Blackwater R-II School District
Home of the Bulldogs
2014-15 Student Handbook
300 Doddridge,
PO Box 117,
Blackwater, MO 65322
Phone: 660-846-2461Fax: 660-846-2431
Table of Contents
Topic Page #Topic Page #
Updated 08-18-20141
Welcome Letter from Mrs. Brown ...... 3
Staff Contact Information ...... 4
School Board Members ...... 5
Mission Statement, Beliefs, Vision Statement . . . 6
Notice of Non-discrimination ...... 6
Calendar ...... 7
Important Dates ...... 8
Academic Dishonesty ...... 9
Access to Information ...... 9
Aid to Students ...... 9
Arrivals ...... 9
Assemblies...... 10
Attendance...... 10
Bicycles...... 11
Building Facility and Use ...... 11
Cancellations...... 11
Change of Address...... 12
Check Out Procedures...... 12
Child Abuse & Neglect...... 12
Communicable Diseases...... 12
Custody of Pupils...... 13
Discipline ...... 13
Dismissal...... 13
Dress Code...... 13
Electronic Devices...... 14
Emergency Information...... 14
Entrance Age...... 14
Extra-curricular Activities...... 14
Field Trips ...... 15
Food Service ...... 15
Grade Reports ...... 15
Health Care Matters ...... 16
Homework ...... 17
Hotline Numbers ...... 17
Instructional Support Services...... 18
Insurance...... 18
Internet Usage Policy...... 18
Library Books...... 18
Lockers ...... 18
Lost and Found...... 19
Office Hours...... 19
NCLB Resolution Procedures...... 19
Parent-Teacher Conferences...... 22
Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) ...... 22
Parents Right to Know...... 23
Physical Education...... 23
Pictures ...... 24
Playground...... 24
Privacy Rights...... 24
Promotion...... 24
Safe Schools Act...... 24
Skateboards, Skates and Heelies...... 25
Students’ Rights and Responsibility...... 25
Substance Abuse Policy ...... 25
Tardies...... 26
Telephones...... 26
Textbooks...... 26
Transportation...... 26
Truancy...... 27
Visitors...... 27
Updated 08-18-20141
Welcome from Mrs. Brown…
Hello everyone! I hope each of you had a great summer and are ready to get back into the swing of things here at Blackwater R-II School. I am thrilled to be joining your school family this year. We have been working hard this summer to get the building cleaned up, fixed up, and ready for a new school year.
First, here’s a little about my background. This is my 16th year in education. I spent the last 15 years at Latham R-V School in Latham, Missouri. I taught a 5th and 6th grade combined class for three years and have been the administrator for the past 12 years. Latham is a small K-8 school much like Blackwater (actually even smaller).
We currently have 120 students enrolled in Blackwater this year. I cannot wait to get to know all the students and their families. I will be in and out of the classrooms everyday to see the learning going on. One thing you will learn is that I am a hands-on and involved principal. I enjoy talking to students when I enter the classroom (unless the teacher is speaking, of course!).
We have a few new staff members this year. Mrs. Christine Rose is the new Librarian and Title I teacher. She has been working hard to get the Library reorganized and ready for students. Mrs. Dawn McDowell is the new Music teacher. She will be here on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this year. LaDonna Gilson is our new bus driver. She will be running the Hwy. Z elementary route as well as afternoon Pilot Grove and Boonville High School routes. We welcome all of them!
I encourage each of you to take the time to read and understand the Student Handbook. It has everything you need to know about our school. Please be sure to return the half slip that acknowledges you received the handbook.
One change you will notice is there is now an interior entry door on the south side of the school. All students will continue to enter into the building on the west side, but walkers will dismiss at the south exit. Any student arriving after 9:00 am will need to be signed in at the office. Please use the south door to do so. This door was put in to better control the traffic in and out of the school for student safety. Also, it gets visitors inside the building and out of the weather.
Be sure to check out our school’s website at If you experience problems, make sure you put the www in front. If problems persist, please let me know.
If you should have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call or e-mail me. I will be available from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm and by appointment before- or after-school if necessary. Every student deserves to have a positive and meaningful educational experience and I am here to help when/if you need me.
Contact Information
Office Telephone: 660-846-2461Principal: Tanya Brown
School Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Secretary: Cathy Kempf
Office Fax: 660-846-2431
Staff Member / Position / E-mailTanya Brown / Superintendent/Principal /
Cathy Kempf / Secretary /
Jenni Harvey / Preschool /
Betty Vollmer / Kindergarten/1st Grade /
Katie Cornine / 2nd Grade /
Becca Warren / 3rdGrade /
Megan Roscher / 4th Grade /
Denise Tounzen / 5th-8th Communication Arts /
Tamara Gilliam / 5th-8th Math /
Margie Brimer / 5th-8th Science /
Jeanette Esser / 5th-8th Social Studies /
Ryan Brimer / PE/Health/Computers /
Christine Rose / Library/Title I /
Christy Hendrix / Special Education /
Sarah Knedgen / Speech Implementor/Art /
Dawn McDowell / Music/Band /
Kimberly Johnson / Counselor /
Cindy Donnell / Head Cook/Bus Driver /
Tina Ricklin / Assistant Cook /
Howard Ricklin / Custodian/Maintenance
LaDonna Gilson / Bus Driver
Stacy Hayes / Parents as Teachers /
2014-2015
School Board Members
Patricia “Trish” Nowlin Cell: 660-621-3102
16535 Buffalo Prairie Drive
Blackwater, MO 65322 Email:
Bobbie “Pache” Renfrow, Vice-President Home: 660-859-2404
18130 Z Hwy
Blackwater, MO 65322 Email:
Eric Harvey, Secretary Home: 660-859-2100
32523 Hwy H
Nelson, MO 65347 Email :
Scott Schuster, Treasurer Home: 660-846-2219
19650 Hwy 41
Blackwater, MO 65322 Email:
Deborah Waller Home: 660-859-2637
16773 October Trail
Nelson, MO 65347 Email:
Lori WidelHome: 660-859-2691
380 Cramer Hollow Rd
Nelson, MO 65347 Email:
Dan Luscombe Cell: 660-221-4114
4291 Union Lane
Blackwater, MO 65322
Blackwater R-II School District
Mission Statement
Teaching Effectively, Learning Efficiently, and Achieving Excellence.
Beliefs
We believe:
●all students can learn and be continually challenged to develop to their maximum potential.
●all students have a right to a high quality, individualized public education.
●a meaningful, challenging academic program will connect all students to learning and honor their differences.
●all individuals shall be responsible and accountable for their actions.
●all individuals shall be provided a safe and secure physical and emotional educational environment.
●all stakeholders share in the responsibility for learning, character, and climate.
●effective communication is essential to the educational process.
Vision Statement
Blackwater R-II School District is a caring place, offering a quality education so all students reach their full potential while being valued as individuals.
Notice of Non-discrimination
The Blackwater R-II School District has adopted policies which affirm its compliance with applicable statutes regarding nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, socioeconomic status, marital status, sex, age or handicapping condition. The institution is therefore in
compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Any person having inquiries concerning Blackwater R-II School District’s compliance with regulations implementing the acts listed above are directed to contact the Superintendent of Schools, 300 Doddridge, P O Box 117, Blackwater, MO 65322, who has been designated to coordinate the institution’s efforts to comply with these regulations. Any person may also contact the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education regarding compliance activities.
2014-15 Blackwater R-II Calendar
Revision approved 7/15/14
July / JanuaryS / M / T / W / T / F / S / S / M / T / W / T / F / S
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 4 - Independence Day / 1 / 2 / 3 / 1-2-Christmas Break
6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 5-No School (PD)
6-School Resumes
13 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 16-Early Dismissal (PD)
20 / 21 / 22 / 23 / 24 / 25 / 26 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 21 / 22 / 23 / 24 / 19 - Martin Luther King Day
No School**
27 / 28 / 29 / 30 / 31 / 25 / 26 / 27 / 28 / 29 / 30 / 31 / 18 days
August / February
S / M / T / W / T / F / S / S / M / T / W / T / F / S
1 / 2 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 4-Mid-Quarter
3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14
10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 21 / 16-President’s Day
No School**
17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 21 / 22 / 23 / 18-Open House
20-First Day of School / 22 / 23 / 24 / 25 / 26 / 27 / 28
24 / 25 / 26 / 27 / 28 / 29 / 30
31 / 8 days / 19 days
September / March
S / M / T / W / T / F / S / S / M / T / W / T / F / S
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 1–Labor Day-No School / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7
7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 12-Grandparent’s Day
12-Early Dismissal (PD) / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 12-End of 3rd Quarter
14 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 18-Mid-quarter / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 21 / 17-Early Dismissal (PD)
21 / 22 / 23 / 24 / 25 / 26 / 27 / 22 / 23 / 24 / 25 / 26 / 27 / 28
28 / 29 / 30 / 21 days / 29 / 30 / 31 / 22 days
October / April
S / M / T / W / T / F / S / S / M / T / W / T / F / S
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 2-Early Dismissal
3-Good Friday-No School
5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 8-Early Dismissal (PD) / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 5-Easter
10-Mid-quarter
12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 13-Columbus Day
17-End of 1st Quarter / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18
19 / 20 / 21 / 22 / 23 / 24 / 25 / 23-Early Dismissal
Parent/Teacher Conferences
24-No School / 19 / 20 / 21 / 22 / 23 / 24 / 25
26 / 27 / 28 / 29 / 30 / 31 / 31-Halloween 22 days / 26 / 27 / 28 / 29 / 30 / 21 days
November / May
S / M / T / W / T / F / S / S / M / T / W / T / F / S
1 / 1 / 2
2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9
9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 11-Veteran’s Day
11-Early Dismissal (PD)
14-Mid-quarter / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14 / 15 / 16 / 10-Mother’s Day
15-Last Day (End of 4th quarter)
15-Early Dismissal
16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 21 / 22 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 21 / 22 / 23 / 18-20 Make-up days**
23 / 24 / 25 / 26 / 27 / 28 / 29 / 26-28 Thanksgiving Break / 24 / 25 / 26 / 27 / 28 / 29 / 30 / 25-Memorial Day
30 / 17 days / 31 / 11 days
December / June
S / M / T / W / T / F / S / S / M / T / W / T / F / S
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6
7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13
14 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 19-End of 2nd Quarter
19-Early Dismissal / 14 / 15 / 16 / 17 / 18 / 19 / 20 / 14-Flag Day
21 / 22 / 23 / 24 / 25 / 26 / 27 / 22-31-Christmas Break
25-Christmas / 21 / 22 / 23 / 24 / 25 / 26 / 27 / 21-Father’s Day
28 / 29 / 30 / 31 / 15 days / 28 / 29 / 30
**Make-up days
Important Dates
Basketball
Schedule out in September after conference school meeting. *Also see district website.
BOE Meetings
Aug. 19, 2014Sept. 16, 2014Oct. 21, 2014 Nov. 18, 2014Dec. 16, 2014
Jan. 20, 2015Feb. 17, 2015Mar. 17, 2015 April 21, 2015May 19, 2015
Book Fairs
Fall – TBASpring –TBA
Early Dismissals @ 1:00 pm
Sept. 12 Oct. 8 & 23, Nov. 11, Dec. 19, Jan. 16, Mar. 17, April 2,May 15
Music Programs
Winter Program December 16, 2014
Spring Program
Pictures
Fall Pictures October 9, 2014
Spring PicturesApril 19, 2015
Progress Reports
Mid Qt DatesSeptember 18, November 14, February 4, April 10
Quarter DatesOctober 17, December 19,March 12, May 15
Special Luncheons
September 6Grandparents’ Day - Please reserve a spot for your Grandparents
November 11Veteran’s Day – Please reserve a spot for family and friends who are
Veterans.
Track Meets
Fall track meet in Miami TBA
Spring track meet in HardemanTBA
General Information
Academic Dishonesty
Academic Dishonesty is defined as copying someone else’s work or allowing someone to copy your work. All work must be completed by the student, not by other students or parents. Plagiarism is also a form of academic dishonesty and will not be tolerated. In addition, forgery and/or falsifying a note is also considered academic dishonesty. Students who exhibit academic dishonesty will be subject to the following disciplinary actions:
1st Offense:Conference, after-school detention, phone call to parents/
guardians, and a score of “zero” on the assignment.
2nd Offense:One day of in-school suspension, phone call to parents/
guardians, and a score of “zero” on the assignment.
3rd Offense:Three days of in-school suspension, conference with parents/
guardians and principal, and a score of “zero” on the
assignments.
4th Offense:Five days of in-school suspension or out of school suspension,
conference with parents/guardians and principal, and a score
of “zero” on the assignment.
Access to Information
In accordance with the provision of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act, student’s records maintained by Blackwater School remain confidential except to authorized personnel. Parents or legal guardians have full access to school records of their children and may make reasonable requests to change or delete any information they feel is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise inappropriate. School authorities will maintain a recorded in each student’s folder to be signed by all persons gaining access to student information and the reason for the access.
Aid to Students
Blackwater R-II School District participates in the Federal Free and Reduced Priced Lunch Program authorized through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Standard eligibility forms are sent home twice a year, once at the beginning of the school year and again in January. If at any time a family feels their needs have changed, they are encouraged to reapply by calling or stopping by the office to request the forms; then complete them and return them to the office as soon as possible. This is a strictly confidential process where school personnel and eligible families are the only knowing parties.
Arrivals
Parent/Guardian and student cooperation is requested in observing the daily school schedule. The school’s responsibility for supervision of students begins at 8:40 am. Front doors will open at this time. Prior to that time there will be no adult supervision. The school will be open to students at 8:40 am for breakfast. Students arriving before 8:50 am should go directly to the gym. They will be dismissed at 8:50 am to report to K-4 classrooms or 5-8 Homeroom classes.
Teachers will use this time for attendance, announcements, the pledge, and student preparation for daily classes. Students are encouraged to arrive promptly to ensure they are informed and ready for classes to begin at 9:00 am. Any student arriving after 9:00 am will be tardy and must check in at the office.
Assemblies
Assemblies are an important part of the educational program. While some assemblies may be entertaining, their primary aim is to provide educational experiences that cannot normally be provided in a classroom. Some assemblies are presented by leading citizens of the community, and a few selected assemblies are purchased.
Since assemblies represent a part of the educational program, attendance is required. Students will be supervised by teachers. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that will not disturb others who wish to enjoy the program. The development of attitudes of proper audience behavior is one of the aims of the school assembly.
Awards Assembly for grade K-8 will be held at the end of each semester. Students who achieve the following will be recognized:
o“You Miss School, You Miss Out” – Attendance.
oGolden Bulldog – Special recognition of one student at each grade level
oPrincipal’s Honor Roll – achieved by receiving an “A” in all subjects.
o“A” Honor Roll – Achieved by an “A” average with no grade lower than a “B”.
o“B” Honor Roll – Achieved by a “B” average with no grades lower than a “C”.
oPerfect Attendance (any student missing less than six hours and forty minutes)
oMost Improved
oCitizenship
Parents, family, and friends are encouraged to attend the assemblies. See the Important Dates page for dates and time.
Attendance
School attendance is required by law. The responsibility for consistent and regular attendance lies with the student and parent/guardian. Although it’s true that assignments and tests can be made up for excused absences, there is no method available for making up missed lectures, classroom discussion, or teacher assistance. Naturally, there will be times when a student cannot or should not be present at school. This may be due to illness, or other reasons not within the control of the student. Parents/guardians should notify the school at 660-846-2461 the day the child is absent or the child will be counted as unexcused. Unexcused absences are considered Truant.
Absences beyond 12 days will be unexcused and will be required to be made up after the regular school session is over. Students will be required to attend summer school with an attendance rate of 85% or less. Students who have permission to attend another district’s summer school program and who are required to make-up time will need to have the district in they are attending verify attendance and curriculum with his/her home school Principal.
Absences in Excess - Excessive absences will be reported to the juvenile office and/or Division of Family Services, as well as consideration for retention based upon the length of time missed and academic performance.
Absences after 7 days require a written notice and/or conference with parents. If there are extenuating circumstances, such as a hospitalization, the student and parent may appeal within three (3) school days of the notification of excessive absence. Doctor’s excuses will not be accepted at later times. If the student has been under a physician’s care, a note from the physician should accompany the student when returning to school.
Absence due to Out-of-School Suspension generally receive “zero” credit for work missed and reported as unexcused absences. Assignments such as major term projects, major exams, final exams, etc., which generally exceed the period of suspension, should be accepted for credit.
Absence due to Truancy (10 or more absences) will result in an unexcused absence and “zero” credit for missed assignments. Truancy is a violation of state statutes, may result in suspension or other disciplinary actions, and will be reported to the State. See Truancy.
Absence Ineligibility, students who are absent any part of the day will be ineligible to practice or participate in any after-school activity or extra-curricular activity, unless arrangements are made in advance with the Principal.
Absence due to Academic Event will not count against the twelve (12) day policy.
Absences due to Tardies, any six (6) tardies will equal one (1) day absence. Students will be excused and not counted tardy due to a bus arriving late. After the second avoidable tardy, students will be required to make-up time after school. Parents are required to contact the school at 660-846-2461 to give reason for the student being late.
Absences and Make-up Work – all missed assignments must be made up by the student and is the student’s responsibility to obtain missed assignments from his/her teacher. Students will have one day for every day missed to make-up assignments. Zeros will be entered for the student if these assignments are not completed by the specified due date.
Bicycles
A bicycle should be in sound mechanical condition and the child instructed in the proper care and use of it. Children riding bikes to school are not permitted to remove it from the bicycle racks/parking area during the lunch/recess period. A bicycle rider must obey the same rules as a motorist and it is recommended a safety helmet be worn. Once a bicyclist crosses onto the sidewalk surrounding the school property he/she should dismount and walk their bicycle to the bicycle parking area to avoid injury to themselves or others.
Building Facility and Use
Use of the building facilities, gymnasium and/or cafeteria must be scheduled through the office. A fee of $20 will be charged for gym only use and $25 for gym with kitchen use. Lessees are responsible for cleaning the area or additional fees will be assessed. The term of the lease is for less than 24 hours.
Cancellations
The Principal shall have the authority to close school because of extreme weather or emergency conditions. Parents should monitor the local radio and/or television stations listed below:
KMMO Radio, Marshall 102.9 FMKOMU TV, Channel 8, Columbia
KWRT Radio, Booneville 1370 AMKMIZ TV, Channel 17, Columbia
KRES Radio, Fayette 104.7 FM
Parents may also join the free Remind101 text service. For more information, please contact Mrs. Brown in the office.
Change of Address
It is important that parents notify the school immediately of any changes in address or telephone number(s). Unlisted numbers will be held in the strictest confidence when supplied. Changes in emergency numbers need to be reported as changes are made.
Check Out Procedures
While we encourage students to be present at school all day every day, we realize that situations may arise which will necessitate the need for a student to leave early. If you need to check your child(ren) out early, please come to the office and we will assist you.