CSAL Elementary School

Student/Parent Handbook

“Empowering and Inspiring All Students to Excel” 

1705 Madison Ave. Baton Rouge, LA 70802

Phone: 225-412-9900

Fax: 225-412-9938

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Description Page Welcome/Statement of Compliance 3 Mission/Vision Statement 4 Goals for Students 4 School Hours/Arrival and Departure 5 Check Out Procedures 5-6 Parent/School Communication 6 Conferences 6-7 Early Dismissal Days 7 School Holidays 7 Visitation 7-8 Parties 8 Field Trips Policy 8 Improving Reading Skills 8 Accelerated Reader 9 Attendance Requirements 9-10 Standards of Promotion 10 Grading Scale 10-11 Awards 11-12 Lost/Damaged Textbooks 12 Ancillary Services 12 Additional Programs & Services 12-13 Homework Policy 13-14 Parent/Student Dress Code 14-15 Discipline/CSAL Elementary Rules 16-17 School wide Discipline Policy 17 Interventions 17-18 Incentives 18 Consequences 18-19 School Drug Policy 19 Elementary Discipline Center 19- 20 Bus Policy/Rules 20-21 School Food Service 21-22 Snacks 22 Health Policies 22-23 Medication at School 23-24 Change of Address/Telephone/Emergency Numbers 24 Procedures for Emergency Situations 24 Messages/Personal Items 25 Student and Parent Verification Form 26

2

Dear Parents:

Welcome to CSAL Elementary. We are looking forward to working with you to make this an exciting and rewarding year of academic growth for each of our students. In order to provide an orderly, safe and secure environment in which to learn and grow; Please read the policies and discuss them with your child. Please sign and return this page to your child’s teacher, indicating that you have received a copy of the CSAL Parent/Student Handbook and Statement of Compliance. ✁---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Statement of Compliance The Statement of Compliance shall state that the parent or legal guardian agrees to ensure his/her child’s daily attendance at school, ensure his/her child’s arrival at school on time each day, ensure his/her child completes all assigned homework, and attend all required parent/teacher/principal conferences. ______________________________________________________________ Student Name _______________________________________________________________ Parent’s Name ________________________________________________________________ Date

3

MISSION The mission of CSAL Elementary is to provide equitable educational opportunities for all students, through rigorous academic experiences and supportive relationships with families and community partners. CSAL Elementary affords students access to high-quality STEM curriculum and hands-on learning activities while cultivating leadership skills that will prepare them to be successful in the 21st century.

All learners will achieve their highest potential, through authentic learning experience that will prepare them to be leaders in the global society. GOALS FOR STUDENTS

A. All students will develop competencies in utilizing resources, exercising rights and responsibilities and decision-making strategies.

1. All students will learn to engage in appropriate classroom, public, and school

behavior. 2. All students will learn to consider the viewpoints of others. 3. All students will recognize that they are important to themselves and others. 4. All students will learn to respect and show appreciation for their principal,

teachers, staff, other students, property, and the educational process. 5. All students will learn to value their unique characteristics and abilities. 6. All students will develop and incorporate an understanding of how attitudes and

values affect decisions and actions. 7. All students will participate in drug awareness education.

B. All students will develop competencies in the basic cognitive skills that are reflective

of continued learning.

1. All students will become functional readers.

4

2. All students will become knowledgeable of the basic mathematical computations,

problem-solving skills and strategies, computer awareness, graphing interpretations, geometry, and the meaning of fractions.

3. All students will become effective communicators through oral and written expression.

4. All students will develop competencies in Social Studies and Science through research, technology and inquiry.

CSAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL POLICIES & PROCEDURES

SCHOOL HOURS

7:50 Arrival Time for Teachers 7:55 Teachers on Duty 8:00 Arrival Time for Students

8:00 – 8:25 Breakfast Served 8:30 Instruction Begins 3:25 Dismissal

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE

The carpool area is one-way and one-lane. All cars will enter at the east end of the driveway and exit at the west end.

1. STUDENTS MAY NOT BE DROPPED OFF BEFORE 8:00 a.m. Proper supervision will not be provided until that time.

2. All car riders will be dropped off and picked up in front of the school. For student safety, do not drop students off in the parking lot or ask them to walk to the parking lot to be

picked up. All car riders must be picked up promptly at 3:40 p.m. Teachers are scheduled to work until 3:40 p.m. There will be NO supervision of students after this time.

3. All students in grades K -2 will go directly to the cafeteria upon arrival. 4. Students arriving after 8:30 a.m. must be escorted to the office and signed in by a

parent to receive a tardy pass before they can go to class. 5. Handicapped parking is reserved for those authorized to use these slots. 6. Five (5) MPH is the maximum speed in the driveway.

There will be NO PASSING of other vehicles in the driveway. The unpredictable behavior of children requires that you follow this rule.

7. Students will not be allowed to make any change in their usual after- school dismissal procedure (going home on the bus, going to the daycare, etc.) unless

5

the teacher or principal is authorized in writing by the child’s parent or guardian.

8. When picking children up after 2:00 p.m., please park in the parking lot away from the carpool zone.

10. Students will not be permitted to check- out after 3:00 p.m.

CHECK-OUT PROCEDURES

1. Parents must report to the office to check out a student. Parents who plan to check out a child early must do so before 3:00 p.m. in order to avoid danger in the carpool line.

2. The clerical staff or administrator will call the student to the office once the parent has arrived at school. Parents must present a valid ID in order to check out a student.

3. Written parental permission must be presented if someone other than the parent picks up a student. The office will contact you by phone to verify permission. Please leave a phone number where you can be contacted. This is for your child’s protection.

4. Sign the check-out book or sign out on the computer in the front office.

PARENT/SCHOOL COMMUNICATION

We believe that communication between parents, students, teachers, the administration, and the community is vital if we are to truly meet the needs of the students we teach. Therefore, we will use a variety of means to communicate with parents on a regular basis. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

● Parent/Teacher Conferences

● School Newsletter

● Student Work Packets

● Report Cards

● Progress Reports

● Phone Calls

● Notes Home

● Parent Workshops

● Open House

● School Website 6

● Remind

CONFERENCES

Parent/Teacher The office is happy to arrange Parent-Teacher conferences. Arrangements for conferences can be made by calling the school between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., at 225-412-9900. Please avoid calling school personnel at their homes except in emergencies. Parent/Administrator Parents should schedule conferences with the principal at a time convenient for both parties. EARLY DISMISSAL DAYS

Elementary schools' early dismissal is scheduled throughout the year for the purpose of Parent/Teacher conferences and Professional Development. Dismissal time is 12:45. September 16, 2020 October 9, 2020 December 16-18, 2020 February 17, 2021 (Students do not attend) March 17, 2021 May 18-20, 2021

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

There will be no school on the following dates: September 7, 2020…………………………………Labor Day Holiday October 12-13, 2020………………………………. Fall Break November 3, 2020…………………………………Election Day November 23-27, 2020……………………………Thanksgiving Holiday December 21-31, 2020……………………………. Christmas/Winter Break January 1-4, 2021…………………………………. Winter Break January 18, 2021…………………………………Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday February 15-16, 2021………………………………Mardi Gras Holiday April 2-9, 2021……………………………………. Spring Break May 20, 2021……………………………………. Last Day for Students

7

VISITATION

Parents are encouraged to visit CSAL Elementary School and become a part of our academic program. Please read the following guidelines carefully. Class observations can be conducted for 30 minutes only. All visitors must sign in on the computer or sign-in book in the front office and be issued a Visitor’s Pass before going to a classroom for any reason. If a parent wishes to observe in a classroom, he/she must adhere to the following rules:

A. Parents should stop by the principal’s office first to see if it is convenient for the teacher and children to have a visitor. In most cases, it will be. Sometimes tests are being administered and the class must not be disturbed.

B. PARENTS SHOULD NOT BRING CHILDREN WHEN THEY COME TO

OBSERVE IN THE CLASSROOM OR TO WORK AS A VOLUNTEER.

C. Parents should enter the classroom quietly and be seated quietly and quickly in the rear of the room. The teacher will continue instruction.

D. Parents should not talk to their child or the teacher while the class is in session.

E. Please do not come late in the day when the teacher is getting children ready for

dismissal.

F. Parents who are not dressed properly will be asked to reschedule the visit and will not be allowed in the classroom or on the school campus.

PARTIES

A. Each class will be allowed two parties. These are held at Christmas/Winter Holidays and at the end of the year. Student or teacher birthday parties, etc. cannot be held at school. Younger brothers and sisters may not be involved in school parties.

B. NO HOMEMADE REFRESHMENTS CAN BE SERVED TO ANY STUDENT AT ANY SCHOOL ACTIVITY OR PARTY. This is a district policy.

C. “Surprise” parties for the teachers are not allowed.

D. Pre-packaged treat bags may be passed out at the end of the school day for Easter, Halloween, and Valentine’s Day.

8

FIELD TRIP POLICY

A. Students must have written permission from a parent or guardian to participate in a field trip. B. Students MUST ride the bus to and from all field trips. C. Children, other than those students with permission to attend, are not allowed on school field trips. D. Students missing school and attending field trips other than those planned specifically for them shall be reported to the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance. E. Parents are encouraged to participate in field trips. Parents are not allowed to ride the

bus.

IMPROVING READING SKILLS

Research shows that the best way to improve reading skills is to read. Read to your child every day or let your child read to you for 15 - 30 minutes daily. It is very important that you show your child that reading is important. If a child cannot read, he/she will have a harder time later in life. Read anything and everything: comic books, magazines, chapter books, etc.

ACCELERATED READER

What is Accelerated Reader?

Accelerated Reader (AR) is a program that increases students’ comprehension and fosters a love for reading. At the same time, it also personalizes reading instruction for students who need extra help. We require a student commitment to read nightly for 30 minutes. How Does AR Work? Student Reads a Book: The student reads a library or textbook selection that he/she has chosen on an appropriate level. Student Takes a Quiz: AR offers more than 75,000 quizzes on library books and popular reading textbook series. The quizzes provide assessment information to help teachers and parents motivate reading, monitor progress, and target instruction to accelerate reading growth. You Get Information: Parents and teachers get easy-to-read reports on the reading level and comprehension skills of each student to guide instruction and help the student select more reading materials. We will also send updated reports giving your student’s points and their average percent correct. The student will earn points and rewards.

9

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS

A. The minimum number of required school attendance is 160 days for elementary school students. If a student is in attendance less than 160 days per school year, the student will not be passed to the next grade. Exceptions to this policy can only be made in the event of extenuating circumstances as verified by the Office of Child Welfare and Attendance in consultation with the Principal. (Bulletin 741) Those students who have exceeded the maximum criteria on unexcused days, must have a SBLC before grades are released.

B. Students who miss school will have five (5) days from the time they return to school to bring a note stating the reason for the absence. A note from a

parent or guardian may not automatically excuse a student who is absent. Notes received after the five (5) day time period will not be accepted.

C. A doctor’s statement is required if a student is absent five (5) or more consecutive days. If absences are excessive, a doctor’s statement may be required for each day a student is absent. Students shall be required to make up all work within three days (3) of their return to school.

D. The School Board has passed the following: “In East Baton Rouge Parish Schools the failing grade as it applies to unexcused absences and suspensions shall be reported as an “F.” Students referred and attending the Discipline Center or Time Out Room will be provided the opportunity to make up graded work.

E. The state also requires that a student must be present at least 50% or more of the school day in order to be counted present for the day. If a student is checked into school late or out of school early for any reason other than medical, death, or an emergency it shall be considered an unexcused absence from class.

STANDARDS OF PROMOTION

Students must be in attendance for 160 days per school year in order to be promoted to the next grade.

E.B.R.P. Promotion Policies for Kindergarten – Grade 5:

In kindergarten, if a child does not reach the prescribed level of 70% in both language and mathematics, the child may be recommended for extended year if one is available, and shall be recommended for retention if pupil progression standards are not met.

A kindergarten retention must include parental involvement in the decision.

10

The decision for promotion following a summer program will be made by the appropriate school staff at the school where the child will attend the new school year.

To be promoted in grades 1 through 5, a student must have:

o An annual average of 70% (D average, one quality point without rounding) in both reading and mathematics and two other subjects.

o A “D” or higher must be earned during the third or fourth nine weeks’ periods. o Any student not meeting these criteria may be required to attend the extended

year program, if available, to be considered for promotion.

The Grading Scale for Achievement in Grades 1-5:

A = 93%-100% Outstanding Achievement

B = 85%-92% Good Achievement

C = 75%-84% Satisfactory Achievement

D = 67%-74% Minimum Acceptable Achievement for Passing

F = 0%-66% Failing

The Progress Reports and report cards for grade Kindergarten will be marked with the symbols O, S, NI and U

O (Outstanding) 100-93

S (Satisfactory Work) 92-80

NI (Needs Improvement) 79-67

U (Unsatisfactory Work) 66-0

In order to keep you informed of the progress of your child, we ask that you participate in Parent/Teacher conferences throughout the year. An Open House will be held at the beginning of the school year for the purpose of introducing you to each teacher and for explaining what will be expected of your child.

A. Once every two weeks, the teacher will send home a “School Work Packet” containing test papers. You are to sign and return this envelope the next day. Please return all papers. If you do not receive the packet, please contact your child’s teacher. You will also receive a monthly Newsletter with dates listed of when you should receive the

11

packets.

B. Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held each nine weeks. Progress Reports will be sent home once between report cards. Report cards will be sent home each nine weeks.

C. Students in grades 1 – 2 will receive Honor Roll for all A’s or A/B’s in all academic subjects on or above level excluding conduct and work habits. No academic grade on the report card can be lower than a “B”. In addition, there is a Special Honor Roll for students in our special education program.

AWARDS

ACADEMIC AWARDS

I. Principal’s List

1. All “A’s” in all subjects, conduct and work habits. 2. Published in the school Newsletter.

II. Honor Roll

1. All “A’s & B’s” in all subjects, conduct and work habits. 2. Published in the school Newsletter.

Honor Students

1. All “A’s” in any academic subject. 2. Receive a certificate indicating in which subject the student excelled.

Student Recognition

1. Soaring Warrior Award 2. All “A’s” in conduct and work habits for each nine weeks. 3. Published in the school Newsletter.

Student of The Month

1. Recognized by the teacher each month LOST/DAMAGED TEXTBOOKS

All textbooks, equipment, library books, and materials are on loan to students. Students are expected to return these items in good condition. They will be expected to pay for damages and losses. ANCILLARY SERVICES

12

Art Drama Music Physical Education

ADDITIONAL PROGRAMS STEM Lab for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

CSAL Elementary is committed to improving teaching and learning by transforming traditional classrooms by implementing a curriculum that is driven by problem-solving, discovery, exploratory learning, and require students to actively engage a situation in order to find its solution. In order for our students to become global leaders of tomorrow, they must become independent innovative thinkers. All students are engaged in learning rigorous, standard based curriculum and skills which allows them to explore greater depths of all subjects that are relevant to their lives and future success

ADDITIONAL SERVICES These programs are designed to provide special activities for identified students who need experiences beyond the regular curriculum.  Speech The Speech program is designed to remediate students with speech and language deficits as identified through a Pupil Appraisal evaluation. Resource The resource program helps reinforce and remediate skills taught in the regular class and is available for students who have been evaluated through Pupil Appraisal as having learning disabilities.

13

Other In addition to the above pull out programs, Progress offers Inclusion, Self-Contained Classes, Adapted Physical Education, Occupational Therapy, and Visual Impairment services for students who have been evaluated by Pupil Appraisal and who meet the criteria for these services. To initiate an evaluation from Pupil Appraisal, please contact our School Counselor at 225-412-9900

HOMEWORK POLICY Homework promotes the development of self-discipline, good study habits, a sense of responsibility, mastery of skills and comprehension of subject content. It is assigned on a regular basis and will vary according to the grade, subject and instructional needs of the student.

A. Homework, including tests, will not be assigned over the weekend or during holidays.

B. The following schedule reflects the approximate amount of time students should

spend on homework each day:

K – teacher determines 1 – 20 minutes 2 – 30 minutes 3 – 45 minutes 4 – 45 minutes (20 – 25 minutes per team teacher) 5-6 – 40 – 50 minutes (20 – 25 minutes per team teacher)

C. In grades K – 2, evaluation of homework will be reflected in the WORK HABITS grade.

D. All assignments are to be checked for accuracy and completion. Homework will not be graded. This does not include projects or any other home assignment that the teacher designates as to be graded. Projects may be given to students at

14

various times during the year. Teachers will provide parents/students with a description of the project, requirements, timelines, and a grading rubric.

E. Because CSAL Elementary understands the value of home learning, its completion by our students will be expected.

F. Students with excused absences will be allowed to complete assignments. However, this work MUST BE completed within three school days.

G. Students failing to complete homework assignments may be required to complete it during recess periods.

H. Students who repeatedly fail to complete homework assignments may lose:

1. Field Trips 2. Class Parties 3. Field Days 4. Other Incentives as determined by principal

PARENT/STUDENT DRESS CODE

The following dress code was developed by the CSAL Elementary.

A. Students and parents shall dress in a manner which is not disruptive to the educational process or the orderly operation of the school.

B. The following items of clothing are prohibited: see through apparel, including slashed or torn pants, bare midriffs, bare backed tops, halter tops, and short shorts.

C. Good grooming and dress are the responsibility of the students and parents. Parents not appropriately dressed will not be allowed to enter classrooms or remain on school grounds. What is appropriate for students is appropriate for parents.

D. Students may wear their personal “Class Spirit Shirts” on field trips and special school occasions. Students will be told when they can wear “Spirit Shirts.”

E. On Monday’s students will dress for Success. The attire will include the

following: GIRLS Jumper Dress with White Button-Down Shirt Socks: White only Plaid Criss-cross tie Navy sweater (if necessary) BOYS

15

White Button-Down Shirt with School Logo only Bottoms: Navy Slacks only (no cargo) Plaid Bow Tie Navy Sweater (if necessary) Black, Brown or Navy belt only *Shoes: No tennis shoes or sneakers will be with Dress for Success Mondays Dress Shoe colors: Black, Brown or Navy only

F. School Uniforms All students will wear a teal shirt with collar and grey bottoms with a belt on Tuesdays,

Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

G. Profane and obscene language or pictures on any article of clothing or school item (book sacks, gym bags, etc.) is prohibited.

H. Caps, hats or any other head covering may not be brought or worn at school, UNLESS the weather is bitterly cold.

I. Shirts must be tucked in at all times. Shirts worn under the uniform must not be seen so that the uniform shirt ONLY is visible on campus.

J. Shorts/Skirts must be of appropriate length when worn. Clothing may not be shorter than (5) five inches above the top of the knee. Belts must be worn if the garment has belt loops. Pants must be worn at the natural waist.

K. Footwear with soles must be worn in school facilities and on school grounds. Shoes must be closed-toe and have a back. Velcro straps must be fastened. Shoes that require shoelaces, must be laced.

L. Hair styles must not be disruptive to the educational process. Hair must be kept clean and free from head lice and nits.

M. Excessive jewelry will not be allowed.

N. Only white, blue, black or gray socks/stockings will be allowed.

DISCIPLINE

A. CSAL Elementary will follow the East Baton Rouge Parish School System discipline policy as outlined in “The Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.”

B. CSAL Elementary expects all students to respect the rights of all other students, to accept and respect the authority of all adults who are a part of our school (principals, teachers, secretary, clerks, attendants, custodial staff, cafeteria staff, bus drivers, substitutes, parent volunteers), and to accept responsibility for their own behavior.

C. The faculty and staff of CSAL Elementary will display kindness and respect for its students but will not allow behavior that will interrupt the

16

teaching process and infringe upon the rights of others. Toward this end, a discipline committee has designed a School Wide Discipline Policy consisting of a conduct card for students in grades one through five. CSAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL RULES

Classroom & Hallway 1. Listen attentively 2. Follow directions 3. Use appropriate voice level 4. Follow directions 5. Keep hands and feet to yourself 6. Stand in line quietly 7. Walk quietly 8. Walk on the right-side of the hall 9. Have proper hall pass Rules for The Restroom:

1. Throw all paper in the trash can. 2. Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself. 3. Be quiet and orderly in the restrooms. 4. Leave restrooms immediately upon completing use (No playing). 5. Respect others’ privacy 

Playgrounds:

1. Stay in designated play area. 2. Practice good safety habits. 3. Report all incidents and/or problems to the teacher on duty. 4. Duty teachers WILL handle situations that occur. 5. FIGHTING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED AND IS PUNISHABLE BY

SUSPENSION.

17

Cafeteria 1. Enter & leave cafeteria quietly 2. Display “Good” table manners 3. Use inside voice SCHOOLWIDE DISCIPLINE POLICY

All students grades K – 2, will receive a daily and/or weekly conduct card.

The conduct grade on the report card will be determined from daily and/or weekly conduct grades.

Each grade level will determine a strategy to assist students in keeping track of their conduct cards. Conduct cards will be filed in each teacher’s class as documentation. Conduct card grades may affect participation in school activities such as recess, field trips, parties, field day, etc.

A. Conduct grades will be sent home weekly in the school for parent review and signature.

B. When a student reaches 65% and no improvement is shown for Three (3) consecutive weeks or the student creates a severe disruption, the student will be sent to the Time Out Room or receive consequences outlined in the Parish Discipline Policy.

C. Time out partners will be designated at each grade level if a child needs to be removed from class. The principal, or her designee, shall assign students to the TIME OUT ROOM (TOR) as appropriate.

INTERVENTIONS

Teachers will implement the following steps to improve positive student behavior.

Step 1: Student/Teacher conference Step 2: Send student to “Time-Out” partner Step 3: Parent/Teacher/Student conference Step 4: SBLC with parent, teachers, student, administration, and the Guidance Counselor to create an individual behavior plan. Step 5: When all steps have been exhausted, the student will be referred to the Parish Discipline Policy.

Please Note: The Guidance Department will seek and refer parents to other agencies if necessary.

Severe Infractions:

The teacher is required to make written referrals regarding student behavior for the following: ● Fighting ● Possession of weapons/contrabands ● Sexual harassment ● Absolute Disrespect

18

● Cursing Teacher/Staff/Student ● Physically/Verbally out-of-control ● Inappropriate Use of Technology

Incentives

Students will be recognized for their positive, cooperative behavior through incentives (classroom and school wide programs). The following list shows examples of incentives used.

● Praise ● Rewards ● Treats ● Positive notes/Calls to Parents ● Principal’s Club

Principal’s Club:

The Principal’s Club is for those students who have earned straight A’s in conduct for each week of the month. At the end of the month, those students will receive a special treat from the principal. Time Out, Suspension, and Expulsion shall be used when necessary. The following list gives examples of student behavior warranting these types of consequences.

1. Disrespect for the authority of teachers and staff (i.e. talking back, arguing, ignoring, etc.)

2. Use of obscene and/or profane language 3. Fighting on the campus, in class, or on the bus 4. Stealing 5. Threatening students or adults 6. Disrupting the classroom 7. Bringing weapons (real or play) to school 8. Abusing restroom privileges by throwing rolls of tissue into toilets, writing on

walls, urinating or defecating on the floor or walls. 9. Sexual harassment/misconduct

19

Weapons are not allowed on campus. The following is state law. These signs are posted about the campus and shall be enforced. “Any student or non-student found guilty of carrying a firearm on a school campus or school bus shall be imprisoned at hard labor for up to five (5) years.” (L.R.S. 12:95.2) If a student is arrested for carrying a concealed weapon on campus, the principal shall immediately notify the student’s parents.

SCHOOL DRUG POLICY

A. The School Drug Policy applies to all students in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System.

B. A teacher, principal or administrator may search any building, desk, or grounds for weapons.

C. The teacher, principal, or administrator may search a student when there is probable cause to believe that the student has in his/her possession any of the items mentioned in “B” above.

D. Students possessing a drug (controlled dangerous substance) shall be reported to the School Drug Enforcement TASK Force for investigation.

E. Parents and/or guardians shall be contacted immediately. ELEMENTARY DISCIPLINE CENTERS

1. When a student is referred to the Discipline Center the student’s parent/guardian should be notified and given the reason for such action. The Discipline Center is located at the Main Office at, 4962 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge La, 70806.

2. Lessons, textbooks, and other relevant materials of instruction are to be sent with the student.

3. Parents/guardians are expected to take the student to the center’s classroom NO LATER than 8:00 a.m. on each day he/she is assigned to the center.

4. Medication should be brought to the center by the student’s parent/guardian, if required.

5. Students not attending discipline centers on the assigned dates shall be given “unexcused absences” and shall not be allowed to make up any missed class assignments.

6. Students are required to be in attendance ALL dates assigned. Days missed due to illness must be verified by a physician’s statement. If a student misbehaves while

20

attending a Discipline Center and is removed, that student will be suspended from school for the rest of the time he/she was assigned to the center.

BUS POLICY

Parents/guardians should understand their responsibility in working with the bus driver and school system personnel for the welfare and safety of their children. Also, emphasis should be placed on the problems involved with safe transportation and the extent of responsibility placed on bus drivers who are transporting their children. Responsibilities of parents/guardians are as follows:

A. Be familiar with and follow local board and school level policies for school bus transportation. Sign and return the school bus agreement within the first week of school.

B. Have children ready and at their designated pickup points along the route.

C. Cooperate with the school and bus driver in teaching children safety precautions and good manners and habits for school bus passengers.

D. Assist when there are disciplinary actions. BUS RULES

A bus with undisciplined passengers is a hazardous bus. The misbehavior of the students can lead to accidents. The driver must concentrate on the driving task at hand and cannot be expected to constantly discipline the students while the bus is in motion. Therefore, for the safe operation of the school bus, students should be aware of and obey the following safety rules:

A. Be on time. The bus will not wait.

21

B. Do not stand in the street while waiting for the bus. Stand a safe distance off the street

and wait until the bus is stopped and the driver motions to you before you approach the bus.

C. If you must cross the street to board the bus, do so very carefully. Wait for your driver’s directions and cross at least 10 feet in front of the bus after the driver signals it is OK to cross. You should also check for traffic in both directions before crossing.

D. Cooperate with the driver; your safety depends on it.

E. Remain quiet enough not to distract the driver.

F. Present written permission from your parents, and approved by the principal, to your bus driver to get on and off the bus at a stop other than your own.

G. Do not stand when a seat is available, and the bus is in motion. Sit in the seat assigned to you by the driver.

H. Do not extend arms, head or other objects out of windows or doors.

I. Do not throw objects in the bus or out of windows or doors.

J. Do not use the emergency door except for emergencies; usually directed by the driver.

K. Do not damage the bus in any way.

L. Be courteous and safety-conscious at all times.

M. Protect your riding privilege by abiding by all the above rules. The Bus Driver and the parents will initially handle discipline problems on the bus. Bus Drivers will attempt to resolve problems by contacting the child’s parents. If this doesn’t improve the behavior, bus drivers have been instructed to notify the principal. The principal will revoke bus privileges for students who do not conform to the rules. A referral (Discipline) slip from the driver will be sent to parents for student misbehavior. Pink slips must be signed by parents and returned to the bus driver. If it is not returned the next school day, the child will receive a second referral slip.

SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE

Students in East Baton Rouge Parish School System eat breakfast and lunch at no charge. Students will be given a computer I.D. number which will be used for breakfast and lunch. Students must pay for additional items and it must be paid in the cafeteria when the go through the lunch line.

22

Procedures for Payment:

A. Students purchasing milk only or extra milk, must pay daily. No prepayments will be accepted for this.

B. Make sure your child knows his/her new Computer I.D. number. C. Students are permitted to bring lunches from home. Chips, cookies, and

juice are permitted as a part of the packaged lunch from home. D. NO SNACKS are allowed at school before the lunch period. GUM IS

NOT PERMITTED AT SCHOOL AT ANYTIME. E. Bag lunches – students who forget bag lunches will not be allowed to call

home, but will eat in the cafeteria. Carbonated and/or canned drinks are not acceptable.

F. Parents and other adult family members are welcome to come to school to have lunch with their children. Please call the cafeteria or the office to make a reservation.

G. Breakfast is available at school from 8:00 – 8:25 A.M. each morning. It is free to all students.

H. A free lunch form will be sent to every student. Please fill it out and return it to school as soon as you receive it.

I. No outside food items are to be brought to school unless the child is eating a bag lunch. (Example – A child cannot bring his own beverage or cookies to eat with his school lunch. These items will not be allowed in the cafeteria.) NO GLASS CONTAINERS ARE ALLOWED AT SCHOOL.

J. Special diets require a doctor’s statement with the instructions and food items listed. No diet can be prepared until the cafeteria manager has received this statement. A new statement is required at the beginning of each school year.

K. Parents who wish to attend field trips and have the school prepare a bag lunch are required to pay in advance. The teacher will send you a deadline for this.

SNACKS

Students are NOT to bring snacks to school. Chewing gum or foods of any kind on the bus or at school will not be permitted. Students may not sell candy or any other items on buses or on the school campus.

HEALTH POLICIES

We ask that you please do not send your child to school when he/she is ill.

Return the Permission for Emergency Treatment Form.

23

In the event that a child becomes seriously ill and his/her parent or the

designated persons cannot be reached, he/she will be taken to the nearest hospital by ambulance

at the expense of the parent or guardian.

If a child is too sick to stay in the classroom, the teacher will send him/her to the office and the secretary or volunteer will call the parents to come pick up their child. The school must have a home telephone number and at least one emergency number to call in such cases. Please make sure that you have submitted an emergency card to school. You must update our records if your phone number changes during the school year.

MEDICATION AT SCHOOL

A. As a general principle, medication shall not be given at school unless it is certified in writing by the attending physician that such medications cannot be administered before or after school hours. There will be a nurse on staff to advise or assist with administering medication.

B. Possible exceptions to the general policy:

1. Medication for behavior modification. 2. Insect sting allergy – must have a note from the physician with

specific instructions. 3. Anticonvulsive medications. (Ex: Dilantin, Phenobarbital) 4. Medication of asthmatic conditions. 5. Extenuating circumstances.

C. Antibiotics and other short-term medication, including non-prescription medications, SHALL NOT BE GIVEN AT SCHOOL.

24

D. Children shall not be allowed to have medication in their possession on the school grounds. Teacher and principals have the right to take the medication from the child and contact the parents for appropriate information.

E. Prior to the administering of medication during school hours, the following will be required:

1. The Parental Consent/Physician’s Order Form must be completed by the physician and signed by the parent or guardian.

2. The medication shall be taken to school by the parent or guardian in a container labeled by a pharmacist. Unlabeled medications will not be administered in school.

3. No more than a month’s supply of medication will be kept at school. The empty bottle will be sent home with the child.

4. At the beginning of each school year and anytime there is a change in medication, a new form from the physician shall accompany the new prescription.

5. All medication shall be recorded daily on the Medication Log. The Parental Consent/Physician’s Order Form shall be attached to the Medication Log.

6. Because of potential danger, medication shall be kept under lock and key in a secure, central location.

7. The principal will designate the person to administer the medication. Any person so designated shall have received instruction on administration of medication.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS, TELEPHONE/EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Please keep the school informed of any change of address, telephone number or emergency number. It is important that we are able to reach you at all times in cases of illness or accident.

PROCEDURES FOR EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

Specific procedures are outlined for use when it becomes necessary to send students home at a time other than the scheduled dismissal time such as: a natural disaster, civil defense alert,

25

extended bomb search, emergency shutdown of essential facilities, or fire emergency. The decision to close a school comes from the Superintendent’s office. The following rules apply:

1. Parents are notified of dismissals in advance through the media so that they may make plans for a responsible adult to take care of their children if they cannot be at home.

2. Students will be released to parents who arrive at school to pick them up. NO CHILD WILL BE RELEASED TO ANY PERSON OTHER THAN HIS/HER PARENT(S) DURING AN EMERGENCY WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE PARENT. Parents must follow the school check-out procedure during emergency situations. Each child must be told how he/she is to get home if there is a chance of emergency concerning unstable weather conditions or any other unforeseen emergency.

3. Children who ride buses will be kept in a safe place until the buses arrive.

MESSAGES

1. Only messages of urgent importance can be relayed during school time as this interrupts the teaching process. If you must deliver a message or bring an item to your child, PLEASE REPORT TO THE OFFICE.

2. Only office personnel, the teacher, or health clinic staff will contact parents in cases of illness or emergency.

3. Students will not be allowed to call home for books, homework, etc. Make sure your child is prepared as he/she leaves home.

4. Students may not bring cell phones to school.

PERSONAL ITEMS

Please place your child’s name on ALL school supplies, sweaters, coats, hats, gloves, raincoats, book sacks, etc. This enables us to return lost items to your child. Parents should label all students personal items: coats, book bags, lunch bags, etc.

26

STUDENT AND PARENT VERIFICATION FORM TO: Parents of Children Riding the School Bus FROM: East Baton Rouge Parish School Board Transportation Dear Parents: In order for you to understand the regulations covering the conduct of your child riding an East Baton Rouge Parish School Bus, we are sending you a copy of REGULATIONS FOR PUPILS RIDING SCHOOL BUSES. It is requested that YOU and YOUR CHILD read these regulations which are in the CSAL Elementary Parent/Student Handbook. This will be used as a permanent record throughout your child’s enrollment in the East Baton Rouge Parish Schools. Your cooperation with us will make it possible to provide a SAFER AND MORE EFFICIENT TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM. PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THIS FORM TO THE BUS DRIVER TOMORROW IN ORDER FOR YOUR CHILD TO CONTINUE RIDING THE SCHOOL BUS. FOR ALL STUDENTS: FOR PARENT OR GUARDIAN: I have read the REGULATIONS I have read the REGULATIONS FOR PUPILS RIDING SCHOOL FOR PUPILS RIDING SCHOOL BUSES and agree, as a BUSES and agree to assume full passenger, to abide by said responsibility for my child’s

27

regulations. conduct on said buses. ____________________________ ____________________________ Signature of Student Signature of Parent or Guardian Driver: ____________________ Bus Number: ________________

 

 

 

In Closing 

 We know this is a lot of information to absorb at one time. It 

will, however, give you an idea of how things work at CSAL 

Elementary. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, 

please don’t hesitate to call. We can always find time to speak 

with you. We’re looking forward to a great year together! 

 

Your partners in education, 

 

The CSAL Elementary School Faculty and Staff 

 

 

 

 

28