Elementary School

Cover Artwork by Rosie McClurken, 5th Grade Student in Mrs. Ritchie’s classroom.

SCHOOL DISTRICT OF CHETEK

Roselawn Elementary

PO Box 6

1201 6th Street

Chetek, WI 54728

Fax: 715-924-2279

Phone: 715-924-2244 ext. 2001

Welcome to Roselawn Elementary for the 2006 - 2007 school year! We are excited to begin a new year.

Once again, in our process of continual growth and improvement, we have set goals for the school year, as follows:

GOAL 1: By 3rd grade, all children will be proficient readers. To accomplish this we will do the following: Increase the time, intensity, and focus on reading via guided reading. Increase the time, intensity, and focus on reading, via targeted interventions, and increase parent involvement, via activities like the First Day Celebration, Book Clubs, and PTA.

GOAL 2: By 3rd grade, all children will be proficient in mathematics. To accomplish this we will do the following: Implement a new math series in Bright Beginnings, kindergarten, and first grade. Pilot a new math series in fifth and sixth grade. Select a new math series in second through sixth grade. Implement student math profiles. Increase the time, intensity, and focus in math, via continuing small class sizes.

GOAL 3: Students will demonstrate respect, compassion, and empathy towards others at all times. To accomplish this we will do the following: Implement It’s Cool to Care (bullying prevention) activities. Expand the use of the Peer Mediators. Expand the Bulldog High Five through student folders. Increase the time, intensity, and focus on behavior, via targeted interventions.

Additionally, we are increasing our focus on student attendance in school. Attendance is crucial to student success. Good attendance practices should begin at an early age. If a student must be absent or arrives at school after 8:15 AM or needs to leave early from school, please call the office (924-2244). Any absence that is not appropriately excused is considered truancy from school. Please read the complete attendance policy on page 10

Finally, our beginning and ending times for the school day are slightly modified. The school day begins at 8:00 AM, a tardy bell rings at 8:15 AM, and the school day ends at 3:00 PM.

If you have questions about any items, please let me, or your child’s teacher, know as soon as possible.

Sincerely,

Jill Koenitzer

Principal

MISSION STATEMENT

The Mission of the Chetek Area Schools is to continually improve and to maximize the learning experiences for students in order that they become productive workers, fair-minded citizens, and lifelong learners.

IN OUR SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE NUMBER ONE!

There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude and the big difference is whether it is positive or negative.

In our hope to bring about the positive attitudes that we believe will help our school, we have developed the following beliefs:

BELIEF #1

We believe that schools should teach students to become life-long learners.

BELIEF #2

We believe that a good school is one that recognizes the individual worth and unique talents of every student.

BELIEF #3

We believe that all students can learn.

BELIEF #4

We believe that an effective classroom is any learning environment.

BELIEF #5

We believe that a good teacher is one who is a positive role model.

BELIEF #6

We believe that an effective staff is one that cooperates, communicates, and coordinates to better serve all students.

BELIEF #7

We believe that a quality instructional program includes and fosters diversity, equity, equal access, relevancy and overall development of each student.

BELIEF #8

We believe that the family is a crucial component for our school.

BELIEF #9

We believe that a supportive community will be informed and will take an active role in the educational process.

BELIEF #10

We believe that technology is already integrated into many real life situations our students encounter, and it will become increasingly more present in their lives.

2006 - 2007 ROSELAWN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STAFF

AND ADMININSTRATION

Board of Education:

Genie JenningsPresident

David PetersVice President

Natalie SpringerClerk

Kristy HansonTreasurer

Ken JostDirector

Joe AtwoodDirector

Barb ReisnerDirector

Administration:

Al BrownSuperintendent

Tammy LenbomBusiness Manager

Vicky OndellSpecial Services Director

Linda ZemanSchool Psychologist

Ed HarrisHigh School Principal

Bryan YenterMiddle School Principal

Jill KoenitzerRoselawn Principal

Staff:

Bright BeginningsBrenda GustumChrista Valley

JoAnn LystigJudy Hanson (aide)

Kindergarten Kathy BowersReese Elwood

Sandi PetersonIngrid Rothenbuehler

Grade 1Cheryl HaksethTracey Meskers

Holly PemberTammy Schmidt

Grade 2 Carolyn BlumerBarb Derousseau

Lisa LeachAndrew Schommer

Grade 3 Audrey Brenholt Deb Farrell

Mary Berg

Grade 4 Linda MartinsonMike Ohde

Linda Wiemeri

Grade 5Matthew BuchmanJake Dahl

Nancy Ritchie

Title OneTeresa OlejniczakMary Willi

Gail Fredrickson (aide)

Special EducationCecilia MarcWyn Evans

Bobbi HarrisColleen Jacob (aide)

Peggy Smith (aide)

Guidance CounselorJanis Bridges

ArtShannon Carr

MusicDolly NebyJohn Dutmer

Eric Kringle

Physical EducationHilary Nichols

NurseSandy Damroth

IMC DirectorGary Mohr

MoCSTBA

Virtual School CoordinatorMatthew Buchman

Reading SpecialistBill Knickerbocker

SecretariesDarla ColvardShelly Bowlyou

CustodiansBill Davis Robert Anderson

Kitchen serversBrenda EspesethEdna Matson
Insert school calendar

SCHOOL DAY

School begins at 8:00 A.M. and ends at 3:00 P.M. Adult supervision is NOT provided at the school prior to 7:50 AM or after 3:30 PM. If students arrive at school prior to 7:50, the school cannot ensure their safety, and the doors will be locked. Additionally, students should not remain at school following bus departure, at the end of the day, unless under the direct supervision of a school staff member. Our daily schedule is as follows:

7:50Students may arrive at school

Breakfast served

8:00School begins

8:15Tardy Bell rings

11:00Bright Beginnings AM dismissal

12:00Bright Beginnings PM arrival

3:00Dismissal

*The second Wednesday of each month is Early Release for staff development. Students are dismissed at 12:40.

BULLDOG HIGH FIVE

We are continually working to make Roselawn a school where all children feel safe and are treated with respect and compassion.

We believe that responsibility, self-control, and respect are important school and community values. Children usually make good choices.

All school employees share the responsibility of developing and reinforcing appropriate behavior in students. This responsibility includes consistent enforcement of school and classroom rules, appropriate modeling and example for students, and teacher preparation and implementation of a quality educational program.

The following are the BULLDOG HIGH FIVE, the rules we expect our students to follow:

We expect all students to:

  1. Be respectful of themselves and others.
  2. Assume responsibility/ownership for their own actions, words, and attitudes.
  3. Listen to the directives of all Roselawn staff and support staff.
  4. Appropriately communicate their needs to other students and adults in a courteous manner.
  5. Be their best... Be a Bulldog High Fiver!

We will discuss these expectations with the children so they know what behavior is acceptable. Please take this opportunity to discuss it at home as well. Our partnership is extremely important to the success of any efforts to improve the atmosphere of safety at school.

Within the school, staff members use a variety of actions to remind students of their responsibilities. While we generally adhere to a restorative process to educate children about appropriate school-wide behavior, we may also utilize punitive consequences. When students choose to misbehave or ignore the rules protecting the rights of others, we utilize a system of progressive discipline. Progressive discipline weighs each issue on its merits and specific consequences, but also takes into account any chronic misbehavior. Chronic misbehavior will be dealt with by a meeting between the student, parents, teachers, and principal to create a plan to improve the child’s behavior. Disciplinary actions may include the following:

  • Verbal reminder
  • Verbal reprimand
  • Change of seating
  • Isolation from group
  • Loss of privileges
  • Restitution
  • Call to parent by student (at teacher’s request), teacher, or principal
  • Detention
  • Saturday School
  • In-school suspension
  • Out-of-school suspension
  • Pre-Expulsion Hearing
  • Expulsion
  • Human Services/Law Enforcement referral

Wisconsin State Law defines due process, suspension, expulsion, and sexual harassment/assault.

Due Process

“Due Process” is a procedure, which the courts of law recognize as a necessary part of any rules and regulations. Due process, furthermore, and of primary importance, recognizes the rights of the individual since it outlines his recourse in the event he feels a wrong decision has been made. The due process step outlined hereafter is the procedure for a student and his/her parents to follow in appealing decisions relating to suspension and expulsion. It should be understood that students and parents will be expected to follow the due process steps in the event legal action should be initiated at some later date.

In-School Suspension

Students may be placed on in-school suspension for any reason that they may be suspended from school. A student may be suspended in school for a period of up to five days depending on the severity of the case. During in-school suspension a student will be under supervision at all times including lunch and washroom breaks. Students will not be allowed to attend classes but must obtain work and materials from their teachers. Any absence from the suspension will not cancel it but only delay it until the first day the student is present.

Suspension

The pupil’s parents or guardians shall be notified in writing as to the reason or reasons for suspension. Within (5) school days the suspension may be appealed directly to the principal in writing. The principal shall give a written decision within three (3) school days after receipt of the appeal.

After School/Saturday Make Up

The administration has the right to require a student to make up time for infractions of rules. Students who ride the bus must be given one day’s notice in advance of reporting and must arrange for their own transportation home. If a student fails to report, a parent conference may be required and possible suspension will be in order.

Parents, teachers, and community members developed a comprehensive Code of Conduct, which defines expected student behavior from pre-kindergarten to twelfth grade. Please read this Code of Conduct carefully.

Expulsion

Every pupil has the right to a fair hearing of infraction of school rules before the Board of Education. The principal shall give written notice at least five days prior to an expulsion hearing stating the charges against the pupil. The pupil may appear before the Board with counsel and witnesses if he so desires. The board shall give their decision in writing within three (3) school days. Parents or guardians of expelled pupils may appeal to the State Superintendent. Any appeal may be taken within thirty days (30) from the decision of the State Superintendent to the Circuit Court of Barron County.

Harassment

Harassment is defined as including:

In general, harassment may include, but is not limited to, unwelcome conduct (verbal or physical), actions, words, jokes, or comments based on an individual’s protected status as outlined in Board policy. Sexual harassment may include, but is not limited to, the following:

  1. Unsolicited verbal sexual comments and gestures;
  2. Subtle pressure for sexual activity;
  3. Repeated offensive sexual flirtations, advances or propositions;
  4. Sexist remarks about a person’s body or sexual activities;
  5. Patting, pinching, or unnecessary touching;
  6. Sexually oriented jokes, stories and materials (calendars, posters, cartoons, magazines);
  7. Demanding sexual favors accompanied by implied or overt threats concerning ones’ employment;
  8. Attempted or actual physical assault.

Harassment on any basis (based on any protected status) exists whenever:

  • Submission to harassing conduct is made, explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of an individual’s employment or education; and
  • Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for an employment decision or scholastic achievement, co-curricular or extra-curricular decision; or
  • The harassing behavior interferes with a student’s school performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work or learning environment.

Recognizing Harassment

Harassment does not have a set definition. Generally, harassing behavior is that which is personally offensive and socially unacceptable. Harassing behavior may be verbal or physical, and it may occur on campus or while not at school or not under the supervision of a school authority if it endangers the property, health, or safety of others at school or of any employee or school board member of the District. Mere social pleasantries or casual compliments should not constitute sexual harassment.

Harassment may occur between parties or the same or different gender. Offenders may be (but are not limited to) co-workers, fellow students, teachers, coaches, volunteers, supervisors, support staff, or even third parties such as parents, students/ employees from another school or District vendors.

Complaint Procedure

Students are encouraged to tell their harasser that they find their conduct offensive and that they want it to stop. Failing informal resolution, or if the student is not comfortable confronting their harasser, any student who believes he or she is being harassed, or any student who becomes aware of harassment, should promptly notify the district.

A student may report harassment to any of the following people in the district: building principal or their designee, District Administrator or Board President. The District has developed a complaint form, which should be filled out by the Complainant during the complaint process as soon as practicable after the complaint is made. Students are encouraged to report harassment even if the form is not immediately available to them.

Investigation

Upon being notified about alleged harassment, the District will implement a thorough, impartial and prompt investigation of the complaint. Confidentiality of individuals who report or participate in the investigation of alleged harassment will be protected to the extend possible, provided such confidentiality does not interfere with the District’s ability to investigate or take corrective action. In the case of harassment of or by a student, parents or guardians may be contacted to inform them of the compliant and process involved. Legal authorities will be contacted by school officials if school officials suspect that the alleged harassment constitutes a violation of criminal law. Both parties to the complaint (and the parents/guardians of a student) shall be notified of the disposition of the investigation.

Disciplinary Action

The School District of Chetek views harassment and/or retaliation to be among the most serious breaches of behavior. Consequently, appropriate discipline for such behaviors, ranging from warning/remedial action up to expulsion, may be imposed. Discipline may be imposed against a Complainant if the District discovers that a Complainant has knowingly made a false complaint of harassment, ranging from warning/remedial action up to expulsion.

Retaliation

The School District of Chetek expressly prohibits retaliation against a student bringing harassment compliant or assisting in the investigation of such a complaint. Such students may suffer adverse actions based upon their involvement in the compliant process. If any individual believes that he or she is being retaliated against for pursuing a claim of harassment, for assisting with the investigation of a harassment complaint, or for opposing discrimination in the school district, that individual should immediately file a written complaint.

Student Non-Discrimination Complaint Appeal Rights

Under 118.13 and 115.28(31), Wis. Stats., a complainant may appeal a negative determination by the Board to the State Superintendent of Public Instruction within thirty (30) days of the Board’s decision. A complainant also has the right to appeal directly to the State Superintendent if the Board has not provided written acknowledgment within forty-five (45) days of the receipt of the complaint or made a determination within 90 days of the receipt of the written complaint. Appeals should be addressed to the State Superintendent, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, 125 South Webster Street, Post Office Box 7841, Madison, WI 53707. Discrimination complaints in certain instances may also be filed with the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 300 South Wacker Drive, 8th Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

Policy Dissemination

Every employee, volunteer, student and the student’s parent/guardian will receive a copy of the harassment policy and guidelines each year. The District will ensure that all schools have an on-going educational program to create awareness, understanding and prevention of harassment in the learning environment.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION PROCESS

(Chain of Communication)

In the event of discontent with a policy, procedure, or school action, the following procedure has been developed to resolve conflict at the lowest appropriate level:

1)Speak directly to the person involved with the action (i.e. classroom teacher, bus driver)

2)If the issue is not satisfactorily resolved, contact the principal.

3)The principal will conduct an investigation and make a determination to resolve the conflict.

4)The principal will communicate with all involved parties.

5)If the issue is not satisfactorily resolved, an appeal of the principal’s decision can then be made to the superintendent.

6)The superintendent will conduct an investigation and will review the results of the principal’s decision.

7)The superintendent will communicate with all involved parties.

8)At this point, if the issue has not been satisfactorily resolved, the decision may be appealed to the Board of Education in writing. The Chairperson of the Board of Education will examine the request and a closed session hearing will be scheduled if a hearing is warranted.

10) The School Board will review all prior investigations and communications and make a determination to support or modify the prior decisions.

This conflict resolution process is designed to solve problems at the lowest appropriate level of communication. Persons with unresolved issues need to follow the procedure as outlined above. To be effective, each step is dependent on the action of the individuals involved in the pervious step. Steps must not be skipped, circumvented or abbreviated. It is the rare occasion that an issue is not resolved by following this prescribed procedure.