August 2003
Dear Students and Parents,
Welcome to Clayville Elementary School. It is our goal to make your years with us challenging, rewarding and happy.
This handbook should serve as a guide for you. The information, regulations and requirements outlined in this book have been developed to help give you the best education possible, to protect your health and safety, and to enable all of us to live together harmoniously. As a resource this handbook is invaluable. However, as with many handbooks it is impossible to cover every situation and consider all circumstances.
It is most important that we maintain strong lines of communication therefore, we invite all parents to become involved in our educational community. An energetic PTO has played a significant role in the success of our school and your contributions of time and talent to this organization would be most welcome. Many parents and members of the community volunteer countless hours each year. We invite you to consider joining our volunteer program.
As you become involved in the school and its programs, you may have some questions. If you need help, please do not hesitate to ask. We are all interested in you and your success during your years in Clayville Elementary School.
Sincerely,
Brenda E. Ratcliff, Principal
Along with the Faculty and Staff
Clayville Elementary School
The mission of the Clayville Elementary School Community is to provide all
students with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve high academic
standards while encouraging curiosity, promoting responsibility, and building
character in a nurturing learning environment.
Mrs. Patricia Archambault - Chair
Mr. Robert Capron -Clerk
Mr. Robert E. Watson
Mrs. June Guglielmi
Mr. Ernie Marcure
Dr. Paul R. Lescault, Superintendent
Mrs. Kristen Stringfellow, Assistant Superintendent
Dr. Edward Myers, Central Office Consultant
Contacting the Superintendent of Schools
Telephone (401) 647-4100 E-Mail Scituate@ids.net
School Committee meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers.
Your elected School Committee is made up of dedicated citizens who spend long hours working with the Superintendent of Schools in order to continually improve the education offered in the Scituate Schools. Please support their programs and attend their meetings.
The Clayville Elementary School PTO is a dynamic group that has added immeasurably to the success of our school. The PTO sponsors a number of cultural programs, provides interesting and meaningful adult evening meetings and involves itself in numerous important student activities. Our PTO is comprised of quality individuals and families who care about the youth of Scituate. Please consider
joining this outstanding organization.
The school uses candid photographs of students as they participate in school events or classroom activities. These photographs may appear in our publications, presentations,
on our web site, or may be submitted to the local newspapers and/or district newsletters for publication. Children may be video taped as part of classroom plays, projects, school concerts and activities. If you have any concerns about having your child's picture or videos used in this manner, please let the school know in a written communication.
Morning Kindergarten 8:45am to 11:15am
Afternoon Kindergarten 12:30pm to 3:00pm
Grades 1-5 8:45am to 3:00pm
Contacting Clayville Elementary School
3 George Washington Highway 02815
Telephone: (401)647-4115 Facsimile: (401) 647-4114
E-Mail: rid27040@ride.ri.net Home Page: http://www.scituateri.net/clayville
During winter the potential for inclement weather increases the option of using a one-hour delayed opening of school. On these days all students will be picked up one hour later than normal. School will open at 9:45am instead of 8:45am. The kindergarten sessions will change. The morning session will start at 9:45am and end at 11:15am. The afternoon session will begin at 12:30pm and end at 3:00pm. On days with longer delays, the morning session of kindergarten will be cancelled.
Students should not arrive at school prior to 8:15am. On a one-hour delayed opening day, students should not arrive prior to 9:15am. On days with longer delays, students should not arrive prior to one-half (1/2) hour prior to the start of school.
We suggest you turn your radio on to any one of the following stations. It is for your child's safety that we attempt to keep our school phone lines open during inclement weather. The radio and television stations that will announce NO SCHOOL, DELAYED OPENINGS and EARLY DISMISSALS are:
WPRO=630 AM WSNE=93.3 FM WWBB=101.5 FM WWLI=105.1 FM Channel 10
PLEASE DISCUSS WITH YOUR CHILD(REN) THE PROCEDURE HE/SHE SHOULD FOLLOW
IN THE EVENT THAT NO ONE IS AT HOME WHEN AN EARLY DISMISSAL OCCURS.
For kindergarten students, if no one is at the bus stop to meet your child, the bus driver will attempt to gain your attention by beeping the horn. If no one appears, the driver will return your child to the
school and personnel will try to contact you by phone to let you know your child should be picked up at the school. No child will be left at an unattended home.
Children will wait in their rooms, ready for dismissal soon after 3:00pm. Teachers will dismiss children to the buses when the P.A. announces the arrival of their bus. Students will board buses from the loading area only.
Many students are picked up every day by parents or guardians rather than taking the bus home. In order to eliminate time lost from instruction in class and unnecessary disturbance to the classes still in
session, the following procedure will be in effect. PARENTS MUST COME INTO THE DINING ROOM AND SIGN THEIR CHILD OUT USING THE BOOK WITH THE AIDE. Parents then wait in the Dining Room until the students are called by the office, to accompany them home. Parents are asked to park on Parents are asked not to park in the faculty parking area. At no time will a teacher dismiss a student to anyone who just appears at his or her classroom door. Parents are asked not to go to their child's room to ask for dismissal.
School Department policy states that we DO NOT dismiss children to anyone under 18 years of age (including a sibling, even with parental permission).
We ask parents to refrain from scheduling doctor, dental or eye appointments as well as music and dance lessons during times, which would require early dismissal from school. If such an appointment is unavoidable, WRITTEN PERMISSION, SIGNED, DATED AND ADDRESSED TO THE CHILD'S TEACHER, must accompany the child to school on that day. ONLY IN AN EMERGENCY will other students be called from class for early dismissal prior to the 3:00pm dismissal time.
The Scituate School Department provides bus service for students who reside more than a specified distance from their schools, depending on their age. Generally pupils should ride home on the bus to which they are assigned. In the event that it becomes absolutely necessary for a child to ride a bus other than the one to which he/she is assigned, a note must be submitted to the teacher for approval. It is most helpful if you address this note to your child's teacher and not to the office or the bus driver. Notes are sent to the office for approval and then returned to the teacher so the child can take it to the bus driver. Switching buses will only be allowed on a "Space Available," basis. Please be warned that there are days when the buses run at capacity and switching can not be accommodated.
As we begin this new year, one continuing area of concern is bus behavior. To ensure the safety of students, who ride the buses, it is imperative that we have the cooperation of everyone involved: parents, students, bus drivers and school personnel.
Should a problem arise, the procedure followed will be as presented by the Scituate School Department. This procedure follows:
1. The driver reports chronic misbehavior or a serious incident to the building principal who will discuss the problem with the student.
2. Should a second report be necessary, the matter is discussed with the student and the parent is notified by a referral form.
3. A third incident requires that the child lose bus privileges for a period of time.
4. Any further report will require a parent conference and further disciplinary action.
In cases where the offense is of such gravity as to endanger the safety and well being of other occupants of the bus, the above procedure may be disregarded and immediate suspension effected, after the parent is duly notified. In cases of vandalism to the bus, the student and parents are responsible for correcting or repairing the damages.
Please discuss bus behavior and responsibility with your child(ren). That will ensure the safety for all who ride our bus fleet.
Parents who wish to transport pupils to school are asked to abide by the following regulations:
Mornings: School begins at 8:45am. NO child should be brought to school before 8:15am. There is NO supervision available prior to that time. Children being driven to and from school in private cars
shall be discharged in the off-street area in front of the recess field and will walk onto the playground. In inclement weather, you may discharge children in the recess area, being careful not to impede a school bus or to hit a basketball backstop. Parents should not leave their car running and unattended in the parking lot or road without the driver. Cars must not be parked as to block the driveway.
Afternoons: Written permission is necessary if a child is planning to deviate from his/her usual schedule. When the Principal is asked to make a decision concerning a request to change a child's schedule, it may not be granted without written permission. For legal reasons and your child's protection, we ask you to only use the telephone for emergency changes. We also ask that your child's after school play plans be arranged at home. The school telephone will not be used for this purpose.
Clayville Elementary School is a safe and secure environment for your child. The Scituate School Department insists on each building being locked during the day. All visitors are required to proceed to the school office and register upon arrival. Identification badges will be issued to all visitors.
Parents are asked to telephone the School Office prior to 9:00am, when their child will be tardy or absent from school on that day. When your child will be absent, tardy or being picked up for early dismissal, you will be requested to provide us with the security number as a safeguard for your child's safety.
Parents and visitors are informed that all cars driven onto school property have given implied permission for search/seizure (The car may not necessarily belong to the parent or visitor, but it still can be searched).
Each student is assigned a random four-digit security number upon enrolling in our school. This number will be shared with the parent or guardian early in September. This number remains with your child for their entire elementary school career.
Students, parents and faculty are hereby informed that all luggage on field trips is subject to search. The Principal or his designee must conduct the search of all luggage.
Please discuss the importance of an evacuation drill and the participation of your child. State law mandates 15 evacuation drills per year.
1. Children walk, single file, out the designated exit and move quietly to the designated area.
2. Children will listen for instructions.
3. Teachers will check attendance when they are clear of danger.
4. Children will return quietly at the all-clear signal.
The Scituate School Department provides a school lunch program for those who wish to avail themselves of this service. Our program is provided by Sodexho Services. Students bringing lunch from home may purchase 2%, skim, chocolate or coffee milk.
Hot lunch may be purchased in the morning or for the entire week. Please put
money in an envelope with your child's name and label accordingly. (ie.
Milk - .40 or Lunch - pizza $1.40) Hot lunch is available each day for $1.40 milk included. Milk may be purchased separately for 40 cents. Ice cream may also be purchased each day for 60 cents. Students may not charge lunch.
It is important that you review the menu with your child each day they purchase
lunch.
1. Students with a suspected communicable disease, should be seen by their physician, or parents may contact the school nurse by phone before sending their child to school. All communicable diseases
and/or conditions must be reported to the nurse. Examples are: Strep, Head Lice, Conjunctivitis, Impetigo, Chicken Pox, Ringworm, Pinworms, etc.
2. Parents are to call the school on the first day of a student's absence and the pupil must bring a written excuse when returning from an illness or for any other reason.
3. Pupils will be required to participate in the full and regular program unless excused in writing by a doctor: e.g. recess, gym.
4. Children who are sent home with a temperature over 100 F should remain home until they have had no fever for at least 24 hours before returning to school.
Your child should attend school each day he/she is well. Every absence, even part of the school day, interferes with your child's progress at school. Each subject is taught in sequence, which builds
understanding and correct habits of study. In order to be ready for new steps in learning, your child must have mastered the previous steps and be sufficiently ready to profit from new materials.
For the protection of your child and others, please do not send your child to school with symptoms of any of the following:
1. Vomiting
2. Runny nose with a cold
3. Fever
4. Sore throat
5. Rash
6. Swollen glands
7. Diarrhea
8. Earache
9. Persistent cough
10. Other communicable illnesses
Please notify the school as soon as possible as to the reason for any absence. If your child is injured or becomes ill at school, parents will be notified. If the parents are not available then the person designated to be called in an emergency will be contacted. Be sure to keep the school notified of any changes in telephone numbers, address, places of work and emergency contacts.
Each child has a permanent Health Record on which pertinent health information is recorded. Please keep the school notified of any health problems. All information is held confidential. Please call the school to discuss any health problems or attendance concerns.
And our Nurse/Teacher suggests:
1. Each child should eat three well-balanced meals each day.
2. A nutritious breakfast is particularly important to combat morning fatigue and stomachache.
3. No child should come to school feeling ill.
In accord with General Laws 16-21-7, it is the policy of the Scituate School Committee that:
1. Except in the case of an emergency situation, only certified nurse-teachers or parents are authorized to dispense medication to students.
2. In no instance can a parent or legal guardian delegate to another person - neighbor, relative, friend - the authority to come into the school to administer medication.
3. No elementary student is allowed to transport medication to and from school. All medication must be transported to and from elementary schools by the parent or another adult.
4. Prescription medication will be dispensed to students only when
A. Received by the school nurse-teacher in the original labeled container from the pharmacy,
B. Is requested in writing by the attending physician, and
C. Is authorized in writing by the parent or legal guardian of the student.
5. Non-prescription medication will be dispensed to students only when received by the school nurse- teacher in the original labeled container and requested in writing by the parent or legal guardian
of the student.
6. Inhalers may be self-administered with written authorization from both parent and physician. Inhalers are to be stored in the office/health room unless written authorization from a physician
states otherwise.
7. With respect to away from school activities, such as field trips, unless a parent or legal guardian is present to administer the required medication, the child will have to remain at the school. The only exception is self-administration of bronchial inhalers when written authorization is provided by both parent and physician. On field trips, inhalers will be carried by the teacher unless written authorization from a physician states otherwise.
8. Self-medication by students is not authorized or condoned, except for bronchial inhalers when accompanied by written authorization signed by both parent and physician.
9. In an emergency life-threatening situation, all school personnel are authorized to administer medication.
("Good Samaritan" statue insulates a person who voluntarily and gratuitously renders emergency assistance from liability for civil damages unless the Samaritan is guilty of "gross negligence or wanton conduct." General Laws 9-1-27.1)
It is our primary goal to establish a learning environment, whereby each student shall have the right and the opportunity to learn, and each teacher will have the right and the opportunity to teach. To
this end, we will abide by the following rules:
1. Follow directions the first time they are given
2. Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself (We do NOT touch)
3. Use appropriate language. Swearing, teasing, bullying and name-calling will not be tolerated.
4. Treat all school property and the property of others with respect.
5. Leave all distracting, dangerous or destructive items at home.
6. Radios, televisions, walkman's, CD players and cell phones are not allowed at school or on the buses.
Rules:
1. Follow all general school rules.
2. Walk quietly at all times, so that classes are not disturbed.
3. Leave pencils and crayons in the classroom unless told otherwise.
4. Walk one at a time, safely.
Consequences:
1st time Warning
2nd time 15 minute recess in the office
3rd time Two 15 minute recesses in the office
4th time Conference with parents, student and Principal
Severe Clause Sent to the Principal immediately
Rules:
1. Follow all general school rules.
2. Be courteous and use a conversational tone of voice at all times.
3. Food is for eating; only eat your own food.
4. Leave a clean table and dining area.
5. Stop all talking when directed to do so.
6. Do NOT discard school eating utensils in the trash.
Consequences:
1st time Warning
2nd time Time out in designated quiet area
3rd time Remainder of lunch in a directed environment
4th time Sent to Principal, who will notify parents...next lunch session in a directed environment
5th time Conference with parents...one week of restricted dining room privileges
Severe Clause Sent to the Principal immediately
Rules:
1. Follow all general school rules.
2. Remain within the designated area.
3. Share and use equipment as directed by the Physical Education Teacher or a staff member.
4. Place all litter in the appropriate containers.
5. Be courteous and avoid interference with others' activities.
6. Safety first at all times.
7. Line up quietly when the bell rings.
8. Games such as, but not limited to, "Tag, Football, Kick-Back and King-of-the-Mountain" are not
allowed for safety reasons.
9. All snacks are to be eaten away from playground area.
10. Game balls provided by the office are the only ones permitted for recess field use.
Consequences:
1st time Warning
2nd time Time out in designated quiet area
3rd time Remainder of recess in designated quiet area
4th time Sent to the Principal, who will notify parents...assign recess session(s) in directed
environment
5th time Conference with parents...one week of restricted recess privileges
Severe Clause Sent to the Principal immediately
Rules will be posted in the classroom; consequences will begin with a warning, and will progress with severity to loss of privileges and principal/parent involvement.
Statement of Policy-Title IX: It is the policy of the Scituate School Department, not to discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs, activities, or employment policies as required by Title IX
of the 1972 Education Amendments. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX may be directed to Dr. Paul Lescault, Superintendent of Schools, Scituate School Department, 197 Danielson Pike, P.O. Box 188, North Scituate, Rhode Island 02857-0188.
Dress Code: Although Clayville Elementary School does not have a "Dress Code" for its students, we have prepared a few guidelines for your children's attire that should provide them with safety and appropriate school appearance.
We suggest athletic shoes, loafers, shoes, boots or boat mocs for the feet. Shoes with open toes, sandals, clogs and flip-flops are not safe for the recess field, stairs and where sharp and heavy objects could be dropped on children's feet. Athletic shoes are required for physical education class. We recommend slacks, jeans, skirts, and walking or Bermuda style shorts. Short shorts with slits up the side and very short skirts are not practical for children to work in on the carpet, at recess or at an assembly. Bare feet are not allowed.
We encourage tee shirts, blouses and golf shirts for the top. Over-sized tank tops, beach shirts, bare mid-riffs, items with loose or dangling fringe, clothing with unacceptable language, over-sized cut-out arm holes are not appropriate. Wallets, purses and key holders worn with dangling chain or straps are a hazard on the stairs and on the playground.
Your help with these suggested guidelines will enable all of us to weather the school year. Thank you in advance for your support.
Office Telephone: The office telephone should be used only in the event of an emergency or serious concern. Students must request a written pass from their teacher for this privilege. There are no
public telephones available at the school.
School Visits: Parents and other persons visiting the school are requested to report their presence to the office before visiting classrooms or other areas of the school. Parents who are picking up
students who are ill should report directly to the school office. Former students are allowed to visit their former teachers only after the last bus has departed for the day.
State Testing: Students in third grade participate in The Rhode Island State Writing Assessment. Students in fourth grade are given the New Standards Reference Examination for English-Language Arts and Mathematics. Other assessments are administered as mandated by the state.
Scituate Testing: Students will participate in "Off-level" assessments as directed by the Scituate School Department.
Student Records: Federal and State laws allow access to student records by parents or guardians of students. Any parent wishing to review his/her child's records should send a written request to the
Principal, who will schedule a time convenient to all parties.
Parents have the right to request that their child's records be amended if the parent believes that the information is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student's privacy rights.
Requests should be submitted in writing to the Principal.
Parents have the right to file a complaint with the Commissioner of Education or the United States Department of Education.
Report Cards: Report cards are distributed at the end of each marking period. The first report card for Kindergarten is after the 2nd marking period. The dates are listed below.
Conferences: Report cards and conferences are scheduled after the first marking period. Report cards only are issued for the second, third and fourth marking periods. Conferences provide a meaningful method
of communication between the home and school. You are encouraged to contact your child's teacher when the need for a conference occurs.
Child Outreach Screenings: All children not previously screened by Child Outreach will be screened unless parents contact the school office in writing to exempt their child from such screenings.
We are proud of the school's programs, which are designed to meet the individual needs of our students.
The Classroom: Our teachers are well prepared and enthusiastic in carrying out their responsibilities. In addition to teaching the basic subjects, reading, language arts, math, science, health and social studies, the classroom emphasizes positive relationships with peers and adults.
Special Areas: Clayville Elementary School students work with teachers in the following special areas:
Art: Each class meets with the art teacher once each week.
Computers: Students in grades 1 through 5 have access to the computer lab at least once a week in addition to classroom computer usage. All students have access to computers in their classrooms. The student and the parent must sign an Internet Use Agreement.
Health: Students will receive instruction in health topics from their classroom teacher, physical education teacher and the School Nurse/Teacher. In addition, fifth graders will participate in a decision making program sponsored by the Rhode Island National Guard.
Library Media Center: Students will have access to the Library Media Center each week. Storytelling and appreciation of literature is emphasized on the primary level. Students in grades 3, 4 and 5 participate in library skills classes.
Music: Students in all grades have one general music lesson per week. In addition, fourth and fifth graders may participate in a chorus experience weekly. Students in grades four and five may take instrumental music lessons once each week.
Physical Education: All students have physical education class each week. Athletic shoes are required for participation. Students should be dressed appropriately. Comfortable slacks and casual shirts or blouses are ideal. Dresses and skirts are not appropriate. Attire for the gymnastics units should consist of either shorts, a warm-up suit or a leotard (girls). If students are to be excused for medical reasons, a note to the School Nurse/Teacher or School Secretary is required.
Support Programs: Teachers meet with individuals or small groups of students to strengthen skills in mathematics and reading.
Field Trips: Field trips are viewed as a logical enhancement to the school curriculum. Students participating in the trip have been researching and studying many aspects of the site to be visited. Upon return to school, the students may have reports, activities and projects focusing on their observations and experiences.
Chaperones are an integral part of our plans to insure the highest benefits to the students. Chaperones also help to provide additional safety and security during the trip. It is essential that chaperones
be able to focus on the supervision of the students they are assigned. It is our school policy that chaperones not bring siblings along on the trip to distract their attention from the students they are responsible to
supervise.
Special Education: Special Education programs are available to students who qualify for assistance. All special education students are "mainstreamed" into regular classes (Least restrictive environment) whenever possible. Additional programs include speech/language therapy, counseling, social skills development, physical therapy and adaptive physical education.
504 Plans: Children who present a physicians diagnosis may qualify for individual modifications to allow them to participate in school without being hindered by a medical condition. Parents who feel their child(ren) may qualify for assistance under a 504 Plan, should contact the Principal to discuss your concerns.
Teacher Support Teams: The Clayville Elementary School recognizes the vital role of parents in the welfare and education of their children. The TST Team in our school provides help to students who are having some difficulty in the school setting. Our goal is to have the home and school work together to provide the support every child needs.
All problems are best resolved early. Through the student assistance program, we hope to offer help to your child(ren) early in their school careers. In this way we expect to avoid future problems that your child could face as an adolescent, teenager and adult.
If your child is referred to TST, the team will work with his/her teachers, to develop strategies to help your child function more successfully in school. You will be contacted, if appropriate, and we may also meet with your child to share the recommendations and agree on the course of action.
Cut here and return the completed portion below to your child's teacher. Thank you.
________________________ , 200__
I __________________________ have received a copy of Clayville Elementary School's Student
Parent/guardian's Name (Printed)
Parent Handbook. My child(ren) and their grade(s) are:
Name of Child(ren)
______________________________________
Parent/guardian Signature
Rhode Island State law requires we do this on an annual basis.
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