Table of Contents(Click a topic to review relative School policies.) |
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| Parental Transportation | The School Program |
September, 2007
Dear Students and Parents,
We are delighted to welcome you and your child to Clayville Elementary School. We look forward to an exciting and successful school year. This handbook has been prepared to assist in developing an understanding between school and home, so that together we may provide your child with a rewarding and enriching educational experience.
Please read this guide carefully and review its contents with your child as it contains helpful information and school procedures.
Should you have any questions after reviewing this handbook, do not hesitate to contact the school. Please sign and return the last page of the handbook to your child’s teacher.
We look forward to working together to make this year a challenging and successful one.
Sincerely,
Karen Cappelli, Principal
Faculty & Staff
The mission of the Clayville Elementary School Community is to provide all
students with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve high academic
standards while encouraging curiosity, promoting responsibility, and building
character in a nurturing learning environment.
Scituate School Committee
Mrs. Patricia Archambault - Chairperson
Mrs. Mrs. Marylou Umbriano- Clerk
Mrs. June Guglielmi
Mr. Brian LaPlante
Mr. Ernie Marcure
Your elected School Committee is made up of dedicated citizens who spend long hours working with the Superintendent of Schools in order to continually improve the education offered in the Scituate Schools. Please support their programs and attend their meetings.
School Committee meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month and begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers.
Dr. Paul R. Lescault, Superintendent
Dr. Kristen Stringfellow, Assistant Superintendent
Dr. Edward Myers, Central Office Consultant
Contacting the Superintendent of Schools:
Telephone (401) 647-4100 E-Mail Scituate@ids.net
The Clayville Elementary School PTO is a dynamic group that has added immeasurably to the success of our school. The PTO sponsors a number of cultural programs, provides interesting and meaningful adult evening meetings and involves itself in numerous important student activities. Our PTO is comprised of quality individuals and families who care about the youth of Scituate. Please consider joining this outstanding organization.
The school uses candid photographs of students as they participate in school
events or classroom activities. These photographs may appear in our
publications, presentations or may be submitted to the local newspapers and/or
district newsletters for publication. Children may be video taped as part of
classroom plays, projects, school concerts and activities. If you have any
concerns about having your child's picture or videos used in this manner, please
let the school know in a written communication.
Morning Kindergarten & Preschool 8:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Afternoon Kindergarten 12:15 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Grades 1-5 8:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Contacting Clayville Elementary School
3 George Washington Highway 02815
Telephone: (401)647-4115 Facsimile: (401) 647-4114
E-Mail: clayville@ids.net Home Page: http://users.ids.net/~clayville /
During winter the potential for inclement weather increases the option of using a one-hour delayed opening of school. On these days all students will be picked up one hour later than normal. School will open at 9:45 a.m. The kindergarten and preschool sessions will change. The morning session will start at 9:45 AM and end at 11:30 AM. The afternoon session will begin at 12:15 p.m. and end at 3:00 p.m. On days with longer delays, the morning session of kindergarten and preschool will be cancelled.
Students should not arrive at school prior to 8:15am. On a one-hour delayed opening day, students should not arrive prior to 9:15am. On days with longer delays, students should not arrive prior to one-half (1/2) hour prior to the start of school.
We suggest you turn your radio on to any one of the following stations listed below for school closings. It is for your child's safety that we attempt to keep our school phone lines open during inclement weather. The radio and television stations that will announce NO SCHOOL, DELAYED OPENINGS and EARLY DISMISSALS are:
WPRO=630 AM WSNE=93.3 FM WWBB=101.5 FM WWLI=105.1 FM Channel 10
PLEASE DISCUSS WITH YOUR CHILD(REN) THE PROCEDURE HE/SHE SHOULD FOLLOW
IN THE EVENT THAT NO ONE IS AT HOME WHEN AN EARLY DISMISSAL OCCURS.
For kindergarten students, if no one is at the bus stop to meet your child, the bus driver will attempt to gain your attention by beeping the horn. If no one appears, the driver will return your child to the
school and personnel will try to contact you by phone to let you know your child should be picked up at the school. No child will be left at an unattended home.
Children will wait in their rooms, ready for dismissal soon after 3:00 PM. Teachers will dismiss children to the buses when the P.A. announces the arrival of their bus. Students will board buses from the loading area only.
Many students are picked up every day by parents or guardians rather than taking the bus home. In order to eliminate time lost from instruction in class and unnecessary disturbance to the classes still in
session, the following procedure will be in effect: Children picked up by parents will be called to the dining room. Each child will be dismissed as parents sign them out. Picture I.D. is required. At no time will a teacher dismiss a student to anyone who just appears at his or her classroom door. Parents are asked not to go to their child’s room to ask for dismissal. Parents are asked not to park in the circular driveway or in no parking zones.
School Department policy states that we DO NOT dismiss children to anyone under 18 years of age (including a sibling, even with parental permission).
We ask parents to refrain from scheduling doctor, dental or eye appointments as
well as music and dance lessons during times, which would require early
dismissal from school. If such an appointment is unavoidable, WRITTEN
PERMISSION, SIGNED, DATED AND ADDRESSED TO THE CHILD'S TEACHER, must accompany
the child to school on that day. ONLY IN AN EMERGENCY will other students be
called from class for early dismissal prior to the 3:00 PM dismissal time.
The Scituate School Department provides bus service for students who reside more than a specified distance from their schools, depending on their age. Generally pupils should ride home on the bus to which they are assigned. In the event that it becomes absolutely necessary for a child to ride a bus other than the one to which he/she is assigned, a note must be submitted to the teacher for approval. It is most helpful if you address this note to your child's teacher and not to the office or the bus driver. Notes are sent to the office for approval and then returned to the teacher so the child can take it to the bus driver. Switching buses will only be allowed on a "Space Available," basis. Please be warned that there are days when the buses run at capacity and switching can not be accommodated.
To ensure the safety of students, who ride the buses, it is imperative that we have the cooperation of everyone involved: parents, students, bus drivers and school personnel.
Should a problem arise, the procedure followed will be as presented by the Scituate School Department. This procedure follows:
1. The driver reports chronic misbehavior or a serious incident to the building principal who will discuss the problem with the student.
2. Should a second report be necessary, the matter is discussed with the student and the parent is notified by a referral form.
3. A third incident requires that the child lose bus privileges for a period of time.
4. Any further report will require a parent conference and further disciplinary action.
In cases where the offense is of such gravity as to endanger the safety and well being of other occupants of the bus, the above procedure may be disregarded and immediate suspension effected, after the parent is duly notified. In cases of vandalism to the bus, the student and parents are responsible for correcting or repairing the damages.
Please discuss bus behavior and responsibility with your child(ren). That will ensure the safety for all who ride our bus fleet.
Parents who wish to transport pupils to school are asked to abide by the following regulations:
Mornings: School begins at 8:45am. NO child should be brought to school before 8:15am. There is NO supervision available prior to that time. Please do not enter the circular driveway for drop off. Park in the parking lot. Parents should not leave their car running and/or unattended in the parking lot or road without the driver. Please be aware of No Parking and Handicap Accessible parking signs.
Afternoons: Written permission is necessary if a child is planning to deviate from his/her usual schedule. When the Principal is asked to make a decision concerning a request to change a child's schedule, it may not be granted without written permission. For legal reasons and your child's protection, we ask you to only use the telephone for emergency changes. We also ask that your child's after school play plans be arranged at home. The school telephone will not be used for this purpose.
Clayville Elementary School is a safe and secure environment for your child. The
Scituate School Department insists on each building being locked during the day.
All visitors are required to proceed to the school office and register upon
arrival. Identification badges will be issued to all visitors.
Each student is assigned a random four-digit security number upon enrolling in our school. This number will be shared with the parent or guardian early in September. This number remains with your child for their entire elementary school career.
Parents are asked to telephone the School Office prior to 9:00 am, when their child will be tardy or absent from school on that day. When your child will be absent, tardy or being picked up for early dismissal, you will be requested to provide us with the security number as a safeguard for your child's safety.
Please discuss the importance of an evacuation drill and the participation of your child. State law mandates 15 evacuation drills per year.
1. Children walk, single file, out the designated exit and move quietly to the designated area.
2. Children will listen for instructions.
3. Teachers will check attendance when they are clear of danger.
4. Children will return quietly at the all-clear signal.
The Scituate School Department provides a school lunch program for those who wish to avail themselves of this service. Our program is provided by Sodexho Services. Students bringing lunch from home may purchase 2%, skim, chocolate, strawberry or coffee milk. Tickets for hot lunch may be purchased in the morning for the entire week. The student’s name must be written on the reverse side of all lunch tickets. Hot lunch is available each day for $2.00, milk included. Milk may be purchased separately for 40 cents. School lunch menus are sent home monthly to assist in planning for purchased meals.
1. Students with a suspected communicable disease, should be seen by their physician, or parents may contact the school nurse by phone before sending their child to school. All communicable diseases and/or conditions must be reported to the nurse. Examples are: Strep, Head Lice, Conjunctivitis, Impetigo, Chicken Pox, Ringworm, Pinworms, etc.
2. Parents are to call the school on the first day of a student's absence and the pupil must bring a written excuse when returning from an illness or for any other reason.
3. Pupils will be required to participate in the full and regular program unless excused in writing by a doctor: e.g. recess, gym.
4. Children who are sent home with a temperature over 100 F should remain home until they have had no fever for at least 24 hours before returning to school.
Your child should attend school each day he/she is well. Every absence, even part of the school day, interferes with your child's progress at school. Each subject is taught in sequence, which builds
understanding and correct habits of study. In order to be ready for new steps
in learning, your child must have mastered the previous steps and be
sufficiently ready to profit from new materials.
For the protection of your child and others, please do not send your child to school with symptoms of any of the following:
1. Vomiting
2. Runny nose with a cold
3. Fever
4. Sore throat
5. Rash
6. Swollen glands
7. Diarrhea
8. Earache
9. Persistent cough
10. Other communicable illnesses
Please notify the school as soon as possible as to the reason for any absence. If your child is injured or becomes ill at school, parents will be notified. If parents are not available, then the person designated to be called in an emergency will be contacted. Be sure to keep the school notified of any changes in telephone numbers, address, places of work and emergency contacts.
Each child has a permanent Health Record on which pertinent health information is recorded. Please keep the school notified of any health problems. All information is held confidential. Please call the school to discuss any health problems or attendance concerns.
And our Nurse/Teacher suggests:
1. Each child should eat three well-balanced meals each day.
2. A nutritious breakfast is particularly important to combat morning fatigue and stomachache.
3. No child should come to school feeling ill.
In accord with General Laws 16-21-7, it is the policy of the Scituate School Committee that:
1. Except in the case of an emergency situation, only certified nurse-teachers or parents are authorized to dispense medication to students.
2. In no instance can a parent or legal guardian delegate to another person - neighbor, relative, friend - the authority to come into the school to administer medication.
3. No elementary student is allowed to transport medication to and from school. All medication must be transported to and from elementary schools by the parent or another adult.
4. Prescription medication will be dispensed to students only when A. Received by the school nurse-teacher in the original labeled container from the pharmacy; B. Is requested in writing by the attending physician, and C. Is authorized in writing by the parent or legal guardian of the student.
5. Non-prescription medication will be dispensed to students only when received by the school nurse- teacher in the original labeled container and requested in writing by the parent or legal guardian of the student.
6. Inhalers may be self-administered with written authorization from both
parent and physician. Inhalers are to be stored in the office/health room
unless written authorization from a physician states otherwise.
7. With respect to away from school activities, such as field trips, unless a parent or legal guardian is present to administer the required medication, the child will have to remain at the school. The only exception is self-administration of bronchial inhalers when written authorization is provided by both parent and physician. On field trips, inhalers will be carried by the teacher unless written authorization from a physician states otherwise.
8. Self-medication by students is not authorized or condoned, except for bronchial inhalers when accompanied by written authorization signed by both parent and physician.
9. In an emergency life-threatening situation, all school personnel are authorized to administer medication.
("Good Samaritan" statue insulates a person who voluntarily and gratuitously renders emergency assistance from liability for civil damages unless the Samaritan is guilty of "gross negligence or wanton conduct." General Laws 9-1-27.1)
It is our primary goal to establish a learning environment, whereby each student
shall have the right and the opportunity to learn, and each teacher will have
the right and the opportunity to teach. To
this end, we will abide by the following rules:
1. Follow directions the first time they are given.
2. Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself.
3. Use appropriate language.
4. Treat all school property and the property of others with respect.
5. Radios, walkman’s, CD players, cell phones and/or any electronic objects are not allowed at school or on the buses.
("Good Samaritan" statue insulates a person who voluntarily and gratuitously
renders emergency assistance from liability for civil damages unless the
Samaritan is guilty of "gross negligence or wanton conduct." General Laws
9-1-27.1)
Rules:
1. Follow all general school rules.
2. Walk quietly at all times so that classes are not disturbed.
Rules:
1. Follow all general school rules.
2. Be courteous and use a conversational tone of voice at all times.
3. Eat your own food, aware that allergies are of concern.
4. Leave a clean table and dining area.
5. Stop all talking when directed to do so.
Rules:
1. Follow all general school rules.
2. Safety first at all times.
3. Remain within the designated play areas assigned.
4. Share and use equipment as directed by the Physical Education Teacher or a staff member on duty.
5. Be courteous and avoid interference with others' activities.
6. Place all litter in the appropriate containers.
7. Line up quietly when the bell rings or whistle blows.
Consequences for all areas:
1st time: Warning.
2nd time: Time out and written component.
3rd time: Phone conference with parent.
4th time: Conference with parent and develop a discipline plan.
(Severe Clause-Sent to the Principal immediately).
Statement of Policy-Title IX: It is the policy of the Scituate School Department, not to discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs, activities, or employment policies as required by Title IX
of the 1972 Education Amendments. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX may be directed to Dr. Paul Lescault, Superintendent of Schools, Scituate School Department, 197 Danielson Pike, P.O. Box 188, North Scituate, Rhode Island 02857-0188.
Dress Code: Although Clayville Elementary School does not have a "Dress Code" for its students, we have prepared a few guidelines for your children's attire that should provide them with safety and appropriate school appearance.
We suggest athletic shoes, loafers, shoes, boots or boat mocs for the feet. Shoes with open toes, sandals, clogs and flip-flops are not safe for the recess field, stairs and where sharp and heavy objects could be dropped on children’s feet. Athletic shoes are required for physical education class. We recommend slacks, jeans, skirts, and walking or Bermuda style shorts. Short shorts with slits up the side and very short skirts are not practical for children to work in on the carpet, at recess or at an assembly. Bare feet are not allowed.
We encourage tee shirts, blouses and golf shirts for the top. Over-sized tank tops, beach shirts, bare mid-riffs, items with loose or dangling fringe, clothing with unacceptable language, over-sized cut-out arm holes are not appropriate. Wallets, purses and key holders worn with dangling chain or straps are a hazard on the stairs and on the playground.
Your help with these suggested guidelines will enable all of us to weather the school year. Thank you in advance for your support.
Office Telephone: The office telephone should be used only in the event of an emergency or serious concern. Students must request a written pass from their teacher for this privilege. There are no public telephones available at the school.
School Visits: Parents and other persons visiting the school are requested to report their presence to the office before visiting classrooms or other areas of the school. Parents who are picking up students who are ill should report directly to the school office. Former students are allowed to visit their former teachers only after the last bus has departed for the day.
State Testing: Students in third through fifth grade participate
in the New England Common Assessment Program, (NECAP) in Reading and Math.
Students in fourth grade only will participate in the NECAP Science Assessment
this year.
Scituate Testing: Students will participate in the District Writing Assessment this year in grades one through five as directed by the Scituate School Department.
Student Records: Federal and State laws allow access to student records by parents or guardians of students. Any parent wishing to review his/her child's records should send a written request to the
Principal, who will schedule a time convenient to all parties.
Parents have the right to request that their child's records be amended if the parent believes that the information is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student's privacy rights.
Requests should be submitted in writing to the Principal.
Parents have the right to file a complaint with the Commissioner of Education or the United States Department of Education.
Report Cards: Report cards are distributed at the end of each marking period. The first report card for Kindergarten is after the 2nd marking period.
Conferences: Conferences are scheduled in November and on an as needed basis. Conferences provide a meaningful method of communication between the home and school regarding your child's individual progress. Thank-you for participating in your child's education with attendance at requested conferences.
End of marking periods:
1st Quarter: 11/02
2nd Quarter: 01/25
3rd Quarter: 04/04
4th Quarter: 06/18
Parent/Teacher Conferences: November 27 and 29, 2007
Child Outreach Screenings: All children not previously screened by Child Outreach will be screened unless parents contact the school office in writing to exempt their child from such screenings.
We are proud of the school's programs, which are designed to meet the individual needs of our students.
The Classroom: Our teachers are well prepared and enthusiastic in carrying out their responsibilities. In addition to teaching the basic subjects, reading, language arts, math, science, health and social studies, the classroom emphasizes positive relationships with peers and adults.
Special Areas: Clayville Elementary School students work with teachers in the following special areas:
Art: Each class meets with the art teacher once each week.
Health: Students will receive instruction in health topics from their classroom teacher, physical education teacher and the School Nurse/Teacher. In addition, fifth graders will participate in a decision making program sponsored by the Rhode Island National Guard.
Library Media Center: Students will have access to the Library Media Center each week. Storytelling and appreciation of literature is emphasized on the primary level. Students in grades 3, 4 and 5 participate in library skills classes.
Computers Students in grades 1 through 5 have access to the computer lab during their library in addition to classroom computer usage. The student and the parent must sign an Internet Use Agreement.
Music: Students in all grades have one general music/instrumental music lesson per week. In addition, fourth and fifth graders may participate in a chorus experience weekly. (Students in grades four and five only may take instrumental music).
Physical Education: All students have physical education class each week. Athletic shoes are required for participation. Students should be dressed appropriately. Comfortable slacks and casual shirts or blouses are ideal. Dresses and skirts are not appropriate. Attire for the gymnastics units should consist of either shorts, a warm-up suit or a leotard (girls). If students are to be excused for medical reasons, a note to the School Nurse/Teacher or School Secretary is required.
Support Programs: Teachers meet with individuals or small groups
of students to strengthen skills in mathematics and reading.
Field Trips: Field trips are viewed as a logical enhancement to the school curriculum. Students participating in the trip have been researching and studying many aspects of the site to be visited. Upon return to school, the students may have reports, activities and projects focusing on their observations and experiences.
Chaperones are an integral part of our plans to insure the highest benefits to the students. Chaperones also help to provide additional safety and security during the trip. It is essential that chaperones be able to focus on the supervision of the students they are assigned. It is our school policy that chaperones not bring siblings along on the trip to distract their attention from the students they are responsible to watch.
Special Education/Individual Education Plans (IEP): Special Education programs are available to students who qualify for assistance. Students with IEP's are included into regular classes, and/or the least restrictive environment based upon the goals and objectives outlined in their plan. Additional services include speech/language therapy, counseling, social skill development, physical therapy and adaptive physical education. Parents and members of the planning team develop all school plans.
504 Plans: Children who present a physicians diagnosis may qualify for individual modifications to allow them to participate in school without being hindered by a medical condition. Parents who feel their child(ren) may qualify for assistance under a 504 Plan, should contact the Principal to discuss your concerns.
Response to Intervention Team (RTI): The Clayville Elementary School recognizes the vital role of parents in the welfare and education of their children. The RTI Team in our school provides help to students who are having some difficulty in the school setting. Our goal is to have the home and school work together to provide the support every child needs.
If your child is referred to RTI, the team will work with his/her teachers, to develop strategies to help your child function more successfully in school. You will be contacted in order to assist in the development of a learning plan.