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Hector Elementary School

2017-18

Student/Parent Handbook

HECTOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Hector Elementary School is to work with our parents, teachers, and community to provide a challenging educational foundation in a secure, disciplined environment. All students will be provided the opportunity for success through active learning. Upon completion of elementary school all students will have been exposed to the essential math and literacy skills necessary for further education.

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HECTOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Mission Statement

Hector School District is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment that educates and motivates the “whole child” to become life-long learners and responsible and productive citizens.

Vision Statement

Hector School District is a small, rural school district that strives to fulfill the mission of educating and motivating the “whole child” to become life-long learners and responsible and productive citizens through:

  • High Expectations.
  • The district is dedicated to promoting high academic and ethical standards and performances for faculty, staff, and students.
  • A focus on the “Whole Child”.
  • The district is dedicated to working with families and community groups to remove barriers to learning in an effort to meet the intellectual, emotional, physical, social, occupational, and developmental needs of all students.
  • Opportunities and Resources.
  • The district is dedicated to providing the best possible technological, instructional evaluative, managerial, material, financial, and human resources possible for all faculty, staff, and students.
  • A Safe, Secure, and Nurturing Environment.
  • The district is dedicated to providing an environment conducive to and for the physical, emotional, intellectual and developmental needs of all faculty, staff, and students.
  • Rigorous Curriculum.
  • The district is dedicated to providing an instructional program that engages all students through effective, varied, and research based “best practices” to improve academic performance.

Value Statements

High Expectations

  • Hector Elementary School is dedicated to promoting high academic and ethical standards and performances for faculty, staff, and students by:
  • Preparing teachers and administrators to be adaptable to the changing environment without losing common vision and values through collaboration and communication within our learning community.
  • Being a faculty and staff that will remediate behavior that will be positive and inspire students to have a “can do” attitude.
  • Demonstrating high academic and social standards with a clear and shared focus on student learning.
  • Effective school leadership, which fosters mutual respect and trust among all stakeholders within the school community.

A focus on the “Whole Child”

  • Hector Elementary School is dedicated to working with families and community groups to remove barriers to learning in an effort to meet the intellectual, emotional, physical, social, occupational, and developmental needs of all students by:
  • Providing parents and caregivers opportunities to become involved in their students education through Parental Involvement programs, PTO, and other after school and in-school programs.
  • Providing effective and consistent communication with parents and caregivers about their child’s education through School Reach, newsletters, monthly calendars, the school web-page, and parent-teacher conferences.
  • Provide local and surrounding community leaders with information of all school events through local newspapers to help promote parental and community involvement within the school.

Opportunities and Resources

  • Hector Elementary School is dedicated to providing the best possible technological, instructional, evaluative, managerial, material, financial, and human resources possible for all faculty, staff, and students by:
  • Providing meaningful, focused and supportive professional development that meets all faculty, staff and student needs.
  • Providing students with additional academic opportunities for success through; one-on-one assistance, small group placement, after school tutoring, and additional educational programs that meet all students diverse needs such as Compass, Focus and AR Math.
  • Providing assessment practices which promote student learning using common assessments such as nine weeks formative assessments.

A Safe, Secure, and Nurturing Environment

  • Hector Elementary School is dedicated to providing an environment conducive to and for the physical, emotional, intellectual, and developmental needs of all faculty, staff and students by:
  • Providing students with a safe classroom that is inviting and engaging, where students feel free to take risks that will promote student growth and learning.
  • Promote a climate of achievement through incentives and celebrations.
  • Embracing and promote caring values through Character Education by incorporating them into our daily routines.

Rigorous Curriculum

  • Hector Elementary School is dedicated to providing an instructional program that engages all students through effective, varied, and research based “best practices” to improve academic performance by:
  • Emphasizing the use of data from nine weeks formative assessments and Benchmark assessment in decision making and goal setting.
  • Strategically aligning curriculum, instruction, assessments, and staff development to meet District and State Standards.
  • Providing a learning environment that honors different learning and teaching styles, confronts bias, stereotypes, and displays respect for diversity.

LETTER FROM THE ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL

Dear students,

Welcome to Hector Elementary School. As part of the Hector School District, we, the elementary staff, would like to welcome you.

As part of this system, the Hector Elementary School is the beginning for many of you on your educational quest. As you begin your trip through our school, you will find that it reflects the high standards and traditions of the Hector community. Our board of education, administration, teachers, and curriculum also reflect those traditions and standards.

We expect the best for and from our children, because they are the best.

Kathy Freeman

Elementary Principal

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS:

479-284-3586 Elementary Office

479-284-2021 Superintendent’s Office

479-284-2213 School Nurse

479-284-2458 Elementary Counselor

STUDENT HANDBOOK

It shall be the policy of the Hector School District that the most recently adopted version of the Student Handbook be incorporated by reference into the policies of this district. In the event that there is a conflict between the student handbook and a general board policy or policies the more recently adopted language will be considered binding and controlling on the matter provided the parent(s) of the student, or the student if 18 years of age or older have acknowledged receipt of the controlling language. The Faculty, Administration, and School Board will reserve the right to change or amend the student handbook in order to meet the needs and growth of the school system.

EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY

No student in the Hector School District shall, on the grounds of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or disability be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity sponsored by the District. The District has a limited open forum granting equal access to the Boy Scouts of America and other youth groups.

Inquiries on non-discrimination may be directed to Equity Coordinator, who may be reached at 479-284-3536.

BELL SCHEDULE

7:40 First Bell (supplemental instruction)

8:00 Classes begin

9:45-10:25Kindergarten activity

11:05-11:353rd – 4th physical activity

11:15-11:455-6 lunch

11:50-12:405th physical activity

11:30-12:15K-4 Lunch

12:00-12:30K-2nd physical activity

12:45-1:25 1st-2nd Grades activity

12:45-1:306th grade physical activity

1:30-2:10 3rd-4th Activity

3:10Classes dismissed to bus (and car riders)

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge of Allegiance shall be recited during the first class period of each school day. Those students choosing to participate shall do so by facing the flag with their right hands over their hearts, or in an appropriate salute if in uniform, while reciting the Pledge. Students choosing not to participate shall be quiet while either standing or sitting at their desks. Students shall not be compelled to recite the Pledge, but students who choose not to recite the Pledge shall not disrupt those students choosing to recite the Pledge. Students choosing not to recite the Pledge shall not be subject to any comments, retaliation, or disciplinary action.

MINUTE OF SILENCE

Hector Elementary School shall observe a one (1) minute period of silence at the beginning of school each school day. During the period of silence a student may, without interfering with or distracting another student:(1) Reflect;(2) Pray; or(3) Engage in a silent activity.A teacher in charge of each a public school classroom will ensure that all students remain silent and do not interfere with or distract another student during the period of silence. Arkansas Code § 6-10-115.

CLOSED CAMPUS POLICY

Hector operates a closed campus. Students are required to stay on campus from their arrival until dismissal at the end of the regular school day. Students may be given permission to leave the campus by the principal. In addition, the campus is closed between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6 a.m.

SCHOOL CLOSING/EARLY DISMISSAL

In the event of inclement weather of snow and ice, a decision concerning school closing will generally be reached by 6:30 A.M.

A message will be sent to parents through our automated system. Parents and students should listen to KARV in Russellville, KSSN Little Rock, or watch Channel 4, 7, or 11, Little Rock for additional information concerning closings.

During the winter months, in the event of snow or ice during the school day, it may be necessary to dismiss school early. The school will use the automated call system and notify radio station KARV in Russellville of the closing. Please notify the teacher if a child should always go to an alternate site in the event of an early closing.

COMMUNICATION

The school will utilize its automated phone system for various announcements, including reminders and closing information. Please make sure that home and cell numbers are updated in the elementary office.

TELEPHONES

The office phone is reserved for office use only. If a student needs to call home due to illness, the school nurse or other office personnel will contact the parent. Students will not be called from class unless someone is calling in case of an emergency. The office telephone is for business use only. In special instances, students may obtain permission to use the office phone for important matters.

EMERGENCY DRILLS

All schools in the District shall conduct fire drills at least monthly. Tornado drills shall also be conducted no fewer than three (3) times per year with at least one each in the months of September, January, and February. Students who ride school buses, shall also participate in emergency evacuation drills at least twice each school year.

The District shall annually conduct an active shooter drill and school safety assessment for all District schools in collaboration with local law enforcement and emergency management personnel. The training will include a lockdown exercise with panic button alert system training. Students will be included in the drills to the extent that is developmentally appropriate for the age of both the students and grade configuration of the school.

Drills may be conducted during the instructional day or during non-instructional time periods.

Other types of emergency drills may also be conducted to test the implementation of the District's emergency plans in the event of violence, terrorist attack, natural disaster, other emergency, or the District’s Panic Button Alert System. Students shall be included in the drills to the extent practicable.

INSURANCE

Student insurance protection is offered to all students who would like to participate on a voluntary basis. The cost of the insurance coverage varies from year to year. In-School insurance protection is required of all students participating in athletic programs. Each year the school board selects an accident policy to be offered to students on a purely voluntary basis.

OFF CAMPUS EVENTS

Students at school-sponsored, off-campus events will be governed by the school district rules and regulations and are subject to the authority of school district personnel. Failure to obey the rules and regulations and/or failure to obey reasonable instructions of school district personnel shall result in disciplinary action applicable under a regular school program.

PICTURES

School pictures will be made at the beginning of each school year. All pictures issued to the student must be paid for or returned to the school. Special pictures are made from time to time. A deposit must be paid before a special picture is taken.

SCHOOL PROPERTY

Students are expected to take of all school property. Parents are liable for school property up to $5,000.00 for damages caused by their children. Students should not mark or mar any surface, sit on tables or chair tops, sit on stovetops, or perform any other behavior that is likely to damage school property. No school property will be loaned to anyone unless authorized by the principal or superintendent.

ASSEMBLIES AND ATHLETIC EVENTS

Assemblies will be held from time to time throughout the year. All students are required to attend assemblies unless excused by the principal. Assemblies are a scheduled part of the curriculum and, as such, are designed to be educational as well as entertaining experiences.

They provide one of the few opportunities in school to learn formal audience behavior. Regardless of the type of program, courtesy demands that the student body be respectful and appreciative. In live entertainment, the performers are very conscious of their audience. Talking, whispering, stamping of feet, and “booing” are discourteous. Yelling is appropriate only at pep assemblies.

(1)Proceed to the assembly area quietly and promptly. Find your seat quickly.

(2)When the chairman of the assembly asks for your attention, give it to him/her promptly.

(3)Be courteous to the performers and to your neighbors. Don’t use an interval of applause or the short time between numbers to start conversation.

(4)Applaud in keeping with the occasion. Applause should be generous and courteous. Never applaud during or after a devotional assembly.

(5)Do not leave the assembly until dismissed.

(6)Students are expected to conduct themselves properly at all athletic events. Unsportsmanlike conduct such as “booing” or “taunting” the officials or players will not be permitted.

Your conduct at many of these programs will determine to a large extent the opinion that your visitors have of our school and community as a whole. It is in bad taste for students to talk while someone else has the floor. At the conclusion of each program, students are to remain seated until they receive instructions to leave. Elementary students are not to attend extra-curricular events, including ballgames, without an adult.

FIELD TRIPS AND CLASS TRIPS

Each field trip will be adequately supervised so that good discipline may be maintained. Students must have a signed parent permission form to participate in field trips. The school bus safety code adopted by the Board will govern the behavior of pupils while on the bus. School bus transportation will be used when arrangements can be made to do so without disrupting regular school bus schedules. The time of departure and the estimated time of return shall be announced in advance. Parents attending field trips will need to make separate riding arrangements. School age children should not miss school to attend the field trip of a sibling. Those absences will result in an unexcused absence.

LOSS OF FIELD TRIP PRIVILEGES MAY RESULT FROM FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE ESTABLISHED SCHOOL BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES.

VOLUNTEERS

Enlisting the support of volunteers is a way in which the District can expand the scope of resources and knowledge available to enrich the students’ educational experiences, while strengthening the relationship between the school and the community. Volunteers can also perform non-instructional tasks that allow certified personnel more time to devote to instruction. The program shall establish guidelines to ensure volunteers are aware of pertinent District policies and rules. Volunteers who violate school policies or rules, who or knowingly allow students to violate school rules, may be asked to leave the school campus.

YEARBOOK

The Hector School Yearbook is a hardbound volume published annually that provides an interesting account of the people, activities, and events that make up a year at the school. Yearbooks are paid for in the spring and issued in the fall.

CONTACT WITH STUDENTS WHILE AT SCHOOL

CONTACT BY PARENTS

Parents wishing to speak to their children during the school day shall register first with the office.

CONTACT BY NON-CUSTODIAL PARENTS

If there is any question concerning the legal custody of the student, the custodial parent shall present documentation to the principal or the principal’s designee establishing the parent’s custody of the student. It shall be the responsibility of the custodial parent to make any court ordered “no contact” or other restrictions regarding the non-custodial parent known to the principal by presenting a copy of a file-marked court order. Without such a court order on file, the school will release the child to either of his/her parents. Non-custodial parents who file with the principal a date-stamped copy of current court orders granting unsupervised visitation may eat lunch, volunteer in their child’s classroom, or otherwise have contact with their child during school hours and the prior approval of the school’s principal. Such contact is subject to the limitations outlined in Policy 4.16, Policy 6.5, and any other policies that may apply.

Arkansas law provides that, in order to avoid continuing child custody controversies from involving school personnel and to avoid disruptions to the educational atmosphere in the District’s schools, the transfer of a child between his/her custodial parent and non-custodial parent, when both parents are present, shall not take place on the school’s property on normal school days during normal hours of school operation. The custodial or non-custodial parent may send to/drop off the student at school to be sent to/picked up by the other parent on predetermined days in accordance with any court order provided by the custodial parent or by a signed agreement between both the custodial and non-custodial parents that was witnessed by the student’s building principal. Unless a valid no-contact order has been filed with the student’s principal or the principal’s designee, district employees shall not become involved in disputes concerning whether or not that parent was supposed to pick up the student on any given day.