Sarah Kilgore, Principal

Dr. Casandra Holliday, Assistant Principal

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Thurgood Marshall Elementary School

2501 OAK STREET ● BELLWOOD, ILLINOIS 60104

OFFICE: (708) 544-6995 ● FACSIMILE: (708) 544-3338

SARAH KILGORE, PRINCIPAL ● DR. CASANDRA HOLLIDAY, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL

Dear Thurgood Marshall Parents/Guardians:

Welcome to the 2017-2018 school year! At Thurgood Marshall Elementary

School, we take great pride in our school and in the education of our students. The

Parent - Student Handbook is an excellent resource to help ensure that your child

has a successful school year. As parents and guardians, each of you play an

integral role in your child’s education. Please spend some time with your child to

share and discuss this important information.

Each year, the Parent - Student Handbook is reviewed and updated. In the

handbook, you can find information about student attendance, health and wellness,

parental involvement, student achievement, behavioral expectations, and curricular

information. Parents and guardians will be asked to sign and return an

acknowledgement form indicating that you and your child understand the

responsibilities as described in the Parent - Student Handbook.

In addition to discussing the handbook with your child, I encourage you to talk

with him/her throughout the school year about how they are doing, both in and

outside of the classroom. Help your child to make this the best school year yet. The

administration and dedicated teaching staff is ready, and excited, to support you in

this effort. Any additional questions or concerns about the contents of this

handbook, feel free to contact me at (708) 544-6995.

Sincerely,

Sarah Kilgore

Principal

Bellwood School District 88

640 EASTERN AVENUE ● BELLWOOD, ILLINOIS 60104

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OFFICE: (708) 344-9344 ● FACSIMILE: (708) 344-9416

Board of Education

Sondra McClendon, President

Maria Perez, Vice President

Dorothy Clark-Smith, Secretary

Annie Copeland, Member

Deborah Giles, Member

Lindsley Griffin, Member

Marilyn Thurman, Member

Mark Holder, Superintendent

The Board of Education is the controlling body of the school district. The Board consists of

seven members, each of whom is elected by the voters. The Board of Education establishes

policies and determines the direction the district should be taking.

School board meetings are open to the public, held on the first Monday of each month and begin

promptly at 6:00 p.m. All Committee meetings are held on the third Monday of each month and

begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. All meetings are held at the District 88 Administration Center

located 640 Eastern Avenue, Bellwood, IL 60104.

Mission Statement Under our administrative leadership for Bellwood School District 88, our mission is to enable

and inspire our diverse student body to achieve academic excellence and make positive

contributions to our world.

Vision Our Students: Are curious and creative learners who succeed through personal initiatives and

sustained efforts to reach high academic goals.

Our Educators: Teachers, staff, and administrators together form a rich professional learning

community where all are supported to hone our professional craft to improve our effectiveness in

educating our children.

Our Families: Are active, engaged and welcomed partners in their child’s education, who give

valued input and participate in making important decisions about our academic and enrichment

programs.

Our Schools: Are vital centers of community life, enriched by the diversity of our cities and

welcoming to all families. We offer an enriched learning environment and a comprehensive

system of supports to address the needs of the whole child.

Values and Beliefs of Bellwood School District 88

• Students are our #1 Priority

• We take pride in our diversity

• We hold high expectations for ourselves and our students

• We treat each other with respect and act with integrity

District 88 Administration

Ms. Karen Mitchell, Assistant Superintendent

Ms. Victoria Hansen, Curriculum

Ms. Charlotte Larson, Special Education

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Mr. Harold Daniels, Technology

Mr. Joseph Burdi, Building & Grounds

Mr. Tyreese Stafford, Transportation

School administration and District administration are responsible for the interpretation and

administration of Board policies.

Thurgood Marshall Elementary School

VISION STATEMENT

“One Team, One Vision…Preparing,

Empowering, Motivating Children to Thrive Globally.”

THURGOOD MARSHALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

2017 – 2018

Ms. Kilgore Principal 708-410-3505

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Dr. Holliday Assistant Principal 708-410-3507

Ms. Jamison Secretary 708-410-3500

Mrs. Hill Building Assistant 708-410-3502

SCHOOL HOURS Breakfast: 7:45 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.

Staff/Teacher Room Number Assignment

Mr. Bailey Morning Custodian

Mr. Benjamin Evening Custodian

Ms. Clark 119 Teacher Assistant

Mrs. Conley 207 3rd Grade Sp. Ed.

Ms. Doerr Gymnasium Physical Education

Mr. Duval 201 ESL Resource Teacher

Mrs. Escobedo 118 K – 1st Grade Sp. Ed.

Ms. Gillani 206 Resource Teacher

Ms. Hannah 224 5th Grade

Ms. Hansen 102 3rd Grade

Ms. Haralson 200 5th Grade

Ms. Hatchett 217 Social Worker

Ms. Heiman 103 1st Grade

Ms. Hester Cafeteria Cafeteria Supervisor

Ms. Hill 217 Media Assistant

Ms. Hoover Cafeteria Cafeteria Supervisor

Mr. Jackson Cafeteria Cafeteria Supervisor

Ms. Johnson 124 Kindergarten

Mrs. Johnson Cafeteria Cafeteria Supervisor

Mrs. Jones 204 4th Grade

Ms. Lofrano 104 Reading Resource Teacher

Mr. Lucas 205 4th Grade

Ms. Marter 208 Resource Teacher

Mrs. Meza 202 ESL Resource Teacher

Ms. Miller 101 3rd Grade

Mr. Mitchell 118 Teacher Assistant

Mrs. O’Brien-Williams 217 Special Education Program Supervisor

Ms. Oppegard 223 Art

Ms. Orozo 221 Technology Support

Ms. Parrott 119 2nd Grade – 3rd Grade Sp. Ed.

Mrs. Reeves Cafeteria Cafeteria Supervisor

Ms. Ross Cafeteria Cafeteria Supervisor

Ms. Russo 203 PAEC Speech Therapist

Ms. Sampson 106 2nd Grade

Ms. Scheck 123 Kindergarten

Ms. Stokes Cafeteria Cafeteria Supervisor

Mr. Vaccaro 217 School Psychologist

Ms. Vaughn 108 2nd Grade

Ms. Washingtion Cafeteria Cafeteria Supervisor

Mr. Wells Evening Custodian

Mrs. Woon 105 1st Grade

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Students are allowed into the building at 7:45 a.m. We discourage arrival before this time, as

there is no supervision. All students are to report to the cafeteria. At 8:00 a.m. students in K-2nd

will go to the recreation room below the cafeteria to wait in their assigned line until their teacher

picks them up at 8:15 a.m. Students in grades 3rd- 5th will remain in the cafeteria until 8:15 a.m.

when they will be picked up by their teacher.

Instructional Day: 8:20 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The instructional day officially begins at 8:20 a.m. and morning announcements start at 8:30 a.m.

Students who arrive after 8:25 a.m. are considered tardy.

School Closing Information

For important information on decisions related to school closings, check the Emergency Closing

Center website: www.emergencyclosingcenter.com and watch the local news stations

(Channels 2, 5, 7, and 9).

ARRIVAL Morning Arrival

It is important that students are at school each day prepared to learn. Our instructional day

begins promptly at 8:20 a.m. Students may be dropped off no earlier than 7:45 a.m. We cannot

guarantee proper supervision before 7:45 a.m. as staff members are not required to supervise

students before that time. At the elementary school level, we recognize that primary students are

not responsible for getting themselves to school. Please make sure morning routines are in place

at home to help with a safe and timely arrival to school each day.

Student Expectations

To the extent possible, students should follow routines for unpacking book bags and taking care

of morning business as outlined and taught by the classroom teachers. Teachers spend a good

amount of time getting students familiar with these procedures and what is expected of them.

We thank you in advance for working with staff to help your child gain this independence and

follow through on these expectations.

ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES The State of Illinois has established the following guidelines for minimum time requirements for

creditable pupil attendance days:

• Kindergarten - Grade 1: All students must have a total of 4 hours (240 minutes) of

instructional time to be credited for 1 full day of attendance. To be credited for ½ day,

the child must have 2 hour (120 minutes) of instructional time.

• Grades 2–5: All students must have a total of 5 hours (300 minutes) of instructional time

to be credited for 1 full day of attendance. To be credited for a ½ day, the child must

have 2 ½ hours (150 minutes) of instructional time.

TARDIES/ABSENCES Good attendance and punctuality are indicators of success in school. Students who are tardy

miss important announcements and academic instruction. Their late entry also interrupts

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students who have started their lessons. Students must be in their seat before the announcements

begin in order to be considered on time.

If your child is unable to attend school, please call the school office before 9:00 a.m. to

inform us of the absence. Notification for an extended absence need only be made on the first

day of the absence. If the absence is due to a contagious disease, a doctor’s statement must be

presented to health services before the child is readmitted to class.

In case of an extended absence, parents may request assignments before a student returns to

class. Parents should call the school office at (708) 544-6995 to give the expected length of

absence and the subject areas in which the assignments are desired. A 24-hour timeline is

needed before assignments can be picked up at the school office.

Be aware that any prolonged absence could have an impact on the child’s learning and may

hinder academic growth. If the child misses 10% or more of the regular attendance days,

retention may be necessary.

EARLY DISMISSAL If your child must leave school early due to special circumstances, please report to the main

office. The student will be called from the classroom for dismissal. Parents/Guardians must sign

students out at the main office when they are picked up prior to regular dismissal. No student

will be released to a minor child or an individual whose name is not listed on the emergency

form.

BUS TRANSPORTATION AND SCHEDULE

Bus Service is provided at no cost for all students in district 88. All bus assignments as well as

routes and stops are determined by the District 88 Transportation Department. You will receive a

district bus schedule, which contains all routes and route information. Please contact the school

if you do not receive this form.

Students should be on time at the designated school bus stop and ride only the bus they are

assigned. For bus safety, please be aware that the bus driver is in full charge of the bus and riders

all times. Any concerns regarding decisions or actions of the bus driver should be directed to

Thurgood Marshall Elementary School and/or District 88 Transportation Department.

Bus Rules • Bus riders must remain seated at all times

• Bus riders are expected to be courteous to their fellow riders and to the bus

driver/assistant

• No food is allowed on the bus

• Bus riders are not to distract the driver, use profanity on the bus or otherwise cause a

safety hazard

• Bus riders may not put their heads or arms out of the windows at any time

• Nothing may be throw or discarded from the bus

• Screaming, loud talking or laughing on the bus could present a safety hazard and is not

allowed

• Bus riders must not tamper or vandalize the bus. Any students found to have violated this

rule are subject to removal and loss of privileges (See Rules of Conduct and Discipline)

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• Students who damage the buses will be required to pay for any repairs

• Bus riders who miss the bus must make their own transportation arrangements

• Bus transportation is not an approved excuse for missing before or after school

responsibilities such as make-up work and/or detentions.

Students who violate the bus rules can be subjected to losing their bus riding privileges.

First Offense:

• Bus driver referral

• Verbal warning/Conference with administration

• Phone call to parent

• Violation documented

Second Offence:

• Bus driver referral

• Conference with administration

• Letter sent home to parent concerning student behavior.

• Phone call to parent.

• Violation documented

Third Offense:

• Bus driver referral

• Parent/Student/Administration conference

• Violation will be documented

Fourth Offense:

Student will lose bus privileges for a specific amount of time determined by the Administration.

Students can lose bus privileges sooner if the offense puts the driver and students at risk.

With each referral, the administrator and social worker will attempt to modify the student’s

behavior so that they can remain on the bus.

GENERAL INFORMATION

ASSEMBLY PROGRAMS Throughout the school year, each grade level is responsible for a program. Classroom teachers

and specialists work together to plan a program to showcase the talents and abilities of the

students. This increases the student’s self-esteem and provides a positive experience for them. It

is our desire that all students participate in the program; however, any student who exhibits

inappropriate behavior during practice will be excluded from the practice and the program.

CELL PHONES

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Students are not allowed to bring cell phones to school. We are aware of the society in which we

live and the need for safety after school. Therefore, cell phones may only be used outside the

school day. Cell phones used or seen during the school day will be confiscated by the school

office and can only be retrieved by the parent/guardian.

Note: The school is not responsible for lost or stolen cell phones, digital music players, or other

electronic devices.

CLASSROOM OBSERVATION Classroom observations require 24-hour notification prior to visitation and principal approval.

Classroom Observations Guidelines

No communicating with students or teachers during the observation. The classroom

teacher will provide a seat to you for your visit. After the observation, you are requested

to set up an appointment with the principal to discuss any concerns you may have.

LOST AND FOUND Students should leave all valuable items at home since the school cannot assume responsibility

for lost items. TOYS, ELECTRONIC DEVICES, ETC. SHOULD NOT BE BROUGHT TO

SCHOOL. Coats, book bags, lunch boxes, etc. should be clearly marked with the student’s name

to permit easy identification. Parents are invited to check the lost and found area for missing

items. The lost and found is located in the main office. Items that are not claimed by the end of

the school year will be donated to a local charity organization.

LUNCH/LUNCH RECESS Students have one hour for lunch/lunch recess. When weather permits, students have outdoor

recess.

LUNCH

Grades 3 – 5: 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Grades K – 2: 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.

LUNCH RECESS

Grades 3 – 5: 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Grades K – 2: 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA) At Thurgood Marshall Elementary School, we understand how important parent involvement is

to the success of all students. Simply stated, we can’t succeed without parent support.

Parents are encouraged to become active members of Thurgood Marshall Elementary School

PTA. With the main focus being the students, we solicit and welcome your talents in volunteer

work, comments, and suggestions.

SCHOOL PRIDE SCHOOL SPIRIT DAYS

School spirit days are every third Friday of the week. Students may wear their school spirit with

jeans.

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CHARACTER COUNT DAYS

Character Counts days are every fourth Friday of the week. Students may wear their Character

Counts shirt with jeans.

SCHOOL SPIRIT SWEATSHIRT

The school spirit sweatshirt may be worn as part of the student uniform any day of the school

year.

VISITORS All visitors, parents, guests and service persons need to stop in the main office to get a visitor’s

pass and sign in. If you wish to speak to your child’s teacher, please make an appointment.

Teachers will not be able to hold a conference with you during instructional time.

VOLUNTEERS We encourage all parents to participate as school volunteers. Each of us has special and unique

talents that we can share in this educational partnership. If you are interested, please contact Ms.

Kilgore.

COMMUNICATION We encourage you to keep in touch with your child’s teacher about his/her progress and

classroom happenings. There are several ways to have effective communication between home

and school. These include the standard written notes, email, and by phone. You should expect

staff members to respond to emails and other written communication within 24 hours. Teachers

are not available to have unscheduled conferences or to answer extended questions either first

thing in the morning or at any time during the school day. If you need to speak to your child’s

teacher about more involved concerns or questions, please schedule a conference. When you

have questions or concerns about your child’s progress, behavior, grading practices, peer

issues, and/or other classroom issues, you should first contact your child’s teacher with

your concerns or questions.

DAY-TO-DAY COMMUNICATION Please make sure your child is aware of after-school pick-up plans or transportation

arrangements before leaving home each day. In the event of changes please send a written note

to the teacher or call the main office at 708-544-6995. If someone else is to pick your child up

from school, inform the teacher or the main office. Late changes to transportation should be

called into the main office. There is no guarantee the teacher will have a chance to retrieve a

message from the phone in time to facilitate late transportation changes. The teacher may be

teaching and is unable to take your call for such changes to be made in a timely manner.

CONFERENCES Teacher will schedule at least one mandatory conference (two with some parents) during the

school year. Parents are encouraged to contact the teacher any time there are questions or

concerns. Regular communication between the home and school is critical.

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SUGGESTIONS FOR PARENTS AT A SCHOOL CONFERENCE:

1. Decide in advance what you want to ask the teacher. Write down questions to prepare for

the conference.

2. Ask the child if there is anything he/she would like you to discuss with the teacher.

3. Share information about your child with the teacher. We are more effective in working

with your child when we know about him/her.

4. If you have a concern, remain calm until you and the teacher have had time to discuss it

thoroughly.

5. Ask the teacher how you can help meet some of your child’s needs at home and try one

of the suggestions.

6. Schedule conferences in advance. Teachers cannot interrupt their classes during the day.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS/CONTACT NUMBERS It is very important that parents/guardians notify the school promptly in writing of any changes

of address, phone numbers, living arrangements or emergency contacts. Parents reporting

address changes will be asked to provide forms of identification that show both the

parent/guardian name and new address.

EMERGENCIES It is extremely important that the school office have up-to-date home, cell, and work telephone

numbers, address, and emergency contacts on file. Parents will be contacted in the event your

child becomes sick or is injured. Children will be release only to their parents or legal guardians

during an emergency. No child will be released to a non-family member unless the school has a

letter from the parent/guardian on file.

SCHOOL WITHDRAWAL/TRANSFERS The office should be notified 3 days before a pupil expects to transfer from TMES to another

school. The parent must come into the school office and complete a “Request for a Transfer

Form”. The student will be given a “Transfer Check-Out Sheet” which must be signed by his/her

teacher and returned to the office. All textbooks and library books must be returned. At the time

of approval, the student will be given an official transfer slip for their new school along with

their current health records. Cumulative records and test data will be sent directly to the new

school upon written request submitted from the new school and signed by the parent/guardian.

DISCIPLINE Lack of discipline undermines the educational process. A safe and orderly environment allows

teachers and students to focus on learning. Discipline should help students develop an awareness

of and respect for themselves and others. The ultimate goal of discipline at Thurgood Marshall

Elementary School is to develop self-discipline. Faculty and administrative personnel will

provide structure and support to foster this development. The school administration will assign

consequences in response to student misconduct in accordance with Board of Education policy

and rules.

School Wide/Classroom Rules

1. Follow directions the first time given.

2. Keep hands, feet, mouth, and objects to yourself.

3. Respect your teacher, classmates & yourself.

4. Walk to the right at all times.

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5. Electronic devices should be turned off & secured.

Cafeteria Rules

1. Raise your hand if you need assistance.

2. Use voice level 2 when speaking at your table.

3. Remain seated unless given permission to get up.

4. Eat your own lunch.

5. Keep your area clean.

Playground/Recess Rules

Playground rules are designed to minimize injuries and to provide a safe atmosphere for

activities. Children must abide by the following rules while on the playground:

• Play inside the school fence.

• Stay on the playground at all times. Be visible to an adult.

• Permission must be granted by a supervisor to enter the school building for washroom or

drinks.

• Adult/Parent must report to a playground supervisor before approaching children...even

their own.

• Rough games and play can cause injuries. “Play fighting,” karate or wrestling-type

activities will not be permitted. Show good sportsmanship.

• Sticks, rocks, dirt, snowballs, and other objects should be left on the ground.

• Skateboards, bikes, skates and scooters are not allowed.

• No obscene or abusive language is permitted.

• Line up immediately when the whistle blows.

• Avoid leaving coats, jackets, books and lunch bags on the playground.

• The school is not responsible for toys, games or equipment brought from home.

Hallway Rules

1. Quietly walk to the right in the hallway.

2. Obtain a pass before leaving your classroom.

3. Report directly to your assigned location/classroom.

Bus Dismissal Rules

1. Remain seated unless given permission.

2. Raise your hand if you need assistance.

3. Walk to the bus in a single file line.

SUSPENSIONS Students will be suspended for the following reasons: fighting, play fighting, blatant profanity

(cursing), gambling, continuous class disruption, fire alarm tampering, missing detentions,

disrespect toward school personnel or classmates, etc. Possession and/or use of unacceptable

materials (cigarettes, matches, drugs, weapons, look-alike weapons, fireworks, etc.) will result in

suspension and referral to the fire or police department for proper action.

Students are expected to complete all classroom assignments while on suspension. Students

suspended from Thurgood Marshall Elementary are temporarily non-members of the student

body. Students are not permitted to participate in or attend any school-sponsored activity

whether it is held on a regular school day or on a weekend. Suspended students cannot be on

school property and will therefore be trespassing.

SUSPENSIONS (IN-SCHOOL)

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In-school suspensions will be given as needed. Students will be required to complete their daily

classwork issued by their teacher for the days of suspension. There are strict guidelines and

procedures that will be enforced. Any student who cannot adhere to these guidelines and

procedures will be issued an out-of-school suspension.

DRESS CODE To promote a better and safer atmosphere in our schools, in the fall of 1995, the Bellwood

School District 88 School Board Approved a Dress Code for District 88 Students. Therefore, all

students from kindergarten through 8th grade must be in compliance with the specified dress

code. Starting March 9th, 2009 students will be held accountable, and must abide by the

following uniform guidelines.

Jeans and shorts are not permitted. Pants are to be worn above the hip. Young men may

not wear earrings. Visible body piercing is prohibited for all students. Male students may

not wear more than one part in their hair. When a part begins to curve, it is considered a

design.

The following attire, items or designs must not be worn to or in school:

• Picks or combs in the hair

• Outer jackets, gloves or hats inside the building

• Shirts/blouses with cut-off sleeves or tank tops

• Midriff or short tops with abdomen showing

• Offensive clothing (i.e., too tight, see-through, low cut, etc.)

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

CURRICULUM (aligned to the IL State Standards)

Reading, Math, and Language Arts represent the core curriculum and are taught daily. Science

and Social Studies are taught throughout the week. Students participate in physical education

twice a week. In addition, students receive Art and Music instruction. We have a fully

functioning computer lab and media center.

Pearson publishes our current reading and math series. Students are continually assessed to

determine what they know and what they still need to know. These assessments compliment the

current Common Core Standards curriculum.

Students in grades 1 - 5 will receive a Chromebook on which they will be instructed using a

digital curriculum. Parents and students must sign the Agreement For Use Of Chromebooks

FEMALE ATTIRE MALE ATTIRE ▪ Solid black pants, skirt (no insignias)

▪ Solid white blouse (No T-shirt)

▪ Black or white gym shoes

▪ Plain dark belt for belt loops

▪ Lightweight jacket or sweater (solid black or white)

▪ Solid black pants (no insignia)

▪ Solid white shirt (no T-shirt)

▪ Black or white gym shoes

▪ Plain dark belt for belt loops

▪ Light jacket or sweater (solid black or white)

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and the Best Practices For Chromebook Use before they will be allowed to use the

computer.

ASSESSMENTS Bellwood School District is committed to gathering and providing appropriate, accurate and

useful information about student achievement to all members of the learning community.

Assessment information is gathered at the classroom, district and state levels to assist in

maximizing the achievement of all learners. Ongoing classroom assessment data is gathered

continuously as part of the instructional process. Effective and clear communication of

achievement is essential to ensure success of every learner.

Local Assessment

Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) “Measures of Academic Progress® (MAP®), created by Northwest Evaluation Association™

(NWEA™), is a computer adaptive test, which means every student gets a unique set of test

questions based on responses to previous questions. As the student answers correctly, questions

get harder. If the student answers incorrectly, the questions get easier. By the end of the test,

most students will answer about half the questions correctly.

The assessment is designed to measure a student’s achievement level during the fall, winter, and

spring of the school year and compute growth. Teachers can see the progress of individual

students and of their class as a whole. Students with similar MAP scores are generally ready for

instruction in similar skills and topics. MAP also provides data around the typical growth for

students who are in the same grade, subject, and have the same starting achievement level. This

data is often used to help students set goals and understand what they need to learn to achieve

their goals.” Northwest Evaluation Association

State Assessments

ACCESS for English Language Learners

“ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 is a secure large-scale English language proficiency assessment

administered to Kindergarten through 12th grade students who have been identified as English

language learners (ELLs). It is given annually … to monitor students' progress in acquiring

academic English. ACCESS for ELLs 2.0 is aligned with the WIDA English Language

Development Standards and assesses each of the four language domains of Listening, Speaking,

Reading, and Writing.” WIDA (Wisconsin Center for Education Research

Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) is the state

assessment and accountability measure for Illinois students enrolled in a public school district.

PARCC assesses the New Illinois Learning Standards Incorporating the Common Core and will

be administered to students in English Language Arts and mathematics.

PARCC assessments in English Language Arts and mathematics will be administered to all

students in grades 3-8, according to their current grade level

FIELD TRIPS Teachers are encouraged to broaden and enrich student learning by allowing them to experience

and see new and different things.

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All students are expected to go on the field trips with their classes. On a rare occasion, a student

may not be permitted to accompany his/her class on a trip. If this should happen, that student is

still expected to report to school at the regular scheduled time.

GRADING SCALE/WEIGHTED AVERAGES The grading scale as mandated by Bellwood School District 88 is as follows:

A = 93 – 100

B = 85 – 92

C = 75 – 84

D = 68 – 74

F = 0 – 67

Final grades are based on weighted averages using the following guidelines:

Grades 1-3 Grades 4-5

Tests 30% Tests 30%

Quizzes 20% Quizzes 20%

Homework 20% Homework 15%

Class Assignments 30% Class Assignments 20% Projects 15%

HOMEWORK In order to achieve academic excellence, it is necessary for every child to complete and bring

back to school all assigned homework. Homework reinforces lessons that are taught in the

classroom. The amount of time a student spends on homework varies by grade level.

K – 2 No more than 30 minutes per day

3 – 4 30 - 45 minutes per day

5 – 6 60 minutes or more per day

HONOR ROLL Honor Roll is based upon the achievement grades a student receives at the end of each grading

period. The eligible grades for honor roll are grades 3-5. A student’s grade point average (GPA)

is what determines which students qualify for the Honor Roll, Super Honor Roll, or Principal

Scholar and is based on a four-point scale (A-4 points, B-3 points, C-2 points). To attain Honor

Roll, a student must NOT have any D’s, Fs, or checks in work habits or citizenship.

HONOR ROLL 3.00 – 3.49

SUPER HONOR ROLL 3.50 – 3.99

PRINCIPAL SCHOLAR 4.0 (All As)

INTERIM PROGRESS REPORTS/ REPORT CARDS Interim Progress Reports are issued mid-point in each grading period to let parents/guardians

know the progress of the student. The progress report provides an opportunity for your child to

improve his or her grades before the end of the grading period.

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Report Cards are distributed four times each school year (approx. every 9 weeks). Parent/teacher

conferences are required for the first report card. Subsequent report cards will be sent home with

your child unless the teacher requests a conference. Parents/guardians should keep the report

card, sign the envelope and return it to school. The signed envelope indicates that you have

received your child’s grades.

Feel free to contact your child’s teacher to request a conference when you have concerns or if

you would like more information about your child’s progress.

Progress Reports Distributed Report Cards will be sent home on:

September 22, 2017 November 7, 2017 (conference required)

December 1, 2017 January 26, 2018

February 15, 2018 March 29, 2018

April 27, 2018 May 31, 2018

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF HANDBOOK RECEIPT

The 2017 – 2018 Parent Student Handbook is a resource guide for parents/guardians and their

school-age children. I acknowledge my and my child's responsibility to review and adhere to the

policies and procedures outlined in the 2017 – 2018 Handbook, including the Behavioral

Expectations & School Discipline Information.

Parent/Guardian Signature ___________________________Date___________

Student’s Name___________________________ Grade___________________

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CHARACTER COUNTS

Thurgood Marshall Elementary School

2501 Oak Street Bellwood, IL 60104

Phone: (708) 544-6995 Fax: (708) 544-3338