Gettysburg
Elementary
2014-2015
Handbook
Superintendent & Elementary Principal: Mr. Hagedorn
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 1.0
PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION 1.1
TITLE IX 1.2
WELCOME TO MEMBERS AND VISITORS 1.3
ANIMALS 1.4
USE OF CELL PHONES AND OTHER
ELECTRONIC DEVICES 1.5
ATTENDANCE POLICY 1.6
EXCUSED ABSENCES AND TARDIES 1.7
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES AND TARDIES 1.8
BOOTS AND OLD SHOES 1.9
BUS RULES 2.0
TRANSPORTING STUDENTS ON THE BUS 2.1
STUDENT DISCIPLINE ON THE BUS 2.2
TEMPORARY BUS SUSPENSION 2.3
PERMANENT BUS SUSPENSION 2.4
GUIDELINES FOR BUS PROBLEMS 2.5
CLASSROOM PARTIES 2.6
COMPUTER ROOM RULES 2.7
CONFIDENTIALITY REQUIREMENTS 2.8
DISCIPLINE 2.9
BEHAVIOR AT BALL GAMES AND
ACTIVITIES 2.9A
BULLYING 2.9B
METHODS OF DISCIPLINE DETENTION 3.0
DRESS CODE 3.1
FIRE AND TORNADO DRILL 3.2
GRADING POLICY 3.3
6th GRADE ELIGIBILITY POLICY 3.3B
HEALTH POLICY 3.4
TRANSFER STUDENTS HEALTH REQ. 3.5
HOMEWORK POLICY 3.6
KINDERGARTEN 3.7
LOST AND FOUND 3.8
BREAKFAST & LUNCH ROOM PROGRAM 3.9
MEDICATIONS 4.0
PLAYGROUND RULES 4.1
REPORT CARDS/PARENT CONFERENCES 4.2
RETENTION/ PROMOTION POLICY 4.3
SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY 4.4
SCHOOL CANCELLATION/EARLY OUT 4.5
SCHOOL DAYS 4.6
SCHOOL INSURANCE 4.7
TELEPHONE 4.8
SMOKING 4.9
SPECIAL SERVICES OFFERED 5.0
PARENTS RIGHTS 5.1
PARENTS RIGHT TO KNOW NOTIFICATION 5.1A
WEAPONS AND VIOLENCE POLICY 5.2
SCHOOL VIOLENCE 5.3
STUDENT ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY 5.4
ELEMENTARY PERSONNEL 5.5
GETTYSBURG SCHOOL BOARD 5.6
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE & FORM PAGE 15
DISCIPLINE & BULLYING MATRIX PAGE 16-19
INTRODUCTION 1.0
TO THE PARENTS AND STUDENTS
The purpose of this booklet is to inform the parents and students of some phases of the elementary school in order to insure good cooperation and understanding between the school and the home.
We hope that the booklet will acquaint the parents and students with some of the school’s routine. We hope that each family will take the time to go over this information with their children. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher or call the principal. The school phone number is 765-2438.
This booklet cannot list every eventuality that might occur in a public school. The Gettysburg School administration reserves the right to evaluate any act which may not be specifically mentioned in this student booklet, and take any appropriate action necessary to ensure the safe and fair operation of this public school.
CONFIDENTIALITY OF INFORMATION
GETTYSBURG SCHOOL DISTRICT 53-1
ANNUAL NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS
The Gettysburg School District 53-1 adheres to policies and procedures on the
confidentiality of information consistent with Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities
Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
As the parent of a student currently in attendance in the Gettysburg School District 53-1, or as a student who has reached the age of eighteen years, you have the right to do the
following:
1.1 Inspect and review the student’s education records;
1.2 Request the amendment of the student’s education records to ensure that they
are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s
privacy or other rights;
1.3 Consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the
student’s education records, except to the extent that the Act and the
regulations in this part authorize disclosure without consent;
1.4 File with the U.S. Department of Education a complaint under Sec. 99.64
concerning alleged failures by the Gettysburg School District 53-1 to comply with
requirements of the Act and this part; and
1.5 Obtain a copy of the Gettysburg School District’s policy.
Copies of the Gettysburg School District 53-1 Confidentiality of Information Policy
are available at the Office of the Superintendent, 100 East King Ave., Gettysburg, South Dakota
57442 as well as at the office of the building principal in each school.
Concerns may be also addressed to the Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S.
Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20202-592
NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
The Gettysburg School District #53-1 does not discriminate in its employment policies and practices, or in its educational programs on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, handicap, national origin or ancestry.
Inquiries concerning the application of Title VI, Title IX, or Section 504 may be referred to Superintendent Tim Hagedorn at 100 East King Ave., 765-2436, Gettysburg, SD 57442 or to the U. S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 1010 Walnut Street, Suite 320, Kansas City, MO 64106, Phone: (816) 268-0550. Complaint Policy for Federal Programs
A parent, student, employee, or district stakeholder who has a complaint regarding the use of
federal NCLB funds and is unable to solve the issue, may address the complaint in writing to the
district’s superintendent.
Disputes addressing the enrollment, transportation (including inter-district disputes), and other
barriers to the education of children and youth experiencing homelessness are also addressed under
this procedure.
Parents, guardians, and unaccompanied youth may initiate the dispute resolution process directly at
the school they choose, as well as at the district or district’s homeless liaison’s office. The parent or
guardian or unaccompanied youth shall be provided with a written explanation of the school’s
decision including the rights of the parent, guardian, or youth to appeal the decision. Students
should be provided with all services for which they are eligible while disputes are resolved.
The superintendent will investigate, within one week, the circumstances of the complaint
and render a decision, within two weeks, after receipt of the complaint.
The superintendent will notify the complainant of the decision in writing.
The complainant will be allowed one week to react to the decision before it becomes
final.
The complainant will either accept or disagree with the decision and will provide such
acknowledgment in writing, addressed to the district superintendent.
If the issue is not resolved with the superintendent, the complaint will be forwarded to the School
Board for further review. The parent or guardian or unaccompanied youth shall be provided with a
written explanation of the district’s decision including the rights of the parent, guardian, or youth to
appeal the decision.
Unresolved complaints may be forwarded by the stakeholder to the South Dakota Department of
Education for review. (Consult SD Department of Education Complaint Procedure)
EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY 1.1
Gettysburg Public School is dedicated to the purpose of helping all students develop to the best of their potential. An education at Gettysburg Public School must provide students with a sound, strong, basic education. The pursuit of knowledge will be taken in a positive atmosphere, which will develop a sense of moral and civic responsibility, the acquisition of basic skills, a desire of independent learning, and development of self-discipline, a respect for others, and acceptance of responsibility.
TITLE IX 1.2
Students, their parents, and employees of Gettysburg Public School are hereby notified that Gettysburg Public School does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, national origin, or handicap in its educational activities and employment practices. Any person having inquiries concerning Gettysburg School District compliance with Title IX should contact the Superintendent of Gettysburg School at 765-2438. The Gettysburg School has designated the School District Superintendent as (Coordinator of the school’s efforts to comply with Title IX.)
TITLE IX INFORMATION
PROVIDED FOR: PARENTS & STUDENTS OF THE GETTYSBURG SCHOOL DISTRICT #53-1
Several years ago, Congress passed Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits sex
discrimination in federally assisted programs. On May 27, 1975, President Ford signed the final version of the regulations which govern that legislation.
Title IX is the portion of the Education Amendments of 1972 which prohibits sex discrimination in federally
assisted education programs. Specifically Title IX states:
“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the
benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
The governing regulations -- effective July 21, 1975 -- cover all aspects of sex discrimination in schools with regard to admissions, treatment of students, and employment.
In an effort to comply with Title IX, the Gettysburg School District affirms that no person shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity.
In a further effort to comply with Title IX, the Gettysburg School District has appointed the Superintendent to coordinate its Title IX effort. The Coordinator is assigned to investigate non-compliance complaints and to disseminate information and affirmative action policies. The Superintendent can be reached at the Gettysburg School District, 100 East King Ave., or by calling 765-2436.
WELCOME TO MEMBERS AND VISITORS 1.3
As a student in the Gettysburg School System, you are expected to follow the rules that are established for the benefit of the entire student body. We urge you to read this booklet with your parents or legal guardian, and become aware of its contents. To create a learning atmosphere, it is essential to create the following rules.
1. All visitors should check in at the School Office.
2. Any appointments or visits to classrooms must first be scheduled through the Superintendent’s office or the Principal’s office. Please try to give one day’s notice.
3. No student(s) should ever be taken from the school without first having permission from the Elementary Principal or Superintendent.
4. Students who bring guests to school should first have them cleared through the Elementary Principal or Superintendent.
ANIMALS 1.4
The teacher’s permission is necessary before pets can be brought to the classroom by the parents, who will then wait and take the animal home again. For the safety of all children, the animal must have their rabies vaccinations before they are brought to school.
USE OF CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES 1.5
The use of electronic devices by students in the school setting can be disruptive to the orderly educational environment and present possible safety hazards for students and staff. Students will not be allowed to use these devices. Examples of electronic devices are cell phones, pagers, laser-pointers, electronic games, audio players, camera phones, cameras, and calculators used for playing games.
Any student taking or possessing pictures taken on or within school property for inappropriate purposes will be subject to discipline. This would include pictures taken in locker room and restrooms.
ATTENDANCE POLICY 1.6
The Gettysburg School District wishes to emphasize the importance of regular attendance. Students should have no more than ten (10) excused absences per semester. Students who miss more than ten days per semester will have a letter mailed to their home requesting their parents to defend the excess absences. Students with excess absences may face the following possible disciplinary actions:
1. Suspension from school.
2. Expulsion from school.
3. The case may be turned over to the States Attorney’s Office for their disposition.
4. Other appropriate actions determined by the school board.
Students who exceed the ten day limit by attending educational functions endorsed by the school, have a serious medical condition, or have short term personal matters to attend to such as funerals and emergency family matters, shall not be subject to penalty. Parents of students that have serious medical conditions and emergency problems, should provide all communication necessary to the school, including letters and phone calls, and doctor’s statements that may explain their situation. Serious medical conditions will need a physician’s statement.
The intent of this policy is to allow students the time to respond to serious problems, yet not abuse the system by claiming false and frivolous reasons for missing school.
Students who exceed 20 days absence for the school year will not be allowed to take part in educational field trips and class trips that take them away from the regular school day session. Those circumstances that are beyond the student’s control, such as those mentioned in the previous paragraph will be taken into consideration.
The school would like to emphasize, that in order to take full benefit of the educational opportunities offered by Gettysburg School, students and parents should limit absences to: illnesses, medical appointments, and family emergencies.
Students will be allowed 2 unexcused tardies per quarter. Students who receive a third tardy will be asked to spend time on detention. Fourth and subsequent tardies will result in the student spending time on in-school or out-of school suspension.
Students must be recorded as present in all eight periods of the school day of an activity in order to participate in an extra-curricular activity later that day. Exceptions may be made at the principal’s discretion for doctor’s appointments, a school activity or trip during the same day, or an unexpected family emergency. Parents must contact the principal before the start of the school day if exceptions are being requested.
Students who are not present in all eight periods of the school day will not be allowed to be a spectator at or participate in an extra-curricular activity that day unless granted an exception by the principal for the reasons stated above. Students who are ill during the day are presumed to be too ill to participate in or attend the night’s extra-curricular activities.
EXCUSED ABSENCES AND TARDIES 1.7
Medical appointments, family emergencies, school endorsed educational visits and field trips, illnesses, doctor’s written excuses, and school related activities; parents should send a note explaining any absences that fall under those circumstances listed above or any other circumstances that have not been listed above.
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES AND TARDIES 1.8
These are absences that have not been excused with a written slip from the student’s parents or doctor, or those that are not considered compatible with the exceptions listed above for excused absences and excused tardies. No credit or grade will be granted for any unexcused absences. Students who exceed ten days absence per semester rule and have no valid excuse to do so, will have extra days counted as unexcused.
The Gettysburg School administration reserves the right to accept or reject any excuses presented to them, if they should seem frivolous, excessive, or do not fall under the reasons mentioned above under excused absences and tardies.
BOOTS AND OVERSHOES 1.9
All students are asked to wear boots or overshoes when snowy or wet conditions exist on the playground. If the conditions on the playground are damp, then an old pair of tennis shoes will be acceptable. They will need another pair of shoes to wear in the classroom.