Achievement
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2008-09
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TREMONT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

 

PARENT AND STUDENT HANDBOOK

 

2007-08

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Maria Wilkes, Principal

Miss Ruth Sacolick, Nurse

Miss Marlynn Schwenk, Counselor

Mrs. Linda Dolfi, Elementary Instruction Specialist

 

Tremont Elementary School

Parent Handbook

2006-2007

 

 

Attendance Procedures                                            

    Student Illness

    Planned Absence

    Appointments

    Sign-in/Sign-out Procedures

    Tardiness

 

Curriculum                                                    

    Curricular Overview

    Intervention Services

    Career Education: Tremont's Pride

    Instrumental Music Lessons

    Instructional Fees                                  

 

Student Assessment                                            

    Progress Reporting

    ProficiencyTesting

 

Student Records                                                

    Cumulative Records

    Access to Records

    Confidentiality

 

Parent Participation                                            

    Classroom Visitations

    Parent Communications

    Parent Conferences

    Parent Concerns

    Child Custody Information

    Confidentiality

    Tremont School Association (TSA)

    Volunteers

 

Student Health                                                

    Student Emergency Medical Information

    Health Services

    Special Medical Needs and Emergencies

    

Lunch Services                                                

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

School Safety                                                            Emergency Closing — Snow Day

    Fire Drill

    Weather (Tornado) Drill

    Intruder Drill

    Building Security

   Accident Insurance

   Animals

 

Arrival and Dismissal Safety                                     

    Walking to and from School

    Cell Phones

    Bus Transportation

    Bicycles or Scooters

 

School Age Child Care (SACC)                                     

 

Behavior Expectations                                            

    Dress

    Personal Property - Lost and Found Articles

   Appropriate Behavior

 

Special Events                                               

    Birthdays

    Classroom Celebrations

    Special Activities

    Open House

    Special Friend's Day

    Winter Holiday Activities

    Tremont Pride Recognition

    Field Trips

    Gifts to Teachers

 

Non-Discrimination Notice Statement                                   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Attendance Procedures

 

Student Illness

We request that you call the office each day your child is absent. Tremont's voicemail system is activated when the office is closed. We encourage you to call in the evening or early morning hours and leave a message if your child will not be in school that day. If no call is received, we are required by state law to call your home or work to confirm the absence. Please send a written excuse to your child's teacher upon his/her return to school.

 

Planned Absence

If you know your child will be absent for an extended time, we ask that you complete a Preplanned Absence Form, which is available in the office. Your child's teacher can then work with you to assign work to be completed during the absence. It is important to note that work sent home does not fully replace classroom instruction.

 

Appointments

A student is not permitted to leave school during the day unless a written request has been received from the parent. Students are excused to keep medical appointments that cannot be scheduled for another time. We ask that you make every attempt to schedule such appointments after school hours. Please send a note in advance to the teacher stating the time and reason for the child's dismissal. Students excused during school hours are to report to the office at the time of the dismissal and upon returning. As a safety precaution, parents must sign students in and out in the office. Students will not be dismissed to go to any appointments alone.

    

Sign-in/Sign-out Procedures

Anytime a student leaves the school during the school day, a parent or adult designee must accompany him or her. That adult must sign the student in and out of the office. Students are never permitted to return home for forgotten homework, instruments, lunches, etc.

 

Tardiness

The importance of students arriving at school on time cannot be overemphasized. Continuous cooperation between the student’s home and school is essential, as rules of punctuality need adult support. Bells to enter school ring at 8:10 a.m. and 12:00 noon. A child is considered tardy at 8:16 a.m. and 12:06 p.m.

 

 

Curriculum

 

Curricular Overview

The Tremont Elementary program provides academic instruction in Language Arts, Reading, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Health, Visual Art, Vocal Music, and Physical Education. The Media Center offers a wide range of services for students, parents and staff. The computer lab affords students the opportunity to learn and practice computer literacy skills within the above mentioned academic studies.

 

 

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Mrs. Linda Dolfi, Elementary Instruction Specialist (EIS) works with Tremont teachers to assure

that excellent and appropriate curriculum, instruction, assessment and intervention programs

are available for all Tremont students. Feel free to contact your child's teacher, Mrs. Dolfi or Dr. Wilkes for more information related to any curriculum issues.

 

Intervention Services

Intervention assistance and literacy teams meet regularly at Tremont in order to assist students with special needs. The teams seek creative ways to provide customized learning environments for students who require specialized services in addition to the regular grade level program. Team members may include the principal, elementary instruction specialist, classroom teacher, literacy and intervention specialists, psychologist, speech therapist, parents, or other individuals as appropriate.

 

Tremont offers a full range of intervention and literacy services from small group instruction to resource room instruction for students with mild to moderate learning needs. Speech, occupational and physical therapies are available to students who have identified needs.

 

Tutoring is available for students who are learning English as a second language.

 

Gifted instruction is offered to students who are identified as cognitively and academically advanced as defined by Ohio and Upper Arlington Schools criteria.

    

Career Education: Tremont's Pride

Tremont's Pride is a career education program that encourages service learning by involving students in daily school operations and events. Students apply for jobs that are advertised by staff. After being interviewed and hired by a teacher or staff member, the student earns points for the minutes worked. Students also assist the Tremont School Association (TSA) by helping with special school functions. These points are tallied and recognized periodically during the year at special Pride Assemblies.

    

Instrumental Music Instruction

String instrumental instruction is available to students in the fourth and fifth grades. Band instrumental lessons are available beginning in the fifth grade.

 

At the end of each school year, students are provided with demonstrations of the instruments available to them. Students may then sign up for lessons. Informational meetings are scheduled by both string and band teachers at the beginning of the school year.

 

Instructional Fees

All elementary school students are required to pay an instructional fee of $25.00 each school year to Upper Arlington Schools. The fees pay for consumable classroom materials. Classroom teachers may also request additional funds for purchase of educational subscriptions and other

 

 

 

 

 

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specialized instructional supplies. Any family experiencing financial hardship may confidentially discuss payment options with Dr. Wilkes or a staff member. No student will be denied access to needed instructional supplies because of inability to pay fees. Checks should be made payable to Upper Arlington Schools.

 

Student Assessment

 

Progress Reporting

 

Student progress is reported to parents/students four times each school year per the following schedule:

 

1. November : Progress Report is sent home and parent conferences are scheduled for all students.

2. January : Progress Report is sent home at end of first semester. Parent conferences may be requested by teacher or parent.

3. April and June : Progress Report is sent home.

4. A parent conference or written interim report may be scheduled between the four progress reports to communicate a significant change in student progress.

 

Parent and teacher communication is essential for student success. Parents are encouraged to contact the teacher with questions or concerns.

 

State Testing

During the months of October, third-grade students will take the Ohio Third Grade Reading Achievement Test, first administration. Students who receive a passing score in October will not need to retake the reading portion, while third graders who did not receive a passing score on the Reading Achievement will retake the test in May.  All third graders will take the Ohio Third Grade Math Achievement Test in May. Also in May, all fourth and fifth grade students will take Ohio Fourth and Fifth Grade Achievement Tests. Your child's results will be mailed to your home during the summer. Teachers also administer district developed assessments throughout the school year. You will receive testing dates in weekly school and classroom newsletters. We ask that you make every effort to ensure that your child is present on testing days, well rested, and well nourished.

 

 

Student Records

 

Cumulative Records

Each student who enrolls in the Upper Arlington School District must have a copy of his/her birth certificate on file. The cumulative records also contain the registration form, medical form, attendance record, standardized testing data, and proof of residency and child custody papers, if applicable. Records may also contain data from a transferring school or other data pertinent to the child's education.

 

 

 

 

 

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Parents have an obligation to inform the school anytime the custody of a child changes.

 

Intervention services are never included in cumulative files. These confidential documents are not a part of the child's permanent school record.

 

 

Access to Records

Parents have the right to review and/or receive copies of their child's records. The school may charge for the actual cost of duplicating the records. In the event of divorce or change in custody, natural parents continue to have rights to their child's records. A non-custodial parent may request and receive copies of progress reports and other school communications. Only the custodial parent has the authority to make educational decisions requested by the school.

 

Stepparents have no rights to records, reports, or conferences unless the custodial parent confers these rights on them.

 

 

Confidentiality

Student records are confidential and are protected by the "Privacy Act." Only school staff and the child's natural parents or legal guardians have access to the records.

 

 

Parent Participation

 

 

Classroom Visitations

Parents are welcome to visit classrooms at Tremont. For security purposes, parents must wear name badges when in the building. Please register in the office and pick up a name badge before visiting classrooms. It is advisable to plan your visit with the office and the teacher so that we can arrange a time to observe that will be meaningful to you. It is helpful to both students and the teacher if the visit is for no more than thirty minutes in any particular classroom. The teacher will provide you with a neutral seat where you may observe the classroom without disturbing instruction. Please do not interact with teachers or students during the visit. You may schedule a separate teacher conference time as needed.

 

Parent Communications

Your child will bring home a "Friday Folder" each week. Your teacher and the office will send home news regarding special school activities. A monthly school newsletter entitled Tremont's Lions Pride Edition is included in the first Friday folder each month.  You will also be able to access the newsletter on the Tremont webpage: school.uaschools.org/tremont. Watch this publication for special Tremont, TSA, or community-sponsored events. If you are a regular email user, we extend the opportunity to receive selected communications via email. Please email your child’s teacher and let them know that you are willing to use this option. We will then add your email address to our school roster. We also use an automated phone message system to update you on news events, so check your voice mail and make sure we have your most current telephone numbers.

 

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Parent Conferences

All parents are expected to meet with teachers in November to review their child's progress report. Conferences may additionally be scheduled as needed throughout the school year. Parents may be invited to participate in intervention conferences to help develop educational plans for their child. The child receiving intervention services will receive annual reviews of progress. Parents are required by law to participate in these annual reviews.

 

Parent Concerns

As a parent, you are a valued member of the Tremont educational team. In order to provide the best possible education for your child, we encourage your participation in educational decisions. Should you have a problem, question, or concern, please contact your child's classroom teacher first. For issues concerning social or emotional development you may want to contact our School Counselor, Miss Marlynn Schwenk. Curricular concerns are best handled by the Elementary Instruction Specialist, Linda Dolfi. At Tremont, we use a cooperative team approach to concerns and problem resolution.

 

Child Custody Information

Parents have an obligation to inform the school anytime the custody of a child changes. Custody arrangements are noted in the child's cumulative record.

 

In the event of divorce or change in custody, natural parents continue to have rights to their child's records. A non-custodial parent may request and receive copies of progress reports and other school communications. Only the custodial parent has the authority to make educational decisions requested by the school.

 

Stepparents have no rights to records, reports or conferences unless the custodial parent confers these rights on them.

 

Confidentiality

Student records are confidential and are protected by the "Privacy Act." Only school staff and the child's natural parents or legal guardians have access to the records.

 

Tremont School Association (TSA)

TSA is an outgrowth of the traditional parent-teacher organization. It is not affiliated with any national organization. Initiatives are directed toward the students, parents, and staff of Tremont School. All parents of Tremont students are considered members of the Tremont School Association (TSA). Monthly meetings are publicized in newsletters and the school calendar. The TSA organizes many special programs for students, staff, parents, and the community. You are encouraged to become active in TSA. Your children will benefit from your active participation. Dues are collected at the beginning of each school year. Your membership includes a copy of the yearly student directory. This directory is NOT to be used for business purposes. If you choose to exclude your address and/or telephone number from the directory, please call the school secretary during the first full week of school.

 

 

 

 

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Volunteers

There is no need to wonder what is happening at Tremont. You are invited not only to visit but also to become involved. Please volunteer and learn first hand what the children are doing. Extra hands, heads, and hearts are always needed in the classrooms, office, media center, and computer lab. Your help allows the staff more time to fully meet the needs of individual children. The Tremont School Association also provides numerous opportunities to volunteer. Look for the sign-up sheet that is sent home on the first day of school or contact a TSA officer.

 

 

Student Health

 

Student Emergency Medical Information

Each child must have an Emergency Medical Authorization Form and an illness card on file in the office. Please complete these forms accurately and return them to school immediately. Throughout the school year, be sure the office has current home and work telephone numbers so that you can be readily reached in cases of medical emergency.

 

Health Services

The Upper Arlington School Health Services are committed to providing the best possible educational opportunity for each student by minimizing absence due to illness, assisting students to improve their health status, and creating a climate of wellness. To meet the educational wellness needs of children, it is vital to have accurate health status information about all Tremont students. All information is considered confidential and is shared only with appropriate professional staff. The health records required for entrance to Upper Arlington City Schools are:

 

1.     Health and immunization records , including a physical examination for kindergarten students, must be completed prior to admission. Vision and hearing assessments should be included. Other new students (grades 1-12) must have complete health records on file, including a physical examination and immunization information.

 

2.   A Health History and Physician's Report is provided at registration for all students. While the Health History may be completed by parents, the Physician’s Report must be completed and signed by a physician, The child must have a physical within one year of the child's first day of school in the District. The dentist's report may be completed during a dental checkup.

 

3.    A complete Immunization Record be filed within two weeks after school admission – per Ohio Revised Code, Sections 3313.671, 3701.13, and 5104.011A(5).

1. Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus (DPT, DTaP, DT, Td)

2. A minimum of four doses is required. If the fourth dose was administered before the fourth birthday, a fifth dose is required for kindergarten students.

3. Poliomyelitis (OPV, IPV)

4. Three schedules exist for the polio vaccine. Refer to the Health Services: Requirements for Admission form for specifics, or speak with the Tremont School nurse.

5.      Measles, Mumps, and Rubella vaccine (MMR)

6.        The three vaccines are usually administered as a combined MMR vaccine. Two doses of MMR vaccine are required for entry into school. The first dose must have been received on or after the first birthday, and the second dose at least 28 days after the first dose.

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10.      Hepatitis B – All children entering kindergarten through fifth grade must have received a three-dose series of hepatitis B vaccine.

11.      Varicella Vaccine (Chicken Pox)

12. All children entering kindergarten will need one dose of varicella vaccine, to be administered on or after the first birthday.

 

For questions regarding your child’s health record, please contact the Tremont nurse.

 

Hearing and vision screenings are completed at grades K, 1, 2, 3, and 5 and for all new students. The school nurse will contact you with any concerns after these screenings.

 

In order that your child may have a happy and successful year at school, his/her health is very important. Your child should stay at home if he/she shows any signs of illness such as a fresh cold, elevation of temperature, gastrointestinal upset, skin rash or sores (particularly around the mouth or nose) or an inflamed eye. If your child is sent home for sores or an inflamed eye, it will be necessary to have a note from the doctor to return to school, unless the condition has cleared.

 

The school will release sick children only to the child's custodial parent or a person identified by the custodial parent.

 

Please notify the school if your child has a contagious disease. The child must stay at home until your doctor permits him/her to return to school. The nurse will send notices to families when someone in the class has contracted a contagious disease.

 

Your child is expected to participate in all activities including outdoor recess. Children will go outdoors every day except when the wind chill or temperature is less than 20 degrees, or when it is raining. Please make sure that your child is dressed appropriately for the weather conditions.

 

If your child is unable to participate in physical education classes, a medical excuse from a doctor must be given to the physical education teacher. In such cases, the teacher will attempt to appropriately adapt the program for the child.

 

Special Medical Needs and Emergencies

Some children are able to attend school regularly because of the effective use of medication in the treatment of chronic disabilities or illnesses. It is strongly recommended that medication be administered in the home whenever possible. If this is not possible, parents may come to school to administer medication to their children or school staff may administer medication. The following procedure must be followed if a student takes medication while at school:

 

13.     All prescription medication to be taken at school must be accompanied by a doctor's order, labeled with all necessary information including the student's name, the date, the name of the drug, dosage, and the time interval at which the medication is to be given.

 

14.     Medication must be brought to school in a container appropriately labeled by the pharmacy or physician.

 

 

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15.     A release form and written permission from the parent/guardian of the pupil requesting that medication be given or taken during school hours must be on file in the clinic.

 

16.     A new request form must be submitted each year and as necessary to cover changes in the medication order.

 

17.     Prescription medication to be taken at school will be securely stored out of view in the office or clinic.

 

18.     Children are not permitted to carry medication (prescription or non-prescription) on their person at any time.

 

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