Parent/Student Handbook

2012-2013

HoustonIndependentSchool District

Non-Discrimination Statement

It is the policy of the HoustonIndependentSchool District not to discriminate on the basis of age, color, handicap or disability, ancestry, national origin, marital status, race, religion, sex, veteran status, or political affiliation in its educational or employment programs and activities.

Felix Cook, Jr. Elementary School

Elementary School Handbook

Student and Parent Agreement

I have read and discussed the Felix Cook, Jr. Elementary School Handbook with my child/children. We understand and are committed to supporting the school administration, policies, and programs outlined in it.

Please sign and return this sheet only to your oldest child’s classroom teacher.

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Parent SignatureDate

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Student SignatureTeacher

Please have all siblings attending Cook Sign Below:

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Student SignatureTeacher

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Student SignatureTeacher

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Student SignatureTeacher

PLEASE TEAR THIS FORM OUT AND RETURN IT TO THE SCHOOL

Felix Cook, Jr. Elementary School

FineArtsAcademy

Laquetta Kennedy, Principal

7115 Lockwood Street

Houston, Texas77016

Main Office: (713) 636-6040 Fax Number: (713) 636-6088

School Administration & Support Staff

Stefanie Solomon, Assistant Principal

Arlyn Jackson, Magnet Coordinator

Yvonne Payton-Parks, Counselor

LaWanda Williams, Teacher Specialist

Sonya Hamilton, Teacher Coordinator

Carolyn Bailey, School Nurse

Margo Cook, Secretary

Sherry Starling, SIMS Specialist

Mascot:Stallion

School Colors:Black, Red & White

Dear Parents/Guardian & Students:

Welcome to the 2012-2013 school year! This parent/student handbook is designed to be a quick reference to answer most frequently asked questions.

Please note that the word “Parent” refers to the student’s legal guardian, or other persons who have agreed to assume school-related responsibility for a student. Both students and parents must be familiar with the policies and procedures of Felix Cook, Jr. Elementary School as they are outlined in this Student Handbook. Please be reminded that the handbook is updated annually, while policy adoption and revisions may occur throughout the year. Changes in policy that affect the student handbook will be made available to students and parents through newsletters and other communications.

I strongly recommend that parents review the entire handbook with their children and keep it as a reference during the school year. If you, or your child, have any questions about any of the material in this handbook, please contact your child’s teacher or the school. Also, please complete and return the Parent and Student Agreement Form to your oldest child’s teacher so that we may have record of your receipt.

Please note that the intent of this handbook is to promote school safety and an atmosphere for learning and is used in harmony with the HISD Policies & Procedures and the Student Code of Conduct.

We want each of you to feel that you are a welcome part of the school and that CookElementary School is your school.

Laquetta Kennedy, Principal

Felix Cook, Jr. Elementary School

Mission Statement

The Mission of our school is to educate the “whole child” assisting each student to develop to his/her fullest potential in all academic areas to become a productive and responsible citizen and/or individual.

Beliefs

  • A positive self concept enhances the learning process.
  • The faculty and staff have high expectations for each student.
  • All students are capable of learning.
  • It is the obligation of educators and parents to provide experiences and an environment conducive to learning.
  • Self discipline is encouraged through modeling of proper behaviors.
  • Every student should be challenged academically and socially through an integrated learning process.
  • Interpersonal relationships are essential in a school facility to ensure a spirit of camaraderie and create an environment of security.
  • We are committed to building leaders who think analytically and make appropriate decisions.
  • An effective learning experience includes active involvement on the part of each student.
  • Teaching strategies vary to accommodate learners at all levels.

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School Hours

Breakfast In The Classroom7:35 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.

Instruction Begins 8:05 a.m.

Students Dismissed3:00p.m.

Special Note:

  • Students must not be dropped off before the building opens

at 7:15 a.m.

  • Students are tardy after 8:00 a.m.

Attendance

Regular school attendance is necessary for success in school. It is also essential for the student to make the most of your child’s education in order to benefit from teacher-led activities. It is important that students build each day’s learning on that of the previous day, and to grow as an individual. Absences from class may result in serious disruption of a student’s mastery of the instructional materials. Every student is expected to attend school every day. Each time a student is absent, a note must be sent by the parent on the first day the student returns to school, stating why the student was absent.

  • Each day the student is absent, a phone call will be made from Connect-Ed (The Central Office).
  • After three days of absences, without notification to the school, an attendance list will be given to the attendance officer of H.I.S.D.
  • The attendance officer will make contact with the parent (usually at the residence) to find out why the student is absent.
  • Students with more than 4 unexcused absences are subject to grade failure.
  • Patterns of absences are subject to a phone call to the parent by a school administrator.
  • Attendance is checked daily, students must be present by 9:00 a.m. to be considered present for that school day. If for some reason your child will be late due to emergencies (doctor’s appointment etc.) you must call the school so the child won’t be marked absent.

STUDENTS LEAVING EARLY FROM SCHOOL

All students must be picked up from the Main Office and signed out of school by the parent, guardian, or anyone else designated on the current year Enrollment Form. Photo Identification is required of all persons signing a student out of school. Parents should avoid checking out students before regular dismissal if possible.

*There will be no early release between 2:30 and 3:00 p.m.

Dress Code

The responsibility for appearance of students begins with parents and the students themselves. Students’ clothing and hair styles should reflect neatness, cleanliness and self-respect so that the school is a desirable place in which to promote learning and character development. A student who is not attired properly or exhibits grooming which is detrimental and /or distractive to the school environment shall be asked to refrain from wearing the inappropriate attire and shall be required to make arrangements for more suitable or appropriate dress. The principal shall make the final decision.

Uniform Policy

UNIFORMS ARE REQUIRED DAILY!!!

We require uniforms for the following reasons:

  1. Ensure the health and safety of everyone in our school.
  2. Maintain a positive, orderly school climate for optimal academic success.
  3. To avoid any unacceptable disruptions or distractions to the learning environment.
  4. Foster appropriate dress habits.

Shirts:

  • Students must wear Black, Red or White Polo Style (Collared Shirts) or Oxford Style (Button Down) Shirts Only.
  • No Sleeveless Vest or Crop Tops.
  • All shirts must be worn tucked into bottoms
  • Cook School Spirit T-shirts on Fridays.

Bottoms:

  • Students must wear Black or Khaki bottoms (shorts and skirts must be to the knees.)
  • Girls may wear skirts, jumpers or skorts.
  • All bottoms must be secured with a belt (NO SAGGING!!!)
  • NO MINI-SKIRTS, LEGGINGS OR TIGHTS MAY BE WORN UNDER SKIRTS OR DRESSES.

Friday Attire:

  • Students may wear blue jean pants with a Cook Elementary School Spirit Shirt.

Hair/Head Coverings:

  • Hair must be neatly combed and clean in appearance. The following hair grooming items are NOT allowed: Metal Rakes, Combs, Brushes, Wrap Scarves, Bandanas, Wave Caps, Skull Caps or Hair Rollers.

Jackets:

  • Hoods of jackets/pullovers/coats CANNOT be worn inside the building

Shoes:

  • ALL shoes MUST be closed toe and closed back.
  • NO Flip Flops or Sandals
  • NO HIGH HEEL SHOES OR HIGH HEEL BOOTS

Jewelry:

  • Expensive or Irreplaceable jewelry should not be worn.
  • Jewelry depicting or suggesting drugs, alcohol or vulgar/obscene language may NOT be worn.

FELIX COOK, JR. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

7115 Lockwood Street

Houston, Texas77016

Laquetta Kennedy, Principal

DISMISSAL PLAN

2012-2013 School Year

Dismissal GroupDismissal Area

Day Care Vans and Private Bus RidersLockwood Street Entrance

Pre-K – Kindergarten without siblings

Magnet Bus Riders, Life Skills, SpecialBennington St. – Doors By

Education Bus Riders and BSCMain Office

Car Riders with out SiblingsBennington St. – Doors by

1st – 5th GradeMultipurpose Room

Car Riders with SiblingsCafeteria – Bennington StreetPre K – 5th Grade

All Student WalkersMultipurpose Room – Bennington St

All classroom teachers will escort students out to their dismissal area and remain with them until each student is picked up.

Non-classroom teachers are located at various points around the campus with Stop Signs to ensure student safety when crossing intersections, getting on buses, and walking home.

Adults picking students up early must present a Picture ID and must be listed on the Student Enrollment Form. Students will NOTbe signed out between 2:30p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ALL STUDENTS WILL BE DISMISSED AT 3:00 P.M.

School Rules & Expectations

Classroom Expectations
  • Respect school property.
  • Use school materials and equipment appropriately.
  • Keep hands, feet, and objects to self.
  • Follow directions the first time given.
  • Walk and talk quietly inside the school building.
  • Use acceptable language.
  • Dress appropriately.
  • Attend classes, be on time, and follow classroom rules.
/ Playground Rules
  • Respect yourself and others.
  • No fighting
  • Use appropriate language.
  • Stay in assigned area.
  • Use equipment properly.
  • Remain outside during recess.
  • Report all accidents to adult on duty.

Cafeteria Rules
  • Enter and exit quietly
  • Move through the serving line only once during lunch
  • Wait quietly in line.
  • Use good table manners.
  • Eat only your lunch, no exchanging food.
  • No throwing food in cafeteria.
  • Clean up your area and clear tray properly.
  • No canned or bottled soft drinks, fast food, or chewing gum.
  • All food is to remain in the cafeteria.
/ Multi-Purpose Room Rules
  • Enter and exit quietly with your class.
  • Keep hands and feet to yourself.
  • Sit flat and quietly in assigned places.
  • Listen with respect.
  • Applaud when appropriate.
Restroom Rules
  • Use proper restroom manners.
  • Keep walls and floors clean.
  • Use quiet voices
  • Use supplies wisely
  • When finished, leave quickly.

Hallway Rules
  • No Pencils/Pens Allowed
  • Walk quietly at all times
  • Carry a hall pass when outside the classroom.
  • Remain with your class.
  • Walk on stairs one step at a time.
/ Office Rules
  • Use office phone for school business only
  • Carry a hall pass when coming to the office.

Bus Rules
  • Always remain seated while bus is in motion.
  • Obey the bus driver.
  • Do not disturb the bus driver.

Grading Scales/Report Cards/Progress Reports

GRADING SCALE

A =100-90

B =89-80

C =79-75

D =74-70

F = Below 69

Ancillary grading SCALE

E = Excellent

S = Satisfactory

N = Needs Improvement

U = Unsatisfactory

Conduct SCALE

E = Excellent

S = Satisfactory

P = Poor

U = Unsatisfactory

Homework & Homework Request

Regularly assigned homework is desirable in assisting pupils to achieve satisfactory school progress and develop good study habits. Assignments are an extension of classroom work to provide drill and to help students to become more proficient with objectives.

If specific assignments are not made by the teachers, standing assignments may include the following academically constructive activities: reading library books, newspapers, magazines, reviewing spelling words, handwriting, or math facts with flash cards.

Students who are absent three days or more may request homework to be picked up by parents. Requests must be received in the office before 10:00 a.m. and may be picked up after 2:00 p.m.

Care of Books

Textbooks and library books are the property of the Houston School Board of Education. They are provided to educate children. Each student is responsible for the proper care of all books issued to him or her. We urge all students to take proper care of books.

Damaged books must be paid for by the parent or guardian of the child. The school is given authority by School Board policy and state law to refuse to issue report cards to students who owe money to the school and school organizations. Examples: lost or damaged textbooks, library books or library fines. Neither additional books nor report cards will be issued until payment is received for lost books.

Volunteering

Volunteer’s In Public Schools (VIPS)is the Houston ISD Volunteer Program. They are caring adults who tutor students, serve as classroom assistants to teachers, provide enrichment and hands on experiences with computers, work in the library, clinic, office, cafeteria, and provide other support.

All parents interested in becoming a VIPS volunteer must register at Houstonisd.org under the V.I.S.I.T.S. Program and complete a background check. Parents may also pick up the volunteer form from the Main Office.

HISD Disclaimer Statement:

In accordance with the HISD Board Policy, the district will obtain a background check from the appropriate enforcement agencies prior to your volunteer service. Furthermore, please understand that you must provide photo identification to the school’s Main Office in order to complete the application. Finally, all information you provide is confidential and will not be released to any other governmental entity.

Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) & Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)

The PTO & PAC provides a strong bond for you as parents, to become involved in your child’s education and school. Please contact the school to become involved and watch for fliers with meeting dates.

Student Discipline

The effective enforcement of the HISD Code of Student Conduct and the School-Based Discipline Management System is essential in keeping our school/school-related activities free of disruption. Our school embraces the philosophy of assertive discipline. This approach includes both positive rewards and negative consequences. Each teacher will post and reinforce expected behaviors (rules) which enhance the learning process. Every student is expected to comply with these rules which basically fall into three categories: respect for self, respect for others and respect for property. When compliance of rules does not occur, a progressive discipline approach is used.

To maintain an effective learning environment we require the commitment of parents, teachers and students. A copy of the HISD Code of Student Conduct is sent home at the beginning of the year for your information.

School Wide Agreement

  1. Respect Yourself
  2. Respect Others
  3. Respect Your Property and the Property of Others
  4. Observe Quiet Zones
  5. Bring Supplies needed for school daily.

LEAVE ME AT HOME……

Cook Elementary School is not responsible for lost or stolen personal belongings brought to school! If any of the following items are brought to school, they will be taken by the Principal, Assistant Principal or Counselor and returned only to the parent upon request. Parents will be notified in advance, after approval has been given to students for special projects or classroom activities. The following items should not be brought to school:

Sports Equipment Hard balls or bats, basketballs, footballs

Musical Equipment Radios, CD’s iPods, MP3 Players

ToysTrading cards, board games, card games, or “toy” weapons

PetsAnimal Control will be called if pets follow students to school and remain at school.

GroomingMake-up, perfume, nail polish

WeaponsPocket knives, firearms, matches, guns, darts, bullets, arrows, caps, firecrackers, stars, poppers

FoodChewing gum, bottled soda, candy

MoneyLarge amounts that tremendously exceed lunch money or other special purchase orders.

Inappropriate Reading Material

NO ELECTRONIC DEVICES

CELL PHONE POLICY

CellPhones cannot be visible, turned on, or used anytime during the school day!

No Cell Phones Should Be Used During The School Day

The School/District Is Not Responsible For Preventing Theft, Loss, or Any Damages To Any Devices.

Students must request permission from their teacher to use the school telephone for any reason.

JUST SO YOU KNOW

Cell Phones

Cannot be visible, turned on or utilized anytime during the school day!

Class Parties

All class parties and celebrations must be approved by a School Administrator. Birthday Parties will not be held on the school campus. There will only be 2 parties per year for Grades K-5. They are Christmas & Valentine’s Day. Pre-Kindergarten & Special Education Classes are allowed additional celebrations selected by the classroom teacher and approved in advance by the Principal or Assistant Principal.

Deliveries To Students

Delivery of commercial products (balloons, flowers, etc.) to students is prohibited. Items such as lunch, textbooks, supplies, assignments, clothing, projects and glasses are to be left in the school office for delivery by an office assistant.

Field Trips

Official field trip forms must be completed, signed and returned to the student’s teacher before the date of the planned trip. No child will be allowed to leave school without a permission slip from the parent. Children are not allowed to call home on the day of the scheduled field trip to make last minute arrangements. Telephone calls from parents cannot be accepted as a form of permission to attend a field trip. Since it is necessary to have tickets purchased in advance, we may/may not be able to refund field trip money. Permission slips and money must be turned in to the office before the day of the field trip.