Shoemaker Handbook

When your child will be absent or late, please call the school 781-477-7450 and leave a message on the answering machine. Please state the child’s name, room number, and date when you leave the message.

The recorded messages will be compared to the school’s absentee list for that day. In the event that your child’s name is on the school’s absentee list and a call has not been received, we will: 1. Call your home.

2. If verification is not received from home, we will refer to the list of names you have

Supplied to the school and call the names in the order given to verify your child’s

absence.

A note should be turned in on the day the student returns to school stating the reason for the absence.

The school department does not condone family or students scheduling vacations while school is in session. These are not considered documented absences and the school is not required to provide assignment or make-up work for students who go on vacation while school is in session.

ARRIVAL OF STUDENTS

The first bell rings at 8:15 and we encourage all students to plan their arrival at school to coincide with this opening bell. Adult supervision in the school begins at 8:15. School officially begins at 8:30. During inclement weather, doors to the school will be opened at 8:15.

Parking is a problem surrounding the school. Please drop your child off outside the schoolyard and move off the street as quickly as possible. Remember that Regina Road is one way during the opening and closing of school.

No cars are to enter the schoolyard after 7:45 A.M.

When the bell rings at 8:15, students will line up and enter the building quietly. Parents are to leave the students at the door. Parents are not to bring them to the classrooms as we hope to develop individual responsibility. DO NOT walk students to their classrooms. PLEASE WAIT FOR YOUR CHILD OUTSIDE THE BUILDING AT THE END OF THE DAY. Unnecessary congestion in the corridors interferes with a safe and orderly entrance and/or dismissal.

BICYCLE POLICY

Riding a bicycle to and from school is not allowed. We do not have a proper facility to secure the bicycle during school hours. Many of the children would have to travel across very busy streets to get to school and we don’t want to have them do this.

Bicycle safety is discussed in the school and we encourage parent to discuss safe riding habits with their children. Remember that all children are required to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.

CAFETERIA PROCEDURE

1. Students are to stay at their table until they have been dismissed by one of the lunch aides. They are to go outside when dismissed unless permission is given by the person on duty to remain in the building.

2. Students need to speak in soft voices when in the cafeteria so that others are not disturbed and may enjoy their lunch.

3. Student’s conservations must be with the people at their own table.

4. When students need something, they should raise their hands and one of the lunch aides will come and help them.

5. It is important for students to remember that good table manners include: chewing food with one’s mouth closed and not talking with a full mouth, wiping ones hands and mouth with a napkin when needed, not playing with or throwing any food, and sitting with feet down on the floor.

6. The cafeteria is a good place to practice general good manners. Remember to say “Please” and “Thank you” to the people who are serving and helping.

7. It is important for students to leave their table and floor area clean for others. They need to remember to pick up all straw papers, napkins, etc. when dismissed.

8. Students need to remember to take their jackets, sweaters, or other belongings when leaving the cafeteria.

9. On days of inclement weather, when students do not go out to play after lunch as usual, when most of the students have finished eating, one or two lunch aide will escort those students who are ready back to their classroom. There students are expected to play quietly with games and activities which do not involve running around. When most of the remaining students have finished eating, they will be escorted back to their rooms as a group.

CONFERENCES

We encourage all parents to request a conference with your child’s teacher. They main advantage of a conference is that it gives parents an opportunity to discover first hand how their child is progressing and at the same time it encourages involvement in their education. It must be emphasized that parents should not always wait for a teacher to initiate a conference. Whenever a need arises or you have an immediate concern, don’t hesitate to call the school to arrange a conference with one of the teachers.

DISCIPLINE

One of the most important lessons education should teach is discipline. While it does not appear as a subject, it underlies the whole educational structure. It is the training that develops self-control, character, orderliness, and efficiency. It is the key to good conduct and proper consideration for other people.

With an understanding of the purpose of discipline in a school, the child forms a correct attitude toward it and does his/her part in making school an effective place of learning and at the same time, develops that habit of self-restraint, which will make him/her a better person.

GOALS

· To teach children that they are responsible and accountable for their behavior.

· To teach children how to make decisions.

· To teach children to distinguish appropriate from inappropriate behavior

· To give children an opportunity to develop a sense of self discipline

· To create a positive and non-threatening atmosphere conducive to the learning process.

· To foster cooperation between parents and teachers by keeping lines of communication open between school and home

EXPECTATIONS

It is expected that the student will show respect for others by

· Being prepared for class

· Listening to and following directions

· Keeping hands, feet, and other objects to themselves

· Utilizing good manners

· Controlling disruptive and distracting behavior

· Show respect for school and personal property

CONSEQUENCES

Appropriate consequences will be determined in most cases by the teacher. In some cases, the involvement of the principal and parent may be desirable.

Possible consequences include:

· Verbal warning

· Timeout in the classroom

· Removal from activity to another classroom

· Note to parents

· Conferences with parents

A student may be expected to:

· Make a verbal or written apology

· Make restitution for damages

· Lose school privileges

DISMISSAL POLICY

Any pupil being dismissed early should bring a note from home before dismissal time. In the case of an emergency situation, we will confirm a telephone request but will expect a note to follow. No child will be dismissed unescorted or with an unknown person. Any child being dismissed must be met by a parent or other authorized person at the school office.

DISMISSAL OF STUDENTS

All students will be dismissed at 2:15

Bus students will be put on their assigned bus from the library and board the buses on Clearview Ave. COACH pupils will board buses on Regina Road. If a bus student is not going to take the bus home, please send in a note informing us of the fact so that we are not holding buses waiting for pupils. Pupils will be put on their bus if we do not receive the note or phone call prior to 2:00. For the safety of the pupils we will not accept verbal changes from the pupils.

Walkers will be dismissed from their classrooms and teachers will walk their classes to the outside school door.

Friends and siblings should have a designated spot to meet on the playground. We encourage parents to establish a regular pick up area where your child will meet you.

No cars are allowed in the schoolyard at dismissal time.

DRESS POLICY

All students are expected to dress properly for school. The appearance of the student body is recognized as a major factor in the overall appearance of the school. A voluntary dress code consists of a navy colored jersey and khaki pants, shorts, skirts or navy sweat suits. Dress patterns may change with various styles trends; however, unattractive, extreme, and questionable fads have always been frowned upon. Clean, neat, appropriate clothes, along with the basis of good grooming are recommended to every student in order to maintain the high standards of the school.

For the safety of each child, we require that sneaker be worn during physical education sessions in the gymnasium. No other special apparel is needed.

Hats are not to be worn in the building. (Parents could set a good example by following this request.)

EMERGENCY INFORMATION SHEETS

In times of emergency, it is extremely important that the school office have information that will enable us to contact parents immediately. Therefore, parents are asked to complete and return to school the Record Update form sent home at the start of the school year. This form should be completed for every child attending school.

Please notify the school office of any change in this information during the school year.

FIELD TRIPS

Student trips are planned as a significant aspect of the on-going education program and are considered an educational learning activity. Before a child may go on a school field trip, parental permission must be granted. This insures parental attention to such factors as the student’s health, possible disruption of family schedule, etc. The school will provide proper supervision.

FREE OR REDUCED PRICE LUNCH PROGRAM

In September, forms concerning eligibility criteria for free milk, free meals and reduced price meals are issued to every child. These completed forms are to be returned to the office. All information is treated in a strictly confidential manner. We are required to have a form signed by every parent in the building. If you think that you are not eligible just put an X across the form or write not interested and sign your name.

GIFTS TO SCHOOL PERSONNEL

The practice of giving gifts by parents or children to members of the professional staff is to be discouraged. In keeping with this request, the likelihood of hurt feeling on the part of those children who cannot afford to bring gifts will thus be lessened.

HEALTH

The school nurse encourages parents to contact her about the health needs of their child at any time.

Physical examinations are required for students prior to entering school and a health update in grade 4.

Parents can help control the spread of disease by:

· Keeping at home children with skin rash, headache, sore throat, nausea or vomiting, fever, diarrhea, enlarged glands, earache, temperature of 99.8 or above, or general complaints of not feeling well. Students should be “fever-free” for a full 24 hours before returning to school.

· Providing the child with handkerchiefs or tissues to cover mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.

· Training the child to wash his/her hands after every visit to the bathroom.

HOMEWORK POLICY

Aside from the immediate need of strengthening or reinforcing academic areas, it is hoped that the long-range effect of homework will instill in the children the discipline, self-reliance, and responsibility of budgeting time for independent study.

For the sake of establishing a consistent policy at the elementary level, parents can expect some type of homework assignments each week. As the children progress through the grades, the amount of homework increases accordingly. Assignments are based on individual and specific needs; therefore, the amount and type of assignments will vary. Most assignments are short term, due the next day. Of course there are times when long-term assignments re required, such as, writing a report, reading a book, etc. Parents should check to insure that the children are on the right track and that the completed assignments are taken to school. In the case of a long-term assignment, parents to insure that some time each day is being devoted to completing the work should check children periodically.

GOALS

· To help pupils develop constructive attitudes towards learning and sharpen useful skills.

· To help pupils extend, increase, and reinforce their learning.

· To help parents connect with their child’s leaning experience as they encourage and monitor the homework process.

EXPECTATIONS

· Make sure that homework is brought home

· Complete homework on time and return it to school

· Check with the teacher if he/she has any questions about what is expected of them.

CONSEQUENCES

Appropriate consequences will be determined in most cases by the teacher. In some cases, the involvement of the principal and parent may be desirable.

GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS

· Consider homework a top priority in organizing your child’s time.

· Take and active interest in what your child is doing.

· Provide the best possible atmosphere for homework (away from TV, telephone, etc.)

· Expect that pupils will submit homework on time.

· Give encouragement but do NOT do homework for your child

· Encourage reading for enjoyment

· Read aloud to your child and have older children read to younger ones

· Consider limiting your child’s TV viewing time

· Help your child balance their homework, physical, and recreational activities in their daily routine. The following time guidelines for homework are offered.

Grade 1 15 minutes, three times a week

Grade 2 10 – 20 minutes, three or four times a week

Grade 3 20 - 30 minutes, four times a week

Grade 4 30 – 40 minutes, four times a week

Grade 5 40 – 60 minutes, 5 times a week

Times may vary based on the nature of the assignment and your child’s work

habits.

HOT LUNCH PROGRAM

Nutritionally balanced lunches are available to all children at a reasonable cost. If preferred, a well-marked bag lunch may be brought to school. Milk may be purchased separately. No glass containers should be brought to school. Carbonate beverages should not be put in thermos bottles. The current prices are as follows. Milk $2.25, Lunch $7.75, Breakfast $3.75, Reduced lunch $2.00, Reduced breakfast $1.50.

Lunch money should be put in an envelope with your child’s name, grade, and room number. Indicate what they are purchasing. Money is collected each Thursday.

INSERVICE

Teachers participate in two days of staff development. Pupils do not report to school on these days. The inservice days for 2006-2007 are Monday, November 6, 2006 and Monday, December 4, 2006.

INSURANCE

Student insurance is available to be purchase at an early date in the fall. Information concerning the program is sent home with the children.

All accidents covered by the plan are reported to the principal who will supple the necessary claim forms. From this point on, all negotiations are between parents and the company or representative.

ITEMS FROM HOME

Students may not bring items such as hardballs, toy guns, knives, exploding caps, matches, etc. which could result in injury to themselves or to other people. Portable radios, tape recorders, walkie-talkies, etc. are not appropriate for school. Cell phones should not be brought to school. If such items are brought to school, they will be taken away and may not be returned.

The school cannot be responsible for money or valuable items that are lost. It is suggested that such items by brought to school ONLY if necessary and only with parent and teacher permission.

LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER

Library books may be borrowed, one at a time, for one week only. Borrowers are responsible for taking good care of the books and returning them on time. If a book is lost or damaged, the borrower is responsible for the replacement cost. VOLUNTEERS WELCOME

LOST AND FOUND

The lost and found container is located in the cafeteria. Small objects, which have been found, are kept in a box in the office. Marking your child’s name on lunch boxes, bags, raincoats, jackets, hats, boots, and other small articles of clothing would simplify the identification of ownership.

Parents are encouraged to come in and look through the articles in the lost and found box at any time.

MEDICATION POLICY

If any medication is to be administered by school personnel, the following requirement must be met. This includes over the counter medications, such as aspirin or cough medicine.

1. Written medical orders by a physician, including diagnosis, name of drug, dosage, time to be administered, and possible side effects.

2. Written permission from parent or guardian for school personnel to administer the medication.

3. Medication must be in a prescription container, clearly labeled with the child’s name, the name of the drug, and prescribed dosage.

NO SCHOOL POLICY

Radio and television announcements will be made as follows: AM Stations WESX, WBZ, WEEI, WEZE, WCVB, and WHDH; TV channels 4, 5, and 7 between 7:10 AM an 8:00 AM.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY

It is the policy of the Lynn Public Schools not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, sexual orientation, handicap and/or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities in compliance with Title VI an VII of Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments to the Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, The Americans with Disabilities Act, and M.G.L., Ch 76, Sec 5, M.G.L151B, an M.G.L., Ch. 151C.

NTI Connect-ED

Connect –ED is a school-to-parent communication service. It provides a means of the school to reach out to the school community and deliver message through direct dialing. Periodically throughout the year you will receive information concerning important events. The system also monitors attendance.

OPEN HOUSE MEETINGS

There will be three open house meeting scheduled for the school year. These periods are not meant for discussion of problems. At this time, parents may greet the teachers, meet the parents of their child’s friend, and see the work done in the classroom.

If there is a problem, which necessitates parent-teacher discussion, this is an excellent time to make an appointment. The following dates are for the 2006-2007 school year

Wednesday, September 27 at 6:00

Tuesday, December 19 at 6:00

Thursday, April 26 at 6:00

PLAGIARISM & CHEATING

Cheating and plagiarism are serious offenses and will not be tolerated in the Lynn Public Schools. Plagiarism in particular, has become a widespread, national problem with Internet access readily available.

Any student who copies part or all of the work of another student, or any student who allows part or all work to be copied by another student, or nay student who quotes directly from any source, including the internet, without properly citing the source, is considered to have plagiarized.

In addition to plagiarism, there are other forms of cheating that will not be tolerated in the Lynn Public Schools. Examples of cheating are, but not limited to, copying or borrowing another student’s homework, gaining information from another student during a test or quiz, employing another person’s words or ideas in written or oral reports or changing a grade or answer on a test.

Any student found guilty of cheating or plagiarism may receive a zero for hi/her work and be subject to possible discipline action. Furthermore, it will be the responsibility of the teacher to notify the parent/guardian.

PLAYGROUND PROCEDURE

Student is to respect other people and their property. Therefore, no tripping, shoving, or knocking others are allowed. No tackling games are allowed. Swearing or name-calling is not permitted. Removing others’ hats, gloves, etc. is not allowed. Fighting and pretend fighting is not permitted. Bats or hard balls are not permitted. Balls are not to be thrown on the roof or against the windows. If a ball goes over the fence into another yard, a staff member is to be informed. Students must get permission from a teacher to reenter the building before the bell rings

REPORTING ACADEMIC PROGRESS

Parents are informed of their child’s scholastic achievement, deportment and attendance during the year.

Grade K through 5 have three marking periods

Marking Period One Friday, December 1, 2006, cards distributed 12/13

Marking Period Two Friday, March 16, 2007, cards distributed 3/28

Marking Period Three June (182^th day of school)

Progress Reports – Grade K-5

Friday, October 20, January 26, May 4

SCHOOL ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

All students are to register at the Parent Information Center at 90 Commercial Street, Lynn. That department will determine eligibility for enrollment.

SCHOOL HOURS

The entrance bell rings at 8:15 AM. School begins at 8:30 AM and ends at 2:15 PM each day. The morning kindergarten class begins at 8:15 AM and is dismissed at 11:00. The afternoon session begins at 11:40 and ends at 2:15.

SERVICES AVAILABLE TO THE STUDENTS

The following supportive services are available to the students at the school.

· Library Media Specialist

· School Nurse

· Speech and language therapist

· Occupational an physical therapists

· School counselor/psychologist

· Resource room teacher

· Instructional aides

· Curriculum Instruction Teacher

SUSPENSION

The principal shall, at his/her discretion and under the requirement of the law, suspend any pupil from school for behavior or action, which interfere with the safe and orderly process of the school organization. Suspension notices are sent home with the child stating the date he/she is to return to school a parent must accompany the student back to school a conference with the principal and teacher if necessary.

PUPILS WITH IEP’S

All students are expected to meet the requirements for behavior as set forth in laws, known as Chapter 766. The IEP for every Special Needs student will indicate whether the student can be expected to meet the regular discipline code or if the student’s handicapping condition requires modification.

TARDINESS POLICY

Any student who arrives after 8:30 is considered late. Any student who is late should check in at the office before going to his/her classroom. A written excuse is needed for any student who is tardy.

TELEPHONE

Students may use the telephones only in case of emergency. Visit to friends, etc., should be taken care of at home not in school.

TOBACCO PROHIBITION POLICY

School policy prohibits the use of any tobacco products within school buildings, school facilities or on school buses by individual, or school personnel.

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation to school is provided by School Department. Eligibility is determined by the Parent Information Center.

Students are expected to:

· Board the bus in a quiet orderly manner

· Stay quietly in their seats until the bus comes to a complete stop

· No eating or drink is allowed on the bus

· Profanity is forbidden

If a student misbehaves on the bus, the bus driver will notify the Transportation Department in writing. This report is forwarded to the principal. The principal will notify the student’s parents of the incident. If the incident is deemed serious or a repeated violation, a students bus riding privilege may be revoked by the principal.

If a bus student is not going to take the bus home a note should be sent to the office informing us of this fact so that we are not holding buses looking for students at the end of the day.

VANDALISM AND PROPERTY DAMAGE

Our school buildings and equipment cost the taxpayers to construct purchase and maintain. Students who destroy or vandalize school property will be required to pay for losses or damages.

Schoolbooks, library books, and educational materials that are lost by pupils will have to be replaced.

VISITORS

All visitors and parents must report to the Principal’s Office and sign in. PLEASE DO NOT INTERRUPT TEACHERS DURING TEACHING HOURS (8:15 – 2:15) Parents and visitors must schedule an appointment to meet with teachers and/or the Principal.

VOLUNTEERS

Parents wishing to speak with their child’s teacher must call or write for an appointment. Interruption of class time for an impromptu conference is a distraction to the teacher and the class.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY

Pupils transferring out of the school should notify the office and classroom teacher as soon as possible so that proper forms can be promptly processed. School records will be sent by mail to the child’s new school. All transfer to Lynn Schools are processed at the Parent Information Center, 90 Commercial Street, Lynn, MA.