2014-2015 Sunset Hill Student / Parent Handbook

Student Handbook 2014-2015 13005 SUNSET TRAIL PLYMOUTH, MN 55441 Office: 763-745-5900 FAX: 763-745-5991 Health Office/Absences: 763-745-5915 Karen Keffeler Principal Lori Finn Dean of Students Courtney Christen Secretary Jayashree Ramanujan Office Paraprofessional Trudy Namur Health Paraprofessional SCHOOL HOURS 9:10 A.M. ─ 3:50 P.M.

E-mail: firstname.lastname@wayzata.k12.mn.us 1

Map of Sunset Hill

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I.S.D. 284 WAYZATA, MINNESOTA

Mission Statement of Wayzata Public Schools The mission of the Wayzata Public Schools is for each and every student to discover their unique talents, develop a love and tenacity for learning and demonstrate the confidence and capacity to thrive today and excel tomorrow in an ever-changing global society.

Core Values: Achievement: Collaboration: Community: Equity: Integrity: Respect:

Challenging oneself and others for excellence in all we do.

Working together to maximize opportunities and eliminate barriers for learning.

Maintaining a sense of belonging and responsibility for the broader community.

Meeting the specific needs of all students.

Doing the right thing in the right way at the right time, even when no one is aware.

Valuing others for their diverse talents, backgrounds, cultures and viewpoints.

Vision: The Vision of Wayzata Public Schools is to be a model of excellence where all students discover their unique talents, develop a love and tenacity for learning and demonstrate confidence and capacity for success.

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Trojan Pride on the Sunny Side I will respect:

myself, others, property and community Dear Students and Parents: Welcome to Sunset Hill Elementary School. The purpose of this handbook is to provide you with necessary information for the school year. Included is a 2014-2015 school map and answers to commonly asked questions. We hope this material helps you better understand our school and programs. If you have questions not addressed in this booklet, please feel free to call my office (763-745-5910), or stop in and see us any time. The committed and caring staff at Sunset Hill is here to support you in making this a great year. For your convenience, the handbook is also posted on the Sunset Hill website.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Karen Keffeler Sunset Hill Elementary School Principal

The Sunset Hill Scholar Pledge Today is a new day.

As a Sunset Hill Scholar,

I will challenge myself to do my best.

I will persist when work is hard.

I will make mistakes and learn from them.

I have the power to control my actions.

I will make good choices.

I believe in myself.

I can learn.

I will learn.

I am Trojan Pride.

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HOW TO USE THIS HANDBOOK This handbook has been revised using the format of frequently asked questions. Parents have questions about their student's school day that occur before, during and after school. We have divided these frequently asked questions (FAQ) and placed them under what we hope are the appropriate headings.

Before School FAQ..............................................................................page 6 During School FAQ..............................................................................page 9 After School FAQ…………………………………………………………page 15 Detailed Behavior Expectations and Interventions Guidelines……...page 19

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BEFORE SCHOOL Is there school today?

If schools are to be closed because of weather or other emergencies, the school district will provide information via the School Messenger Phone Notification System. If bad weather develops while school is in session, parents should go to the district website for information regarding early dismissal. It is very important that all students know what they are to do or where they are to go in case of an early school closing. Please make these arrangements with your child before school starts and notify the school of your plan.

How do I know if my child is sick?

Parent Guidelines for Keeping Children Home:        

Oral temperature of 101 degrees or higher: Students should not return to school until fever free (without medication) for 24 hours.

Vomiting or has diarrhea: The student should stay home until 24 hours after the last episode.

Rash: Student should not return until you have checked with your doctor and a determination has been made that the condition is not communicable.

Chicken pox: DO NOT return to school until vesicles are dry and crusted. Please inform school office.

Head lice present: Students can return when lice and nits are adequately treated or removed. Please inform school health office.

Impetigo or scabies suspected: Students can return 24 hours after treatment.

Please inform school health office.

Conjunctivitis (pink eye): If student has bacterial conjunctivitis (with pus) he/she should remain at home until 24 hours after treatment was started. If viral (no pus) children do not need to be excluded.

Strep throat: Students should stay home until you have the results of the throat culture. Students can return 24 hours after treatment was initiated. Please inform school health office. These rules are for the protection of students and to prevent exposure and spread of illness. We appreciate your cooperation with these guidelines.

Please report absences to the school health/attendance office at 763-745-5915.

Regular school attendance is vital for the child to experience optimum success at school and throughout life. Attendance habits developed in childhood often carry over to future school years and influence attitudes about work responsibility into adulthood. It is important that parents consider carefully any condition or activity that will keep the child out of school.

Routine visits to doctor, dentists, etc., should be made after school if possible. Parents are urged to consider the school calendar carefully when planning family vacations.

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If school absence for several days is unavoidable, please contact the child’s teacher in advance to arrange for appropriate home study material.

Please be aware that regular school attendance is required by law for all students. Irregular attendance or excessive absences/tardies will be investigated by the school principal and other school personnel with the intention of developing a plan to change the pattern for the welfare and benefit of the child.

A NOTE EXPLAINING THE CHILD’S ABSENCE SHOULD ACCOMPANY THE CHILD RETURNING TO SCHOOL AFTER EACH ABSENCE. If you think your child is experiencing anxiety which may be affecting his/her desire to attend school, please contact the social worker immediately. The school provides special services to address this concern, and it is best to do so before attendance patterns become a matter of issue

My child won’t be at school today. Who do I call?

Parents are expected to call the school when a child is absent. Please call before 9:30 A.M. Voicemail is on 24 hours a day. The number is 763-745-5915.

Parents with children attending Home Base need to communicate directly with Home Base if a child will not be attending. The number is 763-745-5998.

What if I need to drop off my child early due to my work schedule?

District #284 Community Education provides before and after school programming for students in kindergarten through fifth grade between the hours of 6:30 A.M. to 6:15 P.M. This program is known as the HOME BASE PROGRAM in Wayzata Schools. Home Base is staffed by professionals and assistants who provide care and direction for the child during the hours when parents are not at home to do so. Please contact Lynn Zemlin at 763-745-5204 or Karen Neiss at 763-745-5201 for information concerning this service. Sunset Hill HOME BASE Coordinator is Jill Duenas. She can be reached at 763-745-5998.

*Students should NOT arrive at school prior to 8:50 A.M.* What should my child wear to school?

Students are reminded to wear appropriate clothing to school.

• no drug-alcohol-tobacco themes/logos etc.

• no disrespectful language • no hats or bandanas-head scarves, unless worn for religious or medical reasons • no bare midriffs or halter tops • wear shorts and skirts that are appropriate lengths • wear appropriate clothing and shoes for gym and playground activities 7

What should my child bring to school?

It is very helpful if your child can carry a book bag or backpack to school each day. All paper, shoes, books, or other loose items should be carried in the bag. It is very difficult for small children to carry extra items as they board the bus. Many accidents that occur around buses are the result of children trying to retrieve papers or other dropped items.

You should also include a permanent label with your child’s name, school, and the location where he or she should be dropped off. If your younger child should lose his/her name tag, the driver can use the information found in the book bag as an emergency back-up.

What do I need to know about the bus?

Most of Sunset Hill’s students are bussed to and from school. Bus route information is provided by the district transportation service. A post card, containing bus number and times, will be mailed to your residence prior to the opening of school.

First Student is responsible for bus service to the school district. The bus company cooperates with the school in regard to expected behavior on the bus. If a student is responsible for destroying bus company property, First Student will inform parents of the cost of replacement or repair. A copy of the Bus Ridership Policy is included on page 13.

Students will not be allowed to board a bus other than the regularly assigned bus unless he/she has a note explaining the reason for this change signed by the parent or guardian and the principal or assigned office personnel.

Can I visit and/or volunteer during the day?

For the safety and well-being of all children, the following guidelines regarding visitors in the building have been developed: • •

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All visitors, including parents and volunteers, must check-in at the school office and receive a nametag.

Children visiting - former students, relatives or friends wishing to visit Sunset Hill may do so during lunch and recess or after school only.

DURING THE SCHOOL DAY What if I need to pick up my child from school?

If it is necessary to have an emergency message delivered to your child, please call the office (763-745-5900) before 3:00 in order to allow enough time for its delivery.

NO after school pick-up requests for students will be honored after 3:30 p.m.

What is for lunch?

Under the new Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act (passed by Congress in January 2012), students this year will need to have at least a half-cup portion of a fruit, vegetable or a combination of both on their tray to qualify for the “complete meal� price of $2.60 for elementary and $3.75 for adults. Our staff will be helping students make sure they have at least three food groups on their tray, with the fruit and/or vegetable being one food group.

Breakfast will be served from 8:55am-9:10am, and the cost is $1.45. Breakfast is FREE for ALL Kindergarten students during the 2014-2015 school year.

Studies show that if children put fruit or vegetables on their own lunch trays, they are more likely to eat them. Please help your child ease into this new rule by serving fruits and vegetables for snacks and at mealtimes. Parents are encouraged to expose their children to new fruits and vegetables and model good eating habits by eating fruits and vegetables.

If you have any questions, please contact Mary Anderson, supervisor of Culinary Express, at 763-745-5153.

Students may bring lunches from home. Please do not send glass containers or soda with your child. Milk may be purchased for $0.55.

Our school district is required to provide an application for free and reduced-price breakfast/lunch to each family, and must be completed each school year. If you did not receive your copy, or if you wish to apply for free or reduced-priced breakfast/lunch, please call the District 284 Food Service office 763-745-5154. Comments or concerns may be sent to the Culinary Express office at: 17305 19th Avenue North, Plymouth, MN 55447 Phone: 763-745-5154.

Culinary Express uses a prepayment system for lunch payment. Students need to have funds in their accounts in order to purchase a lunch or a-la-carte items. Elementary students with insufficient funds will be given peanut butter & jelly sandwich & a carton of milk daily until their account is brought back to a positive balance.

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There are several ways to make payments and to view your student’s lunch account balance: Option One: Internet Payment Parents with Internet access can go to the PayPams (Parent Account Management System) Web site at: https://www.paypams.com to make online payments.

The first step is to register your family on the Web site, then to follow the site instructions to make payments. The system has several options including low balance e-mails reminders and automatic payments.

PayPams is a Safe & Secure site.

Option Two: Check or Cash Payments Please make checks payable to Culinary Express. Be sure to include the child’s first & last name in the memo section. A check may be written for more than one child as long as they are in the same school. If sending cash, please put the money in an envelope with your child’s full name on the outside. Checks & cash can be dropped off in the school office or the drop boxes each morning.

Are there behavior/consequence guidelines?

A complete copy of Sunset Hill's Behavior Expectations and Intervention procedures begins on page 19. Offensive Behavior/Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence policies are included on pages 20 and 21.

Will my child go on field trips?

Students in all grades participate in field trips. These trips may require bus transportation.

The field trips are carefully selected by the instructional staff to enhance and enrich students’ learning. Some of the field trip expense is covered by a special subsidy provided by our Sunset Hill PTSA. Each grade level is allocated an amount to cover the admission cost and the cost of transportation. In special cases, however, expenses cannot be met with this arrangement, and parents are asked to cover some of the cost. Field trip scholarships are available upon request through the school principal. No child will be denied participation because of finances.

Can I bring treats to my child’s classroom?

Please check with your child’s teacher first. Some grade levels are ending the practice of birthday treats. When food is served in the classroom for parties, birthday treats, etc., it must be commercially prepared and wrapped or prepared by a licensed caterer or by the school food service personnel. SNACKS should be nutritious i.e. fruit, crackers and cheese etc. Classes where students have food allergies will have additional guidelines of which you will be made aware should your child be in that class. Please do not send soda or juice boxes. These drinks create stains that are difficult to get out of the carpet. Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle.

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During the school day, schools will not use foods or beverages as rewards for academic performance or good behavior. This does not prevent schools from providing food for activities during the school day such as celebrations, birthdays, holidays.

What if my child is ill or needs medical help?

Please be assured that we will do everything to make your child comfortable and safe during an illness or emergency. However, it must be noted that medications, including over the counter medications, will not be administered to the child unless the authorization form is on file in the Health Service office. If your child has a special medical need requiring medication, it is best that the medication be administered at home. However, if it is necessary to administer medication during the school day, ask your physician to provide a duplicate bottle of the medication to be administered at school and be sure to have the authorization form on file with the health assistant.

Sunset Hill’s Health Service Para, Trudy Namur, is on duty throughout the day to attend to students’ health needs. The health Para is responsible for attending to emergency health needs during the school day. These emergencies include minor first aid and helping the child who exhibits symptoms of illness while at school.

In the case of an emergency, parents will be notified immediately using the information provided by the parents on the school emergency form. It is vital that this information be kept up-to-date. The school should be informed of the work phone numbers of both parents and of the alternate contact person should the parent not be available.

Students who are ill at school should be picked up at school as soon as possible.

The School Health Service is also responsible for monitoring school attendance. If your child is to be out of school, please call the Health Service/Attendance voice mail (763745-5915) as soon as possible. This policy helps to assure the safety of your child. In the case of communicable disease, please inform the health Para immediately.

Screening Information Vision, hearing and scoliosis screenings are provided for students at Wayzata Schools.

Early identification and treatment can prevent or alleviate many of the problems that result from impaired hearing, vision, or an abnormal curvature of the spine. This screening is done by nurses employed by the school district who are assisted by dedicated parent coordinators and numerous parent volunteers. Scoliosis checks are done by the nurses only. The screening schedule is based on the Minnesota Department of Health recommendations. It is as follows: • Grade K Hearing • Grade 1 Hearing, vision, color vision (boys only) • Grade 2 Hearing • Grade 3 Hearing, vision • Grade 5 Hearing, vision, and scoliosis (girls only)

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At any time, if a parent, teacher, staff member or student has concerns, a child can be individually screened. If a parent has concerns regarding health screening or wishes to decline any part of this service for their child, they should contact the health paraprofessional or district nurse for the building. Parents will be contacted if additional follow-up is recommended following screening. Screenings are not intended to be a substitute for well checks with the student’s primary provider. Height and weight checks will be done on an as needed basis or when requested by parent.

Will my child have homework?

Some academic work is expected outside the regular school day. Developing a habit of checking your child’s assignment notebook and scheduling a daily study time and place is encouraged. Students bring home a variety of work; daily assignments, researching supplemental information, and long-term classroom projects are some examples.

It is desirable for children to carry home an enthusiasm for school experiences and to do work at home which stimulates their interests. Keeping scrapbooks, building models, making collections, working on projects, daily reading time, and a variety of similar activities are encouraged. Students profit from gaining information at home or in the community and bringing it to school when needed to assist the class.

Assigned homework should generally require no more than 10 minutes per grade level (i.e. 1st grade 10 minutes, 2nd grade 20 minutes. 3rd grade 30 minutes, 4th grade - 40 minutes, 5th grade 50 minutes). In addition, it is expected that students at all grade levels will read or be read to outside of the school day. If your child regularly struggles to complete their homework within these timeframes, please contact your child’s teacher to discuss the matter.

Can my child check out books in the media center?

All students in grades K-5 visit the media center one time per week for book selection.

Many students finish reading books long before they are due and want to get new books. This can be done any time during the school day with teacher permission.

Encourage your child to get new books and READ, READ, READ.

Will my child have access to technology?

Yes. Please see the “MyWay for Student Learning” FAQ handout that you received at the beginning of the year. Technology assists staff and students in supporting a strong instructional program. All children will have access to iPads and other technology resources throughout their day. Your child's image may appear in various mediums including: newsletters, newspapers, broadcast television, cable television, yearbook, or web sites. Other sites or activities where students' images could be captured are: closed circuit television monitoring on buses, buildings or grounds; two-way video interactive courses or field trips; televisions; student projects, reports, or assignments; school events; and a student I.D. database. Our computer lab will be open for family and community use during our evening PTSA meetings. We encourage you to join your child at these "family tech nights" and see for yourself what your child is learning with technology.

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Can they bring a pet to show the class?

Pets are only to be brought to school with teacher permission and in a kennel or other restrained housing. No dogs on leashes are allowed in the building.

Do students say the Pledge of Allegiance?

The Pledge of Allegiance is recited daily at Sunset Hill. Anyone who does not wish to participate in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance for any personal reason may elect not to do so. Students must respect another person’s right to make that choice.

Is my child safe at school?

• • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • •

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All school doors will be locked during the school day with entry through the school office. The Home Base door on the north corner of the building is open only before and after school.

There are 19 security cameras installed at various locations around the building and on the playground.

All staff, visitors, and volunteers will wear name tags or guest identification.

Parents, visitors, and volunteers need to check in at the office and wear identification when visiting or working at school.

Students need to be checked in and out from the office. Parents checking out children during the day must come to the office to check their child out of school.

A note or phone call is required for the school to release a child to anyone other than a parent.

When children will be riding a different bus home, a note signed by a parent must be brought to the office for approval. Without a written note, students will be sent home on their regularly scheduled bus.

Parents with children attending Home Base need to communicate directly with Home Base if a child will not be attending. (763-745-5998) Students and staff will participate in regularly scheduled fire, severe weather and lock down drills.

Skate boards are not allowed at school. Students riding a skateboard to school must walk once they are on school property. Students roller blading to school must take skates off before entering the building and may not wear roller blades on the bus.

Helmets must be worn by all students riding a bike or roller blading.

Students riding a bike to school are to follow safety riding rules and are advised to lock their bicycle at the bike racks. Bicycles are not to be ridden during recess or left against the trees.

All students are to cross streets at the crosswalks with the student safety patrol.

NO parking along the front curb or fire lanes.

Students may only be dropped off along the curb - no double parking or passing in parking lot.

Should an attempt be made by an unauthorized person to remove a child from school, the principal will immediately notify the custodial parent and will contact the police if necessary.

We are moving. How do we inform the school?

The following procedure is established for students withdrawing from school: 1.

2.

3.

As soon as you know that a child is being withdrawn, notify the school office of the last day of attendance.

The student must pay for any lost library books and turn in any school books to his/her teacher.

The student must remove all personal property from his/her desk.

When the school receives formal notification of the student’s enrollment in another school, his/her records will be forwarded to that school, providing the parent has signed a statement authorizing transfer of these records.

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AFTER SCHOOL When/where can I pick up my child?

For the safety and well-being of your child, it is necessary for the school to require that students be dismissed only from the office. (Students will not be dismissed from the classroom.) If you intend to pick up your child at school during the day, please inform the teacher of the time and please sign the checkout book in the office. If you are picking your child up after school, please make prior arrangements to meet your child at the front entrance or ask the office to call your child to the parent pick-up spot at the end of the day.

Are there before or after school activities?

There are a number of clubs throughout the school year. Please watch for future communication. Here are two examples:

Choir The music teacher at Sunset Hill is responsible for directing the choir of fourth and fifth grade students. Students participate in choir by their own choice and practice Tuesday morning before school for approximately 45 minutes each week in preparation for concerts. Choir students may be invited to sing outside of school as part of their performance experience.

Wishes Widening Interests and Stretching Horizons of Elementary Students is the purpose of the WISHES program. WISHES will offer a variety of activities quarterly. Any questions, comments or program requests should be directed to Community Education.

WISHES is a program of District 284 Community Education and is self-supporting through registration fees. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the WISHES program, please call 763-745-5200.

Are there opportunities for parents to get involved?

PTSA The purpose of PTSA at Sunset Hill is to jointly promote the health and welfare of our children while providing successful educational experiences. All parents and staff are encouraged to participate in PTSA sponsored activities and to attend the PTSA Board meetings to share input regarding the school activities and to stay in touch with the total school program. PTSA membership forms are available in the school office.

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Financial donations are always welcome. Please make checks payable to PTSA. A tax receipt is available. These donations are used in a variety of ways in our school.

The PTSA Board members for 2014-2015: Co-Chairperson: Co-Chairperson: Secretary: Treasurer:

Tom Rippberger Steph Munyon Jessica Harrell Stacey Schmitt

763-545-1945 763-545-9170 612-490-0991 952-250-1709

Fundraising Sunset Hill has two major fundraisers held in the fall and spring. Fall fundraisers are selling Chip Shoppe items and Butterbraids. Spring fundraisers are the school carnival and plant sale. Proceeds go towards general classroom needs not covered by the budget. We welcome any other personal and/or corporate donations payable to Sunset Hill PTSA.

Volunteers Parent volunteers are a vital part of Sunset Hill. Hundreds of volunteers donate their time and talents each year. The Volunteer Handbook lists many opportunities. All volunteers, including field trip chaperones, need to sign in at the office, wear a name tag, and complete a Volunteer Information Card and an Emergency Information Form.

Volunteer Coordinator: Jessica Harrell – 612-490-0991

How do I communicate with the teachers or the principal?

We believe strongly that the success of our school depends on the strength of the communication and collaboration between school and home. We are constantly looking for ways to improve communication and welcome your thoughts and suggestions. The main sources of communication between school and home will be provided through the following: curriculum night, conferences, classroom newsletters, assignment notebooks in grades 2 5, Thursday efolder, email, the new ebackpack system, parent information center in the front entry, and staff voicemail. Please don’t hesitate to call the main line (763-745-5900) if you ever have questions or concerns.

Parents should be aware that their principal offers an open invitation to them to call her at any time to express their concerns or offer input concerning the school program. Your involvement is vital to the continued success of our school and to your child within the school program.

Parent/Teacher conferences are held twice a year. This year’s conferences are scheduled for October 7, 9, and 14, 2014 from 4:00pm-8:00pm and February 10, 12 and 17, 2015 from 4:00pm.-8:00pm. However, if parents have questions or concerns regarding their children’s school progress, they are urged to contact the classroom teacher at any time. We are here to serve you and your child, and we will strive to do our best to address any problems as they arise. Formal report cards will be available online or sent home at the end of the 1st semester (January 23) and at the end of the school year (June 5).

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WAYZATA PUBLIC SCHOOLS TRANSPORTATION SCHOOL BUS SAFETY RULES 1.

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Stay clear of the “Danger Zones” around the bus.

Follow driver’s instructions.

Be on time for the bus - 5 minutes early.

Always SIT DOWN and face forward.

Be courteous. No pushing, tripping, swearing or yelling.

No EATING or DRINKING. Keep your head and arms inside the bus windows at all times.

Keep the bus clean. Do not damage the bus.

Never throw objects inside or out of the bus.

No animals or dangerous objects on the bus.

IT IS A PRIVILEGE, NOT A RIGHT, TO RIDE THE BUS! Transportation Office: 763-745-5915 First Student Bus Company: 763-559-9326

DAYCARE INFORMATION Transportation will be provided from daycare providers if the daycare is within the attendance area of the school. The district discourages parents from alternating schedules between home and daycare or different daycares. We ask that the drop off or pick up location be consistent daily to eliminate the possibility of confusion on the part of your child and the bus company.

Daycare forms will be mailed to you prior to the start of school. These forms must be completed and mailed to the transportation department if you wish to have bus service from daycare rather than home. If your daycare arrangements change during the school year, a new daycare form must be completed. Forms are available in all school offices.

STAYING SEATED Remind your child that it is necessary to remain seated while the bus is moving. Students should not get up until the bus stops at school or at the student’s bus stop. The driver will allow them time to get seated in the morning or time to get off in the afternoon and safely off the street before pulling away. Not sitting on the bus is the same as not wearing a seat belt in your car.

CROSSING THE STREET If it is necessary for your child to cross the street to get on the bus, extra caution should be used. Students should wait for the bus to stop, the red lights should be flashing and the stop arm extended. The driver will tell the students when it is safe to cross. Students must wait for the driver’s signal and cross 10 feet in front of the bus so that the driver can see them. If a child can see the driver, the driver can see the child.

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GETTING OFF THE BUS When getting off the bus, walk directly to the sidewalk. If it is necessary to cross the street, walk 10 feet in front of the bus and wait for the driver’s signal before crossing. Never cross behind the bus!

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY TRAINING All students will receive School Bus Safety training within the first 3 weeks of school.

Parking Lot Safety Please do not park along the curb or block the fire lanes.

Please follow the one way traffic.

FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR STUDENTS: Parents picking up children at the end of the school day MUST park in parking spaces and pick up their children in the entry way. Students WILL NOT be permitted to leave the building without a parent.

ABSOLUTELY No parking, waiting or standing with your car running in the fire lanes.

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STUDENT BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS Please read and discuss this information with your child.

At Sunset Hill, we have high expectations for our community and call it ”Trojan Pride on the Sunny Side.” We need a positive, safe, and orderly school for learning to thrive.

School is a social setting in which students learn individual and group responsibilities.

Students learn to make decisions about their behaviors. Clear expectations help students know appropriate behaviors for school and other public places.

The expectations for student behavior at Sunset Hill are consistent with District 284 Student Behavior Policies 524 & 528. Appropriate behavior is expected everywhere on school property as well as on the bus. Each student is expected to:

RESPECT  Self  Others  Property  Community Students who are consistently responsible for their own appropriate behavior will be acknowledged positively. This may be done verbally or non-verbally, both in class and throughout the school. Our goal is to have students make appropriate behavior decisions simply because it is the right thing to do.

Behavior Interventions Most children choose to behave in an appropriate manner. When students behave inappropriately (and everyone makes mistakes), it is the responsibility of the school to intervene. Our interventions are based on the district Student Behavior Policy and address both minor and major offenses.

When a minor offense occurs, a behavior slip will be filled out, sent home, and the student may be assigned a quiet lunch.

When a major offense occurs, the student will be removed (as needed), parent(s) will be notified by phone call or note, and student will be assigned a quiet lunch after a conference with the principal or designee.

What is a quiet lunch?

Quiet lunch is a time for students to reflect on their behavior, and make a plan for positive behaviors in the future. Quiet lunches are in the stop and think room. They may or may not be working with an adult during this time.

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What is the stop and think room?

The stop and think room is a quiet, private place where an individual student can spend quiet time away from other students. The room is located in the main office next to the principal’s office, or another designated area in the building.

Minor Offenses Examples of minor offenses include: • Pushing/running • Disrespectful language/swearing • Disruption in class or other area • Throwing items • Inappropriate bathroom/sink use • Isolated incidents of unkind behavior toward another student Consequences for Minor Offenses • Dealt with individually • One quiet lunch period if warranted • Parents contacted by phone or behavior slip • Expectations of school behavior are clearly explained to student.

• Restitution

Interventions for More Serious Behaviors Major Offenses Examples of major offenses include:  Fighting  Stealing  Hitting, spitting, kicking, biting  Possessing offensive, dangerous or inappropriate items  Refusing to comply with directions given by an adult  Continued repetition of minor infractions  Repeated and targeted unkind behavior toward another student Consequences  Removal from setting  Student will talk with principal and/or social worker  Parent will be contacted via phone call and behavior slip  One or more quiet lunch period(s), in-school suspension or out of school suspension depending on severity  Restitution Principal or designee will handle ongoing and/or significant major offenses individually.

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OFFENSIVE BEHAVIOR/SEXUAL HARASSMENT AND VIOLENCE POLICY – SHORT FORM It is the policy of Independent School District 284 ("the District") to encourage and maintain a learning environment for students and personnel that is free from offensive behavior. (For the purpose of this policy, "personnel" includes teachers, administrators, board members, agents, staff, independent contractor(s), volunteer(s), or any person subject to the supervision or control of the District). Offensive behavior includes but is not limited to inappropriate remarks or conduct related to a person’s race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex or sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, or status with regard to public assistance and includes sexual harassment. Offensive behavior also includes violent behavior.

One specific form of illegal offensive behavior is sexual harassment. Sexual harassment means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, other verbal, physical, or written conduct of a sexual nature when: 1. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a person’s employment or advancement, or of a student’s education or participation in school programs or activities.

2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an employee or student is used as the basis for decisions affecting the individual’s employment or education.

3. Such conduct has the purpose of effect or unreasonably interfering with an employee’s or student’s performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or learning environment.

4. If you believe you or someone you know has been a victim of offensive behavior, sexual harassment or violence by a student or an employee, you should report the incident. You do not have to file charges or confront the harasser for action to be taken. If you are unsure about what to do or if you just want to talk to someone about it, seek out a staff member, counselor, social worker or principal. Your concerns or complaints will be relayed to the District Human Rights Officer whether or not further action is necessary. Your concerns or complaint will be kept confidential to the extent legally possible and your submission of a complaint will not affect your future employment, grades or work assignment.

Personnel, students, and citizens should understand that this policy applies to each and every student, employee, and citizen of the school district, including all full-time, part-time, and temporary employees and volunteers.

All personnel must operate with total integrity to create an environment free of discrimination and other inappropriate behaviors. Each supervisor shall be responsible for promoting understanding and acceptance of and ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, Board policy and procedures governing offensive behavior and sexual harassment within his or her school or office.

Violations of this policy or procedures will not be tolerated. Offensive behavior will be cause for immediate and strict disciplinary action up to and including discharge for staff and up to and including expulsion for students. You should contact the building administrator, social worker, or counselor to report offensive behavior.

In addition, you may contact District 284 Human Rights Officers: Annie Doughty 763-745-5014/Donna Marget 763-745-5042 District 284 Administrative Offices 210 County Road 101 North, P.O. Box 660 Wayzata, MN 55391 State law gives you the right to file a charge of discrimination with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, 190 East 5th Street, Core of Engineers Center, Suite 700, St. Paul, MN 55101, telephone: (651) 296-5663. Both the School District’s policy and state law prohibit reprisals or retaliation against you for reporting sexual harassment.

OFFENSIVE BEHAVIOR/SEXUAL HARASSMENT OR VIOLENCE WILL NOT BE TOLERATED IN DISTRICT 284

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REGULATIONS REGARDING WEAPONS, REPLICA WEAPONS, POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS OBJECTS AND NUISANCE ITEMS A. Weapons: A weapon includes but is not limited to firearms (whether loaded or not loaded), pellet guns, stun guns, nun-chuks, metal knuckles, or knives. Any violation may be reported to the local police authority for possible criminal prosecution. A recommendation for at least a 12-month expulsion shall be made to the School Board if a student possesses a weapon on school property or at a school activity. The Superintendent may modify such expulsion/exclusion requirements on a case-by -case basis.

B. Replica Weapons: Possession of a replica weapon by a student may result in disciplinary action by the school including expulsion. “Replica weapon means a device or object that is not defined as a dangerous weapon and that is a facsimile or toy version of and appears to be a pistol, revolver, shotgun, rifle or any other weapon.

C. Potentially Dangerous Objects: No student will transport on a bus or bring on the school grounds, into the school building, or to school activities, fireworks, explosives, smoke bombs, clubs, slingshots, laser pointers and similar objects or components which are potentially dangerous to people or property.

Squirt guns or similar items may be considered potentially dangerous objects. Potentially dangerous objects include any item used to threaten or commit assault, bodily harm, or objects used in a manner, which may create the fear of bodily harm. The building administrator will determine whether an item is a potentially dangerous object. Any violation may be reported to the local police authority or possible criminal prosecution and expulsion may result.

PREVENTIVE AND CORRECTIVE MEASURES Student violations of one or more rules of student conduct shall be cause for intervention. Such intervention may be preventive, corrective, educational, or disciplinary in nature and shall depend upon: • • • •

The seriousness of the violation.

The frequency with which the student has violated the rules.

The willingness of the student to correct the behavior and to act in a more positive manner.

The age of the student.

Prevention measures may include the involvement of the parent/guardian and appropriate professional staff in an attempt to jointly plan corrective strategy. In cases of students with an active Individualized Education Program (IEP), preventive or corrective action plans will generally involve the student’s case manager.

Types of Corrective Measures Include: student conference, parent contact, parent conference, removal from class, contract, restitution, in-school support, detention, suspension, in school monitoring. These actions are not listed in any particular order and other actions may be appropriate as well.

Building Level Measures: The classroom teacher will generally attempt other means to correct undesirable behavior before removal from class. Removal from Class: Violation of any rule or policy established by the School board, administration, or teacher may be ground for removing a student from a specific class or activity for an amount of time not to exceed five (5) classes or activity periods. Elementary Schools: A class or activity means a period of time not to exceed one (1) hour, regardless of subject instructions.

Suspension: Suspension is a directive from a school administrator prohibiting a student from attending school.

Notice: All provisions of the Pupil Fair Dismissal Act will be followed.

The complete District Board Policy regarding student behavior is on the District website

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Trojan Pride on the Sunny Side Behavior Expectations SETTING

Others Community

Property

EXPECTATIONS

Myself

Playground

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Hallway

Cafeteria

Bus Line

Bathroom

Independent Media Center Visits

 Play within boundaries  Use climbing equipment safely  Avoid playing tag on equipment  Line up when signal is given

 Walk down the right side of the hall  Take the direct route

 Eat your own food  Make healthy food choices

 Have everything you need before you leave the building  Stand in your own bus line  Walk to the bus

 Go only when necessary  Close the stall door  Flush toilet  Wash your hands

 Return books to book drop  Speak quietly  Use time wisely

 Use respectful language  Avoid playing tag on equipment  Include others  Take turns in games and on equipment  Use peaceful contact

 Keep your hands at your side  Walk in a single file line  Remain quiet

 Wait calmly in line  Keep your hands to yourself  Say please and thank you  Use proper table manners  Use a quiet voice

 Listen to the bus line leader, supervisor and safety patrol  Keep your body and backpack to yourself  Watch out for siblings

 Keep the bathroom clean  Wash your hands with soap  Use a quiet voice  Respect other’s privacy

 Allow others to do their work  Wait quietly in line to check out

 Use equipment properly  Put litter in garbage cans  Return equipment at end of recess

 Keep your hands to yourself  Pick up any litter that you see

 Take only what you need  Clean up your tables

 Stay behind the yellow line  Keep all belongings in backpack

 Flush the toilet  Keep the area clean  Use all fixtures properly

 Use shelf markers  Push in chairs  “Hug” books  Pick up due date slips off floor

 Include everyone in games and play  Line up when signal is given  Return to your classroom quietly

 Only leave class with permission

 Put trash in cans  Show others how to make good choices  Pick up trash that you see

 Leave your classroom only when dismissed  Show others how to make good choices

 Respect other people’s privacy  Tell an adult of any problems or needs  Use assigned restroom

 Use quiet voices  Take AR tests quickly