Daniel Hale Williams Elementary School | Student Handbook

DANIEL HALE WILLIAMS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HANDBOOK SCHOOL YEAR 2014 – 2015 | JACQUELINE BOWMAN, PRINCIPAL

Daniel Hale Williams Elementary School 1320 East 19th Avenue | Gary, IN 46407

Table Of Contents Principal’s Greeting …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1 Mission Statement ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2 School Vision …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2 School Beliefs ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2 The School Day | Daily Schedule (K-‐6) ………………………………………………………………………. 3 Transfers …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4 Registration ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4 Testing ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4 Tornado And Fire Drills ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 5 Bus Transportation ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5 Breakfast And Lunch Program …………………………………………………………………………………… 5 School Dress Code …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 6 Attendance Procedures And Policy …………………………………………………………………………… 6 Emergency School Closing ………………………………………………………………………………………… 7 Change of Address ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 8 School Communication …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 8 School Visitation ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 8 Expectations Of Students ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 9 Expectations Of Parents ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 10 Internet Permission & Usage …………………………………………………………………………………….. 10 Media Center Rules …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 11 Student Traffic …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 12 Traffic Safety ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 12 Student Code Of Conduct ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 13 School Organizations …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 14 Textbooks Fees And School Fees ……………………………………………………………………………….. 15 Parent Involvement …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 15 Conclusion/Acknowledgment ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 16 Notes …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 17


Daniel Hale Williams Elementary School Page 1 1320 East 19th Avenue | Gary, IN 46407

Principal’s Greeting

Williams Elementary School is proudly committed to providing its students with a quality

education in a safe environment. Using all of our resources to provide a comprehensive

educational experience for our students is our daily focus.

Parental support is critical to our mission of ensuring high achievement levels for all students.

Please use the following list as a guide in providing your child & children every opportunity for

success for the new school year:

♦ Get involved with your child’s school;

♦ Get acquainted with the principal and teacher;

♦ Let your child know that you place a high priority on learning;

♦ Regularly ask your children what they are learning in class;

♦ Become a school volunteer; or

♦ Attend parent-‐teacher conferences.

I look forward to our partnership!

Jacqueline Bowman, Principal

Daniel Hale Williams Elementary School



Our Mission Daniel Hale Williams School in cooperation with staff, parents, and community partners, set forth a comprehensive plan of action that encompasses a warm climate, quality instruction, relevant experiences and mastery learning of each child within the context of the school experience at each grade. The action plan creates a community of learners who will become proficient in knowledge, concepts and skills, which will allow the students to communicate effectively and think critically in order to be competent and productive citizens in a highly technological and changing world.

Our Vision The faculty and staff at Daniel Hale Williams Elementary School embrace the philosophy that each student is endowed with special gifts and that each student has capability and potential to learn. We believe that mastery learning is predicated upon the premise that the creation of a rich and stimulating environment will produce quality and maximum benefits. This is in accordance to goals and objectives set on behalf of all students.

Our Beliefs We the faculty and staff of Daniel Hale Williams Elementary School, believe that:

♦ Learning is enhanced when all students are exposed to an environment that stimulates their academic, physical, social and emotional well-‐being;

♦ Cultural differences should be recognized and appreciated; ♦ Working together we can make a difference; ♦ Effective use of innovative methods and creative strategies will motivate and challenge

students to perform at their highest potential; ♦ Students learn best when they are actively engaged in their learning; ♦ Educational technology experiences enhance the learning opportunities of all students; ♦ Student achievement improves when a strong home, school and community partnership

exist; ♦ Students learn best when they can effectively communicate their ideas; and ♦ Effective communication between home, school and community should be maintained.



The School Day | Daily Schedule (K-‐6)

7:15 AM First Bell ( Breakfast )

7:25 AM Second Bell

7:35 AM Third Bell

9:50 AM Lunch ( Grades K – 2 )

10:35 AM Lunch ( Grades 3 – 4 )

11:20 A.M. Lunch ( Grades 5 -‐ 6 )

1:40 P.M. Dismissal

2: 20 P.M. End Of Teacher’s Day

Students who report to class after 7:35 AM are considered tardy, and must have a late admit.



Transfers Parents of students transferring to another school need to notify the School Registrar in advance of transferring in order to secure a completed transfer. Any school issued books and property must be returned before a transfer is completed. All school obligations should be taken care of before transferring.

Registration Parents must enroll their child within the boundaries of the school corporation in which the parent resides. Schools can ask for documents to assist in determining legal settlement or the right to attend school based on the location of the residence. School officials have the authority to investigate the residence of parents to en-‐sure compliance with state law. Indiana law also requires that a child entering school present a birth certificate or other reliable proof of the child’s birth date. Students being admitted should have the required immunizations. In some cases, a statutorily allowed (20) day waiver can be granted. Registration packets can be obtained at the school office.

Testing The state of Indiana requires that all 3rd through 6th grade students participate in the Indiana Statewide Testing Educational Progress (ISTEP+) program as directed by the State Department of Education. This test measures student achievement in reading, language, and mathematics in grades 3 & 4 & 5 & 6. The administration of ISTEP+ will be in the spring of the school year. The Gary Community School Corporation administers a District Quarterly Assessment once each marking period in grades K-‐6. The test measures student achievement in math, reading, language, and writing according to performance indicators that are aligned with state standards.



Tornado & Fire Drills Fire drills are held on a monthly basis. Tornado drills are conducted a least twice a semester. Instructions for evacuation from the classroom are posted in each classroom.

Bus Transportation Some of our students ride the bus to school. All students must ride their designated bus unless a written note from the parent, approved by the principal, is presented to the bus driver. Bus schedules outlining the pick-‐up areas and times are available at the school office. A copy of The Code of Conduct for safety for students riding the bus will be available in the main office and sent home with each student that rides the bus. Inappropriate behavior will NOT be tolerated on the bus at any time.

Breakfast & Lunch Program Daniel Hale Williams School provides breakfast and lunch for students in Grades K through 6. Parents who feel they qualify for the “Free and Reduced Lunch Program” may apply for the program with the school registrar. Breakfast is free to all students, and the cost for lunch is two dollars.



Student Dress Code Appropriate attire for learning and safety is most important. At Daniel Hale Williams Elementary School, uniforms shall be worn beginning with the first day of school and worn each day of the school year unless otherwise specified by the building administrator for special days and/or occasions. Special days may include picture day, dress up days or school or group programs that require special costumes or dress. Violation of the dress code will be dealt with as outlined in the Gary Community School Corporation’s Uniform Code of Student Conduct. Girls are to wear white, navy blue, or light blue tops (blouses, or Polo style), with navy blue skirts, pants, skorts, shorts, or jumpers. Boys are to wear white or light blue tops (shirts, or Polo style), with navy blue pants. Denim skirts, jeans, and t-‐shirts are inappropriate. Shirts must be tucked inside of the pants. Clothing cannot interfere with the educational process or environment, or pose a likelihood of such interference or disruption. Pants should be worn at the appropriate waist height. Belts should be worn to prevent sagging of pants. Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times; black or brown shoes; or white gym shoes.

Attendance Policy & Procedures One of the strongest foundations for school success is regular school attendance. Without regular and consistent attendance the student misses vital instruction in regard to subject matter introduction, concept formation, and sequential learning which can cause many students to fail academically.

The purpose of the attendance policy is to encourage student responsibility for attendance and to keep parents informed. Parents are asked to use discretion in excusing students and to hold them accountable for attendance.

Attendance is the responsibility of the parents, the student, and the school. The importance of regular, daily attendance as a basis for academic achievement cannot be overemphasized. All absences have a negative effect upon instructional continuity, regardless of the attempts to make up work.



Attendance Policy & Procedures (continued)

ABSENCES EXCUSED: An excused absence is granted once a parent has notified the office with a written note stating the dates and reasons for the missed days. The following are valid excused absences:

♦ Illness verified by a doctor’s statement; ♦ Doctor or dental appointment; ♦ Absence resulting from disciplinary action or short-‐term suspension up to (10) days; ♦ Family emergency (critical illness or death in the family); ♦ Participation in an approved school activity; ♦ Established religious holidays; ♦ Court appearances when required by legal authorities; ♦ Student sent home by the nurse & administrator; ♦ Extenuating circumstances, if verified by a social worker or other designated official; ♦ Quarantine; or ♦ Statutorily authorized absences in accordance with I.C. 20-‐8.1-‐3-‐18.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: Any unauthorized absence from school is truancy. A student who develops a pattern of unexcused absences, may be considered for alternative placement, counseling, psychological services and / or expulsion in accordance with the due process provisions of the Indiana statutes. NOTE: Students absent for illness for three (3) or more consecutive days must obtain an admit form from the school nurse prior to returning to class. No student will be admitted back to class on crutches or slings, after having surgery, broken bones, hospitalization, accident requiring stitches, pregnancy, or serious illness or medically assistive devices unless he & she has a release slip from the doctor and school nurse. Students exhibiting chronic or excessive absenteeism designated after four absences per semester are subject to the procedure outline in the Gary Community School Corporation’s Uniform Code of Student Conduct, Due Process and Discipline (Student Policy 308).

Emergency School Closing Information Announcements relative to the closing of schools due to inclement weather will be broadcast over the major radio stations and televisions networks beginning at 6:00 A.M., and on the Gary Community School Corporation web page (garyschools.org).



Change Of Address It is very important that you inform the school immediately of any changes in your telephone numbers, addresses, or the person we should notify in case of an emergency. The school must have an accurate address and telephone number.

*We must be able to contact parent & guardian in case of an emergency.

School Communication Class interruptions must be limited only to emergencies. Please be sure students have all information needed before they come each morning. No student or teacher will be called to the telephone. Telephone messages, other than those of an emergency nature, will not be delivered to pupils. Messages can be left for the teachers via voice mail. Teachers will answer messages after 1:40 P.M. or when the teacher has appropriate time to communicate with the caller. Any outside interference with the continuous progress of teaching and learning shall be considered an interruption (i.e. constant early dismissals). Emergencies must be cleared through the office. *Parents and students need to have a general understanding, daily if necessary, as to what the student is to do after school each day.

School Visitation Parents are welcomed to visit the school at any time during the school day. Classroom observations are encouraged, however, classroom conferences should be planned in advance with the teacher and the principal. Parents and friends are welcomed to attend all school functions and programs.

*For the protection of the children, all visitors must receive permission from the school office before going to any other part of the building or school grounds. Visitors are required to check in at the school office and pick up a visitor’s badge, and sign the Visitor’s Register. The visitor’s badge allows the parent to visit only the designated area.



Expectations For Students Our staff commits itself to the development of a safe, interactive learning environment that promotes respect, responsibility and community. Clearly de-‐fined expectations of student conduct are necessary in order to promote appropriate behavior. The students at Daniel Hale Williams will:

♦ Respect themselves, all school staff, and other students; ♦ Follow school rules at all times; ♦ Arrive at school every day on time and prepared with materials and completed

homework; ♦ Follow verbal and written instructions of all school personnel; ♦ Respect school property; ♦ Show pride in the school by helping to maintain a clean and orderly building; ♦ Show appropriate behavior in the classroom, at lunchtime, in the hall, during school

assemblies and programs, and on field trips; ♦ Take pride in their appearance and physical well-‐being; ♦ Speak in conversational voices; ♦ Refrain from talking back and use appropriate language; ♦ Have a positive attitude and be considerate of others; ♦ Show honesty and integrity; ♦ Practice self-‐control; and ♦ Stay in designated areas.



Expectations For Parents The school experience is a very important part of your child’s life. Assisting your child in making this experience productive and rewarding should be one of the major roles of the parents. Cooperation between parents, students, staff, teachers, and administrators require our best efforts. Clear communication of parent expectations promotes this cooperation. Parents of Daniel Hale Williams School students should:

♦ Send your child to school on time, appropriately dressed, clean, and well rested; ♦ Be actively involved in your child’s education; ♦ Come to school whenever possible, and get to know your child’s teacher; ♦ Be positive and supportive at home; ♦ Maintain open communication with the school; ♦ Attend Parent & Teacher conferences regularly; ♦ Assist your child with homework, and review your child’s schoolwork; ♦ Read all school notices; ♦ Follow through with suggested strategies; ♦ Come to school functions; ♦ Make sure your child has the necessary material for school; ♦ Try to schedule appointments, vacations, and other activities so that they do not impact

the school day; ♦ Demonstrate a respectful demeanor while on school grounds; and ♦ Parents are to reinforce school rules and policies.

Internet Permission & Usage

♦ All students must have an internet permission form on file in the Media Center and photo consent;

♦ All staff must have an internet permission form on file in the Media Center; ♦ Parents who use any computer to go on line in the Media center must have an internet

per-‐mission form on file in the Media Center; and ♦ All persons using the internet must comply with Gary Community School Corporation

Policy or lose their privilege to use the computer to connect to the internet.



Media Center Rules

♦ All books are the property of Williams Media Center;

♦ Any student in good standing may check out books;

♦ Reference books and audiovisual materials may be used only in the Media Center;

♦ Books may be checked out for one week and renewed;

♦ Kindergarten, first, and second grade students may check out one book at a time;

♦ Third & fourth & fifth & sixth grade students may check out two books at a time. Third &

fourth grade students must have teacher’s recommendation;

♦ Students must pay full replacement cost of any book lost or damaged;

♦ A student may not check out additional books until reimbursement has been made for

lost or damaged items. There is no fine for overdue books;

♦ Students must handle print and non-‐print media and equipment with care and exhibit

self-‐control while in the Media Center; and

♦ Any student who consistently abuses these rules may lose his & her privilege to check

out books or use the Media Center for a period of time determined by the Library Media

Specialist.



Student Traffic

♦ Students are to follow the directions within the building when moving from one area to another;

♦ Students will be escorted to and from all specials (music, art, and P.E.) by the classroom teacher;

♦ Students are to be escorted and seated by their teacher when entering the lunchroom for lunch;

♦ When moving in the halls, always stay to your right; and ♦ At the end of the day, all bus riders, and walkers will assemble in a designated area to

be escorted to the buses or parent pick-‐up area by an adult.

Traffic Safety

A traffic plan has been developed to utilize the circular drive in the west parking lot for morning drop off and afternoon pickup. Please adhere to the following:

♦ When dropping off or picking up a student, always pull to the curb, and do not leave your care unattended;

♦ All students being dropped off must enter in entrance B., (West side of the building.); ♦ Acknowledge and obey the school crossing guards. Cross at the street corner where the

crossing guard is positioned; ♦ Walking students have the right of way; ♦ Please have your child ready to exit your vehicle as soon as you stop; ♦ Please watch and drive cautiously through the parking lot when entering and exiting;

and ♦ Any student being dropped off after 7:35 A.M. must use entrance A (East side of the

building).



Student Code Of Conduct At Daniel Hale Williams Elementary School, we believe that an academic environment conducive to learning must be present if students are to have the opportunity to learn. To facilitate this environment rules and regulations must be established. Each classroom teacher establishes classroom rules. Aside from those rules, The Student Code of Conduct outlines the school-‐wide rules which provides the standard of con-‐duct for the students at Daniel Hale Williams. The school rules along with discipline procedures are out-‐lined below. Students will not engage in the following:

ACTION RESULT Insubordination & Disregard for authority (1-‐10) day Suspension depending on the severity

Use of profanity Parent & Student & Principal conference & possible (1-‐10) day suspension

Defacing school Parent & Student & Principal conference (10) day suspension & expulsion request

Disruptive Behaviors (1-‐10) day Suspension depending on the severity & expulsion

Pushing & Shoving & Tripping (1-‐10) day Suspension depending on the severity & expulsion

Inappropriate conversations during class instruction

(1-‐10) day Suspension depending on the severity & expulsion

Leaving the classroom without permission (1-‐10) day Suspension depending on the severity & expulsion

Inappropriate language directed toward staff (1-‐10) day Suspension depending on the severity & expulsion

Lack of respect toward staff (1-‐10) day suspension & expulsion Undesirable Bus behavior ( See Student Transportation Code of Conduct )

Loss of bus privileges for: Warning, 5 days, 1 grading period, or indefinitely

Undesirable Cafeteria behavior Warning: (1-‐10) day suspension depending on severity Possession of electronic devices Cell phone & MP3 players & Games Confiscation

Indecency Parent & Student & Principal Conference & possible (1-‐10) day suspension depending on severity

Bullying & Intimidation & Threats Student & Parents & Principal Conference (1-‐10) day Suspension & expulsion request

Violation of Internet Agreement Loss of Privilege for one ( 1 ) month or indefinitely

Theft Student & Parent & Principal Conference; (10) day Suspension & expulsion request

Gang Activity Student & Parent & Principal Conference; (10) day Suspension & expulsion request

Possession of a Weapon ( confiscate weapon ) Student & Parent & Principal Conference; (10 ) day Suspension & expulsion request



Student Code Of Conduct (continued) For some students, all of the infractions listed must have a Manifestation Conference. The extreme nature of any infraction may warrant and Expulsion Request and/or the indefinite suspension of privilege. Any infraction which is not listed in the handbook will be subjected to the procedure outlined within the Gary Community School Corporation’s Uniform Code of Student Con-‐duct, Due Process and Discipline booklet. The school administrator has the ultimate responsibility to know and consistently and fairly enforce the rules of our school and policies of the school district.

School Organizations We believe in engaging our students in extra-‐curricular activities which will provide them with the opportunity to use their social skills while participating in these organizations. Students who participate in any organization must:

♦ Maintain a “C” average in their academic core subjects;

♦ Show respect for themselves &staff & fellow students at all times; and

♦ Follow school rules as outlined in the Parent & Student Handbook.

CURRENT SCHOOL ORGANIZATIONS

♦ Student Council

♦ Peer Mediators

♦ Art Club

♦ Hall Monitors

♦ Choir

♦ Kids Helping Kids

♦ Basketball Team

♦ Library Club

♦ The Brotherhood



Textbook And School Fees Textbooks and school fees are due at the beginning of the school year. Check with the school treasure in the school office for the amount due.

Parent Involvement Education is a family affair! Students perform better and are more excited about learning when a parent is involved in their education. Parent-‐Teacher Conferences Communication between school and home is an essential ingredient of student success. After-‐school phone calls, notes, and attendance at scheduled conferences are highly encouraged to maintain consistent communication. Parents will be informed well in advance as to the schedule of conferences and report cards. Parents are also free to initiate a conference with the teacher and/or principal and meet when time is best for all involved. Volunteering We welcome volunteers in our school. Volunteering is one of the most successful ways to achieve partnership between parents, community members, and local business. Our parents and community have a vast amount of talents, experiences, and knowledge that they can share with our students. Please share your personal “gifts” with the school and get involved. Parent and community involvement strengthens our programs and is welcomed and appreciated. Anyone interested in volunteering at school may stop in the office for a copy of the volunteer policy. This covers requirements and guidelines set up by the administration and the school board. PTA Daniel Hale Williams has an active Parent Teacher Association. It is encouraged that parents join.



Conclusion / Acknowledgment We hope that the information provided in this handbook will be useful to you and your child through-‐out the school year. Please read the handbook with your child and return the acknowledgement form below. By signing below, I acknowledge that my child and I have read the Daniel Hale Williams Elementary School Handbook and we will abide by the expectations and rules listed within. ____________________________________ __________________________________ STUDENT’S PRINTED NAME STUDENT’S SIGNATURE ____________________________________ ____________________________________ PARENT’S PRINTED NAME PARENT’S SIGNATURE _____________________________________ DATE



Notes

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Documents

Daniel Hale Williams Elementary School | Student Handbook