exceptionally promoted, depending on their academic performance.
Students in grades K-8 who miss more than three (3) hours of instructional time during the school day will be considered absent from school.
The days absent for elementary school students shall include excused absences, unexcused absences and suspensions.
Students shall be excused for personal illness, serious illness in the family (not to exceed one week) or for recognized religious holidays of the student's own faith and shall be given the opportunity for makeup work.
Students shall not be excused for any absence other than those listed and shall be given failing grades in those subjects for those days missed with no makeup work allowed.
Students shall not be excused from school to work on any job, including agriculture and domestic service, even in their own homes or for their parents or tutors.
Students missing school as a result of any suspension shall be counted as absent and shall be given failing grades for those days suspended with no makeup work allowed.
Students participating in school approved activities which necessitate their being away from school shall be considered to be present and shall be given opportunity for makeup work.
Students who are verified as meeting extenuating circumstances and who are, therefore, eligible to receive grades shall not receive those grades if they are unable to complete makeup work or pass the course.
EXCUSES FOR ABSENCES MUST BE PRESENTED IN WRITING TO THE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL OR DESIGNEE WITHIN TWO (2) DAYS OF THE DAYS MISSED.
The note shall include student's full name, the day(s) absent, the reason for the absence, parent or guardian's signature, and date. Failure to send the note will result in the student not being able to make up work. (Zeros will be given.) Excuses will not be accepted after two (2) days of the student's return to school.
Upon returning to school, it is the student's responsibility to work out a schedule with the teachers for making up work missed during the authorized absence.
Notification for excused and unexcused school absences will be given at ten (10) days for elementary students to the parent and to the Child Welfare and Attendance Office. A second notice letter will be sent to the students at eighteen (18) days.
At the end of the semester or at the end of the year, parents must verify within a period of ten (10) school days a student's absences and make an appeal to the child Welfare and Attendance Office.
Any student who is a juvenile and who is HABITUALLY absent or tardy shall be reported by the Supervisor or Child Welfare and Attendance to the family or juvenile court of the parish as a truant child, pursuant to the provisions of Louisiana Children's Code relative to families in need of services. A student shall be considered habitually absent or habitually tardy when either condition continues to exist after all reasonable efforts by the principal and teacher have failed to correct the condition after the fifth unexcused absence or unexcused occurrence of being tardy within any month or if a pattern of five (5) absences a month is established.
Students who are late for school must be brought to the office by an adult and receive an admit slip before entering the classroom.
DISMISSAL
Students will not leave the school grounds during school hours without explicit permission from the principal.
Parents should not check students out of class unless there is a family emergency. Teachers and students may not be interrupted during instructional time except in an emergency with the principal's approval.
Parents and visitors are not allowed to go to the classroom without an appointment.
Students who become ill or injured during the school day or who have some other family emergency will be dismissed only to a parent or legal guardian or a person authorized by the parent designated on the emergency card. For the safety of their children, parents are asked to refrain from picking up their children between 3:15 and 3:51 p.m.
Plans for the day should be reviewed with your child before they leave for school. Teachers will not stop instruction to get your child ready for an early checkout. When you check your child out early, materials and assignments will go home with your child the next school day.
CHANGE IN TRANSPORTATION
Any changes in transportation must be sent IN WRITING to the teacher. NO CHANGES CAN BE MADE WITHOUT WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION. No call-in changes will be accepted. On half days transportation changes must be sent to the teachers. In emergency situations only, a child can be sent to after school care where identification of the adult picking up the student can be verified against the emergency card and a photo id.
Please copy and use the following information when making any changes in transportation, etc.
Mandeville Elementary School
Child's Name: _________________________________ Date: _____/_____/_____
Teacher: _______________________________ Grade: _____________
Message: ______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Parent's Signature: _______________________________________
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CHECKOUT PROCEDURE
1. Students will be allowed to leave school with their parent, legal guardian, or an authorized person designated in writing by the parent. In case of emergencies, if the parent, or authorized person cannot be reached, the student will remain in school.
2. Office personnel will initiate the checkout procedure by checking the emergency card for the name of authorized person and checking identification of said authorized person. Office personnel will then have student signed out and called to the office.
3. The only acceptable excuses for checking out are:
a Personal illness
b. Doctor's appointments; however, parents are encouraged to make both doctor and dental appointments after school hours
c. Court appearances
d. Special reasons authorized by the Principal.
4. Unacceptable excuses for checking out are:
a. Errands with parents.
b. Vacations.
c. Activities that are not school approved, examples: gymnastics, dance, etc.
5. Students are allowed to make up work if there is an acceptable excuse for checking out.
6. If a student returns to school on the same day after checking out, he/she must go through the office and sign in.
BUSES
Buses unload and load on Massena Street . Each student riding a bus to school must ride the same bus home. If a student needs to ride a different bus, the change must be approved by the bus driver prior to that day. The student should bring a note, written and signed by his/her parent. This note should be brought to the office before school for approval. A bus pass will be given to your child who they will have to present to the bus driver.
A YELLOW BUS PROCEDURE FORM WILL BE SENT HOME THROUGH THE BUS DRIVER. PLEASE READ AND SIGN THIS FORM UPON RECEIPT. IT IS TO BE RETURNED TO THE BUS DRIVER. PARENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE BEHAVIOR OF THEIR CHILD ON THE BUS.
CAR RIDERS
Cars are to enter the school grounds from Massena Street . FOR THE SAFETY OF YOUR CHILD, ALL CAR RIDERS MUST BE UNLOADED AND PICKED UP BY THE COVERED GYM DOOR -- NOT ON THE STREET, BACK PARKING LOT, OR OTHER UNSUPERVISED AREAS. Any children dropped off before 8:30 or left after 3:51 will be sent to day care in the gym and charged accordingly. (See Child Care.) Please have your child unload from the passenger's side if possible to avoid contact with passing traffic. Also, in the afternoon, please post your child's name in large letters on the dash for ease in calling them for loading.
A. M. (MORNING CARE)
Before school hours are from 7:00 A.M.-8:30 A.M. The charge is $40.00 per month paid ON OR BEFORE the first school day of the month, or $3.00 per day. Registration forms are available in the office.
P. M. (AFTER SCHOOL CARE)
After school hours end at 6:00 P. M. The charge is $80.00 per month payable in advance ON OR BEFORE the first school day of the month, or $6.00 per day. Snack time, outside play, homework assistance, and inside play time are scheduled and provided daily. Registration forms are available in the office. Any child remaining after 6:00 P.M. will be charged $1.00 per minute for the first occurrence, $2.00 per minute on the second, and $3.00 per minute for the third as well as consideration of suspension from the program. There is no child care offered on half days. Transportation changes must be sent to school for those days.
WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL
The procedure for withdrawal or transferring is as follows:
Notify student's teacher of upcoming withdrawal or transfer. The office will be notified and a withdrawal form will be processed. All outstanding library books and textbooks must be returned and all outstanding fees paid, (such as cafeteria, child care, library fees) before any records will be sent.
MONEY MATTERS
** IN ORDER TO AVOID CONFUSION IN ACCOUNTING, SEPARATE CHECKS MUST BE WRITTEN FOR EACH CHILD AND FOR EACH TYPE OF COLLECTION. **
Example 1: If your child's teacher is collecting $10.00 student fee money, $2.50 lunch money, and book club money, you would write one check to the school for school fee money, one check to the school cafeteria for lunch money, and one check to the specific book club for book order. (Note: If your child's teacher orders from two or more book clubs at the same time, please remember to pay in cash or write SEPARATE checks to each book club.)
Example 2: If you have more than one child attending Mandeville Elementary School , and you are paying lunch money, you must write a check payable to the school cafeteria for EACH ONE of your children
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SCHOOL FEE
A student fee of $10.00 is charged to help cover the cost of duplications, additional workbooks, supplies, publications, and other instructional supplies. This fee is separate from the $10.00 fee collected by PTA.
STUDENT INSURANCE
Optional student insurance is available at a nominal cost. When a student insured under this plan is injured, he/she will be given a claim form from the office. The office merely supplies the insurance forms and assumes no liability for the injury or negotiations with the company.
LUNCH MONEY
Meals must be paid IN ADVANCE by the month or week. Prices for children are $.50 for breakfast and $.70 for lunch, the price for adults, $1.10 for breakfast and $2.15 for lunch, and $.25 for extra milk. Make checks payable to Mandeville Elementary Cafeteria. Charges may not be carried more than three (3) days. Free and reduced lunches are available for children who qualify. For guest reservations call the cafeteria at least a day in advance at 626-8127. No outside fast food is allowed in the cafeteria during lunch. Also, no canned or bottled items are allowed.
SNACK MONEY
During the afternoon recess, snacks such as fruit juice, chips, and ice cream will be sold for $.50 each, or nutritional snacks may be brought from home such as fruit, crackers, popcorn, etc., Sweets such as candy, rich cakes and cookies are discouraged except for special occasions. Gum is never allowed. Also, no canned or bottled items are allowed. Your child should have no more than $1.00 to spend on snack money. Please do not include snack money with the lunch money. Do not bring snack money to the office; we will not deliver money to your child.
BOOK CLUBS
Periodically, your child's teacher may send home order forms for various school book clubs such as TROLL, Trumpet or Scholastic. These book clubs offer quality children's literature in paperback form at affordable prices. While you are under no obligation to order from these book clubs, it is recommended that you make reading material of one form or another available to your child. Please contact your child's teacher for further details on book clubs.
TEXTBOOKS
All textbooks issued to students are the property of the State of Louisiana . Students are expected to take good care of their books. If a student loses a book, he/she must pay the prorated cost of the book. There will be a fee assessed for all damaged books.
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The library will be open from first bell until last bell including recess. Each student has a weekly, scheduled library period.
First through third grade students may check out two library books each week. Kindergarten students may check out one book each week.
LOST BOOKS MUST BE PAID FOR. MONEY IS NOT REFUNDABLE IF THE BOOK IS LATER FOUND.
Damaged books must be paid for to the extent of the damage.
Students are not allowed to bring food or drink into the library.
Students must maintain a quiet atmosphere and behave appropriately for library work.
FIELD TRIPS
When field trips are scheduled by a teacher, written permission must be given by the parent or legal guardian and a fee (if necessary) paid for the student to attend the trip. Field trip fees usually pay for bus transportation and admission to the field trip site. Lunch is included. Many classes are involved in walking field trips to the city hall, etc. You will be asked to sign a permission form for your child at the beginning of the school year. A limited number of chaperones are required for each field trip. Parents are encouraged to act as chaperones on field trips. Only children enrolled at Mandeville Elementary School may attend school sponsored field trips. Parents are not allowed to meet a child at the site of the field trip and check him/her out from that site.
IMPORTANT MISCELLANEOUS POLICIES
MEDICATION AT SCHOOL
Students will not be allowed to have any medication in their possession at school. Personnel in the office cannot and will not administer medication unless special circumstances exist for a health problem of long duration. In these circumstances, the following procedure is followed:
1. Appropriate forms must be obtained from school and completed by physician and parent.
2. Medication must be brought to school by parents in a container appropriately labeled by the pharmacy or physician. Medicine must be counted and recorded at that time by the secretary. Please allow additional time for this procedure.
3. Each medication given will be recorded on a medication log which includes date, dosage, and initials of person administering the medication. When last pill is administered, the empty bottle will be sent home with your child. It is the parent's responsibility to bring a refilled prescription bottle the following school day.
EXCLUSIONS
The health and well being of all students are important; therefore students will not be allowed to remain at school for the following reasons:
1. Fever of 100 degrees or above, vomiting, diarrhea, severe pain, or other conditions not conducive to learning. (Please do not send your child to school until they are fever free for 24 hours.)
2. Any infectious or contagious conditions such as impetigo, pink eye, ring worm, etc.
3. Head lice infection.
VISITORS
Visitors who wish to enhance the instructional program are welcome at school. FOR OBVIOUS SAFETY REASONS, ALL VISITORS ARE TO SIGN IN AT THE OFFICE AND WEAR A VISITOR'S TAG WHILE ON CAMPUS. This is a necessary precaution for the safety of the children. Anyone not properly identified may be questioned. Visitors are asked to not go on the playground during recess or lunch. We also ask you not to stop by your child's classroom and disturb instructional time.
Children other than MES students may not visit the classrooms, go on the playground during recess or lunch, or attend MES sponsored events during school hours. We regret any inconvenience this may cause. This is for the safety of MES students.
Please not that we encourage parents to have lunch with their child. Parents of first, second and third graders may begin coming to lunch with their child on Monday, October 4, 2004 . Students need the time before this date to become acquainted with lunch routines and procedures. Kindergarten parent's time will be announced later.
PARTIES
Only two parties are allowed each year. They will be decided by grade level and held from 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Room parents help with the planning and implementation of activities for each party. Telephone numbers will be made available to room parents upon request. Birthdays may be recognized by serving cupcakes, etc. at P. M. recess. There will be no parties during instructional time. Please do not send flowers, balloons, etc. to school for your child. Invitations to private parties may not be distributed at school.
NO SIBLINGS OR OTHER CHILDREN ARE ALLOWED AT PARTIES OR WHILE VOLUNTEERING IN THE CLASSROOM.
LOST OR STOLEN ITEMS
The school is not responsible for lost or stolen possessions. Each student is responsible for his/her personal property. YOU CAN HELP BY LABELING YOUR CHILD'S POSSESSIONS AND CLOTHING WITH HIS/HER NAME. Students should only bring what is required for the day's activities. Students are encouraged to leave their valuables at home. NO TOYS, RADIOS, GAME BOYS, OR WALKMANS ARE ALLOWED AT SCHOOL. The teachers or principal will keep these items and return them to parents upon request to prevent loss or damage. The Lost and Found is located next to the cafeteria for unclaimed items left by students. At the end of each nine weeks unclaimed items will be donated to charity.
UNIFORMS
Mandeville Elementary will be implementing the following uniform policy for the 2003 - 2007 school years:
Bottoms
Khaki long pants
Khaki walking shorts
Khaki jumper
Khaki skort or skirt
Tops
Red polo type knit, collared shirt (long or short sleeves, red only) No Logos
Turtlenecks (red or white) if layered under red shirts
MES red T-shirt
MES sweatshirt
Red sweatshirt
Blue Ribbon Shirt on Fridays only
Run for the Arts Shirt on Monday only
Shoes Outerwear Accessories
Athletic/tennis shoes with non marking soles
White socks
NO logos allowed on uniforms
Please keep in mind that variations do not constitute a uniform.
Uniforms can be purchased from the department store, uniform shop, or catalog of your choosing.
Mandeville Elementary school shirts can be purchased from the school office.
STUDENT DRESS CODE
BOYS:
An acceptable well-groomed haircut will be required of all male students.
1. Hair - The length may reach the shoulder but not fall below it. Afros or teased styles may not exceed three inches in height. Hair in front must be out of the student's eyes and not impair vision. Hair must also be clean.
2. Caps and hats will not be worn in the classrooms or school building.
3. Pants worn by students must be secured at waist level with no undergarments revealed.
GIRLS:
Girls must wear their hair in a standard, acceptable style. Hair in rollers or curlers, excessive teasing, or hair in the face arranged in a manner detrimental to the performance of normal educational activities will be prohibited.
1. Caps or hats will not be worn except if special permission is given by the administration
STAFF LOUNGE
The Staff's Lounge is for adults only. Students are not permitted in the lounge and may not use the vending machines. Due to limited space, the lounge is reserved for the faculty only between 10:45A.M. and 1:30 P.M. Visitors are welcome at any other time.
SMOKING
The St. Tammany Parish School Board Policy on smoking is as follows: “The St. Tammany Parish School System prohibits smoking by faculty, staff, students, employees, or visitors in all buildings, centers, offices, vehicles, schools or other property under the jurisdiction of this board during the work day."
DISCIPLINE POLICY
Following is the MES School wide Discipline Plan which was designed to comply with Senate Bill No 76. This plan will be followed by the faculty and staff. We ask your cooperation in helping us to help all students to accept responsibility for their actions and develop self-discipline.
THE MAJOR GOAL OF THIS PLAN IS TO HELP STUDENTS MAKE BETTER CHOICES AND TO PROVIDE A POSITIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL STUDENTS.
Each teacher shall develop a set of rules and consequences to follow in the classroom. The teacher shall be responsible for consistent enforcement of intervention and consequences. All teachers shall follow these steps whenever an infraction occurs, whether in the classroom, on the playground, or any other area of the school or school sponsored events. Behavior slips will be issued for inappropriate behavior anytime during the school day.
1. On the first infraction, the student will receive a verbal warning.
2. If the behavior persists, or if another infraction occurs within the same day, the student will receive another warning and will lose ten minutes of recess time. The teacher will notify the parent by phone or note.
3. On the third infraction, the student will be sent to another classroom for not more than two hours. The student will bring assignments for completion of work. The parent, assistant principal or principal and counselor will be notified by the teacher and the counselor will confer with the student.
4. On the fourth and fifth infraction the counselor will confer with the student, notify the parent and assistant principal or principal and an individual behavior plan will be implemented.
5. If within a nine week period a student is referred to the counselor more than three times for behavioral concerns, the student will be sent to the administration for disciplinary action. This may include detention, in house suspension, or suspension.
6. For the first referral, the administrator will call the parent and assign a detention. For the second referral the administrator will call the parent and assign a detention or in-house suspension. For the third referral the administration will conference with the counselor, teacher, parent, and student, and the student will be suspended from school. THIS PROCEDURE WILL BE FOLLOWED FOR ANY MAJOR OFFENSE. The administration reserves the right to adjust disciplinary action to fit the infraction at any time. The Louisiana Department of Education School Behavior Report will be used to document behavior.
The following steps will be followed for inappropriate behavior on a school bus.
1. On the first infraction, the student will receive a verbal warning.
2. On the second infraction, the student will receive a verbal warning and the parent will be notified by the bus driver.
3. On the third infraction a bus behavior form and the parent will be notified and the student will receive an assigned seat.
If within a semester period a student receives more than three reprimands, the student will be referred to the administration.
4. On the first referral, the student will have a conference.
5. On the second referral, the student will be reprimanded and lose bus privileges for one day.
6. On the third referral, the student will be suspended from bus privileges for one week.
If inappropriate behavior persists the student will be suspended from all bus privileges. THIS PROCEDURE WILL BE FOLLOWED FOR ANY MAJOR OFFENSE. The administration reserves the right to adjust disciplinary action to fit the infraction at any time. The Louisiana Department of Education Bus Behavior Report will be used to document behavior.
STUDENT RULES OF CONDUCT
It is in the children's best interest that we work together to provide an optimum learning environment at school. We reserve the right to require appropriate behavior conducive to safety and success at school. General rules follow.
Possession of tobacco, drugs, alcohol, or weapons such as knives, guns (even toys), or dangerous instruments is prohibited. Fighting, insolence, disrespect, stealing, profanity or suggestive hand gestures, sexual harassment, or leaving campus without permission will not be tolerated. (PARENTS WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE DEFACING OR DAMAGING OF SCHOOL PROPERTY). All of these behaviors are considered MAJOR OFFENSES.
Pushing, shoving, name calling, tattling, or other disruptive behavior will be addressed accordingly. Persistent or repetitive misbehavior will result in disciplinary action. These are considered MINOR OFFENSES.
All students will be taught the proper use of playground equipment and general procedures for lining up, and other acceptable behaviors. Students who cooperate and follow rules and directions will receive verbal praise, rewards, positive notes home, special privileges, and continued respect of peers and adults.
REPORTING OF STUDENT PROGRESS
CONFERENCES (PARENT-TEACHER)
That teachers and students engage in instructional activities during classroom time is vital for ensuring student progress and success. Any unnecessary interruptions that infringe on instructional activities are unacceptable. While it is the policy of Mandeville Elementary School to encourage parents to confer with the teachers of their children, these conferences for the educational well-being of the students must be scheduled with the following guidelines in mind:
A specific appointment time must be set up before the actual conference. (Spontaneous conferences are seldom informative or productive. Teachers need to have tangible, classroom data available to share with the parent.)
Any convenient time (before school or after school) that is agreeable to both teacher and parent is allowable for a conference. However, conferences may not take place during instructional periods.
Duty periods of teachers are also not appropriate times for conferences. A teacher on duty is responsible for the safety and well-being of his/her charges. Conferences during duty time could jeopardize the safety of the children. Parents should, therefore, refrain from distracting teachers from their duty posts by asking for information about their children that is best disseminated during a scheduled conference.
The procedure for setting up a conference is as follows:
The appointment time and date must be set at least 24 hours before the conference. (The call may be initiated by either the parent or the teacher.)The parent must check in at the office to secure a pass to meet with the teacher.
The following is a suggestion for requesting a conference in writing with teachers:
Dear (Teacher's Name),
I am requesting a conference with you to discuss my son/daughter (Child's name). I am concerned about (reason for the conference). Would the following date and time be convenient? (date and time)
(Parent's Signature)
OR CALL the school at 626-3950 to request the conference.
Here is a checklist that may help you get ready for your conference:
HOW TO GET READY
_____1. Make a list of questions and concerns.
_____2. Ask your child if he/she has questions for the teacher.
_____3. Arrange for a baby-sitter for small children.
QUESTIONS TO ASK
_____1. In which subject does my child do well? Is my child having any trouble?
_____2. Does my child get along with other children?
_____3. Does my child obey the teacher?
_____4. How can I help?
QUESTIONS THE TEACHER MAY ASK
_____1. What does your child like best about school?
_____2. What does your child do after school? (What are his/her interests?)
_____3. Does your child have time and space set aside for homework?
_____4. How is your child's health?
_____5. Are there any problems which may affect your child's learning?
_____6. What type of discipline works well at home?
AT THE CONFERENCE
_____1. Please arrive on time.
_____2. Discuss your questions and concerns. (Use your checklist)
_____3. Share information which will help the teacher know your child better.
_____4. Take notes if you wish.
AFTER THE CONFERENCE
_____1. If you have more questions or you run out of time, make another appointment.
_____2. Tell your child about the conference.
_____3. Plan to keep in touch with the teacher.
_____4. If you were satisfied with the conference, write a note to the teacher.
CONFERENCE (PARENT/STUDENT) - PRINCIPAL
The principal welcomes parents and students for conferences. The parent should first discuss any matter with the teacher before meeting with the principal. An appointment should be made in order to schedule the conference. Parents MUST check through the outer office before going to any conference.
GRADING POLICY
The following is the grading policy as accepted by the St. Tammany Parish School Board on May 14, 1999 :
KINDERGARTEN:
A checklist of skills shall be used to report to parents.
Grades to be assigned on the Kindergarten Developmental Profile are:
Satisfactory
- More time needed (for the second, third and fourth marking periods)
The kindergarten portfolio will include: Chicago Early Assessment Test, Test of Phonological Awareness, writing sample, Kindergarten Developmental Profile, Kindergarten Checklist and any other pertinent information. There shall be no Honor Roll.
GRADE 1:
1st Marking Period:
A letter and checklist will be sent to parents. There may be supplementary remarks added to the letter as determined by the school.
2nd, 3rd, 4th Marking Period:
E - Excellent Progress
S - Progress Satisfactory
N - Needs Improvement
At the 3rd and 4th making period, the independent reading level, as measured by the Developmental Reading Assessment, will be indicated on the report card denoting OL (on level), BL (below level), or AL (above level). The DRA is a statewide test used to determine progress in reading in first second and third grades. The DRA is administered twice each school year to all first grade students.
First grade students will be promoted if they show proficiency (acceptable progress) at the end of the fourth quarter marking period. There shall be no Honor Roll.
GRADES 2 AND 3:
Grades A, B, C, D and F will be assigned in math, reading, language, and spelling for each of the four quarter marking periods for all students including gifted/talented and students in specially designed regular education classrooms.
Second grade students will be assigned grades of E, S, or N for social studies and science.
In third grade A, B, C, D, and F will be assigned in science and social studies for all four marking periods.
A - Excellent -Student has consistently demonstrated excellent performance.
B - High quality work - The student's performance is in upper range of the satisfactory category.
C - Satisfactory- The student has progressed in a satisfactory manner.
D - Needs Improvement - The student's performance is in the lower range of the satisfactory category.
F - Unsatisfactory Work - The student is not progressing according to standards. The parent and teacher need to have a conference to help the student correct the indicated problems and to assure adequate progress.
The grades E, S, N, or U shall be used for conduct, handwriting, music, and physical education. These grades will also be used in social studies and science for second graders. The grades are indicated by: E- Excellent Progress, S- Progress Satisfactory, N- Needs Improvement, U- Unsatisfactory Progress
A = 92-100
B = 83-91
C = 74-82
D = 65-73
F = 0-64
At the first and fourth making period, the independent reading level, as measured by the Developmental Reading Assessment, will be indicated on the report card denoting OL (on level), BL (below level), or AL (above level). The DRA is a statewide test used to determine progress in reading in first second and third grades. The DRA is administered in September and May each school year to all second and third grade students.
The second and third quarter reading levels will be based on work compiled in the classroom.
Grades/levels in the second and third quarter will be indicated by:
E- Excellent Progress, S- Satisfactory Progress, N- Needs Improvement
Students will be promoted if they show proficiency at the end of the 4th quarter marking period. Students not showing proficiency based on all available criteria will be referred to the SBLC to determine promotion or retention. There shall be no Honor Roll.
REPORT CARDS
For the first, second and third 9 weeks, all report cards shall be given out on the Thursday following the close of the 9 week period. At the close of the fourth 9 weeks, report cards will be distributed upon dismissal time on the students' last day or will be mailed at the close of the teachers' last day, if you have provided a stamped self-addressed envelope. REPORT CARD WILL NOT BE DISTRIBUTED EARLY.
The teacher is responsible for completing and issuing report cards. Also, each is to be responsible for any other markings such as behavior, work habits and attendance to class. Students not meeting the minimum requirement on grade level objectives by the end of the school year will be brought to the School Building Level Committee for consideration for retention or exceptional promotion. You will be notified each marking period if your child is working below grade level or not progressing as expected and a conference will be requested.
Special Ed students on Specially Designed Regular Instruction shall follow the same grading scale as regular ed students. Refer to the Louisiana I.E.P. Handbook for Policy and Procedures regarding grading and promotion of Special Education students.
PROGRESS REPORTS (INTERIM REPORTS)
Interim reports for unsatisfactory work are issued by the fifth week into the grading period. It is the responsibility of the student to give the report to his/her parents. The parent is to read and sign the report. The child then returns the report to the teacher. The teacher does need to verify the signature and place in child's folder.
HOW PARENTS CAN HELP
As parents, you have been responsible for the early teaching of your child. You are the most important teachers in your child's life. The following are suggestions of ways you can help your child.
HOME
1. KEEP THIS HANDBOOK READILY AVAILABLE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
2. Attend individual and group conferences as often as you can.
3. Read and answer all notes from school.
4. Give special help to your child by:
a. Making sure your child comes to school well rested
b. Making sure your child eats breakfast.
c. Making sure your child is dressed appropriately for the day's weather.
d. Promoting good health and safety habits.
e. Praising your child for things done well. (Don't forget to praise improvement and honest effort.)
f. Talking about everyday experiences.
g. Planning family activities.
h. Reading stories to your child daily.
i. Watching quality children's TV shows with them.
j. Providing learning materials for use at home.
k. Providing a well rounded background of experiences.
l. Seeing that homework is completed.
SCHOOL
Join the PTA!
Inquire about the Volunteer Program: Classroom Aide, Cultural Arts, School Beautification, Field Trips, etc
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PROCEDURES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF DEBT COLLECTION POLICY
Debts would include, but not be limited to such things as lost/damaged textbooks, library books/fines, unpaid lunch fees, etc.
Parents will be notified in writing of the items and fees owed to the school.
The St. Tammany Parish School Board authorizes schools to withhold grades, report cards, diplomas, transcripts, and participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities of students in debt.
In order to appeal this procedure, an appointment must be made with the principal of the school to discuss the individual situation.
In the case of a student transferring to another school, all financial obligations shall be met before the withdrawal is completed.