OakviewSchool

Student and Parent

Handbook

2014-15

Oakview Elementary School

201 East Oakview Drive

Centralia, WA 98531

Phone: 360-330-7638

FAX: 360-330-7812

Centralia School District Web Page:

Table of Contents:

Page 1 Student and parent welcome letter

1Oakview School Vision

2School hours

2Student arrival

2Student dismissal

2Student attendance

2School-wide expectations

3Staff roster

4Student rights and responsibilities

4Expectations for all educational settings

4Student code of conduct

4Discipline and due process

5-6Harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) information

6Bus regulations

6-7Student dress standards

7Candy and gum at school

7Personal property at school

7Students’ cell phone use at school and use of school phones

7Bicycles, skateboard, scooter, and skate use

8Immunization

8Medication

8Accident insurance

8Bringing food to school

8School pictures

8Change of address, telephone number, work schedule

8Breakfast and lunch program

9Animals on campus

9School closure

9School visitors

9School volunteers

10English language learners

10Title I and LAP services

10-11Students’ acceptable use of technology

11-12Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

12Directory information notice

12Camp Cispus

12-13Human growth and development

13Homework guidelines

14-24School Board Policy 3207Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying

25-29School Board Policy 6519 Complaints Concerning Staff or Programs

30Six Ways to Encourage Student Success

Fall, 2014

Dear Oakview Elementary Students and Families,

Welcome to the 2014-15school year at Oakview Elementary. The beginning of a new school year is a time of great opportunity, great challenge and, unfortunately, great uncertainty! You will be happy to know that the Oakview Elementary School Staff is recommitted to providing an educational environment in which your child can learn and grow to his or her full potential.

This handbook includes some important information regarding the operation of Oakview School.The handbook was created in order to provide support for a high quality educational environment. Please review the information in this handbook and keep it on hand throughout the school year.

We urge you to ask questions regarding Oakview Elementary School and your child’s education. Your questions, comments and concerns, help us to learn, grow and improve. And please, don’t hesitate to let us know about something that you believe we are doing well!

Sincerely,

The Oakview Elementary School Staff

[The Centralia School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, disability, marital status or sex in providing education or access to benefits of education services, activities and programs in accordance with Title VI, Title VII, Title IX and other civil rights or discrimination issues; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; and the Americans with Disabilities Act.]

Page 1

Oakview Elementary School Vision:

“Oakview School is a community of high-achieving, positive, self-directed, life-long learners.”

Oakview ElementarySchool Hours:

8:25 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.

Student Arrival at School:

Students may enter the school building beginning at 8:00 A.M. The tardy bell rings and school officially begins at 8:25 A.M.

Student Dismissal:

The dismissal bell rings at 3:00. All students are dismissed from their classrooms and exit at the front door (at the office) for walkers and students being picked-up, and at the side doors for all bus riders.

Students being dismissed early for an appointment, illness or family emergency, are excused from the school office to meet the parent or guardian after being signed out. It’s important for students to finish the school day with their class. Please limit ‘early-outs’ as much as possible. NOTE: Afterschool arrangements need to be made before students arrive at school if at all possible.

Note: A student cannot be signed out—except in an emergency situation—after 2:45due to increased disruption and safety concerns.

Student Attendance:

Students are expected to be on time each day and ready for school. Students are required by Washington State Law to attend school on a regular basis. Parents are responsible to see that their children attend school.

Please help your child to attend school every day that he or she possibly can. Students with regular school attendance learn more and achieve more at school and in life. Your support is essential in helping your child to attend school each day.

School-wide Expectations:

Be safe

Be respectful

Be responsible

Be reasonable

Page 2

Oakview Elementary School Staff 2014-15

Office Staff:

Jay SparksPrincipal

Heidi PalmasonAdministrative Secretary

Melissa SikelOffice Assistant

Classroom Teachers:

Ben BangeGrade 4

Brian BartelGrade 4

Nancy BlomdahlGrade 4

Nora StaudtGrade 4

Julie WalkerGrade 4

Sara AlvaradoGrade 5

Jared DitterlineGrade 5

Kira DuncanGrade 5

Ashley KlineGrade 5

Bob SpragueGrade 5

LeiLani HarmonGrade 6

Andy JusticeGrade 6

Allie McGheeGrade 6

Sharon MiracleGrade 6

Larry MollerstuenGrade 6

Professional Development:

Ann GrandeInstructional Coach

School-wide Learning Lab Team:

Cathie PainterSped Teacher/Coordinator

Chris JohnsonSped Teacher

Kristin StrodemierIntervention Teacher

Karen ShoemakerSPED Para-educator

Sue BearSPED Para-educator

Mandy HumphriesSPED Para-educator

Pam AndersonLAP Para-educator

Kelley BurlingameLAP Para-educator

Catherine JohnsonLAP Para-educator

Diana VillanuevaELL Para-educator

Della DavisComputer Lab Para-educator

Mardi BuckSpeech/Language

Melissa ChanPsychologist

ESL Services:

America SmithESL Coordinator

Migrant Services:

Zuleyma PerezHome Visitor

Counseling Services:

Brenda PierceCounselor

Nursing Services:

Peggy FloydR.N.

Chris McGregorNurse Assistant

Library Services:

Bambi DonahueLibrary Technician

Music Services:

Michael GreenChorus

Kate StewardChorus

Rebecca GageStrings

Joe BlaserBand

Louie BlaserBand

Physical Education:

Chris PfaffTeacher

Food Service:

Valarie PulliamKitchen Manager

Antonio GuerreroAssistant

TBAAssistant

Maintenance:

John SchiltDay Custodian

Chris RobertsonNight Custodian

Page 3

Student Rights and Responsibilities:

The discipline program at Oakview Elementary School is based onDiscipline with Love and Logic. This program is based on four key principles:

  1. Share the control.
  2. Share the thinking.
  3. Use equal shares of empathy and consequences.
  4. Protect and promote the self-concept.

Expectations for All Educational Settings:

The same expectations for safe, respectful, responsible and reasonable behavior apply to all educational settings—classroom, playground, cafeteria, library, gym, music, or any other school setting—at Oakview Elementary School.

Student Code of Conduct:

Oakview Elementary School expects student conduct to contribute to a productive learning climate. Students shall comply with school and district policies, administrative regulations, school and classroom written rules, pursue the prescribed course of study, submit to the lawful authority of teachers and school officials, and conduct themselves in an orderly manner during the school day and during school sponsored activities. This code of conduct also applies to students as pedestrians or bicyclists on their way to and from school.

Students will be subject to discipline including detention, suspension, expulsion and/or referral to law enforcement for the following, but not limited to:

  • Theft;
  • Disruption of the school;
  • Damage or destruction of school property;
  • Damage or destruction of private property on school premises or during a school activity;
  • Assault, harassment or threat of harm;
  • Students shall not bring, possess, conceal or use a weaponof any type on or at district property—includesany type of weapon replica and any type of knife or blade;
  • Unlawful possession or use of tobacco, alcohol or drugs, including drug paraphernalia;
  • Violation ofschool or classroom rules;
  • Persistent failure to comply with the lawful directions of teachers and school officials.

Discipline and Due Process:

A student who violates the Student Code of Conduct shall be subject to disciplinary action. A student's due process rights will be observed in all such instances, including the right to appeal the discipline decisions of school staff.

Page 4

Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying (H.I.B.) Information:

The Oakview staff believes that harassment, intimidation and bullying are unacceptable behaviors and that every one of our students has a right to come to school without experiencing these behaviors. School-wide instruction in the Steps to Respectprogram teaches students the skills to develop and support a positive learning environment for all.

Please review the following information and feel free to call the school office or speak with your child’s teacher if you have any questions or concerns.

Definition of harassment, intimidation and bullying: Repeated behavior directed at an individual or group, characterized by an imbalance of power and intent to harm. The behavior may include physical or verbal aggression, rumors and gossip, and exclusion or threats of exclusion from the peer group.

Examples of repeated behaviors associated with harassment, intimidation and bullying:

  • name-calling
  • physical contact (kicking, hitting, shoving…)
  • threatening (verbal or written)
  • damaging property
  • invading personal space
  • excluding someone from a group or game
  • discrimination based on a person being perceived as different in some way

Examples of how to handle students who harass, intimidate or bully you:

  • stay away from the them
  • walk away from them or tell them to leave you alone and walk away
  • ignore them
  • play with friendly students
  • don’t fight back physically (it will escalate the problem)
  • report to your parent, teacher, playground supervisor, principal, bus driver…

Information for parents if your student is being harassed, intimidated or bullied:

  • listen carefully to your student
  • stay calm
  • get accurate details
  • review ways to handle bullying with your student
  • if your student is different in some way, help him or her to be proud of that difference
  • if the problem continues, seek help from your student’s teacher
  • if the problem continues, seek help from the school principal

Page 5

If your student is harassing, intimidating or bullying others:

  • find out all the facts from the school
  • talk to your student, but do not blame
  • emphasize that bullying is not acceptable in your family
  • role-play alternative behaviors
  • seek assistance from school or health professionals
  • be specific regarding consequences for continuing unacceptable behaviors
  • reward appropriate behavior

Consequences of harassment, intimidation and bullying at Oakview:

First Offense:

  • Referral to school office
  • Parents notified by telephone or letter

Repeated Offenses:

  • Conference with school principal and parents
  • Loss of involvement in school functions (recess,assemblies, field trips, sports, etc.)
  • In-school or out-of-school suspension
  • Referral to law enforcement

Note:Levels are on a progressive scale, but for serious behavior problems a student can proceed straight to a higher level. For example, physical assault, even a first offense, may lead to out of school suspension or referral to law enforcement.

Bus Regulations:

Riding the bus is a service and privilege provided by the school district to responsible students. Students failing to follow bus regulations are subject to having their bus privileges revoked. Bus rules are based on years of experience in the transportation of students and are designed for the safety of all passengers. Student conduct must be such that drivers are able to focus their full attention on driving the bus.

Student Dress Standards:

Oakview Elementary School, like most schools, has student dress standards that students are expected to follow. These standards are not intended to infringe on the rights of individual expression, but to meet community standards for modesty, safety, and reduced disruption of the educational process.

  • All students must wear shoes at all times at school.
  • No halter tops, tops with spaghetti straps, or tops that leave the midriff or undergarments exposed.
  • All pants are to be worn at the waistline.
  • Belts are to be inserted through belt loops on pants.
  • All shorts and skirts need to come to the mid-section of the thigh or longer.

Page 6

  • Clothing or accessories of any type, may not advertise alcohol, drugs, or tobacco products. Any words, slogans, or pictures that are lewd, crude, obscene, objectionable, or depicting violence will not be allowed.
  • Hats are not to be worn inside the school building. Cold weather headgear will be allowed during inclement weather for outdoor activities/recess.
  • ANY clothing or accessory identified as “gang related” will not be allowed.

Candy and Gum at School:

In an effort to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment, students are not allowed to bring candy or gum to school. School staff, including all teachers, educational assistants and the school principal, may provide candy and/or gum or other treats (in moderation)for student rewards and/or to motivate specific students or groups of students.

Personal Property at School:

Students often want to bring items of personal property to school. Many times this property is lost or damaged causing hurt feelings and other issues. We ask that parents carefully monitor their children in the choices that they make in bringing personal property to school.

Note: The following is a list of items that are not allowed at school due to the potential disruption to teaching and learning that these items present:

  • Music players(unless approved by teacher as study aid or other classroom use)
  • Cell phones (see below) and electronic games
  • Other electronic equipment (unless pre-arranged for classroom use such as electronic readers)
  • Cosmetics (examples: eye shadow, lipstick, perfume)

Students’ Cell Phone use at School and use of School Phones:

Along with increased cell phone use in our society, there is an increase in cell phone ownership and use by students of all ages. We understand that parents may need to have cell phone contact with their children before and/or after school, and have created a policy that reflects that need.Please review the following information and let us know if you have questions.

  • A student’s cell phone must be turned off while on the school campus and must be in the student’s backpack. To have a cell phone at school, a backpack or school bag is required.
  • A student’s cell phone is to stay in his/her backpack throughout the school day and until he or she is off the school campus and/or off of the school bus.
  • A student’s cell phone can be picked up in the school office by his or her parent or guardian if the student has lost the phone for violating this policy.
  • Note:Students are allowed to use school phones, with staff permission, as needed.

Bicycles:

Bicycles are to be parked in the bicycle racks. All bicycles should be locked to the rack. The school assumes no responsibility for damaged or stolen bikes. Students are always to ride on the right side of the street and never on sidewalks. NOTE: Bicycle helmets save lives!

Page 7

Immunization:

Students in grades K-12 in the State of Washington must show that they have been properly immunized against certain diseases when they enroll in school.Sixth grade students must submit proof of having a Varicella (Chickenpox) shot or a date of having Chickenpox before they begin the school year in the fall. Also needed, IF student is 11 years old & IF it has been at least 5 years since the last dose of DTaP, DT or Td, a Tdap booster is required.

Medication:

Any medication that the school is to administer must be sent in the prescription bottle with the contents and name of the doctor included. Parents must also fill out a District form (available in the school office) allowing medication to be dispersed. Students cannot be in possession of any medication at school. Medication must be kept in a secure area of the Nurse’s office.

Accident Insurance:

Accident insurance will be available to those families wishing to purchase it. Information regarding this program is distributed with the registration packet.

Bringing Food to School:

All food brought into school for birthdays or class celebrations must be commercially prepared (“store bought”). Home cooked items are not allowed due to Health Department rules. Healthy snacks are strongly encouraged.

School Pictures:

Individual pictures of students will be taken in fall and spring. All students will be photographed, but parents are not obligated to purchase student pictures. Package options will be available for those who wish to purchase.

Change of Address, Telephone Number, Work Schedule:

Please notify the school immediately if there is a change in your address, telephone number, work schedule, childcare provider, or emergency contact person. This information is very important if your child becomes ill or injured while at school.

Breakfast and Lunch Information:

The cafeteria at Oakview Elementary serves nutritious meals for breakfast and lunch each school day. Information regarding qualification for financial assistance is included in the registration packet and by request from the school office at any time during the school year.

Animals on Campus:

Pets are not allowed at school without obtaining prior permission from the student’s teacher and the school principal.

Page 8

School Closure:

If it is necessary to close school or delay the school starting time due to inclement weather, dangerous road conditions or any other emergency, a "No School Announcement" will be made over local radio and television stations. Current information is also available on the Centralia School District Web Page: “ Parents: Please discuss with your students what to do if school is closed, delayed or dismissed earlier than regular time.

School Visitors:

Parents are welcome to visit Oakview Elementary School. We need your support! When visiting, always check in through the school office and obtain a visitor's pass. This procedure contributes to school-wide student safety.

School Volunteers:

As you may know, we have a procedure to “clear” volunteers prior to working in classrooms, escorting field trips and other volunteer duties at Oakview. This procedure complies with State and District policies and expectations to ensure student safety. The following is an outline of the procedure:

  1. Any adult, parent or family member that is interested in volunteering in classrooms or escorting/attending field trips or volunteering in other ways at school will let their child’s teacher know of their interest.
  2. The teacher will forward the names to our front office. Our office staff will send each interested person a volunteer background checkform that will need to be completed and returned to the office. This form must be completed and returned annually.
  3. The name of each volunteer will be added to the school-wide volunteer list that will allow each individual to volunteer in classrooms or escort/attend field trips for the remainder of the 2014-2015 school year.
  4. All volunteers, including field trip volunteers must check-in at the school office to sign-in and receive a visitor’s pass.

Volunteer Notes: