VISITORS To assure the safety of our students and teachers, the office needs to know who is in our building at all times. Therefore, all parents and visitors must enter through the main doors of Riverview Elementary School, report immediately to the office to sign in, state their business, and obtain a visitor’s badge. Parents/Guardians are welcome anytime during the school day by appointment or teacher permission; Parents who pick their students up at Riverview at the end of the day (2:40PM) will only be allowed to wait for their child in the front foyer. Any parent who would like to see a child’s teacher at the end of the school day will be allowed to enter the building five minutes after the dismissal bell and will be escorted to the classroom. SOUTH BELOIT SCHOOLS EDUCATIONAL BELIEFS WE BELIEVE: - In high expectations that challenge all students to learn. - In providing an environment that inspires, motivates and nurtures. - Every person deserves to be treated with respect. - In providing interactive learning experiences that challenge each student. - In open communication within the school community. - In a safe and healthy learning environment. - In making the best use of our financial resources. - Education is a continuous process needing community commitment. SOUTH BELOIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT #320 WINNEBAGO COUNTY Notice of Nondiscrimination Riverview Elementary assures equal educational opportunities are offered to students regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion or disability in accordance with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972. Questions in reference to educational opportunities may be directed to the Principal of the individual schools. Title IX: Civil Rights All curriculum courses and vocational education opportunities are offered without regard to race, color, national origin, sex or disability. Pesticide Treatments Non-chemical and approved non-toxic baits and sprays will be used in the school building on a regular basis throughout the school year. A list of spraying dates is included with registration materials and can be obtained at any school building. Asbestos The South Beloit School District had initial building inspections for asbestos in 1988, performed by C.W. Bradley, architects. Since that time, the management of asbestos is continually monitored and in many cases has been removed or encapsulated. Ideal Environmental Engineering, Inc. from Bloomington, IL currently monitors this management plan. These management plans are available for public review at any time by contacting the District office and making an appointment to review them. School Citizenship We expect student conduct to be such as to contribute to a productive learning climate. Individual rights are to be honored and protected; however, the rights of one individual shall not take precedence over those of another individual or the group itself, and all students shall have equal rights and equal responsibilities on school property. School Board Power and Duties of the School Board The powers and duties of the school board generally include: 1. Formulating, adopting, and modifying District policies, at its sole discretion, subject only to mandatory collective bargaining agreements; 2. Employing a superintendent and other personnel, determining their compensation, and dismissing personnel; 3. Approving the annual budget, tax levies, major expenditures, and payment of obligations, annual audit, and other aspects of the District’s financial operation; 4. Letting contracts utilizing the public bidding procedure when required; 5. Providing, constructing, controlling, supervising, and maintaining adequate physical facilities; 6. Approving the curriculum, textbooks, and educational services; 7. Evaluating the educational program; 8. Establishing student discipline policies and expelling students; 9. Establishing attendance units within the district and assigning students to the schools; 10. Establishing the school year; 11. Visiting and inspecting the District’s schools; 12. Providing student transportation services; 13. Entering into joint agreements with other school boards to establish cooperative educational programs or provide educational facilities; and 14. Communicating the school’s activities and operations to the community and representing the needs and desires of the community in educational matters. ADMISSIONS STUDENT REGISTRATION All new students must register with the Principal or school secretary before attending classes. The child’s custodial parent or legal guardian must register the student. Once the registration packet is returned to the Riverview Office, the child can begin classes the following school day. Proof of residency within the school district is required. New students must have the following: - Two proofs of residence (i.e.: current utility bill, payroll stub, current phone bill.) - Social Security number - Certificate of birth issued by the county (not the hospital) - An up-to-date physical (less than one year) if transferring from another state. - Students enrolled in our school district will be asked to pay tuition or leave if they use a fictitious address or claim a living arrangement that is a deceptive attempt to prove residency. PHYSICALS Required of all beginning children in any grade, who are new in Illinois for this school year. Doctor’s offices have the report form to give the school. If you wish, you may pick up a form for physicals in our office during business hours. Any new student to the South Beloit School District has thirty days to provide a physical. The same is true for deficient immunization records. Physical Exams and immunizations must meet the school code of Illinois (sec. 27-8). GUARDIANSHIP In all cases where a child is not living with natural or custodial parent(s), the acting guardian must provide us with a legal guardian certificate that certifies that s/he is the legal guardian. This document must be a court order signed by a judge. BIRTH CERTIFICATES What is required is the “Certificate of Birth” or “Certificate of Live Birth” issued by a County Clerk’s Office. Hospital “birth certificates” are not acceptable. If the child was born in Rock County (Beloit); Rock County Courthouse, Rock County Register of Deeds Office, 51 South Main Street, Janesville, WI 53545, telephone number 608-757-5656. If the child was born in Winnebago County; Winnebago County Courthouse, 404 Elm St. Rockford, IL 61101, telephone number 815-987-3050 ATTENDANCE Good attendance is important. Regardless of reason, excessive absence is often cause for student failure. Regular attendance at school is essential and necessary for a pupil’s continued progress. When bringing a child to school after 8:00 at Riverview Elementary or picking a child up early from school, parents should come into the office and sign their child in/out in the attendance book. Students will be called to the office to be picked up early when the parent checks into the office. ATTENDANCE DAY DEFINED The following table is used to determine full day and half-day absences: Length of Riverview school day = 6.40 hours/400 minutes/320 min instructional time 2nd Grade can miss 1-20 min and still count for a full day 3rd Grade can miss 1-20 min and still count for a full day 4th Grade can miss 1-20 min and still count for a full day Hours of attendance that qualifies for half day: 2nd Grade can miss 21-170 min and still count for a half day 3rd Grade can miss 21-170 min and still count for a half day 4th Grade can miss 21-170 min and still count for a half day ABSENCE When a child must be absent from school a parent or guardian should call the Riverview Office (389-1231), by 9:30 a.m. on the day of the absence: stating the reason for the absence. Students absent 5 or more continuous days, due to illness, are required to submit a doctor’s release form to the school. A note from a doctor will be required for any absences after ten consecutive days of absence. The building Principal in advance should approve anticipated absences. Both the Principal and teacher should be notified of an extended absence at least one week in advance, when possible. Arrangements for missed work should be made with the classroom teacher and approved by the Principal prior to the student’s absence. In all cases, the Principal reserves the right to determine whether the absence is to be excused or unexcused. Doctor or dental appointments require a slip signed by the doctor or office nurse upon returning. All other appointments should be arranged outside of school hours when possible. When students arrive late for school the parent must sign in their child at the office. Likewise, if students leave early from school, the parent should wait in the office and sign their child out before leaving school. UNEXCUSED ABSENCE An unexcused absence is for reasons not meeting the requirements of the excused absence provision. For unexcused absences, no credit shall be granted for any make up work unless the Principal grants specific authorization. Some reasons for absences that are unexcused according to the state and/or social regulations are as follows: (This is not an all inclusive list) car trouble baby-sitting shopping missing the school bus trips not approved birthdays oversleeping hair appointments absences not verified by parent leaving school without permission ACTIVITY ATTENDANCE Students must attend the entire school day in order to participate in an activity during that same day or night. Doctor and dentist appointments will be considered an excuse from this rule. TARDINESS All students reporting to school after 8:05 a.m. at Riverview Elementary must first report to the school office. A parent’s notification is required to have the tardiness excused. TRUANCY A student absent without the consent of his/her parents and school (i.e., unexcused absences) is truant. You are truant if you: - leave school without signing out in the office - Are absent from class without permission (skipping) - obtain a pass to go to a certain place and do not report directly there - become ill and go home or stay in restrooms instead of reporting to office - come to school and do not attend class Chronic truancy or unexcused absences will be referred to the Regional Attendance Center of Boone/Winnebago Counties. The Center will take its own actions to resolve the truancy problem. BEHAVIOR/DISCIPLINE All students are expected to follow the Student Behavior Policy while coming to, attending, and returning home from Riverview and for all activities sponsored by Riverview or in which Riverview students participate. PRIMARY ASSUMPTIONS 1. Acceptable behavior is necessary to create mature and responsible individuals. 2. Good school discipline results in conditions favorable to effective learning. 3. High personal standards of courtesy, decency, morality, language, honesty, and relationships with others need to be maintained. Respect for property, pride in one’s work, and achieving to one’s ability is expected of all students. 4. Every student who demonstrates a sincere desire to be in attendance and to profit from the school’s educational program will be given every opportunity to do so. They will be helped in every possible way to achieve success to the extent of his/her ability. BASIC SCHOOL RULES We expect Riverview students to act in the following manner: 1. Follow directions and class procedures 2. Be honest 3. Exhibit conduct that is courteous to others 4. Show respect toward students, adults, and staff 5. Act and play in a safe manner 6. Help maintain and protect the property of the school or other persons DEFINITIONS GROSS MISCONDUCT Specifically, gross misconduct is defined as “willful and malicious acts, which seriously disrupt the educational environment.” Such acts include, but are not limited to: tobacco, possession or use of alcoholic beverages; possessions or use of illegal drugs; arson; possession of fireworks or explosives; inciting others to violence or disruption; physical attack or threat of physical attack; bullying; sexual harassment; ethnic, racial, or religious remarks; use or distribution of a controlled or dangerous substance; distribution of unauthorized print material; possession or use of weapons; shakedown or strong-arm tactics, gang activities which includes clothing, signing, drawings, etc.; vandalism or destruction of property, fighting and theft. Gross misconduct will result in disciplinary action in the form of detention, optional educational placement, suspension and/or recommendation to expel. INSUBORDINATION Specifically, insubordination is defined as “refusal to follow classroom or school rules, complete class work or refusal to follow a direct order from a teacher or administrator or staff person.” Such acts include, but are not limited to: talking back to staff members in a disrespectful manner, refusal to work in class, persistent talking to other students in class, or not following directions. Insubordination will result in disciplinary action in the form of detention, optional educational placement, suspension and/or recommendation to expel. Persistent Disobedience Specifically, persistent disobedience is defined as “willful acts, which also have a disruptive effect when they are repeated over a period of time”. Such acts include, but are not limited to: continued class disruption, disrespect, false reports, forgery, gambling, loitering, smoking, and excessive tardiness. Persistent disobedience will result in disciplinary action in the form of detention, optional educational placement, suspension and/or recommendation to the Board of Education to expel. INFORMAL DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS The South Beloit School Board recognizes both informal and formal disciplinary actions for student’s disruptors. Therefore, the Board advises teachers and administrators to use a variety of informal disciplinary/guidance steps in order to correct a conduct violation before taking formal disciplinary action through suspension and/or expulsion. These include, but are not limited to: - Teacher-Student conference - Teacher-Parent conference - Administrator-Student conference - Administrator-Parent-Student conference - Social Worker-Community Service Agencies - Suggested referrals to the parents if possible Student Assistance Program for appropriate intervention - Individual behavior contract - Individual learning contracts - Alternative learning centers & modified schedules While the Board has advised the administration and staff to use a variety of steps, it recognizes that some acts of disruption and disobedience can result in immediate suspension or upon due process, expulsion from school. The parent is then expected to find other school options for their child. FORMAL DISCIPLINARY ACTION DETENTION Student misbehavior, will in most cases be answered first with a call to parents and then - if the misbehavior persists - with a lunch detention. Detentions may be held daily during lunch, recess or after school. Students should bring pencil, paper, and books. Students causing problems or not following instructions during detention will face further consequences, ranging from additional detentions to suspension. If a student fails to report for a detention, they will be issued an additional detention. If the student fails to report for two detentions in one week, or a student receives three detentions in a one-week period, they may, at the discretion of the building principal, be issued a suspension. Optional Educational Placement (OEP) A student placed in optional educational placement will be placed in a supervised area for the school day or assigned portion thereof. Students in OEP will not be allowed to mix with the rest of the student body during the day. Students on OEP will not be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities occurring the day of the OEP. A full day in OEP shall be from 8:00 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. Riverview, or equivalent, if the school day is scheduled otherwise. Teachers will provide assignments and instructions during their preparation period. Work assigned while in the OEP must be completed the same as if the student was in class. OEP work will receive full credit. Misbehavior and failure to do work while in OEP will be deemed gross misconduct resulting in an appropriate disciplinary action from the building Principal and a required conference between parent, student and administrator. 1. OEP has a specific rule sheet that must be followed. 2. An Administrator and/or the counselor/social worker or Principal designee will meet with the student prior to reporting to OEP. 3. A student not cooperative with this method of discipline will receive a charge of gross misconduct resulting in a suspension and required conference between parent, student and administrator. SUSPENSION Suspensions will be served out of school. Suspensions are given at the Principal’s discretion for severe or persistent misbehavior, continued harassment and/or an attempt to inflict injury onto another person. If your child is suspended, you must conference in person with the Principal and other staff who were directly involved before your child can be readmitted. Procedures for suspension are as follows: 1. The student is given oral or written notice of the charges of misbehavior. 2. If the charges are denied, the student will be furnished with an explanation of the incidents and evidence. 3. The student is given a chance to present his/her side of the story, to be recorded and filed with the suspension records. 4. Parent(s) are notified by telephone (if possible) of the suspension and reasons. 5. Once suspended, the student and parent/guardian will receive written notice of the following: a.)Reason for suspension and the rule(s) violated. b.)Procedures required of student and parent/guardian for reinstatement. c.)Beginning and ending dates of the suspension (Code 4-33.5). d.)A request for a review hearing needs to be submitted in writing to the Principal within 2 school days after receiving the suspension notice. The hearing will then take place within 2 school days after the school receives the request or on a date mutually agreeable to both parties. e.) A parent signature will be required upon receipt of the suspension notice. f.) Students will be allowed to make up class work. Family members or a guardian may pick up daily assignments and textbooks in the office any time after 12:00 p.m. until 3;30 p.m. If assignments are turned in on time, full credit for those assignments can be earned. Tests may be made up by arrangement with the teacher when the child resumes attendance. Parents need to notify the school that they will be picking up their child’s schoolwork by noon each day of the suspension. During a suspension, the child may not be on the school grounds. Suspension removes the privilege of attending school and school-sponsored activities and a direct meeting between parent and school officials must occur. Suspensions run until 8:00 a.m. of the school day following the last day of suspension. A student who receives more than two suspensions in a given school year can and may be referred to the School Board for an expulsion hearing, depending on the nature of the misbehavior or its persistence. EXPULSION Expulsion is the exclusion of a student from school for a period of time greater than 10 school days, but for no longer than two school years. The following are expulsion procedures: 1. Before expulsion, the student and parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be provided written notice of time, place, and purpose of a hearing by registered or certified mail requesting the appearance of the parent(s)/guardian(s). If requested, the student shall have a hearing, at the time and place designated in the notice, conducted by the Board or a hearing officer appointed by it. If a hearing officer is appointed by the Board, he or she shall report to the Board the evidence presented at the hearing and the Board shall take such final action, as it finds appropriate. 2. During the expulsion hearing, the student and his or her parent(s)/guardian(s) may be represented by counsel, present witnesses, and other evidence and cross-examine witnesses. At the expulsion hearing, the Board or hearing officer shall hear evidence of whether the student is guilty of the gross disobedience or misconduct as charged. After presentation of the evidence or receipt of the hearing officer’s report, the Board shall decide the issue of guilt and take action, as it finds appropriate. SPECIFIC BEHAVIORAL AREAS OF CONCERN Controlled Substances Alcoholic Beverages, Narcotics, Stimulants, Look-A-Like Drugs; Tobacco. The use of alcoholic beverages and controlled or look-alike drugs by minors is illegal in the State of Illinois and is not permitted on school buses, school grounds, property, or buildings or at any school sponsored and related activities. Students who are under the influence will be treated in the same manner as though they had controlled substances in their possession. Involvement with any substance represented as drugs may/may not result in immediate suspension of up to ten days, and an expulsion hearing may/may not be requested. Any student possessing or using tobacco materials on school premises during the school day or at a sponsored activity can be suspended from school. Corporal Punishment The use of corporal punishment is not condoned by the school district. Corporal punishment is defined as inflicting physical hurt to punish the child for misconduct. Damage or Destruction of School Property No student may intentionally cause or try to cause damage or destruction to school property including but not limited to: (computers, lockers, books, desks, writing or marking on walls, or in restrooms, or to steal or try to steal school property etc.). Damage or Destruction of Private Property A student may not intentionally cause or try to cause damage to private property, or to steal or try to steal private property, either on the school grounds, or during a school-sponsored activity. Defiance of Authority Students who show disrespect towards district employees by talking back or refusing to follow simple requests may receive a detention, an OEP, an out-of-school suspension, or be denied the right to attend school sponsored activities, depending on the intensity of the defiance. The use of profane language will add to the severity of the disciplinary action. No person, acting for a student, may use any form of violence or abusive language to a teacher, school administrator, other school personnel or student, or cause damage to be inflicted upon their property. Violators will be escorted off school property and refused admittance to the school until they have met with a district representative to resolve the issues that underlie the problem. Gangs No Students may: - Use, distribute or display clothing, jewelry or insignias, which maybe evidence of membership or affiliation with any gang. - Commit any act, speech or gestures showing association with a gang. - Use any speech or commit any act to promote the interest of any gang or gang activity, including but not limited to: a. Soliciting others for membership in a gang; b. Requesting any other person to pay protection or otherwise intimidating him/her; c. Committing any other illegal act or other violation of school district policies; d. Inciting other students to act with physical violence upon another person. Harassment or Discrimination A student will not cause a disruption or interfere with the rights of any student or staff members through insults, taunts, or discriminatory conduct based on race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion or disability. Such behavior will result in disciplinary action beginning with detention. Sexual Harassment A Sexual Harassment of/by student is prohibited. An employee, District agent, or student engages in sexual harassment whenever he or she makes sexual advances, touches another inappropriately, requests sexual favors, and engages in other verbal or physical conduct of sexual or sex-based nature, imposed on the basis of sex that: 1. Denies or limits the provision of educational aid, benefits, services, or treatment; or that makes such conduct a condition of a student’s status; or 2. Has the purpose or effect of: a. Substantially interfering with a student educational environment; b. Creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment; c. Depriving a student of educational aid, benefits, services, or treatment; or d. Making submission to or rejection of such conduct the basis for academic decisions affecting a student. The terms “intimidating, hostile, and offensive” include conduct, which has the effect of humiliation, embarrassment, or discomfort. Examples of sexual harassment include touching, crude jokes or pictures, discussions of sexual experiences, teasing relating to sexual characteristics, and spreading rumors related to persons alleged sexual activities. Students who believe they are victims of sexual harassment or have witnessed sexual harassment, are encouraged to discuss the matter with the building Principal, school social worker, school nurse, or classroom teacher or an adult in the building that they feel most comfortable talking to about these issues. Complaints will be kept confidential to the extent possible, given the need to investigate. Students who make good faith complaints will not be disciplined. Threats Threats and intimidation (strong-arming, etc.) are mentioned throughout this behavior and discipline section. The school staff takes and treats all threats seriously and responds with disciplinary action. Weapons and Dangerous Instruments or Substances No student may possess on school premises, or off the school grounds at any school activity; lighters, matches, fireworks, knives, guns, or other dangerous objects (including laser pens) that can reasonably be considered a weapon. Weapons will be confiscated and not returned. Parents will be notified of the confiscation and may be required to remove their student from the school grounds and or school activity. School Bus Privileges Students shall be provided school bus transportation as specified by the Illinois State Board of Education. In general, students living 1.5 miles or more from school will be provided transportation to and from school for the purpose of instruction. Transportation for extracurricular activities is not mandated. Students may be suspended or lose their privilege to ride the school bus for disobedience or gross misconduct. School Bus Rules: 1. Be on time. 2. Always obey the driver and treat the driver with courtesy and respect. 3. Stand back from the curb at least 10 feet until the bus stops. 4. Stay in your seat while the bus is in motion. 5. No eating or drinking on the bus. 6. Do not yell, shout, or make loud noises on the bus. 7. No fighting, pushing or shoving. 8. No vandalism to the bus. 9. Keep the center aisle clear. 10. Keep arms, hands, and head inside the bus, and to yourself. 11. Always cross at least 10 feet in front of the bus. 12. Never crawl under a school bus. Riding the school bus is a privilege. All school rules must also be followed on the bus. It is not possible to write a code of conduct in such detail as to anticipate every type of conduct that could possibly occur. Therefore, the administration reserves the right to add to or delete from this code, as situations require. Unless mandated by an emergency, students, staff and parents shall receive notification of such changes. GENERAL INFORMATION & PROCEDURES ARRIVAL, DISMISSAL, AND BUILDING ENTRY Students may arrive to school at 7:35 a.m. at Riverview when breakfast begins. The regular school day starts at 8:00 a.m. at Riverview. When arriving for school in the morning, students are asked to enter and exit from the following doors: Riverview - Use only the front entrance of the building for arrival. On days when the weather is bad, students will be sent to the gym to wait for the 8:00 bell. Doors will be locked at 8:00 at Riverview elementary. Any student who comes after this time will have to enter through the main entrance and BE signed in at the office by parent/guardian. ALL THE STUDENTS WILL BE DISMISSED AT THE END OF THE SCHOOL DAY FROM THE GYM OR MAIN ENTRANCE. ASSIGNMENT NOTEBOOKS All students will receive an assignment notebook when they register for school. Students are expected to fill out all assignments in their assignment notebook on a daily basis. If a student needs to replace their assignment notebook, he/she must do so at his/her own expense, through the school office. RIVERVIEW BEFORE SCHOOL HELP Each morning, teachers will be using this time for meeting with parents, meeting with students or attending special meetings. If a student needs help with schoolwork, they should arrange with the teacher ahead of time if possible. The teacher will issue the student a pass to come to their room. If the student wishes to meet with a teacher and does not have a pass, they should come to the office to see if the teacher is available. When students are meeting with a teacher before school, the student should show their pass to the hall monitor and go only to that teacher’s room. BICYCLES Bicycle racks are provided near the building’s main door. Students may not ride bicycles, heelies, roller blades, skateboards, and scooters on school grounds anytime during the school day until 3:00 p.m. When arriving, students must dismount their bikes and walk them to the rack; when leaving, they must walk bikes to school ground boundaries and ride off from there. CANCELLATION OF SCHOOL In the event of severe weather or mechanical breakdown, school may be closed or starting time delayed. Such events will be announced on radio stations: WBEL 1380AM WGEZ 1490AM WZOK 97.5FM WXXQ 98.5FM WXRX 104.9FM WNIU 89.5FM TV STATIONS: WIFR 23 WREX 13 WTVO 17 COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS The school newsletter is distributed to students at Riverview Elementary on the last school day of every month. Extra copies are available in the office. Any articles submitted for publication in Riverview’s/Communicator must be in the office one week prior to the last school day of the month. DRESS CODE Students are to be appropriately and fully dressed. Half shirts, muscle shirts, halter-tops, tube tops that are considered revealing clothing is not permissible. Underwear will not be able to be seen when bending, stretching, or movement. Headwear is not to be worn inside the building. Bandannas on the head are not permitted at all on school grounds. Imprinted clothing with sexual, profane, drug related, alcohol/liquor advertisements, illegal sayings or symbols is not allowed. Only in cases of heating problems may coats or jackets be allowed to be worn in the classroom. Any clothing, which might cause a disturbance, at the Principal’s discretion, will not be allowed. Students violating dress rules are sent to the office. If needed, parents are contacted and asked to bring suitable clothing for the student. Subsequent violations will be addressed with disciplinary action. FEES The district reserves the right to charge for the rental or purchase of textbooks. Registration and textbook fees will be waived/reduced for students qualifying for free/reduced lunch. Fees are due at the time of registration. Students/parents are responsible for the costs of a replacement book. FOOD SERVICE A breakfast and a lunch meal are served each day. A copy of the menu is sent home prior to the start of each month. The menu is also posted on the district website, outside the kitchen, and in the office. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE Student and parent concerns should be directed to the following, in the order given, until the issue is resolved: 1. The faculty or staff member directly involved. 2. The Principal. 3. The Superintendent. 4. The Board of Education. LOST & FOUND Students are to turn in to the office any article found in the building or on the grounds. Lost items such as clothing, lunch boxes, and umbrellas are openly displayed in the lobby adjacent to the office. Items of value like jewelry and watches are kept in the office. LUNCH HOUR When eating lunch at school: • Students are to eat in the gym at Riverview Elementary. • Students are to place all waste materials in provided waste containers and recyclables placed in designated areas. • Students in the building are to remain in supervised areas with teacher or aide. LUNCHROOM RULES The following rules are observed in the gym and building during lunch hour: 1. Walk! Don’t Run! 2. Riverview students are to sit by class at assigned tables. 3. All refuse must be placed in wastebaskets when students finish eating. 4. No students are to “cut” into lines. 5. Dismissals will be by table when the table and adjacent floor are tidy. 6. Students may not leave the lunchroom without permission. PROMOTIONS & RETENTION (GRADES 2-4) In general, children are placed at the grade level to which they are best adjusted academically, socially, and emotionally. The education program provides for the continuous progress of children from grade to grade, with children typically spending one year in each grade. Retention of a grade may be considered when: 1. The child is achieving significantly below their ability and grade level. 2. Retention would not cause undue social and emotional adjustment. 3. An educational plan is developed for the next school year to avoid retention in the future. 4. The child scores below grade level on the ISAT State Test or the district’s local reading assessment. Whenever such retention is being considered, the parents/guardians are invited to a conference with the teacher; principal, and appropriate support staff no later than the end of the third quarter. Discussion includes an explanation to the parents of their child’s current academic standing, in relation to the class group and his/her own individual ability. Goals will be established for the third quarter. During the fourth quarter, another meeting is held to review the student’s goals and progress. In light of this review, the principal, teacher, and parents make the final decision regarding retention jointly. Only in unusual circumstances will a child be retained more than once. SELLING OF GOODS & POSTING SIGNS All items sold at Riverview Elementary School must have express permission of the building Principal. Additionally, parents not desiring to sell items should not accept items sent home. All items accepted, either to be sold must be returned, or money equal to the sale price of the items, will be owed to the organization sponsoring the fundraiser. Students themselves may not, during the school day, conduct sales of items they personally produce. TELEPHONES In case of necessity, the office delivers telephone messages. Students will not be called from class unless it is an emergency. Office phones are for school business use. Students are not allowed to use the phone to make personal arrangements. CELLULAR PHONE/ELECTRONIC DEVICES POLICY It is our mission at Riverview Elementary School to provide an education that empowers all students to succeed. In providing this excellence in education, we must provide an atmosphere that is conducive to learning. Therefore, to have this optimal atmosphere, we must have as little distractions as possible. One such distraction can be the use of cell phones and personal electronic devices. Such examples of these devices are: PSPs, Nintendo DS and MP3 Players. Although cellular phones and portable devices can be useful for a variety of daily functions, the students of Riverview have no use for them within the classroom. While we don’t discourage students having these devices, we must make it apparent that if your son/daughter brings an electronic device to school it must be turned off and kept in their bag throughout the school day. You must also be aware that the District of South Beloit and Riverview Elementary School will not be held responsible if your son/daughter’s electronic device is lost, stolen, or damaged .Please also be aware that if your child has a cell phone or electronic device with them, not in their book bag, and the staff find out we reserve the right to confiscate the device and hold it until a parent/guardian comes to pick it up.
VALUABLES Students are cautioned not to bring large amounts of money or valuables to school. Students are responsible for their personal property. Property, such as radios, MP3 players, IPODS, pagers, two way radios, record and tape players, CD disc players, hand held games, and headsets, should not be brought to school. If any of these items are found, parent/guardian will be required to pick up the item in the school office. Trading cards (i.e. Pokeman, baseball) or toys should not be brought to school for trading or selling purposes on school grounds. These items should remain in the student’s book bag. The school accepts no responsibility for loss or theft of items. WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL Students who will be transferring out of our school district during the school year are asked to notify their teachers and the office as far in advance as possible. On the last day of attendance, texts and school owned supplies must be returned and any fines paid in full. Visitors must sign in and pick up a visitor pass from the office prior to visiting their child’s classroom. Parents need to come in to the school office prior to withdrawal to: - Fill out paperwork relating to a student transfer; - Settle any fines relating to battered or missing books or school material. STUDENT EDUCATIONAL RECORD South Beloit CUSD #320 practices FERPA guidelines to protect your child’s educational record. FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of student education records. FERPA gives parents certain rights with respect to their children’s education record. For more information refer to http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/index.html. HEALTH & SAFETY EMERGENCY DRILLS The signal for a tornado warning is sent via the P.A. or bell system. Evacuation plans are posted in each room. As directed by the staff, students should evacuate to a designated area in a quiet and safe manner. Fire drills are held according to the provisions of the state law and conducted at regular intervals. The signal is a continuous blast of the fire buzzer. A lock-down drill warning is sent via the P.A. system. Emergency lock-down plans are posted in each room. Teachers are trained appropriate procedures. Students are to stay with their class and not leave the school grounds or go home during a drill. Return directly to the classroom area you came from when the all clear is sounded. VISION/HEARING SCREENING The South Beloit CUSD #320 will complete vision and hearing screening for Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, and 10, referrals from parents and/or teachers, special education students, and all new students during the first quarter of each school year. If your child is absent or new to the district following the mass screening date, screening will occur at a later date during the remainder of the school year. Vision and hearing screening is not an option and your child in the above-mentioned categories will be screened. To have your child removed from the screening group, please submit a completed examination report if your child has completed an eye examination within the past 12 months. Examination forms can be obtained from your school office or the school district website at www.southbeloitschooldistrict.org. HEAD LICE (Pediculosis) Periodic head checks for lice will be conducted in the classroom. Students identified with nits and/or live lice may be sent home for treatment. This school district endorses a nit free policy. Students may be excluded from school attendance until treatment is in evidence. Absence greater than the day sent home will be unexcused. Illness or Injury Students may ask permission from teachers to go to the nurse’s office any time they are not feeling well or have been injured. If the nurse is not there, the student should report to the school secretary. In case of illness or injury, the school nurse or a member of the school staff will care for a child temporarily. School personnel will render first aid treatment only. If emergency medical treatment is necessary, the parents and/or 911 will be contacted. MEDICATION IN SCHOOL Non-Prescription and Prescription use at school 1. The physician is to provide the school with a written order. 2. The parent/guardian is to provide the school with a written request authorizing the administration of the medication at school. The approved form is available in the school office. 3. Medication is to be in a properly labeled container from a pharmacist or physician, or for over-the-counter medication, in its original container. You may request a duplicate container for school from your pharmacist. 4. All medicines will be stored by the school district. (No student will be allowed to carry or store medication unless there is a medical necessity as indicated by a licensed physician.) 5. Upon arrival at school all medication must be given to the school nurse, or when she is not available, the school secretary or principal. 6. All medications will be counted to verify total number of pills delivered to the school office for storage. 7. Student must report to nurse/office to obtain medication. 8. The school nurses, an administrator, or secretary will administer or supervise administration of the drug only if the above requirements are met. 9. Any medication not used or container not claimed will be discarded at the end of the school year. 10. The school will retain the discretion to reject requests for medication. 11. Cough drops must have a note from parent/guardian for permission to use and cannot be shared with other students. INFECTIOUS DISEASES The School District will follow guidelines for communicable diseases written by the Public Health Department, as per district policy. It is encouraged your student not attend school within 24 hours of fever, vomiting and/or diarrhea symptoms. INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM CURRICULAR and EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AWARDS Awards are given each quarter for honor roll, high honor roll, high achievement or behavioral improvement, and perfect attendance. At the end of the school year, additional awards will be presented.Awards for honor roll will be given to students who earn A’s and B’s on their quarterly report cards. Special activities such as music, physical education, and art will also be included in the honor roll system. High honor roll will be for students who earn all A’s on their quarterly report card. At Riverview we have very high standards for our students. We feel that when students earn only A’s and B’s for honor roll, and all A’s for high honor roll, they obtain a true sense of accomplishment and achievement. FIELD TRIPS One off-site field trip may be conducted for each grade level every year. Trips are approved based on their relation to topics of school study. School funds from fundraising activities underwrite the field trip costs. Occasionally the families will have to contribute an additional small fee. The Principal reviews field trip plans for all grades annually, and makes recommendations to ensure that trips - Are not repetitive, grade-to-grade; - Relate well to their study program; - Is age appropriate; - Use a wide variety of area civic, historical, scientific and cultural attractions. Parent volunteers may be needed to help chaperon these events. Only one parent chaperon per family will be allowed to attend the field trip. Other relatives and siblings will not be allowed to “tag along”. There will be only four chaperones per classroom allowed to attend and help supervise a field trip. The classroom teachers using a lottery system will recommend chaperones to the Principal for selection purposes. GRADING PERIODS/SYSTEM Grade reporting - Student report cards are sent home with the student to the parent/guardians within a week after the end of each nine-week grading period. Parents should sign and return their students report card within a week of receiving it. We will mail report cards to parent/guardian/non-custodial parent on request. In addition, mid-quarter “Progress Reports” are issued for every child immediately after the quarter’s fifth week. It is the intent of the school to hold students responsible for their own work. When students receive unsatisfactory reports, parents are encouraged to contact teachers and set up conferences. Grade recording -The following grades are used in recording student achievements: A+ 99-100 A 96-98 A- 93-95 Excellent B+ 91-92 B 88-90 B- 87-85 Very Good C+ 83-84 C 80-82 C- 77-79 Average D+ 75-76 D 72-74 D- 70-71 Passing F- 0-69 Failure, less than 70.0% Inc. Incomplete S Satisfactory U Unsatisfactory All grades will be based on total points earned out of total points possible. Each nine-week period will be kept as a separate grading period. The student’s final grade of the year will be the average of total points earned out of the total points possible for the year or the average of the four nine-week grades. Incomplete Grades An incomplete grade must be cleared within two weeks after the marking period or previous arrangements should have been made. An individual contract between the student and the teacher is to be created to define what actions are necessary to remove the incomplete. A copy of the contract is to be filed with the Principal. After two weeks, the grade will be recorded an “F’ unless the Principal has given an extension of time to complete the work. PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES Parent/Teacher Conference Days are scheduled during the 1st and 3rd quarters (grading periods). A notice will be provided in advance of the schedule. We expect to be able to meet with each parent, and to help make this possible we reserve an evening for conferences as well. At any other time during the school year, parents may request a conference when grade reports raise questions or when any misunderstanding between home and school develops. CLASS TREATS Treats brought to school for class parties, birthdays, or other occasions need to be individually wrapped and store bought. If parents have any questions regarding the appropriateness of treats, they are asked to contact their child’s classroom teacher. HOMEWORK POLICY Homework shall be an extension of the classroom experience. The type, frequency, and quantity of homework shall be based on the needs of the individual student as determined by the teacher. With emphasis on improving study habits, homework shall increase in complexity with the grade level of the student. FALL PICTURE DAY Individual student pictures will be taken in the fall. Pre-payment of the package is requested on picture day; purchase is voluntary. Specific information is provided by the school prior to picture day. All children present on picture day are included on the class (homeroom) composite picture, whether they order a picture package or not. SPRING PICTURE DAY Individual student pictures will be taken each spring. Students will be allowed to pose with props. Parents will pay for pictures after viewing. PLAYGROUND RULES While on the playground, students are expected to: 1. Use the restroom before going to lunch/playground. 2. Dress properly for the weather. 3. Play safely: no behavior that endangers others. 4. Play softball only, no hardball. 5. Have NO dangerous objects or substances. 6. Use playground equipment as it is designed to be used: a. Swing sets - one student at a time on a swing, sitting only on swing, no standing or lying upon; no run through or “underdogs”; no side to side swinging or leg hooking between swings (“spidering”); no jumping off swing while in motion. Bystanders should stay well away from the swing area while swings are in use (including students waiting turns). No tag or running in area. b. Parallel (overhead) or “monkey” bars; no pulling at student hanging from the bars, no prying or pounding of the fingers/hands of students hanging from bars; no sitting on top of equipment that is meant for climbing, hanging, or moving hand over hand. 7. Avoid playing games of “keep away”, chicken, play fighting, “horseback riding,” body slamming, etc. 8. Avoid fights (verbal/physical). 9. Make a playground supervisor aware of any problems immediately. 10. Clearly mark boundaries for all field games such as soccer and football. 11. Select teams fairly. 12. Do not pick-up, throw or kick snow/ice. Students may bring their own safe toys (equipment): jump ropes, kick or footballs, “nerf” items, etc. Items brought from home must be clearly labeled with child’s name. Students will be inside for recess when the temperature or wind chill is below 15 degrees at Riverview, or it is too wet to play outside. SPECIAL SERVICES Riverview Elementary School offers specialized instruction to students in the areas of speech correction, learning disability, and behavior disorders. Children requiring additional services are referred to our school psychologist for evaluation. When evaluations are completed, recommendations for the best and least restrictive educational program are recommended. STUDY SKILLS A parent can help his/her child be aware of skills and techniques, which make learning easier and more enjoyable. The following are guidelines for achieving good study habits: 1. Come to class prepared! (Paper, pencil and other necessary materials) 2. Be an active participant in class. Listen well and respond when given a chance. 3. Ask questions when you don’t understand. 4. Plan your day and schedule time for homework and studying. 5. Use the distributed assignment notebook daily. 6. Use what is learned; apply it to situations at home or at play. 7. Strive to do the very best work possible. VOLUNTEERS Any family adult is more than welcome at our schools—as a visitor or as a classroom helper. For those who have the time to donate, your presence in our office or classroom as an aide is especially valued. If you can offer us even a single hour per week, teachers at all grade levels can use your help to: - Work with individual students, who have difficulty staying on task, - Listening to individual students read aloud, - Read to students, - Help with the classroom clerical tasks, - Check in homework, and far more. Possibilities are limited only by the imagination. Contact your child’s teacher if interested; contact the office if you would like us to direct you to an area of need. Volunteers must be approved by the Principal and be subjected to a State Police check and drug test. “Family adult” includes interested parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. CONCLUSION This handbook may not answer all of your questions and may not solve all your problems. It is intended to serve as a guide. If you need help in answering specific questions, please ask your child’s teacher, the office staff, or administration. We invite your opinions, too. The provisions of this handbook are not considered an irrevocable contractual commitment between the school and the parent or student. The provisions reflect the status of the rules, practices, policies, and procedures as currently practiced. The provisions of this handbook are subject to change. Students will be notified of such changes.
I acknowledge and will abide by the above rules and procedures for both students and parents/guardians.
___________________________Print Name
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___________________________Date Signed
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