Union Elementary School 2004 - 2005 Handbook ACHIEVEMENT TESTING ATTENDANCE CHANGES IN AFTER-SCHOOL PLANS CLASSROOM CELEBRATIONS COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL COUNSELING SERVICES CROSSING GUARDS DISCIPLINE SYSTEM PROCEDURES EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING OR EVACUATION FIRE DRILLS FOOD SERVICES LOST AND FOUND ARTICLES OTHER RULES AT RECESS IN THE LUNCHROOM ON THE BUS BUS CONSEQUENCES PERSONAL PROPERTY SUPPORT PROGRAMS ART COMPUTERS HEALTH, NUTRITION AND SAFETY PROGRAMS LIBRARY AND MEDIA MUSIC PHYSICAL EDUCATION TRANSPORTATION ELIGIBLE AREAS CHILD CARE USE OF PHONES UNION NEWS VISITATIONS PARENTS' GROUP PARENTS AS PARTNERS IN EDUCATION PARENT INVOLVEMENT PARENT TEACHER COMPACT STAFF TRANSPORTATION ROUTES

SCHOOL TIMES K-5: 8:30 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. Early Dismissal Time 11:30 a.m. PARENT CONFERENCE DATES November , 2003; April , 2004 REPORT CARDS TO BE SENT HOME January , 2003; June, 2003

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ACHIEVEMENT TESTING

In Grade 2 students participate in the Developmental Reading Assessment, and in Grade 4 students are given the New Standards Reference Exam in mathematics and language arts. During the spring students in Grade 5 are given the Stanford Achievement Test in reading and mathematics and the Partnership of the Assessment of Standards-Based Science Exam.
Achievement testing measures what a child is actually doing in a specific subject area, such as reading and math. The purpose of this testing is to identify areas of strength and needed improvement, and to develop a better educational program for your child.

Remember:

• Test scores do not measure everything and do not give a full picture of your child as a student or as a person!
• Although test scores help tell us how one student's performance compares to that of others in the same age group or grade, a variety of factors affect these scores, such as how a student feels on the day the test is given and the conditions of the test room (was it noisy, hot, cold?). Tests are not perfect!
• Don't judge your children on the basis of a single test score. Scores are not perfect measures of what they can do. One test is simply one indicator.
• Meet with your children's teachers to discuss progress. Parents and teachers should work together to benefit students.
• Children tend to test better when they are well rested and confident.
• Make sure your children attend school regularly.

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ATTENDANCE

Regular daily attendance of all physically and mentally fit students is strongly encouraged by the policies of the Montpelier Public School System. Students who are absent from school whether for excused or unexcused reasons will be expected to make up, to every extent possible, all missed academic work. The teachers will provide reasonable assistance to students in making up missed work.
Students who are absent from school for reasons other than those listed will have their absences declared unexcused. Students who are chronically absent from school for unexcused reasons will be referred to the school district truancy officer (Montpelier Police Department) after attempts to correct the problem have proven unsuccessful.

Excused absences are limited to the following:

• Illness
• Family emergencies
• Critical appointments (e.g. medical)
• Religious holidays
• Absence from town (when prior approval from the principal is granted).

In addition to attending school daily, students are encouraged to arrive by 8:30 a.m. each day and stay until the end of the day. Arrangements for regular appointments, private music lessons or other enrichment activities should be made after school hours. Parents and caregivers should make every effort to ensure timely arrivals to and departures from school. Excessive tardies and/or early dismissals may result in a referral to our truancy officer.

PROCEDURES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ATTENDANCE POLICY

1. If a child is going to be absent from school or late to school, parents are expected to call the school (223-6343) between 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. If your child does not arrive at school, we want to be sure that he/she is safe with you.
2. Any child arriving after 8:30 a.m. should report directly to the office to get a tardy slip before going to the classroom.
3. A request to have a child excused from classes early should be sent with the child on the morning of the dismissal. The time and reason for leaving should be included. When possible, medical and dental appointments should be made outside of school hours. A child will be released only to the parents unless the school has been notified by the parents that they have granted permission for someone else to pick up their youngster. Any person picking a child up must report to the main office to sign the child out and receive an early dismissal pass.
4. A request to have a child excused from school for 2 or more days for reason of family absence from town should be made in writing to the principal prior to the absence.

Your children should not arrive at school before 8:00 a.m. Also, please remember to call the school before 9:00 a.m. if your child will be absent.

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CHANGES IN AFTER-SCHOOL PLANS

We understand that there is occasionally a need to change your child's after school plans. Changes in after school plans must be made in writing, for your child's safety. You may fax a note to the office at 223-9219 if you forget to send a note to school. We cannot honor verbal changes via your child or telephone.

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CLASSROOM CELEBRATIONS

Children participate in various celebrations and special-event parties in cooperation with classroom teachers and parent volunteers. Birthday "treats" are permitted for children in all grades at UES in cooperation with the teacher. Treats are always to include one per person in the student's homeroom only, and must be planned in advance with the teacher. Please check with your child's teacher about any allergies or other issues.

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COMMUNICATION PROTOCOL

We promote direct communication at Union Elementary School. If your child is having a problem or if you have a concern, please follow these steps in order. Discuss the issue with the following people. If the issue is not resolved, please go to the next appropriate person on the list. Thank you.
1. Your child's classroom teacher or the specialist teacher (art, music, physical education, computer or librarian)
2. The appropriate support person:
Behavior - Behavioral Specialist
Attitude or Self-Concept - School Counselor
Medical - Nurse
Special Education - Your Child's Case Manager
Remedial - Support Services Teachers
3. Principal
4. Superintendent
5. School Board

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COUNSELING SERVICES

We are enthusiastic and excited about our elementary school counselor program, which focuses on encouraging the positive, individual development of each student. The Union School counselors have many responsibilities. Some of them include:

• Developing programs in communication, cooperation, healthy choices, decision-making, emotional literacy, celebrations, diversity and conflict resolution.
• Conducting group counseling activities based on referrals from administration, parents, and teachers (child must have permission slip signed in order to participate).
• Providing for individual and/or group consultation to students in need.
• Serving as a liaison between the school and the home, or the school and other service agencies.
• Serving as a resource to staff or parents in need of assistance.
• Coordinating the standardized testing program.
• Providing opportunities for parent education.

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CROSSING GUARDS

Crossing guard corners will be supervised between the hours of 7:35 a.m. to 8:35 a.m. and between 2:25p.m. - 3:25 p.m. Crossing guards will be located at the following corners:

 

• Berlin & Northfield Street
• Berlin & Granite Street
• Spring Street & Elm Street
• Hubbard Street & East State Street
• Main Street & Franklin Street
• Court Street & School Street
• Main Street & School Street
• School Street & Loomis Street Please note that the School and Loomis Street corner is only guarded until 3:00 p.m.

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DISCIPLINE SYSTEM

At Union Elementary School we are committed to providing a safe environment where all members of the school community can do their best work each day. We believe students are responsible for their actions and must be clearly informed of the consequences of both positive and negative choices. Our goal is to foster within students the essential internal controls to successfully navigate the school day.

We have adopted the Responsive Classroom approach to discipline. The primary goals are:
Establish a calm, orderly, and safe environment for learning.
Foster an appreciation for the role of rules of school.
Help children develop self-control and self-discipline.
Teach children to be responsible, contributing members of a democratic community.
Promote respectful, kind, and healthy teacher-student and student-student interactions.
School rules are reviewed during the first few weeks of the school year by the school community. Rules governing classroom behavior are developed by students and individual classroom teachers using the Responsive Classroom model
Since students must be accountable for their behavior the following procedures apply when a student has difficulty with a school rule. Teachers and staff engage students in frequent discussion and modeling of what these rules mean in all parts of our school throughout the year. When students forget the rules, reminders and time out are used. Sometimes time out occurs in another classroom. Other logical consequences - loss of privilege and reparation - are also frequently used. When rules are repeatedly broken and for certain types of rule breaking, students are referred to the Student Support Center. Appropriate staff will assess the situation and determine the action and consequence involved. This may or may not include consultation and involvement of the behavior specialist, assistant to the principal, or principal. Consequences may be one or more of the following actions:

Proactive conference with student and involved staff,
Time out,
Individual oral or written plan,
Parent conference,
Positive reinforcement,
Loss of privileges,
Restitution,
Ongoing behavior/recess plan,
Participation in a social skills activity,
In-school suspension,
Out-of-school suspension,
Alternative-in-school day,
Passive restraint if student is endangering self or others,
Expulsion.

Suspension may be in-school (the student will remain on school grounds, but will not take part in normal school activities), or out-of-school (the student will stay home). In either case, parents or guardians will be notified as soon as possible. In the case of out-of-school suspensions, the parent/guardian shall have an opportunity for a hearing prior to the suspension, except in cases where the student poses an immediate threat, in accordance with the district's policy manual and Board of Education rules. A conference will be arranged prior to the child's return to the regular program.

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EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING OR EVACUATION

In the case of an emergency evacuation, students will generally be evacuated to Main Street Middle School. School personnel will follow established evacuation procedures.
The first desire is always to operate the school system on a business-as-usual basis. The decision whether schools remain open or not during severe winter weather is based upon information provided by the city's Public Works Department. Since the great majority of this school system's pupils walk to school, every effort is made to operate school in the city even when neighboring school systems are closed.
ALL CHILDREN SHOULD BE GIVEN INSTRUCTIONS BY PARENTS FOR EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGS. They need to be given names and addresses and phone numbers of neighbors, relatives, or other "safe houses" they can go to, and that information should be filed with the school office. Every attempt will be made to notify either parents or those "safe houses" before a child leaves the school on such days. Please do not let your child go home to an empty house; we urge each parent to think carefully about alternatives and write all of that information down. Be sure that your child knows what to do in case of snow, broken water mains, heavy flooding, etc.

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FIRE DRILLS

By state statute each school is required to conduct one fire drill each month and record both the dates and the times. These drills are held at the discretion of the principal, giving consideration to such factors as program, weather, and health. Normally children do not remain outside of the building for more than five minutes. These drills are important to the safety of each child.

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FOOD SERVICES

The cafeteria is available for all students at Union School. Recess milk, noon milk, breakfast, and school lunches are available daily. Prices are as follows:

Breakfast $ .75
Recess & Noon Milk .35
School Lunch (Student) 1.50
School Lunch (Adult) 2.50

We have several lunch choices available every day. There is the main entree meal that changes daily. Menus are sent home monthly. We also offer as an alternate meal a choice of at least five sandwiches every day. There is always a choice of fruits and vegetables-something to please even the finicky eaters. The food service staff is committed to ensuring that your child receives a delicious and nutritious meal in a friendly and caring environment. We welcome your feedback.
Payment for lunches is convenient. We have a computerized debit system. Payment must be made in advance; just put your cash or check made payable to Montpelier School Food Service in an envelope and mark the front with child's name and classroom number or teacher's name. We will let you know when it is time to send more money. We ask that you not allow your child's account to become overdrawn.
Families that may qualify for free or reduced price meals may return the form that you will receive at the beginning of school. All children have the same cards, so no one knows who pays what for their meals.
Breakfast is available every day from 8:00 to 8:30. Many studies have shown that children perform better in school if they eat breakfast. Breakfast is 75 cents for paid, 30 cents for reduced or free if you qualify. Again, breakfast time is a friendly, cozy atmosphere--a great way to start the school day.
If you have any questions or concerns about the food service program, please call Nancy Webb at Union School at 225-8224 or Betty Beattie, Food Services Director, at 225-8016.

PACK A HEALTHY NUTRITIOUS SNACK FOR YOUR CHILD. HEALTHY SNACKS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE IN THE CAFETERIA.

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LOST AND FOUND ARTICLES

Each year the staff collects many boxes of lost clothing, lunch boxes, etc. that have been unclaimed by the owners. We ask that you label the outside clothing, sweaters, sneakers, boots, lunch boxes, etc. that you send to school with your child. We will do our best to see that all "labeled" items get returned. Periodically we will donate lost items to local charities. Therefore, you should look for lost items in an expedient manner.

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OTHER RULES

AT RECESS

Respect other people on the playground by playing in ways that are safe. Adults in charge on the playground will determine what is safe play. They will inform you of the specific rules and proper uses of equipment.

Recess Consequences
First offense - verbal warning
Second offense - time out
Third offense - RBR referral

IN THE LUNCHROOM

Everyone has the right to eat lunch in pleasant, clean and friendly surroundings. We expect you to:

• Follow the directions of the adult on duty.
• Eat properly without fooling around with your food or anyone else's food or belongings.
• Get permission to leave the lunchroom.

ON THE BUS

You have the right to a safe bus ride. If you ride the school bus, we expect you to follow these rules:

• Stay seated when the bus is moving.
• Don't put anything out the window.
• Talk quietly; don't shout or scream.
• Don't eat or drink.
• Respect the rights of others.

BUS CONSEQUENCES

Students have five (5) written warnings. All written warnings will be discussed with students and then mailed home to parents or guardians.

1. First warning: Letter home, try to call parents.

2. Second warning: Letter home, parents must be notified. Next write-up will mean time off the bus.

3. Third warning: Letter home, off bus for 5 days, parents notified.

4. Fourth warning: Letter home, off bus for 5 days, parents notified and must meet with principal or assistant to the principal before students are allowed back on bus.

5. Fifth warning: Letter home. Parents must meet with principal. Superintendent is notified and expulsion from the bus is considered.

Please note that the degree of offense may lead to immediate bus suspension or even bus expulsion if warranted by the principal and/or superintendent.

PERSONAL PROPERTY

Children are strongly discouraged from bringing personal property to school. Personal property such as trading cards, electronic games and stuffed animals are distracting and can interfere with the learning process. Furthermore, the school cannot be responsible for personal property. Parents are encouraged to support school personnel in sending this message to children.

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SUPPORT PROGRAMS

The aim of the elementary art program is to provide a positive art experience for all children in grades K-5. Through the use of a wide variety of media, such as drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, and crafts, students learn to express themselves in creative and individual ways.
Art reproductions, slides, texts, films and field trips to local galleries and businesses related to the arts are used as background for art history and as motivation for art projects.
Projects are designed to help develop problem-solving skills, decision-making skills, verbal skills, fine and gross motor skills, and eye-hand coordination. Projects are also designed to stimulate imagination and creativity. Students learn about themselves and their environment through careful observation. Above all, the art program seeks to develop and instill a feeling of pride and self-confidence that will be beneficial in all aspects of life.

COMPUTERS

The elementary computer program focuses on familiarizing students with computer uses and vocabulary. Instruction is designed to help students recognize computer use as a processing, research, and learning tool. The addition of the technology lab has increased the opportunity for all students to use computers for graphics, writing, publishing, and telecommunication. Students in Grades K-5 have at least 45 minutes each week of instruction in the technology lab facilitated by the technology teacher.

HEALTH, NUTRITION AND SAFETY PROGRAMS

The health, nutrition and safety programs are coordinated with the school nurse and school counselors. Instruction is offered within the classroom by the teacher or the school counselor.

LIBRARY AND MEDIA

The goal of the library is to foster a love of reading so that books will become part of a habit of life-long learning and pleasure. Students are instructed in the use of the school library/media center. There is a planned program of children's literature, video and computer information sources. Use of various reference materials, card catalog, Dewey Decimal System and the usual organization of a library is practiced in the form of library games and as part of classroom research.
Students in grades K-3 are scheduled for library once a week. The program includes reading, book talks, library scavenger hunts and selecting books.
The library collection houses materials for curriculum work and recreational reading. Parents are welcome to borrow books for reading with their children at home. Also, the library houses a collection of parenting and education materials that may be borrowed.
Students are responsible for the library books that they borrow. Families may be asked to replace damaged or lost materials.

MUSIC

The elementary school music program provides students in grades K-5 with the opportunity to experience music through a variety of activities. During music class an emphasis is placed on meeting the individual needs of each student. Classroom activities include rhythmic development, awareness of the singing voice, introduction to the families of instruments, use of rhythm instrument accompaniment, development of listening skills and creative movement, as well as the introduction to music of different cultures and various styles of music.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Our physical education program is designed to promote individuals' movement potential. Selective activities promote physical fitness, fine and gross motor coordination, timing and cardiovascular endurance. The program seeks to develop skillful movement, physical fitness and recreational competency in every child.
Emphasis in the early grades is given to kinesthetic awareness and the acquisition of the basic locomotor skills of walking, running, sliding, jumping, hopping, skipping, galloping and leaping. Also, activities that develop eye-hand and eye-foot coordination, balance, and timing are practiced.
Encouragement of the social skills of sharing, group play, belonging, sensitivity to playmates and cooperation are intertwined into these activities. The child begins to learn the rules of basic games.
Emphasis in the third, fourth and fifth grades advances to include the refinement of body management skills: (1) The skills of dodging and guarding stationary and moving objects; (2) The skills of object manipulation and throwing, catching, kicking, and striking; (3) The skills of chasing, tagging, running, obstacle courses, tumbling, doing rhythmic activities; and (4) The skills needed for individual and team sports. Social skills that are encouraged include decision-making, self-confidence, leadership, sensitivity, accepting one's limitations, group interaction, sharing responsibility, competition and fair play.

Each class has physical education two times each week.

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DOES YOUR CHILD KNOW WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE NOT AT HOME?

TRANSPORTATION

ELIGIBLE AREAS

Daily bus transportation to and from school is provided for all kindergarten through grade 5 students who live in the following eligible areas.

 

• State Street west of Bailey Avenue
• Terrace St., Clarendon Ave., Bailey Ave. above Terrace
• Elm Street north of Pearl Street
• North Street north of Mechanic Street
• Main Street north of Merrill Terrace
• Towne Street and Towne Hill area
• All streets south of the Winooski River

CHILD CARE

Students who are to be picked up or dropped off at a child-care provider located in the above-defined eligible areas may ride the bus on a space-available basis. The school principal will grant these waivers after the first three weeks of school, with priority given to the youngest children.
WHAT WOULD YOU DO IN THE CASE OF A DELAYED START? HAVE A BACK-UP PLAN IN PLACE.

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USE OF PHONES

It is necessary for us to limit student use of the phones. Only calls that are important to students and parents are allowed; (e.g. if a child misses his/her bus). Children are not allowed to use the phones for after-school social arrangements. These arrangements should all be made in advance at home, with a note to the teacher if necessary.
Please note that teachers and instructional assistants have voicemail accounts. They check the accounts regularly, but may not check them during the school day. Therefore, parents should not leave voice mail messages concerning changes in plans for the day or urgent messages that require immediate assistance.

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UNION NEWS

The Union News is our school newsletter. It is filled with important information and is generally published every other week. Please read it regularly and in its entirety.

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VISITATIONS

Parents must check into the office when they come to visit the school building. Please note that visitors are required to wear badges that they will receive upon check-in at the main office. Also, please note that, in an effort to increase building security, we will be locking all outside doors except the front entrance by the auditorium. Please use the front entrance at all times. Please sign out in the main office when your visit is over.
Parents are welcome to visit a child's classroom. Please arrange your visit in advance by calling your child's teacher. When you do come, please remember that teachers are expected to supervise and teach children in their care and cannot visit with parents at this time.

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PARENTS' GROUP

The UES Parents' Group is a volunteer organization providing parents an opportunity to be involved in Union Elementary School. By becoming active in the Parents' Group, you share in your child's school experience.
The purpose of the Parents' Group is to promote quality education at Union School. We do this primarily in two ways:

• By cooperating with administration and staff to provide both essential and enrichment activities for our children. We provide both volunteers and funding for a wide range of activities, both in individual classrooms and school-wide.
• By producing a newsletter section for parents and staff that is sent home with your child regularly. It is a vital source of information about what is going on at UES. From dates of school events to ways in which you can help UES, this section of the newsletter is something you will want to make sure you take the time to read.

Our motto is "We're Proud of US!" Come share our pride and become an active part of the Parents' Group. We have many ways to help. Parents' Group meetings are generally held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the school.

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PARENTS AS PARTNERS IN EDUCATION

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

The role of parents in their child's education is crucial, and Union Elementary School encourages you to become an active participant in our school community. There are a number of ways to become involved in your child's school life:

1. Attend parent conferences, meetings and special events.

You have opportunities to stay in close contact with your child's teacher and the progress being made in the classroom. Feel free to make an appointment to talk with your child's teacher at any time when you feel it is necessary.
2. Come to Parents' Group meetings.
The second Tuesday of each month is a time to join with other parents to initiate school-wide activities, meet with administrators, have discussions on special topics, and generally have an active voice in the school.
3. Volunteer.
Both the Parents' Group and the teachers often need your help - even an occasional hour of your time. These commitments are what enable the school to provide many of the extras that we all want for our students.
4. Talk with the principal.
Any time you need to know more, or have a concern about the school, the principal is willing to help and listen.
5. Be sure to vote.
Make an effort to attend at least one or two school board meetings so that you'll understand who the decision-makers are and what effect they may have on your child's education. The school board needs to hear from you. It's important that we all stay involved.

PARTNERS IN YOUR CHILDREN'S EDUCATION

Both parents and teachers are working toward the same goal - the best possible education for our children. When the two combine forces, the results are unbeatable. Children feel a sense of pride when they know their parents are visible at their school and working on a project, and teachers feel rewarded and appreciated when they are supported by parents.

Here are some areas of cooperation that are important:

 

• Make sure that your child attends school regularly and on time.
• Support the school in its efforts to maintain proper discipline.
• Stay in tune with what your child is learning. Ask him/her questions about his/her day.
• Let the school know of any problems outside of school that could affect your child's day in school.
• Stay in touch with the teachers and principal. If there are any questions or concerns about your child's school program, let them know early so that adjustments can be made.
• If the teachers or support staff have been particularly helpful with your child's schoolwork, let them know. We all need compliments!

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