Dan Ellison, Member

Bill Thompson, Member

Cannon Falls Area Elementary School

1020 Minnesota Street East

Cannon Falls, MN 55009

Phone: (507) 263-6800, Option 4

Fax: (507) 263-4888

Website: cannonfallschools.com/elem

Neil J. Koven, Principal

koven.neil@cannonfallsschools.com

WELCOME TO

CANNON FALLS SCHOOLS!

Dear Students, Parents, Staff and Community Members:

This handbook is intended to offer its’ readers an explanation and clarification of the educational programs at the Elementary school. Please retain this copy and use it for reference.

Students live and function in the general community as well as the school community. As school and community citizens, you are expected to act and conduct yourself responsibly. The guidelines set forth in this handbook apply to conduct on school premises, school buses, at school activities, or involving any school property. The Board of Education sets forth policies, rules and regulations to help each student citizen conduct him/herself in a manner considered to be appropriate for the school and community at large.

Students and staff benefit from actively involving themselves in the academic and co-curricular activities offered through Cannon Falls schools. Staff and student leaders are here to assist you in getting the most of what our school program has to offer. We welcome the opportunity to help you in making your experience here a successful one.

Best of luck with your school year!

Cannon Falls Board of Education

CANNON FALLS AREA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION

Education in our school will help each individual acquire knowledge, skills, and positive attitudes toward self, others, and the environment. Each individual will learn to solve problems, think creatively, and seek lifelong learning. Every child will be encouraged to develop to his or her maximum potential for leading a productive, responsible, and fulfilling life in a complex and changing multicultural society. Students, families, staff, and community working in partnership, will ensure a positive, safe, stimulating environment at the Cannon Falls Area Elementary School.

Dear Students and Parents,

Welcome to Cannon Falls Area Elementary School. This handbook has been written to provide you with information about your school’s rules and activities. We hope you will read it and use it as a handy reference throughout the school year.

Cannon Falls Area Elementary School is a caring, happy, and wonderful place for our children to learn and grow. We have an excellent teaching staff that is dedicated to providing our students with the very best learning experiences possible. Along with the “3 R’s: reading, (w)riting, and (a)rithmetic,” we also teach a fourth R: responsibility. We expect our students to accept it and act accordingly- whether it pertains to our academic or behavioral expectations. To that end, we ask for your support in helping us to help your child to grow into a mature and responsible person.

Lastly, research has proven that parent involvement does make a difference in a student’s level of success. At Cannon Falls Area Elementary School, we invite you to share in your child’s total educational experience. We encourage you to ask your child how their day went and discuss and/or assist them with their homework assignments. We also encourage you to volunteer in your child’s classroom as much as you are able to do so and communicate with your child’s teacher(s) on a regular or as needed basis.

On behalf of everyone at Cannon Falls Area Elementary School, “Welcome!”

Sincerely,

Neil J. Koven, Ed.S.

Principal

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Admittance to School............................................................................. 7

Alcohol, Tobacco and Narcotics.............................................................. 7

Arrival At and Departure From School..................................................... 7

Attendance Policies............................................................................... 7

Balloons................................................................................................ 9

Bicycle Safety....................................................................................... 9

Bus Transportation Questions............................................................... 10

Bus Passes........................................................................................ 10

Change of Address or Phone Numbers.................................................. 10

Closings (Weather-Related)................................................................. 10

Community Ed.................................................................................... 10

Computer Labs/Acceptable Use Agreement........................................... 11

Data Privacy....................................................................................... 11

Discipline Policy and Regulations.......................................................... 11

Dress Code (District-Wide)................................................................. 15

Early Dismissal.................................................................................... 15

Emergency Procedures........................................................................ 15

Education Foundation........................................................................... 16

Extra Curricular Opportunities............................................................... 16

Field Trips........................................................................................... 16

Food................................................................................................... 16

Grading.............................................................................................. 17

Gum Chewing...................................................................................... 17

Harassment and Hazing........................................................................ 17

Health Services................................................................................... 18

Homework Policy................................................................................. 21

Hours of the School Day....................................................................... 22

Instrumental Music............................................................................... 22

Insurance............................................................................................ 22

Lost and Found................................................................................... 22

Parties................................................................................................ 23

Personal Property ............................................................................... 23

Physical Education............................................................................... 23

Pledge of Allegience............................................................................ 24

Recess............................................................................................... 24

Report Cards/On-Line Grading Access................................................. 24

Retention Policy & Procedures.............................................................. 25

School Patrol....................................................................................... 25

Special Services.................................................................................. 25

Tardies............................................................................................... 25

Textbooks and Library Books............................................................... 25

Visitors............................................................................................... 25

Volunteers........................................................................................... 26

APPENDICES

2006-07 School Staff........................................................................... 27

2006-07 School Calendar..................................................................... 29

Admittance To School

All students must have on file with the school a completed immunization series, or a signed legal or medical exemption. Kindergarten students will need to complete their primary immunization series as well as have their second MMR, Hepatitis series, and Varicella vaccine, or dates of the disease.

Alcohol, Tobacco and Narcotics

Possession and use of alcohol and tobacco are forbidden by state law to anyone under the age of 21. Possession and use of narcotics without a prescription is illegal at any age. Students who drink alcohol or use any other mood-altering drug during the school day will be suspended a minimum of three days. Items containing tobacco, alcohol or narcotics are subject to confiscation by school authorities, and in the event of confiscation will be made available to the student’s parents.

THE SCHOOL BOARD DOES NOT PERMIT THE USE OR POSSESSION OF TOBACCO, ALCOHOL OR NARCOTICS ON SCHOOL PREMISES, AT SCHOOL ACTIVITIES OR ON SCHOOL BUSES.

A copy of the School Board approved Tobacco Free Environment Policy is available for review in the Elementary Office and a copy available upon request.

Arrival At & Departure From School

The main doors will be unlocked and the office opened at 7:30 a.m. The playground supervisors will be on duty at 7:45 a.m. The first bell is at 8:00 a.m. for 6^th graders and 8:05 a.m. for K-5 students. Students should be in their classrooms by the second (tardy) bell at 8:05 a.m. for grade 6 and 8:10 a.m. for K-5. Students will be allowed inside before 8:05 a.m. for the following reasons:

1) to put money into lunch accounts 4) inclement weather

2) authorized written permission 5) office or health office visit

3) meet with a staff member

The dismissal bell rings at 2:50 p.m. All students except those in Cannon Kids or at a scheduled activity are to either board their bus at that time or be picked up. All students should be off school grounds no later than 3:00 p.m.

Attendance Policies

Parents/Guardians are required by law to ensure the regular attendance of their children. It is also the responsibility of those parent(s) or guardians to inform the school (with a phone call) of their child’s non-attendance on the morning of that absence. If no such call is made and/or we are unable to verify the legitimacy of the absence (with the parent or guardian) on the day that it occurs, or are provided a written parental excuse for the absence upon the student’s return to school, the absence will be considered unexcused. (See definitions to follow of excused and unexcused absences.) After a student reaches a total of 7 unexcused absences, and barring a family emergency, the school has a legal right and obligation to notify the office of Goodhue County Social Services and charge the student’s parents with educational neglect due to their child’s “habitual truancy.” (See page 8A.)

Excused Absences:

Personal illness
Serious illness in the child’s immediate family
Medical or dental appointments
Court appearances
Religious instruction
Emergencies such as: fire, flood, or storm, etc.
School-approved activities
Death of immediate family member or close relative or friend
Family vacation

Unexcused Absences:

· Staying home to be with visiting relatives or friends

· Babysitting

· Missing the bus

· Not wanting to attend

· Shopping

· Working at home

Excused Absence Policy and Make-Up Work

This policy has been established to provide a consistent means of handling the continuing and increasing number of requests from parents to have the student excused from school to go on trips, vacations, etc., with the family. Many of these experiences have educational value in part or in whole, and as such can be applied for credit to help compensate for the work which is missed while the student is absent from the classroom.

When students are absent from school for whatever the reason, it is impossible for them to make up all their work, either in advance or after the fact. The purpose of this policy is to (1) permit students to make up regular work in advance of the absence, to the extent that it is possible for the teacher to prepare that work; (2) permit the student to do whatever “regular” classroom work the teacher feels the student is capable of doing while actually gone from school (i.e. take the regular work with them); and (3) provide an opportunity for the student to do some work projects and/or assignments directly related to the anticipated experiences of the trip or vacation experience.

Students will have two days for each day missed due to illness or a school sponsored activity. Students will not have their grades reduced in any way, if the absence is excused and all missed work is completed within the allowable time noted above.

Students who are absent or sent home from school due to illness are not permitted to return later that day or evening to perform in school-sponsored programs or activities.

Requests For Advance Make-Up Work

Requests for students to be absent and do advance make-up work must be

made to the teacher. Requests should be made as far in advance as possible of the anticipated absence to allow for advance make-up work and project planning.

Planning Advance Make-Up Work & Special Projects/Assignments

Advance make-up work and special assignments require much time and preparation by the teacher, therefore considerable prior notice is very desirable. The work to be done is left to the discretion of the teacher, as is the planning of the special projects and assignments. If parents have suggestions and ideas as to what might be done that is related to the experience, they are welcome to make suggestions. In planning advance work and other projects and assignments, a number of factors are taken into consideration. These include, but are not limited to:

1) the age of the child

2) the ability of the child

1) the length of the absence

2) the nature and type of activities and experiences that are to be part of the trip

Special projects and assignments might include such things as: a picture or slide show/story of the trip; a written and/or oral report of the trip accompanied by brochures and folders/a tape-recorded narrative of the trip; various activities related to subject are as such as math, social studies, etc., to include such things as computing mileage, distances traveled, types of land forms observed, etc.; these are intended as examples only. The length and nature of such projects will depend upon the above listed factors.

Balloons

For the safety and health of our students and staff, NO LATEX BALLOONS will be allowed in CFAES. Mylar balloons are acceptable. NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE.

Bicycle Safety

Parents must assume the responsibility when children ride bikes to school. Bicycles must be parked and locked in stands during the day. Children will not be permitted to ride on the playground area at any time during the school day. Bicycle safety rules should be spelled out to the children at home as well as at school. Roller blades or shoes will wheels are not permitted on school property due to liability and insurance protection.

Bus Transportation Questions

Questions concerning bus transportation should be directed to Mrs. Jan Olesick at the school district’s bus garage. The telephone number is 507-263-3597. Further questions should be directed to the Superintendent, Mr. Todd Sesker, at 507-263-6800, option 8.

District provided transportation is a privilege, not a right. Rules of behavior have been approved by the Cannon Falls Board of Education. Failure to comply with those rules could lead to suspension of bus riding privileges. A copy of the complete school district bus transportation policy will be sent home with students shortly after the school year begins. Additional copies will be available in the school office.

Health needs that bus drivers should be made aware of need to be discussed with the school nurse (seizure history, diabetes, etc.) and the information will be shared if it is in the best interest of the child. A plan may be made for assistance in the event of a health emergency.

Bus Passes

NO BUS PASSES will be issued during the 2007-08 school year. Any questions regarding this policy should be directed to the school district transportation director, Mrs. Jan Olesick, at 263-3597.

Change of Address or Phone Number

Please notify the office promptly of any change of address or telephone number (at home or at work).

Closings (Weather-Related)

Emergency school closings due to snow or severe weather conditions will be announced over KDHL 920AM, KCUE 1250AM, KRDS 95.9AM, and WCCO 830AM and on channels 4, 5, 9, and 11 on your TV, and on the school district website (www.cannonfallsschools.com). Absences due to weather conditions will be excused when school closings have been announced. On those days when the weather appears threatening, please stay tuned to these radio/TV stations for early dismissal notices.

Community Education

Community Education is a district wide program providing opportunities for learners of all ages to come together as active partners in the life-long process. The Community Education office is always open to new and creative ways to educate the Cannon Falls community. They offer several after school activities for all school age children. The office is located immediately inside the east entrance of the high school. Their phone number is 263-6800, option 9.

Computer Labs/Acceptable Use Agreement

Technology policies and plans are developed by the Cannon Falls Technology Committee.

The purpose of computers in Cannon Falls Area Schools is to enhance learning, support classroom instruction, and help teacher productivity.

All employees, volunteers, members of the community, and students should use computers in a manner consistent with the goals and mission of the Cannon Falls School District.

All computer users must sign the Acceptable Use Agreement before they are given access to computers. The agreement ensures the user’s understanding of computer use as a privilege, not a right, which includes certain responsibilities. Failing to comply with this policy is considered a disciplinary issue.

Data Privacy

The Data Privacy Act is a law intended to balance the public’s right to know with an individual’s right to privacy. Certain kinds of information are categorized as “directory information”. This information, even though identifying a student, can be released to the public. Examples of such information are: name, height and weight of athletic team members, names or recipients of awards or scholarships, names of participants in recognized school activities and names of students receiving recognition by the school for positive accomplishments for academic success, citizenship as well as the accomplishment, grade, achievement and or award. Schools can release information about students to appropriate parties, like a hospital, police department or emergency squad, if an emergency exists and this information is necessary to protect health or safety of an individual(s).

Students or parents wanting their directory information withheld need to request this in writing from their school building principal.

A copy of the school district approved Data Privacy Policy is available for review in the Elementary Office and a copy is available upon request.

Discipline – School District Statement of Policy

It is the position of the school district that a fair and equitable district-wide school discipline policy will contribute to the quality of a student’s educational experience. Without discipline in the schools, learning cannot occur. Therefore, a district-wide school discipline policy has been adopted.

It is the responsibility of the school board, administrators, and teachers to safeguard the health and safety of each student. The school board and district administrator will support district personnel who, in dealing with students on disciplinary matters, act in accordance with state statute, state board of education regulations, and this policy.

Students are held accountable for their behavior in the classrooms, hallways, and anywhere else on the school grounds, as well as at any school-related activity such as a field trip or athletic event.

The Cannon Falls Area School District believes that in order for all students to learn and attain high academic standards and develop healthy human relationships, a safe, non-violent or disruptive environment must exist. Toward that end, the School Board has adopted three policies: a District- Wide School Discipline Policy, a Bullying Prohibition Policy, and a Harassment and Hazing Policy. Together they set forth the behavioral expectations and guidelines for all who work or attend classes in our schools.

Copies of these policies are available for review in the Elementary Office and a copy is available upon request.

Discipline – CFAES Statement of Policy

In order to create the kind of positive school environment that we believe is necessary to allow your child (and all other children) to learn and work without fear for his/her safety, we have implemented a Code of Conduct at Cannon Falls Area Elementary School. Physical or verbal acts of violence/bullying will not be tolerated at CFAES.

When a child is sent to the principal’s office, he or she has already been warned about his/her behavior by either his teacher(s) or other staff member(s). It is also likely that he/she has already been given some form of consequence for that behavior by that teacher or staff member. As a result, beyond our discussing the events (who, what, where, and why) that led to your child’s “visit” to my office, and what alternative choices he/she could have made instead, I will decide upon and explain the consequence(s) of those actions. Some of those consequences are outlined on the following pages. In addition, I will send you a copy of the disciplinary action taken. This notice must be signed by you and returned by your child (to me) on the next day of school. Without the prompt return of this paperwork (with your signature), the consequences given to your child may be increased. It is your child’s responsibility to see that you receive this notice, sign it and return it to me promptly.

Code of Conduct At

Cannon Falls Area Elementary School

Ø BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR ACTIONS

Ø BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR WORK

Ø BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PROPERTY

Ø BE KIND AND CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS

Ø DO YOUR BEST

“IT’S THE TRAILBLAZER WAY”

WORK / CONDUCT / SOCIAL SKILLS EXPECTATIONS

The following are expectations of Cannon Falls Area Elementary School. Students choosing to follow these expectations will meet with positive consequences, such as success in the classroom and positive informational feedback. Students who choose not to follow the expectations will meet with negative consequences, such as time-outs, before or after school detention, loss of lunch privilege with class, and/or office referral. Students are held accountable for their behavior in the classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, and at any school related activity (such as field trip or athletic event).

1. FOLLOW DIRECTIONS

2. STAY ON TASK

3. RESPECT OTHERS

4. RESPECT

5. FOLLOW RULES AND PROCEDURES

CONSEQUENCES FOR INFRACTIONS

1^ST INFRACTION: Warning by teacher

2^ND INFRACTION: Teacher-directed consequence

3^RD INFRACTION: Parent contact by student and teacher

4^TH INFRACTION: Student sent to principal

SEVERE INFRACTION (A severe infraction may constitute but not necessarily be limited to any of the following: showing disrespect toward any staff member, endangering oneself or others; and/or purposefully damaging property.): Sent to principal

OFFICE DISCIPLINE GUIDELINES

In the event that a student is referred to the Principal for violation of the school’s behavior expectations, the following are some possible consequences that may be implemented:

Loss of Cafeteria Privileges: Students may be assigned one or more days of eating their lunch in the school office or other designated location.

Loss of Recess Privileges: Students may be assigned one or more days of recess detention in the school office.

Before/After School Detention: Students may be assigned before and/or after school detention.

Community Service: Students may be assigned a community service project such as picking up trash around the building, sweeping the floors or cleaning the walls, etc.

Restorative Measures: Depending upon the circumstances, and the willingness of both the offender and the victim, students may participate in a restorative process, including but not limited to restitution and or community service.

Suspensions: Students may be suspended from attending class, riding the bus or even attending school for certain behavior violations. These suspensions can be either In-School or Out-of-School, depending upon the severity or frequency of the violation(s).

SUSPENSION - EXPULSION

Occasionally, it becomes necessary to suspend or expel a student from school. In this even, all procedures will be governed by MSBA 127.26 - 127.40, more commonly known as the Minnesota Pupil Fair Dismissal Act.

Cannon Falls Elementary School

Parent Handbook

Dan Ellison, Member

Attendance Policies

Requests For Advance Make-Up Work