Elementary Parent Handbook

Regular attendance at school is very important for students to be successful. However, children who are ill or show symptoms of becoming ill should not come to school. Having them present when ill only lengthens their recovery time and exposes other students (see Health Department section for suggested guidelines on when to keep your child home).

It is the responsibility of parents to call the office if a child is sick or will be absent. A call will be made to the home or workplace if the office has not received a call by the time attendance has been taken. A 24-hour a day attendance line phone is available for each school.

When a child comes to school, he or she is expected to participate in all school activities including recesses and physical education, unless he or she has a note from the parent (one day) or health care provider (two or more consecutive days) indicating special circumstances for non-participation.

It is equally as important for children to be on time when coming to school. Please be sure your child arrives at school on time and ready to learn. This is very important for them and for other children in the class. The first few minutes of every day are crucial to children’s learning.

GHAPS general guidelines for elementary attendance (absences or tardies) include the following:

5 absences or tardies – a letter will be sent home indicating absenteeism and emphasizing the importance of school attendance.

8 absences or tardies – a letter may be sent home to request a meeting with parents and school personnel to develop an Educational Plan/Report.

12 absences or tardies – unless a healthcare provider’s documentation has been provided by parents, a truancy report and Education Plan / Report will be filed with the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District (OAISD).

We reserve the right at any point in time to make a referral to the OAISD truancy officer.

Accident or Illness

Students who are injured or become ill while at school are brought to the office, where a determination is made as to what action is necessary. It is school practice that we attempt to call parents to inform them of any such situation unless it is a very minor one. Emergency contact information is used for this purpose, so it is very important that the office has current information for every child. Call the school office immediately if any change in the contact information occurs. Treatment of any injury or illness is the responsibility of the parents. (See Medication)

Animals or Pets

Animals or pets may be brought to school if accompanied by an adult, and the teacher has given prior approval. The animal or pet must be taken home after the class has had the opportunity to see it. We do not have space or facilities to keep an animal for any length of time during the school day.

Assessment / Testing

Classroom, district and State achievement tests are given to students throughout the school year. These assessments allow classroom teachers to identify students' strengths and areas needing further instruction. Classroom and district tests occur periodically throughout the year to help give a better understanding of each child’s skills and abilities. Parents will be notified of the state testing schedule. If you have any questions regarding any of the tests, please call the school office.

Auxiliary Services

Grand Haven Area Public Schools offers many services and programs to support and enhance student learning. Following are some of the opportunities your child might be involved in:

Art – Students in Young 5’s through the 5^th grade have art every week. Children have the opportunity to experience many different art media during the school year.

Music –A vocal music teacher meets with Young 5’s through 4^th grade students once each week. The intent of the vocal music program is to increase the students’ overall appreciation and development of skills in music. Fifth grade students are eligible to participate in the band program, choir is a part of the general music program for 5^th graders, and 4^th and 5^th graders demonstrating a desire to play a string instrument can participate in the orchestra program.

Library/Media – A district Media Specialist works with teachers and students in the elementary schools to enhance library skills, utilize resources, and assist students with presentations and research.

Physical Education – Physical Education class with a physical education instructor is provided every week for all elementary students. Additional times may be held with the classroom teacher. To provide your child with the best opportunity to participate safely and successfully, he/she must wear soft-soled gym shoes while in the gym.

Reading Specialist – A Reading Specialist works with teachers and students to improve the level of reading performance for all students.

Guidance Counselor – An elementary counselor is available to assist students, teachers, and parents with the resolution of problems and concerns a student may be experiencing. While students may “drop-in” for a visit with the counselor, any long-term involvement can only take place with parental consent. A detailed description of the counselor’s role can be obtained from the school office.

School Psychologist and Social Workers – Children with educational or behavioral issues may be referred for support. A School Psychologist/Social Workers is assigned to each building for teacher in-service, conferences, observations, testing, etc.

Speech and Language Therapist – Provides diagnostic evaluation and preventive/treatment services for children exhibiting such communication disorders as articulation, language, stuttering, cleft palate, and hearing difficulties.

Teacher Consultant for the Physically Impaired – A teacher works with all physically impaired children who are eligible in the district. OT/PT teachers also serve students with occupational or physical needs.

Bicycles

Students must be in the third grade or above to ride bikes to school. Students who are eligible to ride to school are expected to follow good safety practices including:

Walking bikes across corners where safety patrollers are on duty

Parking bikes in the bike rack

Walking bike on school property

No riding bikes around the school or on the playground during school hours

Helmets and locks are encouraged.

Bus Rules

Students must:

1. Be at assigned bus stop on time.

2. Not litter on the school bus.

3. Stay off the roadway: maintain proper conduct while waiting for leaving a school bus.

4. Get on and off at the designated stop. Changes must be approved in writing by a school authority.

5. Not talk in a loud voice or shout or create any other disturbing noises.

6. Remain seated. The driver is authorized to assign seats.

7. Not eat or drink on the school bus without permission of the bus driver or teacher or chaperone.

8. Not use profane or vulgar language, or make obscene gestures.

9. Cross in front of the bus, not in back.

10. Keep head and hands inside the bus.

11. Not throw objects on the bus or out of the window of the bus.

12. Obey instructions of and show respect to the driver.

13. Not harass others or otherwise be unruly.

14. Not fight.

15. Not spit or bite.

16. Not damage or vandalize the school bus. Students will be required to pay for repair of damage.

17. Not possess or use flammable or explosive devices on the bus.

18. Not possess or use illegal/dangerous substances/items on the bus.

19. Not possess or use tobacco products on the bus.

Child Services Program

Preschool Development

The Grand Haven Area Public Schools Preschool Program is designed to meet each child’s individual needs and help them reach their full potential as learners. Our centers are designed to address the developmental needs of young children by recognizing each child as a whole person: physical, social, emotional and intellectual needs are all part of our curriculum. Central Preschool program now offers classes for 2 ½ - 3 ½ children who are not potty trained.

School-Year Open Door & Prime Time

Open Door is a licensed childcare program designed to meet the needs of all children ages 2 ½ through 5^th grade. Our hours are from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Prime Time is an extension of our Open Door program and is developed for children 2 ½ years through kindergarten. Children learn and socialize with other children to create a positive feeling about school.

Children 2 ½ who are not potty trained may attend our Central location only.

Summer Open Door

Summer Open Door is a childcare program open to children who are 2 ½ through 7^th grade for fall of 2005. The Summer Open Door program site is at Central High School. Our aim is to provide quality childcare from 6:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. The Summer Open Door program is designed to be a fun learning experience.

Extended School Program - E.S.P. Classes

E.S.P. Classes offer children the advantage to explore many different areas of their world. Some of the classes offered include: Babysitting Class, Art Classes, Special Preschool Classes, Cooking Classes, and more.

For more information or to enroll your child in Child Services Program, call 616-850-6825 or visit http://www.ghaps.org/childservices.

Child Study Teams

When a student is in need of additional support to be successful in school, they are referred to the Child Study Team. The team might include the Counselor, Speech/Language Therapist, Resource Room Teacher, Reading Specialist, Psychologist, Social Worker, and Principal. The team will meet with the teacher to develop a plan to help ensure the child will succeed in school. The child’s parents may also be invited.

Communication for Divorced Parents

The school staff will try to assist with facilitating communication with parents related to helping children succeed in school. In the case of children of divorced parents, the law stipulates that the custodial parent alone has the responsibility for custody, care, control, and education of the children. Under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), parents shall have access to their child’s educational records. FERPA regulations presume equal access for both parents, unless there is a court order or legal documentation to the contrary.

In the event of a request for access to a child’s records or to a parent-teacher conference from a non-custodial parent, it shall be the procedure of the principal or principal’s designee to inform the custodial parent that the school will grant access unless the custodial parent produces the required document within seven (7) days of the date of the notice. Please call your child’s school office to request information.

Conferences

Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled each November and March. These are designed to be a two-way exchange so both parent and teacher will know and understand each child better, therefore being able to most effectively plan his or her program. Some teachers offer student-led conferences in place of traditional conferences. In this case, the child will be attending the conference with you. At both fall and spring conferences, two or three evenings are set-aside for parents who cannot attend during the day. Due to the large number of conferences each teacher schedules, we ask that divorced/separated parents attend the same conference.

Curriculum

In core subject areas specific curriculum programs are established. These are aligned with State of Michigan standards. The detailed curriculum for each grade level is available on the district website at http://www.ghaps.org/academics/gradelevel.htm, or printed brochures with the information are available from the school. The staff will be happy to discuss in detail any of the curriculum areas with parents. If you have questions or need additional information, please call the school office for an appointment.

Drugs/Alcohol/Weapons

Any student who intentionally sells, gives, possesses, uses or is under the influence of illicit drugs, narcotics, or alcohol in or on school property, including buses, shall be (1) expelled from school and (2) reported to the appropriate law enforcement agencies for possible legal action. Parents, students and staff must take the issue of weapons and illegal behavior at school very seriously. If students are caught with a weapon as defined in either state or federal law or commit serious acts such as arson or rape, they will be expelled. Recently both the federal and state governments enacted laws requiring local school boards to implement policies requiring expulsion of students who bring weapons to school. Policy 5145.6 Student Code of Conduct is available at http://www.ghaps.org/boardpolicy.htm.

Emergency Information

A Student Profile sheet will be available for each student at the beginning of the school year. This profile includes contact information for your student. Please review this information carefully, make any necessary changes/additions, be sure all of the information is complete and return the form to the school immediately. This information is kept on file at school. If there are changes to this information during the school year, please contact the office immediately.

Field Trips

A field trip is defined as an educational experience outside of the classroom or school building, involving the use of facilities other than school-owned. Parents will have an opportunity to volunteer as chaperones if they have completed the State of Michigan background check. Information/forms available at: http://www.ghaps.org/elemforms.htm. Chaperones are responsible for supervision of groups of students and, therefore, are asked not to bring along other siblings.

Students are expected to ride to and from the field trip on the bus. Special requests for different travel arrangements must be submitted in writing and approved by the principal 24 hours prior to the field trip.

A blanket permission form is available at http://www.ghaps.org/elemforms.htm or will be distributed at the beginning of the school year. This must be signed and returned to the school before a child will be allowed to go on a field trip. Children on a field trip represent their school, parents, and community; therefore, their attitude and behavior is very important.

Fire, Tornado, and Safety Drill Procedures

To help insure the safety of all students in the school we conduct regular practice drills in case of fire, severe weather, or other emergencies. These drills are very important and students must take them very seriously. Teachers will instruct their students in the procedures.

Food Service Program

The Food Service Department is committed to provide a healthy and nutritious lunch to students. All students are eligible to participate in the food service program. Menus and Lunch Preference Requests are distributed each month by your school or can be printed from the GHAPS website. (http://www.ghaps.org/foodservice/)

Breakfast Program
The Food Service Department is pleased to provide a breakfast program that is open to all students in participating schools. Breakfast is served from 8:15 – 8:50. Breakfast selections change daily, menus are available from the school office or on the GHAPS website. (www.ghaps.org) Please check with your child’s school to see if breakfast is offered.

Lunch Program
The Food Service Department is committed to provide a healthy and nutritious lunch to students. All students are eligible to participate in the lunch program. Menus and Lunch Preference Requests are distributed each month from your school or can be printed from the GHAPS website. (www.ghaps.org)

Lunch Preference Requests
The Lunch Preference Request form is designed to provide your child with their first entrée choice. In an effort to accommodate all students’ requests, we ask that you fill out the monthly choice menu. Due to product availability, we are unable to change your child’s entree choice after this request has been received at their school. Request forms are due to your school by the printed date. This system allows the Food Service Department to provide your child with their desired choice, plus prevents unnecessary wasted meals. Payment is not required when turning in your Lunch Preference Request form.

Computerized POS System
GHAPS has implemented a district wide computerized Point of Sale system that provides more accuracy in accounting for student’s balances and lunch choices. Through the Technology Bond, we were able to purchase the Meal Magic System, which enables parents to receive a print out of their child’s account history. When you send a payment for your child’s lunch or milk, it will show as a dollar amount of credit and not a specific type of credit (ie – lunch or milk). When your child eats lunch, the dollar amount will be deducted from their account balance, similar to a debit card. Your school will notify you when your child’s account balance falls below $6.00 so you may replenish the account.

Payments
Meals may be paid for by the month, week or day. No more than two lunches may be charged for the year. During the last two weeks of school, charging of lunches will not be permitted. Please put payments in a sealed envelope with your child’s name. Payments can be made by check, cash or money order. Checks or Money Orders should be made out to GHAPS and can only be deposited for the entire amount; no change will be given to students. There is a $15.00 service fee on all returned checks.

Negative Balances
A student whose account is in the negative will have a reminder note sent home to the parent. Students whose accounts continue to be in the negative will not receive their menu selection; instead they will be served a cold sandwich and milk at a cost of $1.40 until the balance is paid in full.

Positive Balances
Positive Food Service account balances at the end of the school year will automatically be applied to your child’s meals for the next school year.

Meal Benefits
Through the National School Lunch Program, your child may be eligible for free or reduced meals at school. You may apply at any time during the school year. This benefit is based solely on household income. Applications are available from the Food Service Department, the school office, or on the GHAPS website. (www.ghaps.org)

Sack Lunches
Sack lunches are available for purchase from the Food Service Department for your child’s field trips. Meal benefit students may receive sack lunches at their current benefit rate. All lunches must be ordered 48 hours in advance and can be deducted from your child’s pre-paid balance or paid on that date. Request forms are available through the school office, your child’s teacher or on the GHAPS website. (www.ghaps.org)

Snow Days
When school is cancelled due to inclement weather, the meal that was scheduled to be served on the snow day will be served on return day of school.
The lunch choices that are made for the snow day meal will be honored on the return day.
Students who had originally selected hot lunch on the return day will receive a meal, but the meal will be from the snow day menu. It may not be their first choice.
For example: Tuesday is a snow day. Tuesday's menu will be served on Wednesday, the return day.
All hot food is prepared at the high school and shipped out hot on the day it is served.

Food Allergies
If your child has a food allergy, please notify your school and the Food Service Department. Information is available to be reviewed in our office containing the ingredients we use in our menu items. Please contact the Food Service Department at 850-6080 if you would like to set up an appointment to review this information.

Fund-Raising

Many extra programs, activities, and equipment that provide excellent opportunities for students require the raising of extra funds. The principal must approve all fundraisers. The Board of Education encourages a limit on fund raising activities each year.

Harassment

It is the policy of Grand Haven Area Public Schools to clearly prohibit harassment of any type. School Board policy delineates definitions, right of confidentiality, reporting procedures, and penalties. Reports of harassment of any kind will be investigated and appropriate measures taken according to the policy and procedures of the school district. Policy 5145.6 Student Code of Conduct is available at http://www.ghaps.org/boardpolicy.htm

Health Department Information

The following information from the Ottawa County Health Department is included as a guideline to be followed until your doctor is contacted.

Fever – A fever is a warning that all is not well with the body. No child with a fever over 100 should be sent to school. Do not allow a child to return to school until he/she has been free of fever for 24 hours.

Common Cold – A child with a heavy cold or a hacking cough belongs home in bed, even if there is not fever.

Sore Throat – A child with a slight sore throat and no other symptoms may go to school. If there is difficulty in swallowing, redness or white spots in the throat, call your doctor.

Rash – A rash may be the first sign of one of many childhood illnesses. Do not send a child with a rash or spots to school until your doctor has said it is safe.

Fifth Disease - Fifth disease is a mild rash illness that occurs most commonly in children. The ill child typically has a "slapped-cheek" rash on the face and a lacy red rash on the trunk and limbs. The child is usually not very ill, and the rash resolves in 7 to 10 days. By the time a child has the rash he or she is probably no longer contagious and may return to school.

Stomachache, Cramps, Vomiting, Diarrhea – Any child complaining of these symptoms should be kept home.

Toothache – Contact your dentist

Earache – Contact your doctor.

Headache – A child with a slight headache usually need not be kept home. If the headache is severe, especially accompanied by other symptoms, he/she should be kept at home and your doctor contacted.

Head lice – Head lice are very common parasitic insects found on the heads of people. If a child is determined to have lead lice he/she should not come to school until they have been treated and are nit-free.

Pink Eye – Students will be sent home if Pink Eye is suspected. They should be evaluated by a physician and be on medication at least 24 hours before they return to school

Sick children belong at home – well children belong in school.

Homeless Children and Youth

Grand Haven Area Public Schools adhere to the rules and regulations of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (Subtitle B - Education of Homeless Children and Youth reauthorized in January 2002) ensuring educational rights and protections for children and youth experiencing homelessness. At Grand Haven Area Public Schools, students who are homeless have access to the same programs as students who are housed. Homeless children will have access to educational services for which they qualify, including special education, gifted education, the free and reduced-price lunch program, before and after-school activities, and Title I services. Grand Haven Area Public Schools has designated an appropriate staff person as a liaison* for students in homeless situations. The liaison must ensure that homeless children and youth have full and equal opportunity to succeed in the school and that they receive educational services for which they are eligible.

Grand Haven Area Public Schools will:

immediately enroll homeless children and youth regardless of whether school or immunization records and proof of residency are available at the time of enrollment,
provide school choice so students can stay in their school of origin, if feasible,
post the educational rights of homeless children and youth in each school building, and
provide transportation for the homeless student to ensure access to school.

The term "homeless children and youth"

(A) means individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence; and

(B) Includes -

(i) Children and youths who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; are abandoned in hospitals, or are awaiting foster care placement;

(ii) Children and youths who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings…

(iii) Children and youths who are living in cars, parks, public spaces abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and

(iv) Migratory children who qualify as homeless for the purposes of this subtitle because the children are living in circumstances described in clauses (i) through (iii).

*For more information, please contact (616) 850-5020.

Homework

It is generally our belief that homework should be an extension of the regular school program and a responsibility that the student undertakes independently, whether at home or outside of class periods at school. When students have work to do at home, parents can help by providing a time and a place for children to work. It is acceptable for parents to answer questions the children have, but the child should do the work.

Immunization Requirements

All immunization requirement information is available from the Ottawa County Health Department at www and complete immunization information from the Center for Disease Control is available at http://www.cdc.gov/nip/recs/child-schedule-bw.pdf

Inclement Weather

The decision to go outside during inclement weather is often difficult. The wind chill and precipitation are used to make this decision. It is school practice to have the students outside, even for a brief period if at all possible. Daily fresh air and exercise are important for students to do their best work. Parents can help by making sure their child comes to school properly dressed for the weather.

It is occasionally necessary for the students to remain indoors at recess and/or the noon hour. During inclement weather, games are provided in each individual classroom, or students may have other options. When this occurs at recess time, the teachers assigned to recess duty will monitor the students in each classroom while they are engaged in quiet activities and during lunch hour the supervisor will monitor children.

Lost and Found

Sometimes a child loses something – a coat, mitten, shoes, or hat. A lost and found area is provided for lost clothing and equipment. Valuables (watches, rings, money, etc.) are turned in at the office. Parents can help by clearly marking clothing and other personal items.

Lunch Room Expectations

While lunch hour should be a time to relax and visit with friends, it is also important that certain rules are followed for the health, safety and well being of all students. The following rules are in effect for our lunchroom:

Students are to behave in an orderly manner. Shouting and excessively loud talking are inappropriate.

Students are to walk to their seats and stay seated until they have finished eating. Running in the lunchroom is not permitted.

Students who have an accident or spill food should help the noon hour supervisor clean it up. Throwing of food or wrappers is not acceptable.

Empty trays, bags, milk cartons, etc. are to be deposited in the proper containers. Food wrappers, papers, etc. may not leave the eating area.

After finishing eating and cleaning up, students are to go directly outside, or in case of inclement weather, back to their classrooms.

Students should bring their coats to the lunchroom with them. They are not required to wear them while eating.

Students who consistently do not abide by these rules will lose the privilege of participating in the lunch program. (See section on Student Conduct)

Medication

In certain situations it is necessary for school personnel to administer medication to a student. District Policy 5142.1, based on state law, determines how medication can be distributed.

Students are not allowed to carry any medication during school hours. This includes: cough drops, Tylenol, eye drops, etc. All medication must be kept in the office.

A request for the school to administer any medication during the school day must be submitted in writing by a parent or guardian. Forms for this are available in the school office. This includes medication prescribed by a doctor and any other medication such as Tylenol, cough syrup, inhalants, etc.

All medication must be in the original container and must include the prescription information.

An adult must bring all medication to the office so its administration can be properly monitored and accounted for. Since medications can have adverse effects if someone received them for whom they weren’t intended, transporting them with students on the bus is prohibited for everyone’s safety.

School District policy requires that we count and keep accurate records of the number of pills we receive and administer. When dropping off medication, please plan a few extra minutes for this to occur.

By law, the school cannot provide medication of any kind. Thus, parents must provide even the simplest medication such as Tylenol.

Parent Involvement

At Grand Haven Area Public Schools parent involvement is critical to the success of all of our students. Research has shown that family involvement in education is twice as predictive of students' academic success as family socioeconomic status. When parents are involved students have higher grades, test scores, and graduation rates; better school attendance; increased motivation, better self-esteem; lower rates of suspension; decreased use of drugs and alcohol; and fewer instances of violent behavior.

Parent involvement in our schools should continue to include the traditional approaches like PTA meetings, fund-raisers and volunteering in school. However, parent involvement in our schools must also focus on improving the academic progress and well being of the parents' own children.

Grand Haven Area Public Schools has made parental communication and involvement a high priority. Parents must be encouraged to be involved in all aspects of their child's education. The following expectations are to be considered guidelines for the development of Parent Involvement Plans for each of the district's school buildings:

Communication between home and school is regular, two-way, and meaningful.

o Use a variety of communication tools on a regular basis including email and the web.
o Establish opportunities for parents and educators to share information regarding student strengths and learning preferences.
o Provide clear information regarding course expectations, student placement, activities, services, and optional programs.
o Mail report cards and regular progress reports.
o Communicate with parents regarding positive student behavior.
o Provide opportunities for informal interaction between parents and staff.
o Conduct an annual parent survey to determine parent attitudes and concerns regarding the schools including barriers to involvement, level of parent involvement, and strategies to increase involvement.

Parenting skills are promoted and supported.

o Support the strengths and needs of all parents.
o Recognize the roles and responsibilities of parents in the schools.

Parents play an integral role in assisting student learning.

o Encourage parents to help in the learning process at home.
o Help parents connect to their child's learning.
o Provide opportunities for parents to join committees, contribute their specialized skills, advocate for their children.
o Educate parents on State academic content standards, state and local assessments, requirements of Title I, Part A.
o Provide parents with materials and training to help them work with their children on academic achievement.
o Educate staff on how to reach out to, communicate with, and involve parents as equal partners.
o Coordinate parental involvement with other programs.
o Provide information for parents in understandable and uniform format.

Parents are welcome in the school, and their support and assistance are sought.

o Provide a variety of meaningful and valuable volunteer opportunities for parents to volunteer (flexible for those not available during school hours).
o Involve parents in the development of the 31a and/or Title I, Part A planning process.
o Coordinate parental opportunities with other programs such as Head Start, Adult Ed, Open Door, preschool, STAR, HOST, STRIVE, career prep and Junior Achievement.

Parents are full partners in the decisions that affect children and families.

o Involve parents in decision-making and advocacy.
o Enlist the participation of all parents.
o Involve parents in the school improvement process.
o Coordinate technical assistance and other support for schools through the district website by including classroom projects, academic standards, and grade level curriculum brochures.

Community resources are used to strengthen schools, families, and student learning.

o Provide easy access for parents to community resources.
o Establish school-business partnerships.
o Involve students in service learning projects.

Parent/School Compact

Hand in hand we can learn and work together to improve school achievement.

As a Student, I (name), will
* Always try to do my best in my work and in my behavior,
* Work cooperatively with my classmates,
* Show respect for myself, my school and other people,
* Obey the school and bus rules,
* Take pride in my school,
* Come to school prepared with my homework and supplies,
* Believe that I can learn and will learn.

As a Parent/Guardian, I (name), will
* See that my child attends school regularly and on time,
* Provide a home environment that encourages my child to learn,
* Insist that all homework assignments be completed,
* Communicate regularly with my child's teacher,
* Support the school in developing positive behaviors,
* Talk with my child about his/her school activities every day,
* Encourage my child to read at home and to monitor his/her TV viewing,
* Volunteer time at my child's schools,
* Show respect and support for my child, the teacher, and the school.

As a Teacher, I (name), will
* Believe that each student can learn,
* Show respect for each child and his/her family,
* Come to class prepared to teach,
* Provide an environment conducive to learning,
* Help each child grow to his/her fullest potential,
* Provide meaningful and appropriate homework activities,
* Enforce school and classroom rules fairly and consistently,
* Maintain open lines of communication with the student and his/her parents,
* Seek ways to involve parents in the school program,
* Demonstrate professional behavior and a positive attitude.

Hand in hand we will work together to carry out the agreement of this compact.

* Student Signature
* Parent Signature
* Teacher Signature
* Date

Photos and Videos

On occasion, students will have photos or video taken while they are at school. These images are often used in promotional materials for the school district. The photos might be used in Spotlight, on the district website, in brochures or publications, or on TV5. If you do not wish to have your child photographed, you must notify the school office.

PTA

Parents are encouraged to get involved with the building PTA. The PTA sponsors many activities during the year to support the education of the children and provides many classroom resources.

Recreation

Northwest Ottawa Recreation Program is a cooperative effort sponsored by the City of Grand Haven, Grand Haven Township, Grand Haven Area Public Schools, City of Ferrysburg, and Robinson Township to provide quality recreation and leisure activities for our community. The program is administered by the Grand Haven Area Public Schools. Program schedules are published regularly in a brochure that is available in the office, in Spotlight, on TV5, or on the district website. Programs will often be highlighted in flyers sent home with students. For more information on programs available, call 850-5125.

Release of Information

The Board of Education has determined through Policy 5125 that “Directory Information” may be released, without prior consent, to individuals, groups, or organizations whose interests and purposes are to advance legitimate educationally related aims and objectives as determined by school officials.

“Directory Information” may include: student name, address, publicly listed telephone number, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight, and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, most recent previous educational institution attended and other similar information including names, addresses and telephone numbers of students’ parents.

Religious Instruction

By state law students are permitted to attend religious education classes at their church or synagogue during the school day. Written parental consent to release a student for a program of this nature is necessary. Students are responsible for work missed while they are gone.

Report Cards

Students receive four report cards per school year. A report card is given at each of the Parent-Teacher Conferences (fall and spring), as well as one at the end of each semester.

Riding With Strangers

All students should be reminded NOT to accept rides with strangers. This would be unwise and the risk involved is far too great. The school should be notified whenever other than regular transportation has been arranged for children. No child will be permitted to leave with anyone who is not on record with the school without prior notification from the parent.

Safety Patrol/Service Club

Safety Patrols are selected from students in the upper grades. These students provide very important assistance for students coming to school. Please impress upon your child the necessity of obeying the safety patrols. Students involved in Service Club help in the library and computer lab before and after school, and help younger children during noon hours and bus times.

School Hours

Grades 1^st – 5^th 8:55 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Morning Kindergarten 8:55 a.m. – 12 noon

Afternoon Kindergarten 12:45 – 3:45 p.m.

Students may not enter the building before the bell rings in the morning without permission. During inclement weather students may go to a designated location in the school. Parents should not drop their children off at school until supervision is available after 8:30am. As a general rule, the closer students arrive to the 8:55am starting time the better.

School Telephone

The school office telephone is to be used by the students in case of an emergency only. Any after-school activity should be prearranged before school begins. Each classroom has a phone for staff/parent communications. Messages can be left for staff on their voice mail during “instructional” time.

Snowballs

Throwing of snowballs at school or on the way to or from school is not permitted. State Statute MSA 28.626 states that any person who throws any stone or other missile (snowball) at an automobile, train, etc. shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. This policy is for the protection and safety of all students. Please review the policy with your children frequently during the winter months. The procedure for dealing with violations of the rule is:

First Offense – student is sent to the principal’s office, where a record of the offense will be kept and the student is warned about snowballing.

Second Offense – Student will be sent to the principal’s office, where he/she will take a letter home explaining to parents the violation. The letter will be signed by the parents and returned to school the next day. The student will also lose some recess privileges.

Third Offense – The parents of the student will be contacted by the school to discuss the student’s suspension for one school day.

Snow Days/Emergency Closings

When the possibility of school cancellation exists, parents are asked to listen to Grand Haven radio station WGHN 92.1, watch Channel 8 or 13, call the school closing line (850-5100), or check the district website at www.ghaps.org. Information will be available on these sources as early as possible.

On rare occasions school must be dismissed early due to poor weather conditions. If you “think” school might be dismissed before normal dismissal time because of weather, please tune in to WGHN, call the school closing line (850-5100), or check the district website at www.ghaps.org. Please talk with your child regarding what your plan is if an early school closing should occur. If you are not at home please make arrangements for your child go to a neighbor’s or friend’s home.

Student Code of Conduct

The Grand Haven Area Public Schools Board of Education policy 5145.6 Student Code of Conduct - Rights and Responsibilities in the Grand Haven Area Public Schools, pertains to the importance of creating and maintaining an environment in our schools conducive to the learning process. The Code also stresses instilling respect for individuals, their property, and their rights in all of the Grand Haven Area Public Schools while at school related events, on school property, including buses, and also along school routes to and from school.

This Code defines student conduct that is considered prohibitive and includes types of misbehavior that are accepted by parents as to be generally disruptive to the learning process. Of special note are State and Federal requirements prohibiting student possession, use, sale or distribution of electronic communication devices and also mandatory expulsion for possession of weapons or for the commis