Grove Valley Handbook
I. SCHOOL PROCEDURES
Grove Valley Elementary School believes that each child should be treated with dignity and respect. In order to establish a positive climate, it is necessary to establish guidelines for discipline. Therefore, all students are expected to follow five basic rules. Teachers will discuss these rules, as well as special classroom rules, with students at the beginning of the year, and at the beginning of each nine-week period.
1.We will use our hands, legs, feet, arms and mouth appropriately.
2.We will treat others with respect and kindness.
3.We will come prepared to study and follow directions of all adults.
4.We will respect the property and rights of ourselves and others.
5.We will follow the rules of playground, cafeteria, halls, computer lab, Media, Art, Music and PE.
II. SCHOOL DRESS
Appropriate dress and grooming at Deer Creek Schools must not cause a distraction or interfere with the educational opportunities of students. It is hoped that parents and students will use mature judgment and good taste in complying with these minimal restrictions. (Board Policy JFCA)
Fully clothed, clean and well groomed.
Wear footwear at all times
No hats, caps, bandanas, sunglasses, stocking caps while in the classroom.
No halter tops, bare midriffs, off-the-shoulder tops, tube tops, spaghetti straps, back-less or partial back-less garments, tank tops, exposed underwear, outer garments that look like underwear, muscle shirts and mesh shirts without a t-shirt underneath.
No apparel that is too tight, too loose, too sheer, too short, too revealing including tops, mini-skirts, short shorts, skirts with slits, and low-cut clothes including attire that exposes the chest or breast.
No apparel or accessories with offensive or suggestive slogans or logos that pertain to immorality, vulgarity, obscenity, nudity, or promotion of violence and/or gang or cult activity.
No bike, animal chains, collars, or spikes are to be worn.
A guideline to use for shorts and skirt hem lengths is the hem should be at least even with extended fingertips when the arms are at one's side.
August 2015
SUNDAY / MONDAY / TUESDAY / WEDNESDAY / THURSDAY / FRIDAY / SATURDAY1
2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8
9 / 10 / 11 / 12
Meet the Teacher
9:00-10:30 a.m. / 13
School Starts / 14 / Antler Alert / 15
16 / 17
Principal’s Coffee
9:00 a.m. / 18
PTO Meeting
3:45 p.m. / 19
Late Start
Wednesday / 20
Parent Orientation
6:00 New Families
6:30 Session 1
7:00 Session 2 / 21 / Antler Alert / 22
23 / 24 / 25
PTO
Volunteer Meeting
9:00 @ Grove Clubhouse / 26
Late Start
Wednesday / 27 / 28 / Antler Alert / 29
30 / 31
III. SCHOOL HOURS: 8:35-3:35
Children should not arrive at school before 8:20 a.m., as teachers are not on duty prior to this time. If children are in the Antler Care program, they will be dismissed at 8:20 a.m., before the bell rings at 8:35 a.m.
8:35 Bell Rings-Classes Begin
3:35 Bus Riders are dismissed upon the arrival of the buses; car riders are dismissed in the front of the school building.
3:40 All children need to be picked up prior to 3:40 p.m., as teachers are off duty at 3:40 p.m.
8:00-4:00 Office Hours
IV. ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance and arriving no later than 8:35 a.m. and not leaving before 3:35 p.m. is very important to astudent’s academic progress.
The parent or guardian must contact the school with the child’s full name, teacher, and reason for absence. Please notify the school the day the absence occurs, by calling 715-9707 before 9:55 a.m. After the second day of absence, a request for make-up work must be made directly with your child’s teacher and should be requested no later than noon. Any work to be made up will be sent to the office for pick-up after 3:00 p.m. (e-mail addresses are: )
The district will comply with Oklahoma State Laws and the State Department of Education Accreditation Standards. Students must attend at least 89% of the total school year to be eligible for promotion to the next grade. It is the responsibility of the parent to notify the school when a student is absent and to be aware of the number of absences the student has. The teacher and principal will make every effort to notify the parent before failure caused by excessive absenteeism is enacted. The attendance office will notify the parent, guardian, as well as the district attorney if a child is absent without a valid excuse for four or more days within a four-week period, or for ten or more days within a semester. A half-day absence will be recorded for a student who checks in at 9:50 a.m. or leaves before 2:20 p.m.
The school board policy JED states: work missed due to excused absence may be made up and credit given for such work. Work must be made up within two (2) school days for the first day of absence, and one (1) day for each subsequent day; i.e., for three (3) consecutive absences, work must be completed in five (5) school days. Exceptions may be made by the teacher to extend the time but not to decrease the time work is to be made up. It is the responsibility of the student and parent to confer with teachers regarding make-up work.
Following are examples of excused absences:
1.Illness or injury to student
2.Bereavement
September 2015SUNDAY / MONDAY / TUESDAY / WEDNESDAY / THURSDAY / FRIDAY / SATURDAY
1 / 2
Late Start
Wednesday / 3 / 4
Antler Alert / 5
6 / 7
Labor Day –
No School / 8 / 9
Late Start
Wednesday / 10
School Pictures / 11
Grandparent’s Day
Antler Alert / 12
13 / 14 / 15 / 16
Late Start
Wednesday / 17
PTO Meeting
3:45 p.m. / 18
Antler Alert / 19
20 / 21 / 22 / 23
Late Start
Wednesday / 24 / 25
Walkathon
Antler Alert / 26
27 / 28 / 29 / 30
Late Start
Wednesday
Following are examples of excused absences:
4.Serious illness or emergency in immediate family;
5.Recognized religious holidays (Rosh Hashanah; Yom Kippur)
All other absences are unexcused.
Special Excused Absence:
There may be special circumstances that require a parent to remove a student from school for reasons other than above. These days will be classified “Special Excused Absence.” Parents need to exercise extreme caution in removing students from school. Requests for Special Excused Absences must be submitted in writing to the Teacher and Principal prior to the upcoming absence. Students shall make-up all missed assignments within 3 days after returning from the Special Excused Absence.
For the first 3 days (in a school year) make-up work will be graded at full value in excess of 3 days (in a school year) make-up work will be graded with a penalty of one (1) letter grade or 10 points. Homework or tests not made-up within 3 days of return will be counted as a zero. All Special Excused Absences shall be counted against the semester 89% attendance. (Board policy JED)
V. TARDINESS
Students are tardy if they are not in their classroom when the bell rings at 8:35 a.m. Tardiness is recorded on attendance reports, in the teacher's gradebook, which is the legal record, and the District's data reporting system, PowerSchool. Attendance is also recorded on the students’ report cards. If a student arrives after 8:35 a.m., a parent must sign him/her in via the office.
October 2015
SUNDAY / MONDAY / TUESDAY / WEDNESDAY / THURSDAY / FRIDAY / SATURDAY1 / 2
Antler Alert / 3
4 / 5 / 6 / 7
Late Start
Wednesday / 8
/ 9
Antler Alert / 10
11 / 12
Parent Teacher
Conferences
/ 13
Parent Teacher
Conferences / 14
Late Start
Wednesday / 15
Fall Break –
No School / 16
Fall Break –
No School / 17
18 / 19
No School / 20 / 21
Late Start
Wednesday / 22
Picture Retakes
PTO Meeting
3:45 p.m. / 23
Fall Carnival
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Antler Alert / 24
25 / 26 / 27
Fourth Grade MusicProgram – 6:00 p.m. / 28
Late Start
Wednesday / 29 / 30
Harvest Celebrations
Antler Alert / 31
VI. DISMISSAL - DAILY
1.Students are dismissed at 3:35 p.m. Students must be picked up by 3:50 p.m., as teachers go off duty at that time and there is no supervision.
2.If you need to check your child out early for an appointment, please do so before 3:20.
Children will NOT be released to anyone other than individuals listed on the parent approved contact list. Should an emergency arise, please send a note the day of the occurrence to the office or teacher naming the person who is to pick up the child.
If transportation plans cannot be made ahead of time, please call the office before 3:00 p.m. to allow ample time to notify teachers of the change.
1.When checking a student out early, you may be asked to provide identification.
2.The student must be signed in or out by an adult, minimum 18 years old, via the office. If it is not a parent/guardian checking out the student, a written note is required.
VII. DISMISSAL - EMERGENCY: Early Dismissal and School Closing
The safety of students is the primary concern of Deer Creek Schools. Weather conditions can be dramatic and change rapidly in Oklahoma.
Early dismissal
Parents are asked to watch local television stations, or visit If weather conditions deteriorate during the school day, schools will not close early. However, students may be checked out of school at the parent’s discretion with no penalty and the absence recorded will be excused and not count toward the perfect attendance goal.
You can help us and your child by:
1.Check the road conditions. Please use parental discretion in deciding whether to keep your child home or to pick up early from school.
2.The office must have authorization in writing from the parent/guardian if someone other than the parent/guardian is checking the student out. Identification is required. Fax the school at 359-3198, or email. Transporting children other than your own makes the transporting parent legally liable for the child's safety and welfare, and it will not be done without written permission from the child's parent/guardian.
School Closing
The decision to close schools is made by the Deer Creek Schools Superintendent, taking into account the current weather conditions and road conditions. If possible, a decision will be made prior to 10:00 p.m. newscasts the night before the school closing. Otherwise, a decision will be made by 6:00 a.m. Watch your local news for school closings. We will be listed as Deer Creek Edmond.
November 2015
SUNDAY / MONDAY / TUESDAY / WEDNESDAY / THURSDAY / FRIDAY / SATURDAY1 / 2 / 3 / 4
Late Start
Wednesday / 5 / 6 / Antler Alert / 7
8 / 9 / 10
Veteran’s Day
Celebration / 11
Late Start
Wednesday / 12
PTO Meeting
3:45 p.m. / 13 / Antler Alert / 14
15 / 16 / 17
Third Grade
Music Program – 6:00 p.m. / 18
Late Start
Wednesday / 19
4th grade
Thanksgiving Lunch / 20 / Antler Alert / 21
22 / 23 / 24 / 25 / 26 / 27 / / 28
29 / 30
VIII. STUDENT BEHAVIOR
The Board of Education recognizes that students do not surrender any rights of citizenship while in attendance at Deer Creek Schools. The school is a community with rules and regulations. Those who enjoy the rights and privileges it provides must also accept the responsibilities that inclusion demands, including respect for and obedience to school rules. See District Policy JG for behaviors expectations and disciplinary actions.
IX. STUDENT DISCIPLINE/SUSPENSION
The Grove Valley Elementary School staff recognizes students as individuals of dignity and worth and encourages the development of positive self-concepts that will enable students to demonstrate social behavior necessary to become effective members of the student body. It is to be expected that students will from time to time exhibit behavior which is detrimental to themselves, others, or general classroom procedures. Certain kinds of behavior such as misusing hands, arms, legs, feet or mouth, cannot be allowed and steps must be taken to control and prevent inappropriate behavior from influencing students’ educational programs. The staff of Grove Valley Elementary School strives to provide a positive atmosphere that is conducive to appropriate behavior.
Strong parent/teacher partnerships are encouraged. If a child’s behavior is interfering with the educational process, the appropriate teacher or the principal will notify the parent. (Board Policy JG)
When it is necessary to modify inappropriate behavior, an attempt to correct the behavior will be made by using a variety of disciplinary measures. These may include individual and/or group conferences, detention time, loss of recess, telephone calls to parents, parent conferences, and/or suspension. Suspension of students from school is an extreme disciplinary measure and will be utilized only when other attempts to correct student behaviors have been unsuccessful, or the severity of the behavior makes removal from school necessary. If a child is suspended, the classroom teacher will work with the parent to develop a plan for the student to make up all assignments. He/she will be given one day to make up work for each day suspended.
X. PLAYGROUND
The playground is an ideal place for students to develop and practice friendship skills and cooperation. Playground supervision is provided at all times. Please make sure your child is dressed properly for outdoor recess prior to leaving home. All students will participate in recess unless a doctor’s note is provided that prohibits them from going outside. Toys, electronics and other play items are to be left at home. If personal items are brought to school, they may be confiscated and picked up by a parent/guardian at the end of the school day.
December 2015
SUNDAY / MONDAY / TUESDAY / WEDNESDAY / THURSDAY / FRIDAY / SATURDAY2
Late Start
Wednesday / 3 / 4
Santa Pictures / 5
6 / 7 / 8 / 9
Late Start
Wednesday / 10
PTO Meeting -
3:45 p.m. / 11 / 12
13 / 14 / 15 / 16
Late Start
Wednesday / 17
Kindergarten
Winter Lunch / 18 / 19
20 / 21 / / 22 / 23 / 24 / 25 / 26
27 / 28 / 29 / 30 / 31
XI. STUDENT CONDUCT ON SCHOOL BUSES
The school laws of the State of Oklahoma stipulate that transportation by bus may be furnished by the school district, but the district is not required to do so. It is a privilege to ride a school bus and not a right to such transportation. Therefore, failure to abide by the bus rules may result in removal of bus privileges.
In view of the fact that a bus is an extension of the classroom, the Board of Education requires children to conduct themselves on the bus in a manner consistent with established standards for classroom behavior and as specified in this policy. (Board Policy JFCC/EEAB)
Students must have a note from their parents if they are not to ride their assigned bus home in the afternoon. (Board Policy JFCC/EEAB) Please resolve after school plans before your child leaves for school. We gladly accept emergency changes in transportation, however, please inform the office prior to 3:15. If changes are made after this time, we cannot assure your student will get the message.
Prior to loading, students should:
1.Be on time at the designated school bus stops; students need to be at their appropriate bus stop for the safety of all children.
2.Stay off the road at all times while waiting for the bus.
3.Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before attempting to enter.
4.Be careful in approaching bus stops.
While on the bus, students should:
1.Keep all parts of the body inside the bus.
2.Keep the bus safe & sanitary at all times.
3.No loud talking, laughing or unnecessary confusion as it diverts the driver.
4.No vandalizing or destruction of the bus.
5.Never tamper with the bus or its equipment.
6.Leave no books, lunches or other articles on the bus.
7.Keep books, packages, coats, and other objects out of aisles.
8.Help look after the safety & comfort of small children.
January 2016
SUNDAY / MONDAY / TUESDA / Y / WEDNESDAY / THURSDAY / FRIDAY / SATURDAY1 / 2
3 / 4
Professional Day / 5
Professional Day / / 6
Classes Resume
Late Start
Wednesday / 7 / 8
Antler Alert / 9
10 / 11
Jump Rope for Heart Kick Off / 12 / 13
Late Start
Wednesday / 14
PTO Meeting -
3:45 p.m. / 15
Antler Alert / 16
17 / 18
Martin Luther
King, Jr. Day
No School / 19 / 20
Late Start
Wednesday / 21 / 22
Antler Alert / 23
24/31 / 25 / 26 / 27
Late Start
Wednesday / 28 / 29
Antler Alert / 30
9.In case of road emergency, children are to remain in seats on the bus.
10.No eating, drinking, or gum chewing.
After leaving the bus, students should:
1.Go at least ten (10) feet in front of the bus, stop, check traffic, and wait for bus driver's signal, then cross the road.
2.Students living on right side of the road should immediately leave the bus and stay clear of traffic.
3.Help look after the safety and comfort of small children.
4.The driver will not discharge riders at places other than the regular bus stop, except, by proper authorization from the parent or school official.
Please visit - for all rules and regulations pertaining to district transportation.
XII. SCHOOL VISITOR PROCEDURES
It is the policy of the Deer Creek Board of Education that all visitors obtain a visitors pass at the school office. A computerized name badge is provided for each visitor. It must be worn and visible at all times. Visitors will need to leave a driver’s license in the office for the duration of their visit. At the end of the visit, the visitor must return to the office and sign out on the computer. The doors are locked and require ringing the doorbell and identifying yourself to the office personnel for admittance. Parents are not to send or allow siblings or friends to visit students at school.
Classroom teachers appreciate parent volunteers, but ask that they refrain from visiting the classroom so as not to disrupt the students and classroom learning time. Parents/guardians are always welcome to join their children for their grade-specific lunchtime.
Authorized personnel shall have the authority to order any person out of the school facilities and off the school property when it appears that the presence of such person interferes or is a threat to the peaceful conduct of school. (Board Policy KK/JHFE)
XIII. STUDENT DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE POLICIES
The possession of or use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages, low point beer, illegal drugs or other controlled substances by students enrolled at Deer Creek School shall be prohibited at all times on school grounds or while on school sponsored activities.
(Board Policy JFCG)
XIV. DANGEROUS WEAPONS