Student Handbook
General Guidelines
Absence
Parents need to notify the school by 9:00 a.m. if your child is going to
be absent from school. The school will attempt to contact parents whenever
students are absent without parent notification. For more detailed information
about attendance see the corporation attachment on pages 16-18.
Arrival Time
Children should arrive at school between 8:00 and 8:15 A.M. Adult supervision
is provided for your child beginning at 8:00 A.M in the gym or in the cafeteria
for breakfast. After School Daycare provides before and after school care
for students for a very reasonable fee. You may contact After School Daycare
at (812) 232-1264.
First Bell 8:15
Tardy Bell 8:25
Breakfast Program 8:00 – 8:25
Attendance Awards
At the end of each grading period, students with perfect attendance will
have their name put into a box. Twenty-five names are pulled from the box
for various prizes. Last year we were able to award a bicycle for a grand
prize each grading period. The school will also conduct classroom attendance
competitions during the year. The principal will hand out coupons to various
restaurants for perfect attendance at different times.
BUG Club
At the end of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grading periods, students are recognized
for raising a grade by one letter without going down in other subjects, or
earning all A’s in the academic subjects.
Caught Being Good
Frequently teachers will catch a student outside their class being good and
give them a ticket. At the end of each month, two names are drawn out of
the box for positive behavior. Last year we awarded $25.00 gift certificates.
Cell Phone/Pagers Policy
A student may posses a cell phone/paging device in school, on school property,
at after school activities and at school related functions, provided that
during school hours* and on a school bus the cell phone/ paging device remains
off and must be placed in a locker, backpack, or as directed by the specific
policy. When directed by a staff member in charge of an after school event,
cell phones/pagers must be turned off.
*When students enter the building in the morning, the cell phone/paging device
must be turned off.
Any student possessing a cell phone/paging device shall assume responsibility
for its care. At no time will
the Vigo County School Corporation be responsible for preventing theft, loss
or damage to cell phone/paging devices onto its property.
The following guidelines concerning cell phone/pagers will be implemented
at all VCSC elementary schools effective Monday, May 10, 2004.
First Offense: A verbal warning will be documented in the school office.
Second Offense: The cell phone/pager will be confiscated. Parent will
be notified. The cell phone/pager
will be sent home with the child at the end of the school day.
Third Offense: The cell phone/pager will be confiscated. Parent will
be contacted. The cell phone/pager
will be picked-up by a parent/guardian at the end of the school day.
Fourth Offense: The cell phone/pager will be confiscated. Parent will
be contacted. The cell phone/pager
will be picked up by the parent/guardian at the end of the school day.
The student will lose the privilege of having a cell phone/pager at school
for the remainder of the school year.
Fifth Offense: A child may be subject to suspension/expulsion
procedures for disruption of the orderly
school function. Rule XXIV of the Student-Parent Guide is modified to state
that a student may be expelled or suspended for “inappropriate/unlawful use
of a cell phone/paging device.”
Character Education
Each month students will be selected as classroom winners for demonstrating
the following character traits. A school winner will be selected from the
classroom winners. The monthly character traits for the 2006-07 school year
are:
September Diligence January Truthfulness
October Compassion February Respect
November Gratefulness March Sensitivity
December Initiative April Determination
Community Resources/Volunteers
One of the greatest resources of the school districts is the citizens of
the community. Volunteers can make many valuable contributions. If you
have a particular talent that you would like to share or free time and
would like to help at school, please contact the school office.
Computer Lab
A computer lab is located on the top floor. Classes frequently utilize the
computer lab to practice Everyday Math games, word processing, and to utilize
the Internet.
Crossing Guards ( Adults)
There are adult crossing guards located along Hulman Street at the intersections
of 6th, 7th, and 8th streets. The adult crossing guards begin their shift
around 7:45 eachday and at the end of school.
Dismissal During School Hours
Students are expected to remain at school throughout the school day. If
a child must leave early, a note
must be sent to the teacher. Students may only be released by the office
to their parent or a designated
adult. Parents must come to the office, as children may not be released
directly from the classroom.
Students are never permitted to walk home alone during school hours.
Dismissal
Bus Riders 2:35 P.M.
Parent Pick Up 2:38 P.M.
Walkers 2:40 P.M
Emergency Dismissal/Delay
Early dismissals from school can be necessary due to blizzards, snow, water
problems, etc. Please
inform your child where he/she should go if school is dismissed early and
you are not home. If
inclement weather occurs, please listen to your radio or television for bulletins
concerning school
closing. Do not rely on the telephone during a snow emergency, as many calls
are placed burdening
the system, and many times we cannot place outgoing calls or receive incoming
calls. Plan now and
remind your child where he/she should go in case of an emergency school closing.
For current information
on school closing please use the school corporation's weather line - (812)
462-4243.
Emergency Drills
In order to comply with state and federal guidelines, our school will conduct
monthly fire drills and hold tornado drills twice a semester. Other crisis
drills will be conducted throughout the year. Students need to follow the
instructions given by their teachers.
Field Trips
Classes may schedule educational field trips throughout the year. Students
will need to bring a signed parent permission slip to attend the activity.
Parents must complete a Background Check in order to chaperone.
ISTEP
The ISTEP will be administered to 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders during the week
of September 18th. Testing will be held in the mornings only. Please make
sure your child gets plenty of rest during ISTEP.
Lunch Recess Schedule
Classes Lunch Recess
Kindergarten/Second Grade 11:15 – 11:40 11:40 – 12:00
First/Third Grade 11:40 – 12:05 12:05 – 12:25
Fourth/Fifth Grade 12:05 – 12:30 12:30 – 12:50
Media Center
Classes are scheduled into the Media Center on a weekly basis. Students
may check out books for up to 2 weeks. Students are also able to utilize
the computers in the Media Center.
Mentors
Farrington Grove Elementary School is fortunate to have two mentoring groups
for our students. Our students are eligible for mentoring through either
the Minority Coalition Group or Kid’s Hope. Our Kid’s Hope partners come
from Temple United Methodist Church. Contact the principal if you have questions
or recommendations about the mentoring program.
Monthly Parent Newsletters
Farrington Grove will send home monthly Parent Newsletters at the beginning
of each month. Contact the principal about submitting information into the
newsletter. Newsletters will also be posted on the school website.
No Bullies Club
Our school counselor will organize a No Bullies club each year. Students
are recommended by their classroom teacher based upon their behavior. Meetings
will be held on a monthly basis.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held in the afternoons during the week
of November 6th. One of the four afternoons may be rescheduled for evening
conferences during the week. There will be early noon dismissal for the
students during those four days.
Parent/Teacher Organization
All parents are encouraged to be actively involved in our school. One way
to participate is to attend monthly PTO meetings at 6:30. Meeting Dates
are, 9/12, 10/03, 11/14, 12/12, 1/09, 2/13, 3/13, 4 /17 and 5/08.
Parking
Our school is located in a very dense traffic area with very limited parking
for parents to drop off
and pick up students. We ask that you be extremely careful at all times
while dropping off and
picking up your child. The majority of our students either walk or are transported
by parents.
Because of safety hazards, we do not allow diagonal parking on the south
side of the building. Please
do not park on yellow lines in front of the school. These areas are for
the school buses.
Safety Patrol
Students in the 5th grade are eligible to serve on our safety patrol. The
Safety Patrol assists students crossing the intersections and alleys around
the school.
School Skate Parties
The school will hold monthly Skate Parties at Terre Haute Skate World each
month, usually the first Thursday. The cost will be $3.00 plus skate rental.
The time is from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. All proceeds from the skate parties go
towards 4th grade field trips. Dates for 2006-07 are September 7th, October
5th, November 2nd, December 7th, January 4th, February 1st, March 1st, April
12th, and May 3rd.
School Spirit Days
The Student Council will sponsor a Student Spirit Day each month. All students
are encouraged to participate in the fun.
September 29th – Mismatch Day February 23rd – PJ Day
October 27th – Wacky Hair Day March 30th – Sportswear Day
November 9th – Patriotic Day April 27th – Western Day
December 21st – Red/Green Day May 31st – Hawaiian Day
January 26th – Twin Day
Special Area Classes
Classes are scheduled into art, music and physical education on a weekly
basis.
Student Council
Our Student Council is made up of representatives from grades three through
five. These representatives
are elected by their classmates to be Student Council members. The purpose
of the Student Council is to encourage children to be good citizens and to
take part in activities to make Farrington Grove a better school. Student
Council allows students to serve in leadership roles and help promote school
spirit. Meetings are held once a month. Members will be involved with various
projects throughout the year such as citizenship awards,
contests to promote school spirit, fundraisers and special events for the
students. The Student Council members have the opportunity to serve on
various committees and take an active part in the decision-making.
Student Discipline Policy
The school's primary goal is to educate all students; however education includes
establishing norms of social behavior and assisting students in understanding
and attaining those norms. It is important that children learn self-discipline
in order to become responsible individuals. When the behavior of an individual
student comes in conflict with the rights of others, corrective actions are
necessary for the benefit of the individual and the school. It is important
that the school and parents work together to assist the student in achieving
this goal.
Each student will be treated in a fair and equitable manner at Farrington
Grove. Disciplinary action will be based on a careful assessment of the
circumstances surrounding each infraction. The following are examples of
these circumstances: the student's attitude; the seriousness of the incident;
the effect of the incident upon others; the isolation or habitual presence
of the behavior; and any other circumstances which may be appropriately considered.
All students are subject to the rules of conduct outlined in the Vigo County
School Corporation Student Handbook.
Farrington Grove Elementary Rules and Expectations
Basic School Rules
1. Students will show respect for others and follow instructions given by
all staff members.
2. Students will use courteous language at all times.
3. Students will respect the property and person of others.
4. Students will leave gum at home.
Cafeteria Rules
1. Students will display good manners while in the cafeteria and will be
responsible for leaving their eating
areas clean.
2. Students will talk quietly with students seated at their own table.
3. Students will eat their own food and not trade with others.
Playground Rules
1. Students will play with others in an appropriate manner on the playground.
2. Students will respect the person and property of other students.
3. Students will follow the instructions of staff in a respectful manner.
4. Students will use the equipment appropriately.
5. Students will leave rocks, sticks, and other objects alone. They will
report
any problems to the person on duty.
6. Student will stop immediately and line up when the bell/whistle signals
are
given to end recess.
Student Dress
Students are expected to wear appropriate clothing, which complies with health
and safety requirements. The weather is a major consideration in determining
such appropriateness. As the weather changes, parents should see that children
are dressed properly. Children will go outside for recess unless the weather
is severely cold (Wind chill of 25 degrees or below, recess is held inside)
or rainy. Clothing which calls undue attention to a student and serves to
disrupt the educational function and process of the school is considered
inappropriate.
Student Drop-Off
The best place for parents to drop their children off is outside the building.
If parents enter into the building, they must stay in either the front foyer
area or cafeteria. Parents should not walk through the hallways or enter
the classrooms due to security reasons.
Terra-Nova
The Terra Nova Achievement Test will be administered to all 2nd and 3rd graders
during the fall semester.
Textbook Rental Fees For Elementary Students
The Vigo County School Corporation textbook rental program requests the payment
of
textbook and/or consumable fees within ten (10) days of enrollment. You
are asked to
send your payment in full at this time to your child’s school. Exceptions
to this rule are:
a.) those who apply for free textbooks through the free/reduced lunch
program (see section below).
b.) those who establish a pay plan (contact the school treasurer to establish
a payment plan)
** The following consumable and textbook fees for elementary students
are in effect
for the 2006/2007 school year. Consumable fees pay for materials and
workbooks used
for one school year. If your child(ren) receives free textbooks, parents/guardians
are still
responsible for the consumable fee each school year. Consumable and
textbook fees are
due within ten days of enrollment. If you have any questions about
these fees or a payment
plan, please feel free to contact the office at 462-4423.
CONSUMABLE
TEXTBOOK TOTAL
FEE
FEE FEE
Kindergarten $ 42.06
$ 37.94 $ 80.00
(full day)
Grades 1 – 5 $ 4.00 Art
$ 109.00 $ 118.00
$ 5.00 Music
*Special Education Moderate/Severe (functional programs):
$ 45.00
*ALL FEES FOR ELEMENTARY/MIDDLE SCHOOLS ARE DUE BY FRIDAY,
SEPTEMBER 1, 2006, OR A PAYMENT PLAN SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED**
Send your payment to your child’s school or mail your payment to 686
Wabash Avenue,
Terre Haute, IN 47807. Make check or money order payable to Vigo
County Schools
Book Rental. If paying at the school, make the check payable to Farrington
Grove
Free/reduced lunch applications should be completed if you desire free
textbooks.
Parents will still be responsible for the consumable fees. Each student
must have an
individual lunch application filed in order to be eligible for free
textbooks.
Lost Books – Restitution
Each student is responsible for the care of the textbooks assigned to him/her.
Any lost book will result in a charge for its replacement. If a workbook
is lost, the full replacement charge 100% will be assessed.
Visitors
Parents are welcome and encouraged to visit our school. We do ask that you
make an appointment with the teacher or principal 1 day in advance of the
visitation. Parents should not go directly to the classroom. ALL VISITORS
MUST REPORT TO THE MAIN OFFICE. The principal must approve permission for
visitation by persons other than parents.
VIGO COUNTY SCHOOL CORPORATION
TERRE HAUTE, INDIANA
STUDENT ATTENDANCE
Attendance expectations are set forth to assist students in being successful
in school and in life outside of their school experience. An emphasis on
excellent attendance will benefit students as they will have the maximum
opportunity for achievement in schools, and they will gain valuable life
skills to be used beyond their school experience. It is anticipated that
all students, at one time or another in their lifetime, may be employed and
will be expected to be on time and at work each and every day. It is with
this knowledge that the Vigo County School Corporation has established this
attendance expectation: students will be in school and on time each and
every day school is in session. This is an important issue and one that
requires the support of parents, the school corporation staff, the Vigo County
community, as well as the students themselves.
GUIDELINES
A. Absences from school, for whatever reason, e.g., family vacation, illness,
appointments, visits, etc., will be counted as absences. Parents must call
or contact the school about each absence on the date of the absence before
10:00 a.m. Failure to do so may result in the absence being identified as
truancy.
1. Truant absences are identified as:
a. Failing to attend school or class without the knowledge of the parent/guardian
or school official. Not being in assigned location on the school campus
during the school day without approval of appropriate school personnel.
b. A “Habitual Truant” is a student who is chronically absent from school
by having unexcused absences for more than ten (10) days in a school year.
c. For more details regarding truancies, see attachment “A”
d. Definitions
"Unexcused absence" means an absence from school that is:
(1) not authorized by the local school administrator or local
school corporation rule; and
(2) a violation of IC 20-8.1-3. 511 IAC 1-3-1
2. The following events, by law and policy, are not absences from school:
a. School sponsored trip
b. Suspensions from school attendance.
c. Serving as a Page in the Legislature.
d. Appearing in court under order of subpoena.
e. Serving as the official representative of the school (as approved by
the principal)
f. Serving on the State Department of Education Standards Task Force
g. Hospitalization or incarceration with verified educational services
being provided
h. Accepted for homebound services (student/parents must have request
for homebound services on file, including an approved medical support statement)
i. Other: Principal Determination (must be documented).
Documented doctor/dentist/therapist notes will not be included in the
calculation of excessive absences.
Policy Implementation-Exhibit A
A. The Vigo County School Corporation expects that principals will use their
professional discretion when implementing discipline approaches with individual
students. All appeals will be at the building level.
B. Each school will develop a program to recognize students for excellent
school attendance.
C. Tardies to school or class will be dealt with in such a way(s) so as not
to negatively impact the school attendance rate. Calls will be made to the
home to encourage the student to be on time and at school each day. Tardies
may result in loss of recess/break time or assignment to a detention or extended
school day.
D. Parents/guardians are to report a student absence by calling the school
prior to 10:00 a.m. on the day of the absence. Failure to call may result
in disciplinary action.
E. After each absence the following procedures will be followed:
1. Calls will be made to the home or parent work place each day if the school
is not notified by the parent/guardian on the day of student absence. The
school will use other communication methods if there is no available home/work
phone. All efforts to contact the home will be properly documented.
2.When possible and/or appropriate, teachers/teams are encouraged to discuss
the importance of school attendance with the student.
3. Students are allowed to make-up appropriate work missed because of any
absences with the exception of absences identified as truancies. The work
will be included in figuring the student’s grade. Students/parents must
contact the teacher to request the make-up work. Elementary students will
have one week to complete make-up work. Middle and high school students
have three school days after the last absence to complete make-up work.
The principal may approve special circumstances.
F. On the fourth (4th) and the eighth (10th) absences, when appropriate,
an attendance letter will be emailed to the home informing the parents/guardians
regarding the importance of good school attendance and alerting them that
serious attendance patterns may be developing. Schools at each level (elementary,
middle and high) will include in this letter pertinent information about
possible consequences of continued absences. The school will keep proper
documentation of this communication Elementary and Middle Schools should
proceed to the 10 day letter, when appropriate.
G. On the tenth (10th) absence, when appropriate, the school will contact
the student and the parent/guardian and develop a Probation in Place of Expulsion
(PIPE) plan that sets the expectations for improved attendance. Schools
at each level (elementary, middle and high) will again share pertinent information
about possible additional consequences of continued absences. The school
will keep proper documentation of this communication.
H.On the fifteenth (15th) absence, when appropriate, in communication with
the student and the parent/guardian, the school may involve Child Protective
Services, the Juvenile Justice System, and recommend expulsion. Additionally,
driver’s license/permit and work permit may be revoked by the principal after
the 15th absence.
Policy Implementation-Exhibit B
A. An Attempt is made to contact the parent/guardian by a personal call from
the school or via the Phone Master System. All calls will be properly documented
when parents call school before 10 am this step is not necessary.
B. 4th Absence – When appropriate, a letter from the Principal is sent to
the parent/guardian and properly documented. Information about possible
consequences will be included.
C. 8th Absence – When appropriate, a letter from the Principal is sent to
the parent/guardian and properly documented. Consequences for continued
absences will be included in the letter.
D. 10th Absence – When appropriate, the school will contact the student and
parent/guardian and develop a probation plan in place of expulsion plan (PIPE).
The school will keep proper documentation of the communication. Elementary
schools will send Parent Notice to Improve Attendance when appropriate.
After the 10th Truancy, Driver’s License may be revoked.
E. 15th Absence – When appropriate and in communication with the student
and parent/guardian, the school may involve Child Protective Services, Juvenile
Authorities and recommend expulsion. Note: Work Permit may be revoked after
the 15th absence.
BULLYING
In accordance with state law, “bullying” is prohibited in the Vigo County
School Corporation. Bullying is defined as any act of threatening or intimidating
behavior with the intent to harass, ridicule, humiliate, intimidate or harm
another student. This includes engaging in the act of bullying while using
school provided equipment or property. The act of “bullying” means overt,
repeated acts or gestures that may be verbal, written communications or physical
acts or any other behavior that fits the definition above.
Schools in the Vigo County School Corporation are encouraged to engage students,
staff and parents in meaningful discussions about the negative aspects of
bullying. The parent involvement may be through parent organizations already
in place in each school. Parents or students who suspect that repeated acts
of bullying are taking place should report the matter to the school principal
or designee. The report or complaint shall name the alleged violator as well
as the complainant. Upon receiving the report, the principal/designee will
investigate the matter at the building level and school consequences will
be assessed, as appropriate, according to Rule XII under Student Rights and
Responsibilities. A report of the investigation and consequences shall be
made available to the Director of Secondary and Elementary Education, as
appropriate as well as the Coordinator of Student Services.
False Reporting: A person who knowingly makes a false complaint of a violation
of this policy is subject to disciplinary action.
The Superintendent will ensure that this policy is disseminated throughout
the school community. The Superintendent is authorized to develop all procedures
and forms necessary to administer this policy.
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