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Cannon Falls Elementary School |
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PARENT-STUDENT HANDBOOK
2009-2010 Parent-Student
Informational Handbook Phone:
(507) 263-6800, Option 4 Fax:
(507) 263-4888 Website:
cannonfallsschools.com/elem Todd Sesker, Superintendent sesker.todd@cannonfallsschools.com Beth
Giese, Principal giese.beth@cannonfallsschools.com eloffice@cannonfallsschools.com School
Board Members Bob Brintnall, Chairman Cathy Banks,
Vice Chairman/Clerk Pat Dougherty,
Treasurer Dan Ellison,
Member Brenda Owens, Member Jerry Reinardy,
Member Bill Thompson,
Member
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 All policies referred to in this handbook are on file in the school
offices and are also available to view on the Cannon Falls Schools webpage. Admittance
to School............................................................................................. 6 Alcohol,
Tobacco and Narcotics........................................................................... 6 Arrival At and
Departure From School................................................................. 6 Attendance
Policies............................................................................................... 6 Balloons................................................................................................................... 6 Bicycle
Safety......................................................................................................... 6 Bus
Transportation Questions.............................................................................. 6 Bus Passes............................................................................................................ 6 Change of
Address or Phone Numbers.............................................................. 7 Closings
(Weather-Related)................................................................................. 7 Community
Ed......................................................................................................... 7 Data
Privacy........................................................................................................... 7 Discipline
Guidelines............................................................................................. 7 Dress Code
(District-Wide).................................................................................
7 Early
Dismissal....................................................................................................... 7 Emergency
Procedures......................................................................................... 8 Education
Foundation............................................................................................ 8 Field Trips............................................................................................................... 8 Food........................................................................................................................ 8 Gum Chewing......................................................................................................... 8 Harassment
and Hazing........................................................................................ 8 Health
Services...................................................................................................... 9 Homework
Policy................................................................................................. 10 Lost and
Found.................................................................................................... 10 Math –
Basic Facts.............................................................................................. 10 Parties................................................................................................................... 10 Personal
Property................................................................................................ 10 Pledge of
Allegiance........................................................................................... 10 Recess.................................................................................................................. 11 Report
Cards/On-Line Grading Access............................................................ 11 School
Patrol........................................................................................................ 11 Special
Services.................................................................................................. 11 Tardies.................................................................................................................. 11 Textbooks
and Library Books............................................................................. 11 Visitors................................................................................................................... 11 Volunteers.............................................................................................................. 11 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. 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 8:05 a.m. Students should be in their
classrooms by the second (tardy) bell at 8:10 a.m. 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 not provided a written parental excuse for the absence upon the student’s return to school, the absence will be considered unexcused. 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.”
Make-Up Work Policy 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. Balloons For the safety and health of
our students and staff, NO BALLOONS will be allowed in CFAES. 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 with 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. Kandi Lockhart 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. 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 school year. Any questions regarding this policy should be
directed to the school district transportation director, Mrs. Kandi Lockhart,
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). 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 Data
Privacy 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). 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. Under the provisions
of this law, students may be suspended or expelled from school for any of the
following: a) willful
violation of any school board regulation b) willful conduct
materially and substantially disrupts the rights of others to an education c) willful conduct
which endangers the student or other students or school property DRESS CODE (DISTRICT-WIDE) The first things a visitor
notices in our school are the building and grounds, followed by the students’
appearance and actions. We take pride in
the appearance of our students. Student
dress reflects the quality of the school, student behavior and schoolwork. Therefore, appropriate attire will be worn to
school. The following guidelines will
apply to student dress and appearance: 1)
No hats or
bandannas will be worn in the building during school hours. 2)
Clothing with
symbols, logos or sayings that represent gangs, and/or alcoholic, tobacco, or
other illegal substances will not be worn.
(Examples: Red Dog, Marlboro, Budweiser, etc.) 3)
Clothing that
contains sexually suggestive sayings will not be worn. (Examples:
Big Johnson shirts, Co-ed Naked shirts, etc.) 4)
Immodest clothing
such as cut-off shirts, halter tops, overly tight items or baggy, loose jeans,
etc., may not be worn. All shorts and
skirts must reach student’s fingertips. 5)
The following
dress accessories will not be worn. This
includes, but is not limited to: gloves,
bandannas, wheelie shoes, wristbands, studded necklaces and bracelets, wallet
chains or other jewelry which are likely to cause others to feel intimidated. 6)
Coats/Jackets can
be worn in the building at the discretion of the school administration. 7) Final discretion on clothing will
be left to the administration. Early
Dismissal—Medical or Dental Appointments or Emergencies If you must remove your child from
school during the school day, please notify the school office stating the time
you will pick up your child in the office.
No child is permitted to leave with anyone unless requested and approved
by the parents or guardian.
Parents/guardians MUST come to the school office to pick up and
sign their child out. Emergency
Procedures Fire
& Tornado Drills Fire and tornado drills are practiced during
the school year. An exit plan is posted
in every room in the building. Students
are responsible for following the specific safety directions given them by
their instructor. Evacuation A situation may arise
necessitating the evacuation of the building.
Students are responsible for following the specific safety directions
given by their instructors. Under normal
circumstances, elementary students will be evacuated to St. Ansgar’s
Church. At that time a decision will be
made by the school district administration to either return to the school
building, send the students home or to their designated Emergency Early
Dismissal location by bus. Parents are
strongly encouraged to meet their children at home and not pick them up at the
church since this will only lead to increased traffic and possible confusion. Nuclear
Incident In the event of a nuclear incident, an
evacuation procedure is in place that involves transporting all K-12
students out of Education Foundation The Cannon Falls Education
Foundation is a non-profit organization supporting the Field Trips Class trips are valuable
because they produce concrete learning experiences; they provide opportunity
for training in courtesy; safety and good citizenship; and they help stimulate
children’s interest in the community.
You will be notified when your child’s class is planning a trip, at
which time you will be asked to give your permission for him or her to go with
the group. Parents of students in grades
K-3 and 5 will be assessed a one-time only fee of $25.00 per child to
pay for their child’s field trip expenses.
Parents of fourth graders will be assessed a different fee for their
Eagle Bluff field trip in the spring. Food Breakfast and lunch are
available to all students at the Elementary School. Breakfast is served from 7:30 – 7:55 and lunch
is served between 10:45 and 12:45, depending upon the student’s grade
level. A breakfast costs $1.20 and
lunches cost $2.00. A second entrée is
available to students at a cost of $1.30.
(Meal prices are subject to change.) Your child(ren) may qualify
for free or reduced price meals. To
apply for free or reduced price meals, complete an Application for Education
Benefits form and return it to the elementary office. A copy of this application will be sent home
with all students, can be requested at the elementary office or is also
available on the school web page. How the lunch program works: 1)
Each family is assigned a numbered account. 2)
As payments are made they are credited to their numbered account.
3) Each student is issued a lunch card and an ID number.
(The first lunch card will be
issued to each
student free of charge.) 4)
When a student eats a school provided meal, the amount is deducted
from
the specific numbered account. Parents
will be notified when accounts have a negative
balance. No seconds will be served if an
account is in the red. 5) Money may be
deposited to your lunch account before school or given to the teacher. 6) Parents may
access their family lunch account status either on-line (application form
available in the school office), by phone or in person. Yearly
cost for milk at daily milk break is $50.00 (if purchased before October
1). Ten-day tickets may be purchased for
$5.50. Treats brought to classes
are to be in the form of purchased goods or packaged products. RED FRUIT DRINKS
OR RED KOOL AID, ETC. WITH RED DYE IS NOT PERMITTED. Gum Chewing Gum chewing is not
permitted in the school building, or during classes outside. Please do not send gum to school for a class
treat for birthdays, etc. Harassment
and Hazing ISD 252 strives to maintain
a learning and working environment free from religious, racial or sexual
discrimination, intimidation, hazing and/or harassment. Unwelcome conduct interfering with a
student’s ability to learn, perform a job or is intimidating, hostile or
offensive is strictly prohibited by the school district, state and federal law. Sexual Harassment may include unwelcome verbal abuse, pressure for
sexual activity, gestures, and physical contact, including personal displays of
affection beyond hand holding, other than is necessary to provide restraint of
pupils by teachers, administrators or other personnel to avoid physical harm to
persons or property. STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
RESPONSIBILITIES AND RIGHTS Racial Harassment consists of unwelcome physical or verbal conduct
relating to an individual’s race when the purpose is to create an intimidating,
hostile or offensive working or academic environment. Religious Harassment consists of unwelcome physical or verbal conduct that
relates to an individual’s religion when the purpose is to create an
intimidating environment and interferes with performance. Hazing is defined as “committing an act against a student, or
coercing a student into committing an act that creates substantial risk of harm
to a person or property, in order for the student to be initiated or affiliated
with a student organization, or for any other purpose.” Hazing includes, but is not limited to; beating,
striking, placing a harmful substance on the body, sleep deprivation, exposure
to weather, forced consumption of foods, beverages or tobacco products or
drugs, or any activity that intimidates, threatens, ostracizes, embarrasses,
shames or adversely affects the mental health or dignity of a student. School officials investigate all reports and
take appropriate action. Hostile Environment
Harassment is defined as situations
created by an individual(s) where the school or work environment is saturated
with sexual, racial, religious bias or discriminatory acts evidenced by
demeaning verbal slurs, inappropriate pictures or publications, inappropriate
jokes, or any acts that are unwelcome, pervasive and unreasonable. Such acts cause feelings of discomfort and
exclusion, interfering with a student’s right to education and are not
tolerated. Students creating a hostile
environment in school are subject to disciplinary action. HEALTH SERVICES A school health nurse will be at the
elementary building from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
She will be available for consultation with parents at any time. The nurse may be reached by calling 263-6800,
extention 1262. It is the policy of
the school to send children home who become ill during the school day. However, a child will never be sent home
(illness, etc.) unless a parent, relative or friend is notified and agrees to
accept responsibilities. If your child has a special physical
or health need, or takes a daily medication, please take the time to inform the
school nurse. Health plans will be
written to assure that your child is safe at school. The Health office will also work with other
school staff members as needed to plan for the needs of your child. If we discover any health needs, we will
inform families and recommend follow up with your primary care provider. Illness
Please use the following guidelines to decide if your
child should be kept home for illness: ·
If
they have a temperature greater than 100 degrees. ·
If
they have diarrhea ·
If
they throw up that morning or in the night ·
Until
they have been on antibiotics for 24 hours if prescribed for an illness ·
If
they have head lice We will send students home from school with the above
symptoms or with an unidentifiable rash.
If the student is seen by a doctor and diagnosed with a communicable
disease, or is being treated for head lice, please call and inform the health
office as soon as possible. The
information will remain confidential. HEALTH EDUCATION
The school supports ongoing education about how children
can prevent illness through good personal health habits and will assist the
classroom staff as needed. Injury or Illness at
School In case of
serious illness or potential serious situations, every effort will be made to
contact the parent prior to taking action to obtain medical attention. If the parent is unavailable, medical care
will be obtained in the best interest of the child. The school will not be responsible for the
costs resulting from these actions.
Please make sure the school has alternative numbers to reach you, or
someone authorized to make decisions for your child if you are unavailable. Injury or Illness (Return
to School) In the case of communicable
diseases, injuries, physical, emotional or other situations requiring a
doctor’s attention, upon the student’s return to school, the student (or
parent) must present a discharge notice from the doctor allowing the student to
return and noting any limitations on the student’s ability to fully participate
in all activities while at school. Without
any such physician’s written orders, the student will be expected to fully
participate in all such activities HEALTH NEEDS Milk Allergy
If your
child is allergic to milk products, the lunch service will substitute an
alternative product upon receipt of documentation from their physician. State regulations require a physician’s
signature to this note, and it must be presented annually. Daily Medications
Daily prescription
medications will be given at school after the student has returned a
completed Medication Authorization Form to the health office. This from must be filled out with the
medication information and signed by a parent and by the child’s physician. Medication should be brought to school by a parent whenever possible and needs to be in
the original, pharmacy labeled container.
Medication will be given to the teacher for field trips unless otherwise
noted by the parent. Over the
counter medications are
not provided by the school. Students may
bring over the counter medications to the health office for occasional
use. All medications must be kept in the
health office and accompanied by a signed note from the parent stating the name
of the medication and how, and when, it is to be dispensed to the student. This information can be submitted on a
Medication Authorization Form available from the health office. Students will not be allowed to carry their
own medication; it must be stored in the health office. All medications must be in the original containers,
and containers can be shared by siblings.
Medication will only be given with authorization from the parent, and
not to exceed the recommended dosage stated on the container. Please check the expiration dates, as expired
medication cannot be given at school. Cough Drops
Cough drops are not a medication and can be sent with
your child. Students are not allowed to
have cough drops at lunch, gym, recess, or during any activity at which the
teacher feels it would not be safe or appropriate. If a staff member feels that the use of cough
drops is excessive or causing a problem, the parent will be contacted and other
arrangements will be made with the teacher and the health staff. Asthma Medications
Parents who have a student with asthma should contact
the school nurse. Medication
Authorization Forms will need to be filled out for inhalers kept in the health
office and for those carried by students.
Students with a need to carry their inhaler must sign an additional
contract with their parents, their physician, and the school nurse. These forms are available in the health office. Peak flow meters are available to help
monitor students. PLEASE CONTACT THE HEALTH OFFICE WITH ANY
QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT THE HEALTH OF YOUR CHILDREN. LOCAL CLINICS WILL HAVE COPIES OF OUR
MEDICATION AUTHORIZATION FORMS FOR YOUR USE AND THEY ARE AVAILABLE AT THE
SCHOOL OFFICES AND ON THE WEB SITE. Homework
Policy We believe homework is important
because it is a valuable aid in helping students make the most of their
experience in school. We give homework
because it is useful in reinforcing what has been learned in class, preparing
students for upcoming lessons, extending and generalizing concepts, teaching
responsibility and helping students develop positive study habits. Please refer to your child’s classroom
homework policy. Lost and
Found Each year, hundreds of items of
clothing and other miscellaneous items are turned in to the lost and found and
are never claimed. Parents are urged to clearly label their children’s clothing, etc.,
with the student’s full name. When
an article is lost, don’t let time lapse before trying to locate it. All items (other than clothing) will be held
for two weeks. After two weeks the items
will be given back to the person that found it.
Lost clothing items are given to charity twice a year – in December
during the holiday break and again at year end.
Math
Basic Facts At 2nd
grade: Addition 3rd
grade: Addition and Subtraction 4th
grade: Addition, Subtraction and
Multiplication 5th
grade: Addition, Subtraction,
Multiplication and Division Parties If parents wish to send a birthday
treat to the classroom for the child’s birthday they should contact the child’s
teacher prior to the day of the event.
These treats should be in the form of bakery goods or other packaged
products. Please check wellness
policies. Do not send gum. Personal Property Students
often bring personal property to school (soft balls, baseball gloves, bikes,
toys, pets, etc.). The school cannot be responsible for any lost or damaged student’s
property. Gameboys, trading cards,
baseball bats, Bayblades and lasers are examples of prohibited items. Pledge
of Allegiance The “Anyone who does not wish to
participate in reciting the pledge of allegiance for any personal reason may
elect not to do so. Students must
respect another person’s right to make that choice.” Recess We find there is general agreement among
area schools that elementary students go outside to play before school and/or
during noon hour if the temperature and/or wind-chill is zero degrees or above. Please have your child come to school dressed for
outdoors (coat, hat, mittens, boots, etc.) if the temperature and/or wind chill
is zero degrees or above. This will give your child an opportunity for
more healthy fresh air, and exercise.
Wearing of snow pants and boots are required for K-3 students to access
the sledding hill during the winter. Report Cards/On-Line Grading
Access All students receive grades on a
quarterly basis. Grades in Vocal Music,
Art and Computer are given at mid year and end of year only. All reports are sent home with the
students. Midterm progress reports are
sent home at the end of the fifth week of each quarter for those students
earning a grade of “C” or lower in a specific subject area. Parents may access their child’s
progress through the school district website.
Access to the site may be gained through request and completion of a
Parent On-Line Access application available at the elementary school office. School
Patrol Fifth
grade students who qualify may enlist in the elementary school safety
patrol. The teachers submit lists of
those who are good candidates to the patrol advisors. Parents must give their permission before a
boy or girl can qualify for patrol duty since this duty sometimes involves the
student being at school by 7:45 A.M. Special
Services Students
who qualify because of a learning need, may be eligible to receive instruction
in addition to their regular classroom program.
The special instruction is usually provided by the speech therapist, a
physical education teacher, Title 1, or a special education resource
teacher. Parents are contacted before
service is provided. Tardies Tardiness
to school is excused only for illness, appointments, or family emergency. Students must have a note from their
parent/guardian. Tardy students are to
report to the office prior to admittance to class. All
students will be subject to after-school detention: One hour detention after every third tardy. Textbooks and Library Books (Lost and/or
Damaged) Textbooks
and library books are provided free of charge to students in all grades. Under state guidelines, parents are
financially responsible for reimbursement to schools regarding lost or damaged
textbooks or library materials. The
school will hold your child’s final report card until reimbursement is made for
lost or damaged books. Visitors Adult
visitors are welcome to the school.
Advanced arrangements can be made by contacting the teacher and the
school office. Upon arrival at the
building, visitors must check in at the office before proceeding
to the classroom. A Visitor badge will
be given to display while you are in the building. We encourage you to visit school to become
more familiar with your school and its staff, and the educational experiences
your child is receiving. If you wish to
deliver a forgotten item to your child, please leave it at the office. Your child will be sent for it, or the item
will be delivered by school personnel. Volunteers At
Background
checks are required for volunteer athletic and academic coaches and for any
chaperone that would go on an overnight trip.
An application for a background check can be obtained at the district
office and a $10.00 fee would apply. |
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