Lewiston Elementary School District
STUDENT HANDBOOK
Table of Contents
Lewiston Elementary School District
STUDENT HANDBOOK
Table of Contents
Welcome to Lewiston Elementary School!.................................................................. 3
VISION STATEMENT................................................................................................................. 3
SCHOOL PERSONNEL................................................................................................................. 3
School Board Members:......................................................................................................................................................... 3
School Site Council................................................................................................................................................................ 3
Lewiston School Staff............................................................................................................................................................ 3
Guidelines for all Adults on Campus........................................................................... 3
Special Guidelines for Chaperones:................................................................................................................................. 3
General Guidelines:............................................................................................................................................................... 3
SCHOOL HOURS and EMERGENCY DISMISSAL...................................................................... 3
School Hours............................................................................................................................................................................ 3
Regular Dismissal Times:............................................................................................................................................ 3
Lewiston Preschool Hours................................................................................................................................................... 3
Emergency Dismissal............................................................................................................................................................ 3
Snow Days................................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Closed Campus........................................................................................................................................................................ 3
Leaving Campus during School Day............................................................................................................................... 3
BREAKFAST AND LUNCH AT THE LES CAFE............................................................................ 3
Breakfast Prices.................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Lunch Prices........................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Cafeteria Rules...................................................................................................................................................................... 12
ATTENDANCE.............................................................................................................................. 3
Absences..................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Tardiness................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Unexcused Absences/Truancy............................................................................................................................................ 3
Independent Study.................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Moving....................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Student Visitors....................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Traveling To and From School....................................................................................... 3
RULES OF CONDUCT FOR SCHOOL BUS RIDERS..................................................................... 3
Walking to School or the Bus Stop.......................................................................................................................... 3
Waiting at the Bus Stop............................................................................................................................................... 3
Loading and Unloading the Bus................................................................................................................................ 3
Red Light Crossover Bus Stops................................................................................................................................. 3
Riding the Bus................................................................................................................................................................ 3
Items not Allowed on the Bus.................................................................................................................................... 3
Loss of Transportation Privileges............................................................................................................................. 3
Alternate Stops............................................................................................................................................................... 3
School Telephone.......................................................................................................................................................... 3
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DRIVER AND THE STUDENTS................................................... 3
Authority of the Driver......................................................................................................................................................... 3
1st Offense -..................................................................................................................................................................... 3
2nd Offense - Students will be denied transportation privileges for three school days. Parents will be notified. Conference with principal, parent and the bus driver may be requested.......................................... 3
3rd Offense....................................................................................................................................................................... 3
4th Offense....................................................................................................................................................................... 3
SCHOOL BUS VIOLATION REPORT LEWISTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL............................... 3
REASONS FOR ACTION...................................................................................................................................................... 3
Health Issues........................................................................................................................ 3
Immunizations......................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Health Entry Exams.............................................................................................................................................................. 3
Contagious Disease and Conditions................................................................................................................................ 3
Head Lice Policy..................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Medication................................................................................................................................................................................ 3
Insurance................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
PARENT - TEACHER COMMUNICATION.................................................................................... 3
Parent Conferences................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Questions to ask your child's teacher:............................................................................................................................ 3
BEHAVIOR CODE......................................................................................................................... 3
School Rules............................................................................................................................................................................. 3
Lewiston Elementary School Referral............................................................................................................................. 3
Appropriate Dress.................................................................................................................................................................. 3
School Dance Rules................................................................................................................................................................ 3
Attendance at Extra-Curricular Activities.................................................................................................................... 3
Inappropriate Behavior....................................................................................................................................................... 3
Harassment (a definition).................................................................................................................................................... 3
Money at School................................................................................................................... 3
Electronics Policy................................................................................................................ 3
Bicycle Regulations............................................................................................................. 3
Books and Materials........................................................................................................... 3
Lockers...................................................................................................................................... 3
Lost and Found..................................................................................................................... 3
COMPLAINT PROCEDURES.......................................................................................................... 3
COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE SCHOOL.............................................................................. 3
Dear Students and Parents:
The quality of education your child receives here is a reflection of the support of the entire Lewiston community. Students, their families, our many volunteers, community groups, businesses, teachers and support staff work together to provide high quality education to all of our students.
The handbook presents the Lewiston Elementary School vision, and the policies, procedures, and programs that support high student achievement.
By reading this handbook, you are making an important contribution to the home/school connection. We strongly believe that public school is not just for the public, but by the public as well. This year you will find many opportunities to get actively involved in the school by participating in such activities as the following: attending field trips- school beautification- aiding classroom teachers- fundraising- displaying student work in the community-assisting in the school office or library- attending the School Board or Site Council meetings.
Knowing your rights and responsibilities as parents and students gives you the power to get the best education for your children.
Please visit the classrooms regularly and become a vital and active part of our school community.
We, the people of Lewiston, seek to:
S Create a joy for learning that is life-long
S Create a safe and successful environment for learning
S Inspire students to learn through self-expression and discovery
S Develop attitudes that are caring and respectful towards self and community
S Nurture a sense of responsibility to teach and to learn
S Build an appreciation of nature and the arts
S Prepare our students to excel in high school and life
S Maintain cutting edge technology
S Enjoy learning in the present to prepare for the future
Sissy Arey - Cassondra Burch - Les Daye
Susan Neil - Christine Brennor
Meeting Date: Second or Third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 P.M.
Parents and community members are invited to attend meetings held at the school.
The purpose of the School Board is to adopt policies and to oversee their implementation.
Community Members:
Vicky Whaley - Jessie Lynn Dunham - Laurel Edwards
Mark Medinnus - Dawn Weger
Staff Members:
Superintendent - Laura Johnson
3 teachers (determined at the beginning of the new school year)
Meeting Date: The first Mondayof each month at 2:45 P.M.
The Site Council is an elected group of parents, teachers and staff members working together as a decision making team to monitor and improve the learning environment and make recommendations to regulate specially funded programs.
Nominations for Site Council positions are welcomed. Elections will be held during Open House.
Paul Barrington- Superintendent/Principal
Jeanine Williams-Harrison - Kindergarten & First
Kim Wiens - Second & Third
Karen Everett - Fourth & Fifth
Christina Hobbs - Sixth
David Vaughn - Seventh & Eighth
Valerie Imus - Special Education & Resource
Louise Bigham - Reading First Coach
Cheryl Arnold - Library Media Technician & Business Assistant & Bus Driver
Kit Auerbach - Technology Specialist
Clint Chandler - Director of Maintenance & Transportation
Gretchen Deichler - Business Manager
Tom Gannon - Bus Driver & Custodian
John Garrett - Resident Artist
Laura Johnson - School Secretary
Susan Kinsman - Teaching Assistant
Michelle Littrell - Cafeteria Manager
Jill Robbins - Cook & Custodian
Lenetta Scott - Special Circumstance Teaching Assistant
Cheri Solis - Special Circumstance Teaching Assistant
Linda Flournoy - Williams - Head Teacher/Director
Linda Briggs - Teaching Assistant
Trinity County Office of Education Support Staff
K.C. Forbes - Speech & Language
Mary Nixon - School Nurse
Doug Raggon - School Psychologist
Lynn Hartley - School Psychologist
Shirley Schaden - School Counselor
Grandmas and Grandpas: Wes and Kim Christensen
Ethel Cain Jesse Lynn Dunham
Bill and Margaret Hofferber Julia Lemke
Randy Mordecai Cindy Morris
Becky Huber
A letter from the Lewiston Elementary School Site Council:
One of the most important things that we can do for our children is to take a front row seat in their school life. Our caring help will reinforce the excellent work of the teachers and staff here at LES. One way we can do this is by being an active volunteer.
We have an outstanding program with our Retired Senior Volunteers that the children really depend on in their daily classroom work. The benefits of having the "Grandpas and Grandmas" in our classes are two fold: joy and satisfaction for the adults and contentment for the children in knowing that they have these gifted individuals in their classes taking time for them weekly. The time spent taking a role in your child's school will pay off in the end. The children really do care and notice when parents participate, don't let them fool you.
Stop by the office or your child's classroom, talk to the staff and find a niche that you will find comfortable. There are many ways you can help, from time spent in the classrooms, to aiding in activities and functions where an extra pair of eyes and hands is always happily accepted.
The School Site Council and School Board are open to parent participation. Do you like books? Take a tour of the excellent library and see if you might like spending a bit of time in there. Don't limit yourself. You may be quite surprised just how you and your child will grow with time invested in their schooling.
I dreamed I stood in a studio and watched
Two sculptors there, The clay they used was
A young child's mind and they fashioned
It with care.
One was a teacher, the tools she used
Were books and music and art;
One was a parent with a guiding hand
And a gentle loving heart.
And when at last their work was done
They were proud of what they had wrought
For the things they had worked into the child
Could never be sold or bought
And each agreed they would have failed
If they had worked alone. For behind the parent stood the
School, and behind the teacher stood the home.
By Ray A Lingenfelter
At all times during regular school hours and at school-sponsored events, designated staff members are responsible for the welfare of the students and the smooth operation of the class or event. The responsible staff person has the right and obligation to maintain full control. The responsible staff person, in conjunction with the superintendent/ principal, reserves the right to determine who chaperones field trips, when and under what conditions people may observe or volunteer in a classroom, who will handle money at events, and so on.
School for grades K-3 begin at 8:35 A.M. grades 4-8 begin at 8:25 A.M. Students should not arrive before 8:00 A.M. unless they come on a bus.
Grades K-3 2:25 P.M.
Grades 4-8 2:30 P.M
Minimum Days 1:30 P.M.
Lewiston State Preschool is located on the Lewiston Elementary School campus. Preschool hours are 8:30 A.M. - 11:30 A.M.
Please call 778-0667 or 623-2024 for more information.
School may be dismissed early in an emergency (such as extreme weather conditions or loss of power). Please prepare your children for such a possibility. Teachers will contact parents. If parents cannot be reached, the teacher will call adults on your emergency card. Please keep all emergency numbers current. Students will not be sent home without parent or emergency contact approval.
If you suspect there will be no school due to weather or power outage, tune to local radio and television stations (KNCQ, Channel 7R, Marks Cable T.V. Channel 11) for school closing and early dismissals. We make every effort to let each family know by phone if school will not be held. We reserve one or two days each year to make up for missed days.
Closed campus policy means that once a student arrives at Lewiston Elementary School he/she must remain on campus until dismissed from the last period class.
Students required to leave school during the school day must provide a signed note from parent or guardian explaining why. Only adults listed on the emergency card may pick up students. The student sign out sheet must be signed before picking up a student.
2:25 & 2:30 Dismissal Procedures
Students are to be dismissed in the following manner:
All students must go home after school
unless signed up for an extra-curricular activity.
Students may not "hang out" on campus unsupervised while school activities are still in progress.
A nutritious breakfast and lunch is served daily. Menus are sent home each month. The salad bar is an integral part of every meal, as is milk, and Ala Carte items are offered daily. Free and reduced price meals are available to children who qualify. Information and application forms are in the school office. We recommend sending a check in advance to cover breakfast and lunch expenses.
Emergency charges are permitted for one day only.
Please join us for lunch. We offer indoor and outdoor patio dining. Call 778-6903 for a reservation. Lunch is served from 11:30 - 12:00.
Primary lunch begins at 11:30; upper grade lunch begins at 12:00.
Student $ .60
Reduced Cost $ .23
Adult $ 1.25
Milk $ .25
Student Lunch $1.50
Reduced Cost $ .40
Adult $3.00
*Lunch prices subject to change pending Board approval
Good manners are expected at all times. Clean tables and floor are the responsibility of everyone at the table.
Regular daily attendance increases children's educational opportunities. Any day, or any part of a day, a student misses school is lost instruction and lost learning opportunity. Of course, an ill child should not be in school, but in all other cases children should be in school, as mandated by state law.
Education Code section 48205 permits a pupil to be excused from school under certain circumstances:
¡ Illness
¡ Medical, dental, optometry, or chiropractic services
¡ Quarantine
¡ Funeral of immediate family, limited to 1 day in state, 3 days out of state
¡ Court appearance - must be requested in writing by parent/guardian and approved by a district-designated official
¡ Exclusion for failure to present evidence of immunization
¡ Religious holiday or ceremony
If possible, make appointments with a physician, dentist or eye doctor so your child does not miss the entire school day
If your child will be absent from school, contact the school before or during the period of absence. Send a written note explaining the specific reason for the absence when the student returns to school. When a student is absent for any reason, the school loses state money.
Tardiness (being late) is very disruptive, not only to the tardy child's education, but also to that of the entire class. A child is permitted to be tardy to school under certain circumstance:
¡ Illness
¡ Medical, dental, optometry, or chiropractic services
¡ Court appearance
Truancy puts pupils at risk of low academic achievement and dropping out and raises safety concerns for the pupil and society. Pupils are deemed truant if they have thee or more unexcused absences and/or tardies (30 minutes or more in duration) within one school year (ref. Ed Code Section 48260).
If no contact from the parent/guardian regarding an absence is made within 10 school days, the absence will become unexcused and will not be changed.
A student that has a combination of six or more unexcused absences and /or tardies (30 min or more indurations) during a school year is deemed a habitual truant (ref. Ed Code Section 48264.5). Once identified as a habitual truant, the pupil may be referred to a SARB or the district attorney or probation officer. If adjusted ward of the court, sanctions such as community service, fines and suspension or revocation of driving privileges might be levied (ref. Ed Code Section 48264.5)
We encourage the use of independent study contracts if your child will miss 5 days or more of classes. Please notify your child's teacher that you need an Independent Study Contract at least 3 days prior to the absence, if possible. Contracts must be signed by the parent/guardian, student, and teacher before entering Independent Study.
Activities such as classroom discussion and teacher directed lessons can't be completed independently. Please make every effort to arrange vacations and trips during non-school days.
If you plan to move, please notify the school in advance so a transfer of records and new addresses can be made.
We have many requests for students to visit our school. Please call the school ahead of time so we may check schedules and ask teachers. We reserve the right to decline student visitor requests.
The school is required to make sure all students arrive safely at their regular after school destination.
Changes in destination will be made ONLY when requested in writing by the parent or guardian.
Without written permission, students will be sent to their regular after school destination.
In an EMERGENCY, the parent may call the school to give permission for alternate destinations.
Education Code requires us to give a very clear written location for each bus stop and to provide the same for all bus changes. When there is no numbered location we must give the nearest cross street and exact distance and direction from the cross street.
When you request a bus change or even a walking change, please give a very clear description of the new location. Even though we all know where Grandma lives, we now need in writing the exact location so anyone could find it.
School bus routes will be posted at the school, local stores, and the Post Office, approximately one week prior to the start of school.
Field trips and school related activities will be in accordance with board policy. All field trips will require each student to have a permission form signed by his/her parent or guardian. Private vehicles are sometimes used for field trips. Each driver of a private vehicle must complete and submit to the school's office the District's Application by Private Driver to Provide Student Transportation prior to the trip.
Walking to School or the Bus Stop
t Students should use walkways where possible.
t Students should look both ways before crossing a street. Use crosswalks when provided.
t Students are to obey all traffic signs and signals.
t It is safer to travel in a group than alone.
t Students shall conduct themselves in an orderly manner while coming to, or returning home from school.
t Parents are encouraged to accompany younger children to the bus stop.
t Always be on time at the bus stop every day. We recommend five (5) minutes early.
t Students will wait on the RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROADWAY unless directed otherwise.
t As the bus approaches, the students should form a line.
t Students will board the bus from the same stop each day.
t Drivers will operate the school bus red warning lights as required by law.
t All bus stops must be approved by the District Superintendent/Principal, in consultation with the California Highway Patrol.
t Students should board the bus as directed by the bus driver and should not move towards the bus until the entrance door is open - stand 10 feet away.
t To aid in discipline on the bus, the bus driver may assign regular seats.
t Students shall get on the bus without pushing or crowding.
t When unloading, students will remain seated until the bus has come to a complete stop and the entrance doors opens.
t Students will leave the bus in an orderly fashion as directed by the bus driver.
t Students may not cross the street after they exit the bus.
t Upon exiting the bus, students should leave the danger zone (ten feet from the bus) immediately and go directly to their classroom or playground or directly home.
t Students are never to go under the bus for anything - ask the bus driver for help.
t Students who cross the road must wait for the bus driver to get out; then cross in front of the bus.
t Students are to cross the street only when the bus driver gives directions to do so.
t When crossing the street, students must walk between the school bus and the bus driver.
t When loading the bus, go straight towards the bus, enter and go directly to your seat. When leaving the bus, go directly home; do not play near the street.
t Always follow the directions of the bus driver.
t Students must always obey the bus driver.
t Students must sit down in one seat during the entire trip unless given permission by the bus driver to change.
t Students are to face forward in seats; no leaning over seats or sitting backwards.
t Students must keep their head and hands inside the bus at all time.
t Students shall not have their feet in the aisle. Aisles must be kept clear and clean at all times.
t Students should keep voices low enough so that the bus driver can be heard at all times.
t Students must keep hands off the emergency door and keep all objects clear of the rear emergency exit.
t Students should keep hands off other students.
t Students are to be respectful of others and their property.
t Students are not allowed to eat or chew gum while on the bus.
t Knives, weapons and any dangerous objects are not allowed on the bus.
t Hazardous materials are not allowed on the bus.
t No glass of any kind, insects, reptiles or animals may be on the bus, except dogs for the handicapped.
t Tobacco of any kind. Alcoholic beverages and drugs are prohibited on the bus.
Loss of Transportation Privileges
t Students who repeatedly disobey bus rules or the bus driver will be denied the privileges of school bus transportation. (See RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DRIVER AND THE STUDENTS)
t Please do your part to help ensure that our transportation system provide a high quality, safe service.
t Please remember that we will only allow students to get off at their regular bus stops unless we have a signed and dated permission note from a parent or legal guardian or notification from the office in an emergency.
There are telephones in every classroom, allowing for greater safety and ease of communication between school and home. Students may use these telephones, with teacher permission, only for school related matters. Students wishing to go to a friend's house after school should make prior arrangements and bring a note from home. They may not use the telephones to make social arrangements.
Authority of the Driver - Pupils transported in a school bus shall be under the authority of, and responsible directly to, the driver of the bus, and the driver shall be held responsible for the orderly conduct of the pupils while they are on the bus or being escorted across a street or highway. Continued disorderly conduct or persistent refusal to submit to the driver shall be sufficient reason for a pupil to be denied transportation. The school governing Board of Trustees shall adopt rules and regulations to enforce this provision. (5 CAC 14103)
IF RULES AND REGULATIONS ARE NOT FOLLOWED, THE FOLLOWING MEASURES WILL BE TAKEN
1st Offense - Warning by violation report from the driver requiring a parent's signature.
3rd Offense -Suspension from riding the bus for a minimum of five school days.
4th Offense -Possible suspension from riding the bus for the remainder of the school year.
Parents of a student denied transportation privileges will be responsible for student transportation to school.
We have a shared responsibility regarding the safe transportation of your children. We will not jeopardize the safety of all children on the bus for the misbehavior of a few.
Some offenses are of such serious nature, they will result in the loss of transportation privileges regardless of the number of the warnings and/or offenses. In such cases, parents will be notified and a conference will be required.
Students' Name_____________________________ Date____________
Date of Offense_______________________
All students who ride the bus to school are subject to school bus regulations wherever they are on the bus or at their bus stop. Any misbehavior which distracts the driver is a VERY SERIOUS HAZARD to the safe operation of the vehicle, and, as such, jeopardizes the safety of all passengers.
REASONS FOR ACTION CHECKED BELOW:
|
o Refusing to obey the driver |
o Health safety rules |
o Vandalism |
|
o Failure to remain seated |
o Hanging out the window |
o Throwing objects |
|
o Improper behavior at bus stop |
o Fighting/Tripping/ Pushing |
o Profanity |
|
o Excessive noise |
o Rude/Disrespectful/ Annoying others |
o Other |
____FIRST OFFENSE ____SECOND OFFENSE ____THIRD OFFENSE ____FOURTH OFFENSE
Comments: ___________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Driver Signature____________________############______________
Parent Signature________________________###################__________
Principal's Action __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Evidence of immunity to Polio, Measles Mumps and Rubella (MMR), Diphtheria, Pertussis (Whooping Cough) and Tetanus (DTP), Hepatitis B, and Varicella (Chicken Pox) is a mandated state requirement for admission to school in California. New students MUST have proof and dates of their immunizations before registering. A parent/guardian may sign a waiver exempting a student from immunizations. Exempted students may be excluded from school if an outbreak occurs.
State law requires all first graders have a Health Entry Exam (CHDP check up) to remain in school. We strongly urge parents to have the exam completed before or during the Kindergarten year.
If your child is diagnosed as having a contagious disease, please notify the school office immediately. This is for the protection of your child and the other children with whom your child has had contact.
S Head lice are a chronic problem in most schools. Our efforts to manage this Routine head checks problem include:
S Students with lice or nits are sent home with directions for treatment
Parents must bring students into the office before they will be readmitted to class - there can be no nits or lice left in hair when students return. The student will return to class only with a clearance pass from the office.
S The only way to prevent reoccurrence is to remove all nits from hair
S Letters explaining precautions and treatment are sent home
S Notices will be sent home when there is an outbreak
Precautions to take:
S Check often for nits or bugs
S Never share combs, hair ties, scarves, hats or jackets
S Keep jackets and backpacks on chairs, never in a pile
S Keep long hair tied up
S Check heads before sleepovers
If you do find nits:
S Take each strand of hair and slide the nit off with your fingernails
S Wash everything in hot water and dry in a hot dryer
S Bag things that cannot be washed in plastic for two weeks
S Vacuum floors and furniture thoroughly and replace bag
State mandates require that if your child requires administration of medication during school hours, your child's physician must complete a written prescription and we must have it at the school office for our files. This also includes over the counter medication such as cough syrups and pain relievers. Medication must be in the original container and is to be taken in the presence of a school official.
All medication is to be kept in the school office.
All students are covered by insurance for school sponsored activities only. This is blanket coverage provided by the District. This insurance is a secondary insurance. Parents' insurance is the primary carrier.
Regular parent/student/teacher conferences are scheduled for all students at the end of the 1st trimester and 2nd trimester. Notices will be sent home with your assigned time to meet with the teachers.
As a parent you can schedule a special conference with a teacher at any time during the year.
S Is my child performing at grade level in basic skills?
S What achievement or aptitude tests will be given my child this year? What do the scores mean?
S What are my child's special strengths or weakness
S Does my child need help in social adjustment?
S Does my child need help in any academic subject?
S Would you recommend referral to other school programs?
S Does my child regularly complete assigned work?
S How well does my child get along with classmates?
S Would you advise any special programs or enrichment courses?
And of course volunteering in your child's classroom is a perfect way to really get a close up look at how they are doing in class.
The goals of Lewiston Elementary School include the development of behavior patterns that will help students to demonstrate respect for others while learning proper decision making and critical thinking skills.
S Be respectful to yourself and to others.
S Respect all school staff and recognize their authority.