HANDBOOK ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FORM

We acknowledge that we have received theEnders-Fisherville/Halifax Elementary School Parent/Student Handbook for the 2016-2017 school year and recognize that it is our responsibility to familiarize ourselves with its contents.

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Student SignatureParent/Guardian Signature

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Teacher Grade Date

Student Information

Name:______Grade: ___

Address:______

Student Resides with: Father Mother Both Parents Guardian

(Please Circle)

Home Phone Number: ______

E-mail Address: ______

Mother’s Work Number ______cell______

Father’s Work Number ______cell______

Emergency Contact: ______

Students will not be released to persons other than those listed below, for any reason, without consent of parent/guardian.

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______

______

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Please sign and return this page to your child’s teacher/school by Friday, September 09, 2016.

Parent/Student Handbook

and Student Code of Conduct

Enders-Fisherville Elementary School

Halifax Elementary School

2016-2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Mission Statement
  2. Principal’s Message
  3. Cycle Days and School ProceduresPage1-8
  4. PSSA1
  5. Attendance1-2
  6. Tardiness2
  7. Early Excusal from school2-3
  8. Names, Address, Telephone Number changes3
  9. Care of Books, Lockers, & School Property3-4
  10. Report of Pupil Progress4
  11. Student Confidentiality Policy #2164
  12. Homework5
  13. Educational Field Trips5
  14. Parent Volunteers, Conferences & Meetings5-6
  15. Volunteers, Clearances, Field Trip Chaperones,6
  16. Student Pick up6-7
  17. School Delays/Early Dismissals7
  18. School Spirit Days7
  19. Distribution of non-school materials7-8
  20. Cafeteria8
  21. Student Code of Conduct8-18
  1. Cat Stars – Positive Behavior Program8
  2. Enders-Fisherville Classroom Management9
  3. Halifax Elem Classroom Management9
  4. Referral Definitions and Consequences9-12
  5. Transportation13-14
  6. Tobacco14
  7. Controlled Substances 14
  8. School Dress Code14-15
  9. Phys. Ed. Dress Code15
  10. Music Class Dress Code16
  11. Weapons Policy16-18
  12. Electronic Devices18
  1. School Health Services18-20
  2. Student Assistance Program20
  3. School Wellness20-21
  4. Recess21
  5. Acceptable Use Policy21-23
  6. Annual Public Notice of Special Education Services and Programs, Services for Gifted Students, and Services for Protected Handicapped Students
  1. Halifax Area School District

3940 Peters Mountain Road

Halifax, PA 17032

(717) 896-3416

Mission Statement

The Halifax Area School District in partnership with students, parents/guardians, and community members will provide each child with a safe, supportive, and challenging environment that will empower and inspire them to reach their potential as prepared, engaged, and responsible citizens.

II.Halifax Elementary Schools

Halifax Elementary SchoolEnders-Fisherville Elementary

3940 Peters Mountain Road791 Enders Road

Halifax, PA 17032Halifax, PA 17032

717-896-4053717-896-4054

717-896-8337 (FAX)717-362-6358 (FAX)

Mrs. Carla Sauer, PrincipalMrs. Carla Sauer, Principal

Mrs. Jennifer Martin, Acting Asst. Principal Mrs. Jennifer Martin, Acting

Asst. Principal

Mrs. Marie Daub, SecretaryMrs. Kathy White, Secretary

Dear Parents,

The teachers and staff at both Enders-Fisherville and Halifax Elementary strive to create a safe, caring, and structured environment for all children. We follow curriculum aligned with state standards to prepare our students for a successful future.

Research has proven that parental involvement in schools increases student achievement. We encourage parent participation and volunteering through many outlets within our schools. Please contact your child’s teacher if you are able to volunteer or want more information concerning what you could do to help.

Communication is an essential key for a successful partnership. If you have any concerns about the progress or work habits of your child, please contact the teacher first. If you feel your concerns need to be addressed further, please contact the school office to schedule an appointment with me.

This handbook has been compiled to serve as a resource. Hopefully, you will readily store and use it as a reference throughout this year. On behalf of all the school board, teachers, and staff here at Halifax, we extend all our best to you and your child for a fantastic school year.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Carla Sauer, Principal

and Mrs. Jennifer Martin, Acting Asst. Principal

III. CYCLE DAYS AND SCHOOL PROCEDURES

Our school operates, not according to the days of the week, but with each day numbered so that all subjects get equal time. August 29 is Day 1 in our cycle while August 30 is Day 2, August 31 is Day 3, etc. On the sixth day of school, Sept. 7, the cycle will end. Anew cycle will begin on Sept. 8 (Day 1) and will run continuously throughout the year. In most cases, days that school is not in session for students are not counted as days in the cycle. The day of the cycle is always announced in the morning and posted in the office window. The six-day cycle allows more flexibility in scheduling as well as consistency in scheduled time.

A. P.S.S.A.’s

During the administration of the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) attendance of all students is critical. Students in grades 3-5 participate in the PSSA testing. Please refrain from scheduling appointments during that time. No educational trips will be approved during testing.

The PSSA Test Window is:

English Language Arts April 3rd – April 7th (grades 3-5)

Mathematics April 24th – 28th (grades 3-5)

Science May 1st – 5th (ONLY grade 4)

B. Attendance

According toPennsylvania School Law, “compulsory school age refers to the period of a child’s life from the time the child enters school as a beginner which may be no later than at the age of 8 years, until the age of 17 or graduation from a high school, whichever occurs first. A beginner is a child who enters a school district’s lowest elementary school grade that is above kindergarten”. Regular attendance at school is essential. The following is the procedure we will follow for student absences.

  1. If a student is absent and homework is requested, all requests should be made to the school office no later than 10:30 a.m. to guarantee the availability of homework.
  2. A student will have three (3) days in which to submit an excuse. If no excuse is received by the third day or if a written excuse it delivered after three (3) days, the absence will be logged as unexcused/unlawful. Three days of consecutive absence from school will require a doctor’s note in order for the absence to be recognized as excused.
  3. A student who has accumulated THREE (3) unexcused/unlawful absences will receive a letter notifying the parents of these absences and outlining the school policy regarding these absences.
  4. After three days of unexcused/illegal absences, a notice will be sent to the parents. Fines could be imposed.
  5. 10:45 a.m. is considered the cut off time for half day absences. For example – students entering after 10:45 would be considered present ½ day.
  6. Attendance at school is required for participation in extra-curricular activities.
  7. The following condition(s) will constitute reasonable causes for absence/tardiness/special excuses from school:

1.Illness

2.Doctor/Dentist Appt.

3.Quarantine

4.Recovery from accident

5.Required court attendance

6.Religious Holiday

7.Exclusion from school

8.Educational Trips

9.Death in the family

10.Exceptionally urgent reason

The term “exceptionally urgent reasons” shall be strictly enforced and shall not provide license for irregular attendance. The following reason shall constitute examples of exceptionally urgent reasons:

a. Stranded away from home

b. Family emergency (principal will interpret)

C. Tardiness

School begins at 8:40 am with attendance in homeroom. If a student enters after 8:40, he/she must report directly to the Office. Students will be marked absent by the homeroom teacher. Students who arrive at school after 8:40 am but before 10:45 am will be marked with “Tardy” on their official attendance record.

Beginning with the 3rdtardy to school, a student will be called to the office and will have a conference with the principal. A letter will be sent home alerting the parents to the level of tardiness.

Beginning with and including a student’s 6thunexcused tardy, the student may be subject to consequences. A parent/guardian phone conference will be conducted by the counselor and/or principal.

When habitual tardiness accumulates to equal one school day, the student will be charged with an unexcused/unlawful absence. With the exception of late bus arrival, illness, or family emergency, lateness to school will be logged as unexcused.

D. Early excusal from school

While the need may arise for students to be excused early from school to attend an approved special activity or doctor’s appointment, parents should make every attempt to schedule such activities after the school day. However, if anearly excusal is required, the following procedures must be followed.

  1. Students must present a written note to the office signed by the parent or guardian indicating the reason for early excusal. If the request is for a medical or dental appointment, an official doctor’s/dentist’s note must be submitted to the office upon return to school.
  2. Written notes must be submitted to the office on or before the day of the excuse.
  3. Parents must come to the office and sign the child out indicating the expected time of return. Students will be instructed to report to the office at the time indicated for dismissal on the written note.
  4. The early excusal will be posted on the daily attendance bulletin with the time of dismissal stated. Students are responsible for any missed work.
  5. Students will be granted an excused early dismissal for significant reasons only. Refer to #7 under attendance. If a student leaves school after a special event during the day (Grandparent’s Day, Class Parties, etc.) it may be counted as an unexcused absence depending on the amount of school time missed.
  6. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES IS A STUDENT TO LEAVE SCHOOL WITHOUT PERMISSION given through the office.
  7. The expectation is maintained that when an early excusal occurs, the

student will be in school prior to the appointment or return to school

after the appointment within reason and constraints of the school day. For example, if a doctor’s appointment is scheduled for 11:30 a.m., it is expected that the student will be in school during the morning and would return after the appointment.

E. Changes of Names, Addresses & Telephone Numbers

Students/parents must report changes in their names, addresses, and telephone numbers to the office as soon as possible so that school records can be kept up to date. The updated information is especially important so that school personnel could contact the student’s home in case of an emergency. An emergency contact and work number at which a parent can be reached are ESSENTIAL.

F.Care of Books, Lockers, TechnologySchool Property

Textbooks and supplies are furnished to students at the school district’s expense on a loan agreement. All textbooks are identified by a stamp and number on the inside cover. When a book is issued to a student, the teacher records its number and condition. The student is responsible for returning the same text at the end of the year. Students are accountable for lost and damaged books and technology regardless of what happens to them. If books, chorus music, or other property are lost, they shall be paid for on the basis of cost at the time of issue. 5th Grade students will be issued a locker for storage of their belongings.

G.Report of Pupil Progress

The pupil reporting system adopted atEnders-FishervilleElementary School and Halifax Elementary School is designed to better facilitate communications between the home and school. So that we can report your child’s progress in a manner that is compatible with his/her program

eachstudent will be assessed using standards based grading. A standards-aligned report card uses assessments to define growth relative to state standards. The students “grade” more accurately represents the progress toward mastery of standards than traditional grading does.

The following grading system will be used for Grades K – 5:

(3) Meets grade level expectations

(2) Working toward grade level expectations

(1) Having difficulty meeting grade level expectations

To enter the next grade, students must successfully meet the academic requirements at their present grade level.

H.Student Confidentiality Policy #216:

The Halifax Area School District protects the confidentiality of personally-identifiable student information. Children with disabilities, students eligible for special education services, and protected handicapped students are also provided additional protection in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and other applicable federal and state laws. The school district will provide a copy of its confidentiality policy upon request. Should you feel the district is not providing the rights as guaranteed by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1972, you may file a letter with the U.S. Department of Education at 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W.,Washington, D.C. 20201. More information can be attained on the school district’s website pertaining to FERPA at

I. Homework

Homework is important because it reinforces what has been learned in class, prepares students for future lessons, teaches organization and responsibility, encourages innovation and creativity, and helps students to develop good work habits. Homework also acquaints parents with what their children are learning in school. Based on school instruction and guided practice, students should be able to successfully complete work at home within a reasonable amount of time. Homework is an integral part of the learning process requiring shared responsibility of teachers, parents and students.

J. Educational Field Trip

It is the practice of the Halifax Area School District to permit student educational trips(One trip up to but not exceeding 5 days per school

year). Forms for requesting an educational trip are available in the

elementary school office and on the website. The form must be completed and submitted five days prior to the tripfor principal’s approval. The educational value of the trip and the student’s attendance and academic progress will be factors in determining approval of educational trips.

NO EDUCATIONAL TRIPS WILL BE PERMITTED DURING PSSA OR STANDARIZED TESTING DAYS.

All homework, assignments, tests, and projects missed during the dates of the educational trips must be completed and submitted to the classroom teacher no later than five (5) school days after the educational trip.

K. Parent Volunteers, Conferences & Meetings

In order to minimize the interruptions during classroom instruction, all parent classroom observations must be set up and approved in advance by the Principal. Classroom volunteers are to schedule their times with the teacher prior to coming in to help. In order to minimize disruption to the instructional process for all students, unannounced visits by parents/guardians will not be permitted.

All visitors must register in the office upon entering the building and receive a visitor’s pass. Each visitor must also inform the office as they leave the building. (School Board Policy #907)

If you have an item that needs to be delivered to your student the office will get it to your child. If you need to talk to your child’s teacher, we will be happy to deliver a message or help schedule a meeting for you. However, if you show up at the building without a previously scheduled meeting you will not be able to meet with the teacher.

Parent/Teacher Conferences:

Thursday, November 10, 2016 from 5:00 pmto 8:00 pm

Friday, November11, 2016 from 8:00 am to12:00 pm

L. Volunteers,Clearances, Field Trip Chaperones

The following information is for all staff members, employees,

students, and parents of Enders-Fisherville Elementary School and Halifax Elementary School. The steps outlined in this notice are designed to ensure the safety of the children attending our schools. These procedures will help us provide an orderly atmosphere in the school and in the classrooms.

Volunteers – According to Act 153 of 2014 a school volunteer is “someone who is not under the constant supervision of the district’s paid staff.” Examples: a field trip chaperone, a dance chaperone, the parent who eats lunch with their child in the cafeteria.

Clearances –Mandates from the Pennsylvania Department of Education require the Halifax Area School district to follow Act 153 of 2014. In order to volunteer as a chaperone on a school field trip, volunteer in your child’s classroom, or eat with your child in the café, you must obtain and have on file in the Elementary Office, the following clearances:

If you have lived in the state of PA for 10yrs or more:

HASD Disclosure Statement

Act 34: Pennsylvania Criminal Record Check

Act 151: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance

If you have lived in the state of PA for less than 10yrs:

Act 34: Pennsylvania Criminal Record Check

Act 151: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance

Act 114: FBI Criminal background Check

These clearances can be applied and paid for electronically. All necessary instructions and links to apply for these clearances can be found on our website.

Field Trip Chaperones – Parent chaperones will be randomly selected at each grade level prior to the field trip. Parents who have not been selected may NOT follow the buses to, or meet the buses, at the designated field trip location.

M. Student Pick up

Student Pick-Up – Students will be released only to their parents or other adults identified in writing in advance. Other phone requests cannot be honored because we cannot verify the request.

***In the front of this handbook is a form which will be used to identify those adults who may pick up your child at school other than parents. If there is a court order restricting one parent, the school must be provided with a copy by the custodial parent, in order to follow it. The person or persons included on this list must follow all the procedures outlined in this section. No child will be allowed to leave the school for any reason without a signed note from a parent/guardian.

***If you wish to alter this list during the year, you must present the requested change in writing as least 48 hours prior to the change. This will give us an opportunity to check the validity of the request by contacting you personally.

Student pick-up during school day: Parent/guardian will come into the office to sign student out. If student returns the same day, parent/guardian should escort student to the office to sign student back in. Parents are not to go to the classroom to get their child.

Student pick-up at dismissal: At Enders-Fisherville, students are to be picked up in the main lobby.

At Halifax Elementary, students are to be picked upin the cafeteria at the rear of the building ONLY. A parent, or designated individual, MUST walk to the rear door and check-in with the school staff member. No child will be permitted to leave the building unattended. Halifax Elementary students are required to have a note from parent/guardian if they are to be picked up. Parents picking up at Halifax Elementary without sending a note beforehand must come into the lobby/office prior to 3:25 p.m. and complete a pink Request for Student Pick Up slip. For convenience, pick-up slips and a drop-box are located between the glass doors at the main entrance. The slips are collected at 3:25 each day. After that time, the box is closed and parents must come to the office. (These students will have their names called during afternoon announcements so they know they are being picked up.) All Parents should park in the rear parking lot and walk towards the building so they are visible to students and staff.