CLAYTON ELEMENTARY

STUDENT-PARENT HANDBOOK

2007-2008

 

 

Welcome to the 2007-2008 school year.  Your teachers, staff and principals are looking forward to working cooperatively with you to establish a positive motivational climate for learning.

 

            Our handbook has been written to help you understand the rules and regulations of our school.  Please feel free to call the school if any questions arise.  Our goal is to encourage school spirit and pride in belonging to Clayton Elementary School.  We intend to provide opportunities to develop each child physically, socially, intellectually and emotionally in a friendly and positive atmosphere.

 

            Our enrollment at this time includes approximately 515 students and 60 staff members.  Our building facility contains 42 rooms, library, cafeteria and gym.  We have a very active PTO and we encourage everyone to join our team.

           

            We hope everyone has a “great” year!

 

                                                            Sincerely,

 

                                                            Stanley J. Borowski

                                                            Principal

 

                                                            Michael R. Dulin

                                                Associate Principal

 

Telephone:        653-8587

                        653-8922

                        653-3416

 

Nurse:              653-3147

 

Fax:                  653-3421

 

 

                                                                The District

 

 

There  are seven  (7)  school  buildings in  the   Smyrna School District: Smyrna Kindergarten Center (K), Clayton Elementary  (K-4),  Smyrna Elementary (K-4),  North  Smyrna  Elementary   (K-4),  John Bassett Moore Intermediate (5-6), Smyrna Middle School (7-8),   and  Smyrna  High  School  (9-12), with  an  approximate  enrollment  of  4,350.   The district employs 400 staff members, 295 of which are teachers.

 

Smyrna has been very successful in academics, the arts, and athletics. The district provides educational opportunities for all  students  covering   an  extensive  range  of   curriculum-related experiences.

 

The  Board  of  Education,   administration,  faculty,  and  the community work  cooperatively to  provide a comprehensive educational program for the community.

 

 

The Smyrna School District is an equal opportunity employer and  does not  discriminate or deny  services  on  the  basis of race,  color,  national  origin,   sex,   handicap,   and/or  age.  Allegations  of  non-compliance with Title V or Title IX are to be directed to Mrs. Deborah D. Wicks,  Superintendent, Smyrna School District,  22  South Main  Street,  Smyrna,  Delaware 19977 or by telephone 653-8585.

 

 

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY

The Smyrna School District exists for the development, improvement, and general welfare of the children of the community.

 

Therefore, we must endeavor to:

1.  Establish a positive motivational climate for learning and intellectual development.

2.  Create a school environment that provides for levels of success with respect to individual abilities.

3.  Develop the child physically, socially, intellectually, and emotionally.

4.  Create opportunities to encourage independence and cooperation through varied educational experiences.

 

 

WHAT SHALL I DO IF I HAVE A PROBLEM CONCERNING MY CHILD?

      Step 1 - Make an appointment to see the teacher.

 

Step 2 - If the parent and the teacher cannot solve the problem, make an appointment with the principal and a conference will be arranged.

 

Step 3 - If the parent and the principal cannot solve the problem, make an appointment with the Superintendent and a conference will be arranged.

 

 

ENTERING AND LEAVING THE SCHOOL

ALL PARENTS, VOLUNTEERS, AND OTHER VISITORS MUST REGISTER IN THE OFFICE UPON ENTERING THE BUILDING AND RECEIVE A VISITOR’S PASS.

NO ONE IS TO SMOKE ON SCHOOL PROPERTY.

Please note designated parking on Main Street, remember to discharge students on the sidewalk and have them use the crosswalk when crossing the street.  The crossing guard is there for the safety of your children.  Please be careful and observe his/her directions.

 

 

VISITING THE SCHOOL AND OBSERVING CLASSES

a) Conferences may not be held with the teacher during instructional hours.  Please call the office to arrange a conference with your child’s teacher.

b) Please check in at the office upon arrival for your teacher conference.

c) Pre-school children or infants may not visit the classroom with the parent, as younger children often distract the attention of both the visitor and the students. 

d) When requesting a classroom observation visit, please call the teacher in advance to arrange a mutually agreeable time.  Parents may sit and observe quietly in a space designated by the classroom teacher.  Parents are expected to observe #’s 1, 2, 3 as listed above.

                                                                                                                                                   

 

 

 

 

Report Card Dates                               Progress Report Dates

November 13, 2007 (K-6)                                     October 4, 2007

January 29, 2008 (all grades)              December 13, 2007

April 15, 2008 (all grades)                                  February 28,2008

June 4, 2008 (grades K-8)                                   May 14, 2007

 

 

EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING

If the weather is bad, school may be delayed either one hour, two hours, or closed all day for the safety of the children.  Please insure your child has an alternative after-school plan for supervision.

 

Please listen to any of the following TV and radio stations beginning at 6:30 a.m.:             

       TV - WBOC    Channel 16

                 WDEL     1150 AM

                 WDOV    1410 AM

                 WDSD                                  94.7 FM

                 WILM     1450 AM

If you do not hear delay or closing announcements, you may presume that the district is in regular operation.

OR: check our web site at: www.smyrna.k12.de.us

 

Please be certain that arrangements are made for your child(ren) in the event of an unscheduled early dismissal due to inclement weather conditions.  Children will be dismissed as per normal routine/or as per previously arranged parent request.  Children will be released to legal guardian only.  Our goal is for your child to return home safely.

 

 

2007 – 08  BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS

                             Regular Meeting - 7:00 p.m.

                       Date                                 Location

                September 19        John Bassett Moore Intermediate

                October 17             Smyrna Kindergarten Center                                             

November 20         Clayton Elementary School               

                December 19         Smyrna Elementary School                                

                January 17             North Elementary School   

                February 20           Smyrna High School           

                March 19               Smyrna Middle School

                April 16                  Clayton Elementary School

                May 14                   John Bassett Moore Intermediate

                June 18                   Smyrna Elementary School                                

 

All meetings except executive sessions are open to the public.

                                      

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBERS

Mrs. Lynne Newlin, President

Mr. Jeffrey Clark, Vice President

Mrs. Christine B. Malec, Member

Mr. Ronald B. Eby, Member

Mrs. Ginger Barkley, Member

 

DISTRICT ADMINISTRATORS

Mrs. Deborah D. Wicks, Superintendent

Mr. Clarence Lloyd, Assistant Superintendent

Mr. Fran Falatek, Business Manager

Dr. Alexander Shalk, Supervisor of Curriculum & Instruction

Mr. Donald E. Bates, Supervisor of Special Education

Mrs. Sharon Almondo, Supervisor of Transportation

Mrs. Patricia P. Conley, Supervisor of Child Nutrition Programs

Mr. Clinton Lasana, Supervisor of Buildings & Grounds

 

 

DAILY SCHEDULES

       Grades 1- 4

                8:15 a.m.                 Teacher Day Begins

8:15 a.m.                 Breakfast (walkers & bus students)

                8:20 a.m.                 Students Report

                8:30 a.m.                 Instruction Time Begins

8:35 a.m.                                 Tardy Bell

                3:25 p.m.                                 Classes End/Walkers Dismissed

                3:30 p.m.                 Bus Dismissal (1st & 3rd grade)

                3:32 p.m.                 Bus Dismissal (2nd & 4th grade)

                On half days walkers will be dismissed at 12:25 p.m

                Bus students will be dismissed at 12:30 p.m.

 

 

ARRIVAL TIME

Students should not be on the school grounds before 8:15 a.m. (unless they are enrolled in the breakfast club).  Potential problems could develop when students are unsupervised.

 

 

TARDINESS

School starts at 8:30 a.m.   Children arriving after this time should have a note written by parents explaining tardiness and should report directly to the classroom.  Students reporting to school after 8:35 a.m. should report to the office to be taken off the absentee rolls and receive a late pass.  A child will not be counted late if the bus is late.

EARLY DISMISSAL

All early dismissals will require a written request from the parent or guardian.  Requests will not be granted over the telephone.  In an emergency, persons having legal custody of the student may present themselves at the student’s school office to sign an early dismissal.

 

 

RELEASES

Parents must come to the office if they wish to pick up their child during the school day.  If you are sending someone to the school office to pick up your child, please notify us by letter or telephone before the time the child is to be taken from school.  This way we will know that someone other than the parent is authorized to pick up the child. Identification may be required before the student is released.

 

 

GETTING TO AND FROM SCHOOL

1. Walkers are to use the sidewalks and crosswalk, and to walk in a safe manner.

 

2. Bus students are expected to ride in a safe and orderly manner.  When children misbehave on the school bus, parents will be notified by the bus driver.  If the behavior problem persists, a conduct report will be turned into the office, one copy  sent home to the parents, one copy is returned to the bus driver, and one copy is forwarded to the District’s Transportation Supervisor.  It is desired that all children who ride buses will not do anything to distract the driver.  Failure to comply with these regulations may result in the guilty person being denied permission to ride the bus (see page 27 - 29).

 

3. If your child rides his/her bicycle to school, certain rules are to be followed. All   bicycles are to be placed in the racks provided.  Bicycles are not to be ridden on the school grounds.  The child should have a lock for the bicycle and students are required by law to wear bicycle helmets.

 

4. If your child is to return home by means other than the way he arrived at school, a note is required.  This note must be approved by the school office.

 

 

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE LAW

According to 14 Delaware C, 2729 and 2730, “Truancy” or “Truant” shall refer to a pupil enrolled in grades K through 12 inclusive who has been absent from school without a valid excuse for more than three (3) days or the equivalent thereof, without a valid excuse during a given school year.

 

COMPREHENSIVE ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES

1. Each school in the district will establish a “Student Attendance Review Board”. The purpose of the Attendance Review Board will be to determine the cause of the  student’s  excessive  absence  and  evaluate  possible  alternative  educational  services.  The Review Board will consist of a minimum of three (3) persons:  one building administrator, one guidance counselor (if available), one staff person, and the school nurse.  Other staff may be added at the discretion of the Review Board.  This board may meet when deemed necessary.

 

2. Each school shall implement a positive program encouraging regular school attendance.  An age appropriate system of reward and merit should be a major component of such a program.               

 

3. The designated staff person will retain all notes from parent/guardian(s) for student absences for the current school year.

 

4. The school will make a reasonable attempt to contact parent/guardian(s) of students who are absent from school.  This will be the responsibility of Clayton Elementary’s attendance person. 

 

5. Students’ attendance will be recorded daily in compliance with state regulations.  *(It is highly recommended that notes from the doctor be submitted when applicable to accurately document absences.)

 

a.        Upon accumulation of eight (8), twelve (12), sixteen (16), twenty (20), twenty-four (24) absences (excused or unexcused), parents will be contacted by the school.  The school’s contact with the parents will determine the cause of the student’s excessive absence and possible evaluation of auxiliary educational services.

b.       Following the 8th absence the student’s parents/guardians will be notified of the attendance problem and its imminent consequences.  Students in grades K-12 will be retained or receive no credit in their courses/subjects (24 days per one year course, 12 days per semester course).

c.        When a student accumulates three (3) UNEXCUSED absences, he/she is considered in violation of the district policy and Delaware state law on attendance.  The school will notify the visiting teacher and a truancy letter will be sent.  Upon continued truancy, the following actions will be taken by the visiting teacher:

·         8 unexcused days-certified letter sent to the home and home visit

·         11 unexcused days – letter sent home and charges filed in truancy court

·         24 unexcused days – The Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families (DSCYF) will be notified.

d.       Parents of students deemed truant will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.  Parents found guilty of violating Delaware’s compulsory attendance requirements will be subject to fines and/or imprisonment.  

*School Note                                                                                                  

e.        Upon accumulation of twelve (12) instances of tardiness per year, the visiting teacher will be notified and a truancy notice will be sent home to the parents or guardian, if applicable.  The Attendance Review Boards’ contact with the parents will determine the cause of the student’s excessive tardiness and possibly offer solutions to the problem.

f.         A student who is receiving homebound instruction in accordance with district procedures will be regarded as present and will not be penalized under any provision of this policy.

g.       A student who is absent during regular school hours because of school-directed or district-approved activities (class trips, field trips, early dismissals for athletic participation, etc.) shall be marked as present for attendance purposes.

h.       Exceptions to the Smyrna School District Attendance Policy may be made in cases of severe family hardship or student illness by an appeal to the Attendance Review Board in each school within 10 days of written notice.

6.   For the purpose of this policy, the state guidelines governing excusable absences will be used.  The following conditions are recognized by the Smyrna School Board as being legal and necessary absences:

a.   Illness of the child, attested to by a physician, if necessary.

b.   The presence of contagious disease at the child’s home subject to       regulations of the Department of Health and Social Services.

c.   Death in the immediate family or in the home of grandparents.  Excused time will not exceed one week.  Excused time allowed for funeral of other relatives will not exceed one day.  Additional time may be allowed when services are held at long distances from the student’s home.           

d.   Legal business

e.   Suspensions or expulsion from school for misconduct

f.   Remedial health treatment (includes student pregnancy)

g.   Prearranged absences with documented parental knowledge:

·         College visit

·         Participation in other educational experience

·         Absences of one day for personal reasons

h.  Emergency situations as determined by the school principal

i.         Religious holidays

*Note:  No absence will be allowed during state testing or semester exams unless approved in advance by the school principal.

 

 

 

DEFINITIONS

 

Absence:

A student must attend school a minimum of five (5) hours to be credited for a full day of attendance.  A student must attend a minimum of two and one-half hours to be credited for one-half of a day.  Two half days will equal a whole.

 

Early Dismissal:

All early dismissals will require a written  request  from the parent or guardian.  Requests will not be granted over the telephone.  In an emergency, persons having legal custody of the student may present themselves at the student’s school office to sign an early dismissal.

 

Excused Absence:

An excused absence is an absence covered under the nine (9) necessary and legal absences.  A signed note from the parent or guardian stating the reason for the absence and the date will be required.  The note must be submitted to the school office no later than two days following the student’s return to the school or the absence will be considered unexcused.  Students who are eighteen years of age or older and who are legally independent may sign their own notes.  Parents, guardians and students must understand that writing a note does not excuse a student for an absence unless it can be classified as a necessary and legal absence.

 

Homebound:

Instruction furnished by the school district at the student’s place of residence.  Such instruction is normally furnished when a student’s medical condition prevents her/him from attending regularly or for an extended period of time, as deemed necessary by a physician in writing.

 

Make-Up Work:

Any student who has an excused absence from school can make up classwork and assignments missed, if the request is made within a reasonable length of time of the student’s return but not to exceed three (3) days.  The time allowed to complete make-up work will equal the time missed and will begin the day of the student’s request.  It is the student’s responsibility to take advantage of this opportunity.  The student’s grade should reflect a failure to comply.

 

School Suspension:

In-school suspension (ISS) is considered excused, but work must be made up in ISS that day.

 

Out-of-school suspension is considered excused, but students may not make up schoolwork missed while on out-of-school suspension.  However, tests during suspensions must be made up within two school days after the suspension is fulfilled, with the exception of academic violations.  Arrangements to complete any make-up tests are the responsibility of the student.

 

Tardy: 

A late arrival after school’s official starting time.

 

Truancy:

Any unexcused absence will be regarded as in incident of truancy.

 

Unexcused Absence:

An absence for a reason other than the nine valid reasons listed above, or an absence with no note.  Unexcused absences result in no credit awarded for the missed schoolwork.  Three such unexcused absences could result in truancy charges being placed against parent/guardian(s) as provided for in the Delaware Code.

 

 

HEALTH

We are always concerned with the health of students.  For the protection of all school children, immunizations are required.  A policy has also been established requiring physical examinations.  Children will not be allowed to attend school if these are not completed.                                            

Parent/guardian(s) are encouraged to keep their children at home when illness warrants.  No children are permitted in school with contagious diseases.  Children who have chicken pox will not be allowed to re-enter school until all blisters are dried completely. 

 

If your child is ill, contact the school.

               

In case of illness or emergency in school, parent/guardian(s) will be notified by telephone.  If the parent/guardian(s) cannot be reached, we will call the person(s) you listed on the registration and/or emergency card.  Please complete and return the emergency card immediately.  If your child has been prescribed a medication to be taken during school attendance, all medication must be in the bottle from the Doctor or pharmacy from which it was dispensed.

 

 

TRANSFERS

If you are going to move, please notify the school office to complete a withdrawal form.  Prompt attention will avoid delay in forwarding records.

 

 

CHILD CUSTODY INFORMATION

During the past few years there has been an increase in single-parent families and numerous child custody litigations have occurred.  This is a very serious matter and the school is concerned for the welfare of the children involved; however, parent/guardian(s) are to be advised that unless the school has received a legal document stating that custody has been granted to an individual, the school may release the child to either parent upon request.

 

 

GRADING POLICY

Definition

Grading is a process by which individual students are assessed to determine the extent to which each has achieved the instructional objectives (i. e. predetermined student learning outcomes) of a course or area of study.

 

Philosophy

1. The Smyrna School District Board of Education expects that grades assigned to students, based upon a professional evaluation of student performance in a particular course or area of study, are to be based solely upon predetermined student learning outcomes which are communicated in advance to students and parent/guardian(s).

 

2.  The Board of Education believes that a grade should never be construed as an end in itself.

                                      

3.  The Board of Education believes that evaluation of student progress in the form of grades must be objective, understandable to students and to parent/guardian(s), and communicate strengths and weaknesses of student performance.

 

Implementation

Regulations shall insure that grading is consistent with this policy.

 

General Guidelines

1.   The intent of the reporting systems is to communicate academic achievement, effort and behavior on a regular basis to students and parent/guardian(s).

2.   Each teacher shall communicate their grading system to students and parents/guardians at the beginning of each school year or semester as appropriate.  Principals shall ensure that each grading system so distributed is consistent with:

 

                a. the district’s grading policy and regulation

                b. sound educational practice

c. other teachers in the same grade or department or who are teaching the same course/subject

 

3. Teachers shall have the responsibility for determining student grades consistent with the district’s policy and regulation.

 

4. For grades 1 through 12, student report cards shall be distributed every nine weeks to students and parents/guardians. 

 

5. Mid-marking period progress reports will be issued to all students.  This guideline does not discourage a teacher from sending progress reports home with the student on a more frequent or as needed basis.             

 

6. Parent conferences relating to student progress shall be scheduled as needed.  The approved school calendar shall provide for parent conferences on or about the end of the first and third quarters.  Whenever possible, such conferences are to be arranged in order to accommodate parents’/guardians’ schedules.

 

7. All teachers teaching the same subjects or grade level will establish a standard grading policy.  (Example:  course biology - homework___%, tests___% lab,  etc.) and submit to the building principal.

 

8. Attitudes and work habits will be noted, when deficient, in a separate area of the report card.

                                                                                   

9. The grading scale for all students shall be as follows:

                A = 93-100                             Excellent

                B = 85-92                                Above Average

                C = 76-84                                Average

                D = 70-75                               Unsatisfactory But Passing

                F = 69 & below                     Failing

                + or - shall be used to supplement the above 

 

10. Negative or positive classroom behavior should not affect a student’s grades.

 

11. A student’s grades may not be changed by a school administrator without permission of the teacher.

 

Kindergarten Guidelines

1. Kindergarten teachers send home a mid-semester progress report in November and April.

 

2. Conferences are held as needed throughout the year.

 

3. All kindergarten students are evaluated through a comprehensive testing program for the January and June report cards.

 

Grade 1  Guidelines

1. Reading and math will receive letter grades and a clearly defined instructional level for all four marking periods.  Skills listed under these subjects will receive S, N, or U grades.

 

2. Spelling will receive a letter grade beginning the second marking period.  Skills listed under this subject will receive S, N, or U grades.

 

3.  English will receive S, N, or U grades beginning the second marking period. 

 

4.  Science, social studies, and handwriting  will  receive S, N, or U  grades  for  all four marking periods.

                                                    

Elementary Guidelines

1. All academic subjects will receive the letter grade earned with no instructional level indicated except for reading, where the letter grade and an instructional  level will be clearly defined.  If a student is working below grade level and receives an A, he/she should be moved to a higher level; and if a student is working above grade level, he/she should not receive a C or D but should be moved down a level.  For special education students working below grade and accelerated students working above level, the grade box would be split.

 

2. Distribution of grades on the elementary level - copy of report card is placed in an envelope which has the student’s name, school name, grade, year, teacher, and parent’s/guardian’s signature.  Parent/guardian(s) keep the pressure copy and return only the envelope to school.  This method will eliminate reporting grades on cumulative cards and attendance sheets.

 

3. Reading - letter grades and instructional level will be used for reading.  The sub- headings of comprehension, oral  expression,  and word attack skills shall be  graded with S, U, N, I.

 

4. Art, handwriting, library science, music, and physical education should be recorded as S or U on the report card for all Grades 1 through 4.

 

PROMOTION/RETENTION/ACCELERATION/GRADUATION

The basic criterion for promotion is the probability that the student will succeed at the next higher-grade level.  While children are unique because each child grows at his/her own rate according to individual ability, environment, and life experiences, high academic standards have been established for all children.  However, flexibility to provide for individual differences must be planned for within the boundaries of the promotion standards.

 

Retention:

 

Basic guidelines for retention include:

 

         1.    K-8.....................     The student must meet the performance level requirements for both reading and mathematics.

 

         2.    K-8.....................     Parents of students in danger of being retained must be notified no earlier than the end of the second marking period but no later than the end of the third marking period.  Reasons for possible retention and suggestions for increasing the child's achievement level(s) will be provided.

 

         3.    K-8.....................     Poor work habits and/or poor attitude are not grounds by themselves for retention, unless they are major contributors to academic failure.

 

         4.    K-8.....................     Retained students will be assigned to a new classroom and teacher unless the teacher, student, and parents request identical placement or unless no other placement is available.

 

         5.    K-8.....................     For students with disabilities, including students who participate in a functional life skills curriculum, the Individual Education Plan (IEP) team will determine promotion and placement according to the provisions of the student's IEP using all available data and in consultation with the student's parent(s) or guardian(s).

               

        6.     K-8……...           For LEP students, during their first three years in Delaware schools, decisions for promotion and placement shall be made by the school principal in consultation with the ESOL teacher, the student's regular teacher(s) and parent(s) or guardian.  After three years, except in extenuating circumstances, promotion decisions for LEP students shall be determined as for other students.

 

         7.    K-12...................     The student must meet district attendance policy guidelines (Smyrna School District Policy 5113:  "Comprehensive Attendance Procedures").

 

        8.     3, 5, 8.................     A student scoring a performance level of 2 on the grades 3, 5, or 8 reading and/or grade 8 math test is required to have an Individual Improvement Plan (IIP) mutually agreed upon by school staff and the student’s parent/guardian.  The IIP must specify appropriate interventions, including but not limited to special courses of study, tutoring, summer school extended time instruction, mentoring, or other academic improvement activities.  (Parents may appeal the contents of the plan to an Academic Review Committee consisting of Smyrna School District educators.)  If school staff and the parent/guardian are unable to reach an agreement on the IIP, summer school is mandatory.  STATE REQUIREMENT

 

Once agreement is reached, the student will be promoted to the next grade.  The student will be required, however, to retake the reading and/or math portion of the DSTP (at the previous grade level) the following spring.  If the score is a 3 or better, the student is promoted.  If a score of less than 3 is obtained, the student will be required to attend summer school and retest unless the additional indicators are sufficient as determined by a Smyrna Academic Review Committee.  The Smyrna Academic Review Committee will determine that the student has demonstrated proficient performance relative to the state content standards using other indicators including (but not limited to) end of course assessments, student classroom work products, or classroom grades.  If the score is below a level 3 at the end of summer school, the student is retained at the current grade level.  STATE REQUIREMENT

 

 

A student shall not be retained if he or she has been previously retained for two years because of academic performance.  Students who have already been retained in a grade due to the DSTP may not be retained in that grade again.  STATE REQUIREMENT

                                            For students with disabilities, the Individual Education Plan (IEP) will constitute the Individual Improvement Plan (IIP).

 

         9.    3, 5, 8.................     A student scoring a performance level of 1 (well below the standard) on the grade 3, 5, or 8 reading and/or grade 8 math test shall be retained unless the student attends summer school and earns a reading score of 3 during the summer administration of the DSTP.  If the student does not demonstrate proficiency on the reading assessment (score 3) after one retake, a Smyrna Academic Review Committee will meet to determine if the student has demonstrated sufficient performance using other indicators of achievement including (but not limited to) end of course assessments, student classroom products, or classroom grades.  Students who earn a PL 2 on the retake and whose indicators are not sufficient will assume the same status as a PL 2 from the spring testing (see #8).  STATE REQUIREMENT

 

       10.    3, 5, 8.................     School staff must notify parents of students whose performance falls Below the Standard on the grade 3, 5, or 8 reading test, or on the Grade 8 mathematics test, and whose performance remains Below the Standard following an intervention of summer school.  Parents must be notified prior to summer school of the deficient area(s) and informed about the planned interventions.  A copy of the Individual Improvement Plan (IIP) in the areas of deficiency shall be forwarded to the parent(s) or legal guardian by

 

                                            October 15.  Parents must return a signed copy of the IIP, indicating their agreement or disagreement, to the school principal/designee by October 30.  Should the parent disagree with or wish to discuss the IIP, a conference shall

be held with the parent and appropriate school staff not later than the end of the first marking period.  STATE REQUIREMENT

 

       11.    3, 5, 8.................     Based upon the promotion policy requirements and appropriate consideration of input from the Case Study Team [parents, principal, counselor, and teacher(s)], the teacher will make the final decision with regard to retention.  This policy guideline does not supercede grades 3, 5, or 8 student accountability requirements as listed in guidelines 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12.

 

       12.                                Family vacations do not qualify students for a special exemption from the DSTP.  STATE REQUIREMENT

 

 

Retention, Grade K:

 

A student will be considered for retention if it can be clearly demonstrated that the student is not academically ready for a comprehensive first-grade curriculum when he/she has not reached satisfactory levels of performance as defined below:

 

Satisfactory Reading Performance Levels:

           

·            obtain a score of 76% or better on the Harcourt Brace K-1 test

·            name upper case and lower case letters (44 our of 52 presented in random order)

·            identify sight words (76%) (18 out of 25)

·            make letter/sound correspondence (17 out of 26)

 

Satisfactory Mathematics Performance Levels:

          ź        counts from 1-25, and

·            write numerals to match sets of objects to 20 (15 out of 20)

 

Retention, Grades 1-4:

 

A student will be considered for retention if it can be clearly demonstrated that the student is not academically ready for the comprehensive curriculum at the next higher level when he/she has not reached satisfactory levels of performance as defined below:

 

Satisfactory Reading Performance Levels

 

A student's year-end grade will be obtained by averaging the four (4) marking periods.  A year-end average of 76% must be attained for promotion:

 

 

            ź      1st Grade -         Each marking period grade will be averaged across two areas, each equally weighted:

 

1.        First grade holistic tests/first grade skills tests

2.        First grade independently completed reading classwork.            

 

 

            ź      2nd Grade -        Each marking period grade will be averaged across three areas, each equally weighted

 

1.        Second grade holistic tests

2.        Second grade skills tests

3.        Second grade independently completed reading classwork.

 

 

            ź      3rd Grade -         Each marking period grade will be averaged across three areas, each equally weighted

 

1.        Third grade holistic tests

2.        Third grade skills tests

3.        Third grade independently completed reading classwork.

4.        Third students must meet state test requirements as outlined in points 8 and 9 of the Basic Guidelines for Retention.  STATE REQUIREMENT

 

            ź      4th Grade -         Each marking period grade will be averaged across three areas, each equally weighted

 

1.        Fourth grade holistic tests

2.        Fourth grade skills tests

3.        Fourth grade independently completed reading classwork.

 

Satisfactory Mathematics Performance Levels

 

A student's year-end grade will be obtained by averaging the four (4) marking periods.  A year-end average of 76% must be attained for promotion:

 

            ź      1st Grade -         Each marking period grade will be averaged across two areas, each equally weighted.

 

1.        Grade One tests

2.        Grade One independently completed mathematics classwork

 

            ź      2nd Grade -        Each marking period grade will be averaged across two areas, each equally weighted.

 

1.        Grade Two tests

2.        Grade Two independently completed mathematics classwork

 

            ź      3rd Grade -         Each marking period grade will be averaged across two areas, each equally weighted.

 

1.        Grade Three tests

2.        Grade Three independently completed mathematics classwork

 

            ź      4th Grade -         Each marking period grade will be averaged across two areas, each equally weighted.

 

1.        Grade Four tests

2.        Grade Four independently completed mathematics classwork

Acceleration, Grades 1-4:

 

Acceleration is the placement of a student in a higher grade level which is more academically appropriate.

 

Basic guidelines for acceleration include:

 

1.  Acceleration will be beneficial to the student socially, emotionally, physically and academically.

 

2.     For children who appear to be performing above grade level in reading and/or mathematics but do not meet the performance levels stated below, the curriculum will be enriched with meaningful and challenging activities.

                               

3.     When acceleration is considered, the Case Study Team will use the criteria stated below to make the final determination.

 

To be considered for acceleration, the child must satisfy all of the following criteria for both reading and mathematics:

 

Reading

 

·            In grades 2 and 4, score at the 90th percentile or better on the SAT 10 on the DSTP.  for grade 1, achieve mastery level on the DIBELS.  Obtain teacher/principal recommendations.

 

                    attained at least a 98% average during the previous year, determined by averaging the child's performance on the appropriate Skill(s) Tests, Holistic Test(s), and independently completed reading classwork, and

 

                    test out of the appropriate end-of-grade Skill(s) Tests and Holistic Test(s) for the next higher grade level with a 98% average.

 

            ź      In Grade 3, scores at the Delaware Student Testing Program Performance Level 5 which signifies "exceptional" and "exemplary" performance,

 

                    attained at least a 98% average during the previous year, to be determined by averaging the child's performance on the appropriate Skills Test(s), Holistic Test(s), and independently completed reading classwork, and test out of the appropriate end-of-grade Skill Test and Holistic Test for the next higher grade level with a 98% average.

 

·                                 All grades should obtain teacher/principal recommendations.

Mathematics

 

·            In grades 2 and 4 score at the 90th percentile or better on the math portion of the SAT 10 on the DSTP, (for grade 1, use STAR math scores to assess readiness for grade 2 work) attain at least a 98% average during the previous year, (determined by averaging the child's performance on all end of chapter tests and independently completed classwork), and

 

test out of the appropriate end-of-book test for the next higher grade level with a 98% average.

 

            ź      In Grade 3, score at the Delaware Student Testing Program Performance Level 5 which signifies "exceptional" and "exemplary" performance attained at least a 98% average during the previous year, determined by averaging the child's performance on all the end of chapter tests and independently completed classwork, and test out of the appropriate end-of-book test for the next higher grade level with a 98% average.

 

·            All grades should obtain teacher/principal recommendations.

 

 

Retention, Grades 5-8:

 

A student will be considered for retention if it can be clearly demonstrated that the student is not academically ready for the comprehensive curriculum at the next higher level when he/she has not reached satisfactory levels of performance as defined below:

 

            ź      Students are expected to meet performance and achievement standards before promotion to the next higher grade.

 

·               Fifth and sixth grade students must pass four of the five major subject areas, three of which must be reading, grammar/language arts, and mathematics.  The fourth major subject must be science or social studies.

 

·               Seventh and eighth grade students must pass three major subjects, two of which must be language arts (averaged with reading when applicable) and mathematics.

 

·                                              For students grades 5 - 8 who fail a major subject, a score of 60 - 69% is required for summer school attendance.

 

 

 

Acceleration (5-8)

 

Acceleration is the placement of students in a grade level which is more academically appropriate.

 

A student will be considered for acceleration based upon the following factors:

 

         1.    Acceleration will be beneficial to the student socially, emotionally, physically, and academically.

 

         2.    Written evaluations, observation scales and charts, and teacher judgment indicate that the student's skills and performance are substantially above grade level.

 

         3.    Physical and social development must be sufficiently accelerated to allow the student to function comfortably at the grade level considered.

 

 

The final decision regarding acceleration will be made by the Case Study Team consisting of appropriate staff and parents.

 

Promotion/Graduation, Grades 9-12:

 

Credits required for promotion:

 

         1.    From eighth to ninth grade - A student must pass English and two of the three other major subjects, which are math, science, and social studies.

 

           

         2.    From ninth to tenth grade - A student must earn one credit in English and four additional credits, and have a total of five credits.

 

         3.    From tenth to eleventh grade - A student must have earned two credits in English and nine additional credits, and have a total of eleven credits.

 

         4.    From eleventh to twelfth grade - A student must have earned three credits in English and thirteen additional credits, and have a total of sixteen credits.

 

         5.    Students must accumulate a minimum of 22 credits in grades nine through 12 in order to receive a diploma.  Of these, the following are required:  English - 4; Social Studies - 3, one of which must be American History; Mathematics - 3; Science - 3; Physical Education - 1; Computer Literacy - 1; Health - .5 and Career Pathways - 3.  The additional 6.5 credits are to be selected from elective offerings.  (Beginning with the class of 2011 students will be required to take 4 math credits.)

 

An alternative program or courses may be available based upon student need and case history.

 

         6.    Scores on reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies will be used to calculate a graduation index.  A graduation index will determine if a student is eligible for a diploma noting distinguished performance.  Other Academic Indicators may be substituted for specific content area DSTP scores for the calculation of performance levels.  Other indicators include SAT scores in verbal, mathematics, or writing and AP scores in English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.

 

                A Distinguished diploma will be awarded to students who scored high on the DSTP and complete local requirements for graduation.

 

                A standard diploma will be awarded to students who complete local requirements for graduation.

 

         7.    Students at grade 11 will have multiple opportunities to take the DSTP before the conclusion of their grade 12 year.  STATE REQUIREMENT  Extra time or summer school programs will be available.

 

         8.  Extra-time and/or summer programs will be offered for students who fall below required performance standards.

 

9.        Students will have multiple opportunities to retake the DSTP before the conclusion of their grade 12 year.

 

Approved By Board of Education on 7/24/91

Revision approved by the Board of Education on 3/16/94

Revision approved by the Board of Education on 8/17/94

Revision approved by the Board of Education 09/15/99

Revision approved by the Board of Education 09/19/01

Revision approved by the Board of Education 08/20/03

Revision approved by the Board of Education 5/11/05

Revision approved by the Board of Education 8/17/05

Revision approved by the Board of Education 2/22/07

 

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

To assist you in meeting with your child’s teacher, parent conference days and evenings have been scheduled for November 9, and 10, 2006.  You are welcome to request a conference at any time.

 

If you, as the legal guardian, wish to have a conference with your child’s teacher(s) and/or principal, please call the school or send in a note and we will arrange a convenient time for the conference.  If a conference has been arranged and, for some reason you cannot come or you may be a little late, please inform the school by phone or note.

 

 

HOMEWORK

Homework will generally be given four nights a week, usually Monday through Thursday.  Homework is not busy work but an extension of the class work which was not completed during the day and/or remedial, reinforcing, or enriching while testing the understanding of the student.

 

Parents should see that their child has a homework assignment book, if needed in grades 1 and 2; provide a time and quiet place to do his/her homework each day; check for correctness when assignment is completed; and help organize things for the next school day.  Students in grades 3 and 4 will be provided an agenda book to record homework and be used as a communication device between home and school.

 

Parents are asked to call the school office before 10:30 a.m. when requesting class assignments for students who are absent due to illness.  Teachers cannot interrupt class instruction to prepare homework assignments as this is usually done during teacher preparation time.  If your child will only be out one day, homework can be taken home upon the child’s return.  Your cooperation is appreciated.

 

 

SPECIAL SERVICES

The Smyrna School District provides a variety of educational programs.   Included are the following:  Gifted/Talented, Speech, HHPD, ESOL, Pre-School, Pre-K, Homebound, Home schooling and any student identified as needing Special Education under IDEA. Special Services also handles all requests to school psychologists, the visiting teacher, and any concerns with Section 504 of IDEA.

 

 

TITLE 1 PROGRAM

Supplementary instruction in reading and/or mathematics is provided for children in greatest need.  Title 1 is a federally funded program that provides services in grades K-4.

 

 

BREAKFAST CLUB

In order to accommodate parent work schedules, the Smyrna School District is providing a program, “The Breakfast Club.”  Beginning at 7:15 a.m. each school day for grades K-6, breakfast and before school supervision will be available in the Clayton Elementary Cafeteria for $2.00 a day.

 

 

SCHOOL-AGE CHILD CARE PROGRAM

The after-school care program is operated by the Boys & Girls Club of Delaware located in Wilmington, Delaware.  The goal of the program is to provide a comprehensive childcare program after school hours for children in grades K-6 to meet the needs of working parents.  The program is designed to broaden the development of all involved.  Development through activities such as recreational games, socialization, arts and crafts and homework assistance is provided.

 

The Boys & Girls Club after-school care program will be held at some of the elementary schools.  The Boys & Girls Club accepts purchase of care through the State of Delaware.  Third child rates are also available.  For more information call the After Care Director, Marianne Olmstead at 302-658-1871.

 

 

PLAYGROUND POLICY

The Clayton Elementary School playground is for the sole use of Clayton Elementary School students during school hours.  No one else should be on the playground between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

                                                                                                          

 

DISCIPLINE CODE

Parents, teachers and principals have created this program in order to maintain a safe, educational environment for your child.  We are confident that this clearly stated and thorough school-wide program and plan will teach children to be responsible for their actions and make this school year a positive and motivating experience.

 

One of the most important lessons education should teach is discipline.  Discipline is the key to good conduct and proper consideration of other people.  It is the training that develops self-control, character, orderliness, and efficiency.  Good discipline is maintained by recognizing and praising good behavior and taking corrective action when necessary.  It is the shared responsibility of the home and the school to accomplish this goal.

 

Students are expected to put forth their best effort and to conduct themselves in a manner that will promote a safe, orderly, learning environment.  School and classroom rules and expected behavior are explained to all students.  Any behavior or inappropriate language which causes the learning atmosphere to deteriorate or be disruptive or which infringes upon the rights of others in the school will not be tolerated and my subject the student to corrective measures.  On the other hand, appropriate behavior will be rewarded through a number of positive measures by the classroom teacher.

 

Discipline is not a means of punishing children—controlling them, making them “obedient” but rather it really means:

1.        Teaching children to live and work with others

2.        Teaching children self-controlled, responsible behavior

3.        Teaching children to become independent, well-adjusted, young adults

 

The following is a list of general school rules that reflect good manners.  These rules are posted in prominent areas throughout the building.

 

School Rules

1.        Respect and honor requests of all adults

2.        Walk in an orderly fashion on right side

3.        Keep foreign objects and gum out of mouth

4.        Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself

5.        Use restroom properly

6.        Use appropriate language at all times

 

Playground Rules

1.        Play in designated areas

2.        Enter/leave play area properly

3.        No pushing, shoving or wrestling

4.        Obey person in charge

5.        Use equipment properly

6.        Safety should be stressed at all times

7.        Do not leave play area without permission

 

Bus Rules

1.        Stay seated

2.        Keep body parts & objects inside bus

3.        Obey bus driver

4.        No eating on the bus

5.        No pushing, shoving or fighting

6.        Keep hands, feet, & objects to yourself

 

Cafeteria Rules

1.        Students are to be escorted to the cafeteria by their assigned teacher

2.        Students must remain in their assigned line to purchase lunch.

3.        Students are to get in a line – no cutting or allowing others to cut into the line by saving a place for them

4.        Students are to remain seated except to take up trays.

5.        Students must remain in the cafeteria during their lunch period.  They must obtain permission from adult monitors to go elsewhere, including the restroom.

6.        Quiet conversation is expected with no foul or unacceptable language and with no calling from table to table or across the room.  Continued unacceptable levels of sound will cause students to lose social privileges during lunch.  Additional consequences for inappropriate behavior may be assigned to students by cafeteria monitors.

7.        Students may not tamper with, ask for, or take without permission food or money from others.

8.        Proper respect and courtesy towards one another and mutual respect with the cafeteria monitors is expected.  Students are reminded that the cafeteria monitors are in charge of the cafeteria and should be listened to at all times.

9.        When leaving the cafeteria, students are reminded to keep their hands to themselves and to walk quietly.

10.     Failure to abide by cafeteria rules will result in appropriate disciplinary action.  Students may receive warnings, be assigned to specific seats, lose cafeteria privileges for a specified number of days or be referred to the office.

 

 

Classroom Management Plans

Plans are used by teachers to enhance, maintain, and reward students for good behavior.  Good behavior is rewarded by allowing students the privilege of participating in designated activities within the classroom and school.  Negative behavior can cause students to lose that privilege.

 

Below is the listing of 3 levels of disciplinary actions that will be initiated to maintain an orderly environment and a level of respect within the school.  These consequences are not negotiable or interchangeable.  Each is on its own level of seriousness.

 

 

        Level 1 (Office)

        Police Notification

        Superintendent Hearing

        Police Agency

        Alternative Student Placement

         ILC

        Social Service Agency

        Out of School Suspension

Level II (Office)

School Conduct Form

Police Notification (Possible)

Student/Teacher/Parent/

    Administrator Conference

 Removal from Class

In School Suspension/Out of

     School Suspension

Parent Contact

 

Level III (Classroom/Cafeteria)

 Reprimand/Warning

Loss of recess

Time-out

After school detention

Repeated level III will

    result in ISS/OSS

 

 

 Infractions:

Offensive Touching (Employee

    Victim)

Terroristic Threat (Employee

    Victim)

Possession of Weapon

Unlawful Sexual Contact

Infractions Cont’d.

Prohibited Substance

Violent Felony

 

 

 

 

Infractions:

Pornographic Possession

Bomb Threat

Vandalism

Felony Theft

Bullying

Sexual Harassment

Infractions Cont’d.

Offensive Touching (Student

    Victim)

Terroristic Threat (Student

    Victim)

Fighting/Disorderly Conduct

 

 

 

 

 

 

Infractions:

Inappropriate Behavior

   a) profanity

   b) name calling

c) classroom distraction

d) rough play

e) disobeying school

Infractions Cont’d.

  rules in school areas

Defiance of School   

    Authority

Disruption of Educational

    Process

  a) Fire Alarm

     b) Repeated

         inappropriate behavior

    Academic Cheating

    Minor Bus Violations

    Dress Code Violation

                                               

Time Out

Students may be assigned to the Intervention Room when behaviors become disruptive to the educational process.  Students will be expected to complete classwork during this time.  Time Out may be one to three hours in duration and may be assigned for a morning or afternoon session.  An attempt to contact parents/guardians by phone will be made, and a copy of the referral will be mailed home.

 

After School Detention for Classroom and Cafeteria Behavior

This should serve as a warning that the student’s behavior has become undesirable in the classroom.  Teachers will involve parents at this time to prevent more serious problems.  If the student will not stay on the date detention is assigned, he/she will be referred to the administration for disciplinary action.  Students absent on the day of detention will have detention on the day of return or as directed by the teacher.  Teacher detention will be 25 minutes in length at the end of the regular school day, where they will sit and not be allowed to talk.  All discussions concerning teacher detentions should be directed to the classroom teacher involved. The parents will be given a two-day notice.

 

In School Suspension/Alternative Classroom/Removal From the Classroom

Students may be assigned an In-School Suspension for recurring or serious infractions and indicates that the students’ behavior has reached an unacceptable level.  Students will be expected to complete classwork during this time. Failure to comply with expectations may result in additional time in In-School Suspension, After School Detention, or Suspension.  An attempt to contact parents/guardians by phone will be made, and a copy of the referral will be mailed home.

 

After School Detention

This should serve as a definite indication that a student’s behavior has reached a crisis level.  Therefore, a referral resulting in after school detention is considered serious by the school personnel.  The amount of time for detentions will be determined by administrators following the regularly scheduled student day, where they will sit and not be allowed to talk.  Following the detention, students must report to the front office for end-of-the-day checkout.  Clearly defined plans for pick up must be arranged before the day of the detention.  It is not the responsibility of the teachers or the administration to provide transportation.  Arrangements will be made between the administrators and parents.

 

Bus Referrals

This should serve as a warning that the student’s behavior has become undesirable on the school bus.  These disciplinary steps are for actions that do not endanger the bus transportation of the students or the driver. The District Transportation Supervisor will handle actions that endanger the students and driver on the school bus.

·         First offense – A warning by the principal and a note to the parents

·         Second offense – 25 minute detention after school *

·         Third offense – 50 minute detention after school *

·         Fourth offense  - disciplinary action taken by the District Transportation Supervisor.

·         * Therefore, a referral resulting in after school detention is considered serious by the school personnel.  Following the detention, students must report to the front office for end-of-the-day checkout.  Clearly defined plans for pick up must be arranged before the day of the detention.  It is not the responsibility of the teachers or the administration to provide transportation. The parents will be given a two-day notice.

 

 

Out-of-School Suspension

This means that a student’s behavior is intolerable.  When a student has been suspended by the Principal or Associate Principal, the parent will receive a referral and/or phone call stating the dates and reasons for the suspension.  While on suspension, the pupil is not to be on school property and may not participate in any school related functions such as practices, athletics, rehearsals, concerts, field trips, etc.  The pupil may not be able to return to school until a conference has been held with parents, teachers, or administrators.

 

 

Expulsion

State regulations define expulsion as “…The exclusion of a pupil from school on a permanent basis or for an indefinite period of time”.  This is the most serious disciplinary measure that can be applied as it deprives a student of his/her educational opportunities.  The principal, following an investigation of the violation, will recommend expulsion of the student to the superintendent, if appropriate.  The superintendent, if supportive, will schedule a hearing before the school board.  A decision on expulsion or alternative educational placement will be made at the hearing.

 

 

Mandatory Reports to Police and Superintendent

The Principal by law, via the passage of House Bill No. 85/student code of conduct report, must report to the local police and the District’s Superintendent “any instance where a pupil or parent or guardian of any pupil is found to have committed an assault or an extortion against a pupil or found to have committed an assault, offensive touching, terrorist threatening or an extortion against a school employee…”and “any instance where a pupil is found to have on his person, or concealed among his possessions, or placed elsewhere on the school premises, any controlled substance (unlawful drugs) or any dangerous instrument or deadly weapon.” The law also states that the student shall be suspended and that a parent conference will be held.  The subsequent passage of House Bill No. 322 directs the principal to report to the local police a situation where a student or school volunteer or school employee has been the victim of a violent felony or an unlawful sexual contact III.  Again the law states that the student will be suspended and a parent conference will be held to review the student’s educational placement.  The parent conference could take the form of an expulsion hearing.

 

 

Use and/or Possession of Alcohol, Illegal Drugs or Drug Paraphernalia

The Clayton Elementary School will follow the disciplinary actions as set forth in the Smyrna School District’s “Student Drug and Alcohol Policy”, #5145, approved March 20, 1991, by the Board of Education.  A part of that policy indicates that a student found guilty of use or possession can be suspended for a maximum of 10 days, can be referred to the police, and can be recommended for expulsion from school on the first offense.  (See pages 19-23 for the entire “Student Drug and Alcohol Policy”)

 

 

Major School Infractions

Fighting

Student fighting will not be tolerated and will result in an In-School Suspension or Out-of-School Suspension at the discretion of the Administration.  An attempt to contact parents/guardians by phone will be made, and a copy of the referral will be mailed home.

 

Disrespect/Defiance to Staff Members

Being disrespectful to any faculty or staff member will not be tolerated for any reason and will result in school suspension.

 

Weapons

Any student caught bringing weapons, such as but not limited to knives, razor blades, linoleum cutters, scissors, fire crackers, laser pointers, sharp objects capable of causing puncture wounds such as needles, compass points, lancets, etc. to school or having them on his/her person will be subject to suspension, police notification, parent contact and possible expulsion.  Students will not be permitted to carry such items as hair spray, breath spray, aerosol products, modeling glue, or white out on their person during the school day.

 

 

Further Major School Infractions

Following is a list of major infractions: Defiance of school authority, assault, stealing, vandalism, offensive touching; skipping class; smoking or possession of tobacco products on school grounds; extortion; harassment & terrorist threatening. Disciplinary actions for major infractions will be determined in each case by the Clayton School Administration.

 

 

Other Notable Infractions and Definitions of Terms

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is defined as inappropriate language or touching directed at a member of the opposite sex intended in such a way as to belittle, demean, label, or seek favor from that person.  Such behavior will result in appropriate disciplinary action.

 

Chronic Name Calling and Bullying

Chronic name-calling is a form of harassment and will not be tolerated.  Students must treat fellow students with respect.  Instances of this nature will result in appropriate disciplinary and/or corrective measures.

 

Throwing Snowballs

This is very dangerous and is not permitted.  This will result in appropriate disciplinary action.

 

Borrowing or lending money

Borrowing or lending money between students is not permitted and will result in appropriate disciplinary action.

 

Cheating

Cheating at Clayton Elementary School will result in appropriate disciplinary action.

 

School Field Trip Policy: The Smyrna School District considers field trips to be a privilege for students to extend their knowledge beyond the classroom.  Students who abuse rules and policies may be denied the right to participate in these events.  All school rules apply when students are on field trips.   There will be times when parents and community volunteers are needed as chaperones, but the principal must approve them.  No student will be permitted to go on any trip without the written permission of his/her parent/guardian.

 

Recess

Recess is an integral part of an elementary school day. Recess is an earned privilege, and rules have been established to guide recess behaviors.  Students need to be mindful at all times of these rules, which are posted throughout the building.

 

NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF SEX

(Compliance Violation Grievance Procedure)

Any student or employee of the Smyrna School District shall have the right to file a formal complaint alleging noncompliance with regulations outlined in Title I of the Education Amendments of 1972 or in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1974.

 

Level One – Principal or immediate supervisor (informal)

A student with a complaint of sex discrimination shall discuss it with the teacher, counselor or principal.

 

Level Two- Title IX Compliance Officer

If the grievance is not resolved at level one and the student wishes to pursue the grievance, the student may formalize the grievance by filing a complaint in writing on a Compliance Violation Form, which can be obtained from the Title IX compliance officer .  The complaint shall state the nature of the grievance and the remedy requested.  The filing of the formal written complaint at Level Two must be within 21 days from the date of the event giving rise to the grievance, or from the date the grievant could reasonably become aware of such occurrence.  The grievant may request that a meeting about eh complaint be held with the Title IX compliance officer.  A minor student may be accompanied at that meeting by a parent or guardian.  The Title IX compliance officer shall investigate the complaint and attempt to resolve it.  A written report from the compliance officer about action taken will be sent to the grievant with 21 days after receipt of the complaint.

 

Level Three – Superintendent

If the complaint is not resolved at Level Two, the grievant may proceed to Level Three by presenting a written appeal to the Superintendent within 15 days after the grievant received the report from the compliance officer.  A decision will be rendered and conveyed to the grievant by the Superintendent or his/her designee within 15 days after receipt of written appeal.

 

Level Four – Other agencies

The grievant may file formal complaints with the Delaware Civil Rights Commission or other agencies available for mediation or rectification of affirmative action grievances, or may seek private counsel for complaints alleging discrimination.  Note: The District appoints compliance coordinators for Title IX, Title VII and for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as required by law.  These compliance coordinators serve as grievance officers and are responsible for the District’s efforts to comply with nondiscrimination requirements under Title IX, Title VII, and Section 504.

 

DISTRICT NONDISCRIMINTATION POLICY

TITLE VII, TITLE IX, and Section 504 Compliance Notification

The Smyrna School District does not discriminate in employment or educational programs, services or activities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or disability in accordance with state and federal laws, as required by Title VI and VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments, and the Federal Occupational Rehabilitation Act of 1973.  Inquiries should be directed to the Smyrna School District Superintendent, Administrative Office, 22 South Main Street, Smyrna, DE 19977.  Phone:  (302) 653-8585.

 

El distrito escolar Smyrna no discrimina en empleo o programas educationales, servicios o actividades, basados en raza, color, religion, nacionalidad, sexo, edad o disabilidad en conformidad con las leyes estatales y federales

 

It is also the policy of the this District to ensure that curriculum content and instructional materials used by our school reflect the cultural and racial diversity found in our country, and to create an awareness or the rights, duties, and responsibilities of each individual as a member of the multi cultural, nonsexist society. 

Inquiries about compliance with Title IX, Title VI, or VII may be directed to the compliance coordinators appointed in the district.

 

COMPLIANCE COORDIANTORS

Te following individuals have been appointed to serve as the District’s compliance coordinators.  These coordinators can be contacted at the following locations.

TITLE VII: CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1974

(Nondiscrimination in employment practices)

TITLE IX: CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1972

(Nondiscrimination on the basis of sex, educational programs)

Compliance Coordinator

Clarence Lloyd, Assistant Superintendent

22 South Main Street

Smyrna, DE 19977

(302)653-8585

 

SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT OF 1973

Compliance Coordinator

Don Bates, Supervisor of Special Services

Thomas D. Clayton School

80 Monrovia Avenue

Smyrna, DE 19977

(303)653-3135

 

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) OF 1982

Compliance Coordinator

Clint Lasana, Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds

Thomas D. Clayton School

80 Monrovia Avenue

Smyrna, DE 19977

(302)653-3132

 

SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS OF THE STUDENT

 

The major purpose of the teachers and staff of Clayton Elementary School is to educate students.  To accomplish this, students must be cooperative, well mannered, and demonstrate respect for school property.  Students must exercise self-control at all times and honor the rights and properties of other students.  Failure to honor these requests will require disciplinary action from the teachers and/or administration, which may vary according to the nature of the offense and to prior actions of the student(s) involved.  To make Clayton Elementary a positive environment for learning, a total commitment from our student body is required.

 

Computer Use

Unlawful and Inappropriate Use

Students should use computers in a manner that they:

 

Protection and Integrity of Data

Students must:

 

Personal Use

School computers are only to be used for school work, personal use is only allowed when supervised by your teacher and it does not:

 

Virus Protection

Smyrna School District and the Delaware Center for Educational Technology has purchased anti-virus software for all schools.  All electronic media, such as software, diskettes, CD-ROMs and files are automatically checked for viruses when accessed.

 

Students should NEVER download or install software on any school machine.

 

If students find a virus, they must not use the computer until it is fixed.  They should report the matter to their teacher right away.  Teachers should immediately post a TechFix request.

 

Properly Licensed Software

Students will only use software that is installed on district systems.  They will not bring in programs/games from outside, nor will they ever install software.

 

State of Delaware Monitoring

State communications and computers may be monitored by the State to ensure the integrity of the technology, protect against fraud and abuse, detect unauthorized access or use, and other purposes.  Although the State does not randomly monitor message or network transactions, it may without notification or approval, monitor, access and review any and all communications originating from the State of Delaware or delivered to the State of Delaware – students should have no expectation of privacy.

 

Use of Email and the Internet

Inappropriate use of e-mail can cause many problems.  Here are some tips:

 

Inappropriate use of the Internet includes, but is not limited to, accessing, sending or forwarding information about, or downloading (from):

 

Student Dress Code

Philosophy

Studies have shown a positive relationship between students concern for their appearance and their concern for their education.  The same is true in regard to good appearance and manners.  Therefore, it is imperative that a student be clean, appropriately and modestly dressed, and not cause attention to be centered on his/her appearance.  In June 1995, Delaware Governor Carper signed House Bill 76 that allows school districts to enforce dress codes.  Our general philosophy is as follows:

 

  1. Clothing that is inappropriate or revealing is not permitted.
  2. Clothing shall completely conceal private body parts (including the midriff) and undergarments.  Undergarments, such as boxer shorts, bras, etc. must not be visible.
  3. Muscle shirts, spaghetti straps, backless tops, shirts with cutoff sleeves, and shirts that leave either shoulder bare are not permitted.

 

Disregard of the Smyrna School District policy will result in the following disciplinary actions, in order:

 

1st Offense             Warning and required to change clothes.*  Parents will be notified by phone.

2nd Offense            After-school detention (one hour).* Parents will be notified by phone.

3rd Offense             One-half day in-school suspension.*  Parents will be notified by phone.

4th Offense             One day in-school suspension.*  Parents will be notified by phone.

5th Offense             One day out-of-school suspension.*  Parent phone call and written notification.

 

*A student may call home for a change of clothes, or a student will be loaned clean,

useable shirt from the nurse’s office, or turn the shirt inside out where applicable.

The following clothing attire are unacceptable:

  1. Shorts or skirts above the mid-thigh or fingertip length (whichever is longer)
  2. Cheerleading skirts worn during school hours without leggings or shorts under them.
  3. Pants not worn at the waist so that underwear is exposed.
  4. Sagging or dragging pants.
  5. Versions of clothing such as see-through pants and “loungewear” such as pajamas, flannel sleepwear, or slippers.
  6. Clothing attire or accessories displaying profane, vulgar messages, pictures with double meanings, and/or promoting sex, drugs, and alcohol.
  7. Shirts or tops, where the stomach shows or back is exposed when raising the arms or walking, or sitting.
  8. Shirts with exaggerated necklines and or openings.
  9. Tops with straps less than 2” wide.
  10. See-through or versions of mesh shirts/tops.
  11. Tops such as loungewear, pajamas, and flannel sleepwear.

 

Shoes and Footwear

Flip-flops and slippers are not permitted in school.

 

Hats and Headgear

Headgear, such as hats, bandanas, scarves, and sweatbands are not to be worn in school with the exception of documented religious reasons.  Hoods attached to tops may not be worn on one’s head.  Mohawks are not permitted.

 

Coats and Outer Wear

Coats, jackets, windbreakers, and any garment designed for outside use will be kept in the student’s locker during school hours.

 

Hair/Jewelry

Hair must be of a natural hair color only.  Visual body piercing of any kind, except for earrings on ears, is prohibited.

Long, dangling/loop earrings and spiked jewelry are discouraged for safety reasons.

 

Gangs

(Groups of students who bully or intimidate others)

Students are prohibited from wearing logos, emblems or other items that identify them as a part of a gang.

 

Approved by the Board of Education, March 17, 2004.

Personal Items

The school is not responsible for personal items that are lost, stolen or damaged at school or in travel on the bus.  This includes band instruments, articles of clothing, and jewelry.  Radios, tape recorders, tapes, CD players, Nintendo games, toys, water guns, animals, baseball card collections, etc. are not allowed in school without permission of the main office.  We suggest pupils leave items such as expensive jewelry at home.  Avoid bringing a large sum of money to school - bring only what is needed.

 

 

Students are not to bring items for sale to school.

No outside fundraising items may be sold during the school day without permission of an administrator.  Students may not to sell any goods or merchandise, including candy and sodas.

 

 

Replacement Charges for Lost or Damaged Books - Board Policy 5135

All textbooks and library materials are provided by the Smyrna School District and students are expected to give them reasonable care, including the use of textbook covers.

 

Teachers will be responsible for assessing the condition of all books and other equipment that is loaned to students for their use during the school year.  This assessment shall be made prior to the items being loaned to the students.  Textbooks and library materials that are lost or damaged beyond continued usability must be replaced; consequently, students will be charged the replacement costs of those items.  Payments for damaged but still usable books and materials will be determined based upon the extent of those damages and will not exceed 50% of the replacement costs.  All funds received as a result of fines and assessments shall be forwarded to the Smyrna School District Central Office for deposit.  In addition, appropriate disciplinary actions may occur when disciplinary codes have been broken.

 

All student obligations` must be met before report cards are issued. 

 

 

BUS DISCIPLINE PROCEDURE

The following is an attempt to clarify certain items of State and Smyrna School District policies concerned with school bus discipline and especially the suspension of riding privileges.

 

The position of the Board of Education is that all students should remain seated, be reasonably quiet, and be obedient to the driver while being transported to and from school.  Any student who deviates from this desired behavior is creating a safety hazard for themselves and the other students and should be disciplined.

The bus driver has the same authority over the student as the classroom teacher.  This means that the driver may use reasonable forms of disciplinary action.

 

School bus rules of conduct are clearly displayed in the driver’s compartment of each bus contracted for pupil transportation in the district.

 

The following procedure is recommended for dealing with discipline problems and should be initiated as soon as a student displays signs of misbehavior:

 

1.  Take the student aside and explain that his/her misbehavior, in addition to imposing on the other students, is creating a safety hazard by distracting the driver’s attention.

 

2.  If the problem continues, either call or write the parents of the offending student and explain to them, courteously, the nature of the problem and ask their assistance in correcting it.  Drivers should have specific information about what the student is doing wrong, times that the misbehavior has been observed, and reaction of the student to any disciplinary measures when contacting any parent(s).

 

3.  If, after using the above techniques, the problem still persists it  should  be brought to the attention of the particular  school administrator of that student by bringing a Bus Conduct report to his/her office and discussing the situation.

                 

At this level, children may be suspended from riding the bus if parents have been notified, yet the problem persists.  Bus Conduct forms shall be used by the driver each time a child  is reported.  These will be kept on file in both the Transportation Supervisor’s Office and the school’s office.

 

Such suspensions shall be:

                a.  Minor Violations - 1st written report - Warning

                     Minor Violations - 2nd written report - 1 day

                     Minor Violations - 3rd written report - 2 days

     Minor Violations - additional reports - suspension of riding privileges until parent/driver/Transportation Supervisor/student conference is held.

 

Student may lose bus riding privileges for the remainder of the school year for multiple minor violations.

 

b.  Major Violations - 1st written report - 1-3 days

                     Major Violations - 2nd written report - 2-5 days

Major Violations - 3rd written report - suspension of riding privileges until parent/driver/Transportation Supervisor/student conference is held.

 

                The conference may result in a five day suspension, a ten day suspension, or suspension for the remainder of the school year of bus  riding  privileges.   This last action   needs approval of the Superintendent with appeal rights to the Board of Education.

Minor/Major Violations are, but are not limited to:

 

Minor Violations                                           Major Violations

1. Shouting in or out of the bus                  1. Fighting

2. Not staying in seat                                   2. Physical actions resulting

3. Throwing objects                                          injury to self or others

4. Talking back to driver                              3. Carrying weapons

5. Littering                                                      4. Smoking, lighting of

6. Horseplay, annoying other student              matches or cigarette lighter

7. Putting arms or head out windows        5. Possession of alcoholic

8. Disobeying driver’s instructions                beverages or drugs

9. Boarding or debarking from bus in       6. Property destruction

    unsafe manner.                                          7. Threatening or abusive

         behavior towards bus driver

         8. Endangering students on bus                                                              

                                                                       

No pupil may  be  excluded from the bus for disciplinary reasons except at the home or school.   The principal shall be notified of such action at the earliest possible  moment after  such exclusion,  and any  change to the action taken by the driver,  or any  further disciplinary  action  to be taken,  is the responsibility of the designated school official.

 

In the event a student becomes so unruly as to be a hazard to the other students, the driver, or the further progress of the bus run,  the  driver should pull to the side of the road and stop.  If the student cannot be brought under control the driver should send someone for help.   This should only be an older high school student or a passer-by.   Under no circumstances should the driver leave the students.

 

Basic Policy

1.  Driver to work with student and parent(s) and make principal aware of the problem.

 

2.  If problem persists, driver shall report student to school principal using district forms.

 

3.  If parent has been informed and incident investigated, the school principal can  suspend student’s bus riding privilege.

 

4.  If problems continue, student can be suspended until a conference is held or put off for a longer period of time.

 

 

 

SCHOOL FIELD TRIP POLICY

The Smyrna School District considers field trips to be a privilege as well as a right of students.  Field trips are for Clayton Elementary students only.  Only staff approved chaperones may attend, siblings may not attend.  Students are to obey all rules and policies of the school district while on field trips.  Students who abuse the rules and policies will be denied the right to participate in field trips.

 

1.  Field trips will be classified in four categories:

Curricular (required)                                     Reward (voluntary)

Instructionally Related (required)               Recreational (voluntary)

               

   Funding sources for each of the classifications are designated as district, school, club/activity, school organization (PTO), and parent/student.  (See Administrative Guidelines.)

 

2.  Field trips which are required  (curricular or instructionally related) must  be budgeted in the school and/or district budget.   The original submission of the budget must include the cost of curricular/instructionally related field trips.

 

3.  No student will be denied participation in field trips except for disciplinary actions resulting from problems in school or previous field trips.

 

4.  There shall be an appropriate ratio of adults per students based upon the characteristics of the field trip.  Parents and community volunteers are encouraged as chaperones in order that teachers may continue teaching in classrooms.  Chaperones must be approved by the principal.

 

5.  Students will not be permitted to go on any school trips without a permission slip signed by a parent/guardian. Students not participating in a field trip shall be provided with an educationally sound alternative planned by their teachers.

 

6.  Field trip request forms must be submitted to the building principal for approval/ denial approximately one month before the planned trip or as soon as possible.   Once approved by the principal,  the  request is forwarded to the Superintendent or designee for approval.  Arrangements for buses and the trip are to be made at the building.

 

7. The intent of this policy is to fund curricular field trips through the district or school budgets but not to limit alternative funding sources or the number of field trips.

 

8.  Any request which deviates from this policy requires approval by the Board of Education.

 

9.  Due to safety issues, each class attending a field trip must have their regular teacher or a staff member in attendance who can identify the students, otherwise the class will not be able to participate.

 

10.  Students must ride the bus to the field trip and must return on the same bus or they will not be able to participate.

 

 

SMOKING POLICY

Tobacco Regulation 877 prohibits the use and distribution of tobacco products by all staff, students, visitors, and parents in school buildings, on school grounds, in school-leased or owned vehicles and property and all school affiliated functions on and off school grounds.  Tobacco regulation 877 means a healthier, safer school environment for everyone.

 

 

STUDENT DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY

INTRODUCTION:

The Smyrna School District is interested in helping those students who may have a drug and/or alcohol problem.  The end result of this program is not to expel students but, also, not to allow this problem to destroy the schools.  It is deemed necessary by the School Board, for the protection of all, to support the staff in the implementation of this Drug and Alcohol Policy.

POLICY:              

STUDENT DRUG USE

The Smyrna Board of Education believes that the school environment should promote learning, physical and emotional growth, socialization, and individual development.

                                                                      

It also believes that alcohol and/or drugs adversely affect such objectives.  Therefore, possession, use, and/or distribution of alcohol and/or unauthorized drugs, drug paraphernalia or look-alike substances shall be prohibited within the school environment.

 

 

Regulations, procedures, and programs will be developed:

1. To prevent drug and alcohol use in the Smyrna school environment.

 

2.  To encourage students with drug and alcohol use problems to seek voluntary assistance, counseling, and rehabilitation.

 

3.  To meet problems of alcohol and drug use in the Smyrna school environment in a forthright and positive manner through progressive and corrective disciplinary actions.

 

4. To provide the school staff with the necessary  training  so  that they can effectively administer and enforce this policy.

 

The Board believes that the above programs will also have a significant and positive impact on student drug and alcohol use in the non-school environment.  However, the Board also believes that drug and alcohol use is society’s problem and, therefore, it cannot be responsible for students’ actions in the non-school environment.

 

 

STUDENT DRUG ABUSE

In accordance with the Smyrna School District policy on drug use by students, the principal of each school (or his/her designee) shall comply with the intent of the policy through the following:

 

A.  DEFINITIONS - The following definitions shall apply to this policy and will be used in all district policies:

    1.  ‘Alcohol’ shall mean alcohol or any alcoholic liquor capable  of being consumed by  a  human  being,  as  defined  in  Section 101 of  Title 4  of the Delaware Code, including alcohol, spirits, wine and beer.

               

    2.  ‘Drug’ shall mean any controlled substance or counterfeit substance as defined in Chapter 47 of Title 16 of  the  Delaware Code, including, for  example, narcotic drugs such as heroin, cocaine, amphetamines, anabolic steroids, marijuana, and shall include any prescription substance which has been given to or prescribed for a person other than the student in whose possession it is found.

                                                                       

    3.  ‘Drug Paraphernalia’ shall mean all equipment, products   and   materials  as defined in Section 4701 of Title 16 of the Delaware Code, including, for example, roach clips, miniature cocaine spoons and containers for packaging drugs.

 

    4.  ‘Prescription Drugs’ shall mean any   substance   obtained   directly   from   or pursuant to a valid prescription or order of a practitioner, as defined in 16 Delaware Code, Section  4701 (24),  while  acting  in  the  course  of  his or her professional  practice, and which is specifically intended for the student in whose possession it is found.

 

    5.  ‘Drug-Like Substance’ hall mean any noncontrolled and/or nonprescription substance capable of producing a change in behavior or altering state of mind or feeling, including,  for  example,   some   over-the-counter   cough   medicines, certain types of glue, and caffeine pills.

               

    6.   ‘Nonprescription Medication’ shall mean any over-the-counter medication; some of these medications may be drug-like substance.

 

   7.  ‘Look-Alike Substance’ shall mean any non-controlled substance that is packaged so as to appear to be, or about which a student makes an express or implied representation that the substance is, a drug or a non-controlled substance capable of producing a change in behavior or altering a state of mind or feeling.  See 16 Delaware Code, Section 4752A.

 

   8.  ‘Possess’, ‘Possessing’, or ‘Possession’ shall mean that a student has on the student’s person, in the student’s belongings, or under the student’s reasonable control by placement of and knowledge of the whereabouts of, alcohol, a drug, a look-alike substance, a drug-like substance or drug paraphernalia.

               

    9.  ‘Use’ shall mean that a student is reasonably known to have ingested, smoked or otherwise assimilated  alcohol, a drug or a drug-like substance, or is reasonably found to be under the influence of such a substance.

 

   10.  ‘Distribute’, ‘Distributing’, or ‘Distribution’ shall mean the transfer or attempted transfer of alcohol, a drug, a look-alike substance, a drug-like substance, or drug paraphernalia to any other person with or without the exchange of money or other valuable consideration.

                                                                                               

   11.  ‘School Environment’ shall mean within or on school property, and/or at school sanctioned or supervised activities, including, for example, on school grounds, on school buses, at functions held on school grounds, at extracurricular activities held  on and off school grounds, on field trips and at functions held at the school in the evening.

 

   12.  ‘Expulsion’ state regulations define expulsion as ‘...The exclusion of a pupil from school on a permanent basis or for an indefinite period of time.’

 

   13.  ‘Communications Devices’ such as, but not limited to, mobile phones   and electronic beepers, ordinarily have no place in the school environment.  The unauthorized possession of such communication devices is prohibited.

 

   14.  ‘Zero Tolerance’ It is against the law for anyone to possess illegal substances.  All cases must be reported to the police.

 

B.  PREVENTION

                Programs and curriculum in each school shall address the issue of drug abuse through established instruction, counseling resources, printed materials, community resources, police services, etc.  Included in the curriculum should be opportunities for students to clarify their values, cope with their feelings, make sound decisions, and develop a positive self-image.                    

 

 

C. PRESCRIPTION AND NON-PRESCRIPTON DRUGS

1.  All prescription and non-prescription drugs must be stored in the nurse’s office and will be dispensed by a state licensed nurse.

 

2.  All medication must be kept in its original container (Chapter 47, Uniform Controlled Substances Act, Subchapter 4, Section 4758).

 

3.  All medication must be accompanied by a written note from the parents or guardian.

 

4.  Any medication not stored in the nurse’s office may be considered an illegal substance unless prior permission is given.

 

5.   Long   term use of O.T.C.  (over the counter)  medications  must   be accompanied  by  an  approval  note  from  the  child’s  doctor  or clinic if this differs from the directions on the package.

 

6.  At the end of the year, parents or a responsible adult of their choosing, are requested to pick up leftover prescriptions and O.T.C. medications that were used during the school year and kept at school.

                                                                                                               

D.   SYSTEM OF NOTIFICATION OF EACH STUDENT AND PARENT 

Each student and parent at the beginning of each school year, and when a student enters or re-enters the school during the school year, will be given copies of the State and the Smyrna School District policies and procedures on drug and alcohol use, possession and distribution.

 

E.  HANDICAPPED STUDENTS

It is anticipated that the State and the Smyrna School District’s policies shall apply to all students, except with respect to handicapped students.  The federal law will  be  followed  and a  determination  as to whether  the violation  of the alcohol and drug policy was due to the student’s handicap will be made prior to any disciplinary action or change of placement in connection with the policy.

 

F.  PROCEDURE FOR STORAGE AND DOCUMENTATION OF EVIDENCE

State policy will be followed:  ‘All alcohol, drugs, drug-like substances, look-alike substances and/or drug paraphernalia found in a student’s possession shall be turned over to the principal or designee, and be made available, in the case of a medical emergency, for identification.  All substances shall be sealed and documented, and, in the case of substances covered by 16 Delaware Code, Chapter 47, turned over to police as potential evidence.  A request for analysis shall be made where appropriate.  All unauthorized communication devices shall be confiscated and turned over to the principal or designee who will bag, seal and document the device as potential evidence for the police.  If the police do not want to keep it as evidence, the principal shall either donate the device to the State or local police or destroy the device within 45 days.  In rare instances, donation or destruction may not be warranted; in such cases, the Superintendent of the district shall notify the State Board of Education in writing of the circumstances of the disposition of the device.’  (Passed by the State Board of Education on July 19, 1990.)

 

G.  PROCEDURE FOR SEARCH AND SEIZURE

State policy will be followed:  ‘Student lockers are the property of the school and may be subjected to search with or without reasonable suspicion of a student’s use,  possession or distribution of alcohol, a drug, a drug-like substance, a look-alike substance of  drug paraphernalia, or of a student’s possession of an unauthorized electronic beeper or other mechanism of communication in the school environment may result in the student’s locker being opened to look for such  items.’   (Passed by the State Board of Education on July 19, 1990.)

 

‘Student motor vehicle use to and in the school environment is a privilege which may be extended by the school district to students in exchange for their cooperation in the maintenance of a safe school atmosphere.  Reasonable suspicion of a student’s use, possession or distribution of alcohol, a drug, a drug-like substance, a look-alike substance or drug paraphernalia, or of a student’s possession of an unauthorized electronic beeper or other communication device in the school environment, may result in the student being asked to open an automobile in the school environment to permit school authorities to look for such items.  Failure to open any part of the motor vehicle on the request of school authorities may result in the police being called to conduct a search, and will result in loss of the privilege to bring the vehicle on campus.’  (Passed by the State Board of Education on July 19, 1990.)

 

H.  INTERVENTION AND ASSISTANCE FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS

1.  Each school shall have at least one designated person to whom staff can refer students to receive initial counseling and to obtain information on counseling/treatment services available to the student, on student rights, if any, to those services, and on the confidentiality which the student can expect.

 

2.  A resource list of what is available in the school district and the community for counseling and for drug and/or alcohol treatment will be distributed to the students and their parents.

 

3.  Drug and alcohol counseling cost will be at the student’s and parents’ expense.

 

I.  STUDENTS OF MAJORITY AGE, I.E. AGE 18 OR OLDER

Students of majority age, i.e. age 18 or older, are responsible for their own actions.  All such students will be treated as adults for purposes of reporting violations of this policy and of the law to the police.  Such students shall also be on notice that their parents and/or guardians will be notified (if their address and/or telephone number is known to the school) of the student’s actions in accordance with this policy.

 

J.  PROCEDURES FOR REPORTING INCIDENTS

Each principal shall designate the person to whom suspected students will be referred for observation or school action and shall insure that such referral procedure does not openly incriminate the student and is effected with the greatest discretion and confidentiality possible.

 

If a student is suspected of being under the influence of drugs, but evidence is not sufficient to warrant disciplinary action, the student shall immediately be remanded to his/her parent or guardian for observation and counseling.  If reasonable suspicion exists, the administrator (or designee) shall take disciplinary action.                                                                                  

 

K.  DISCIPLINE

Disciplinary actions are listed below:

 

Grades K-5

1.  Possession and/or use of drug paraphernalia, alcohol, a drug-like substance and/or a look-alike substance

 

First Offense:

a.        Reprimand and/or suspension from three to five school days.

                b.  Written notification sent to parent/guardian by mail.

                c.  Parent conference required.

                d.  Referral to Social Services and/or police.

e.  Mandatory student conference with guidance counselor.  Additional counseling may be provided by referral to other public agencies offering such  services  at  the  parent/legal  guardian’s  expense.    

 

                Second Offense:

                a.  Suspension from five to ten school days.

                b.  Written notification sent to parent/guardian by mail.

                c.  Referral to police and/or court.

d.  Parent conference with Superintendent required before  returning to school.  Also, before the student is re-admitted to  school, evidence must be shown that the student is attending an approved counseling program or service and is drug free.  Failure to show evidence will  result  in notification of appropriate agencies and/or recommendation for expulsion.

 

                Third Offense:

a.        Recommendation for expulsion.

                b. Suspension pending expulsion hearing.

                c.  Written notification sent to parent/guardian by mail.

                d.  Referral to police and/or court.

e.  Parent conference with School Board required before returning to school.  Also, before the student is readmitted to school, evidence must be shown that the student is attending an approved counseling program or service and is drug free.

                                                                               

2.  Distribution or Sale of Drugs

                First Offense:

a.  Suspension for five to ten school days and/or possible  recommendation for expulsion.

                b.  Written notification sent to parent/guardian by mail.

                c.  Referral to police and/or court.

d.  Parent conference with Superintendent required before returning to school.  Also, before the student is readmitted to school, evidence must be shown that the student is attending an approved counseling program or service and is drug free.

 

                Subsequent Offenses:

                a.  Recommendation for expulsion.

                b.  Suspension pending expulsion hearing.

                c.  Written notification sent to parent/guardian by mail.

                d.  Referral to police and/or court.

e.  Parent conference with School Board required before returning to school.  Also, before student is readmitted to school, evidence must be shown that 

the  student  is  attending  an  approved  counseling program or services and is drug free.

 

 

HOUSE BILL 322 – Student Code of Conduct

The Principal, by law via the passage of House Bill No. 322,  must report to the local police and the District’s Superintendent ‘any instance where a pupil or parent or guardian of any pupil is found to have committed an assault or an extortion against a pupil or found to have committed an assault, offensive touching, terroristic threatening or an extortion against a school employee...’ and ‘any instance where a pupil is found to have on his person, or concealed among his possessions, or placed elsewhere on the school premises, any controlled substance (unlawful drugs) or any dangerous instrument or deadly weapon’.  The law further states that the student shall be suspended and that a parent conference shall be held.

    

   

BOOKS AND SUPPLIES

Books are provided by the School District without charge.  They remain the property of the school and pupils are expected to give them reasonable care.  Payment must be made for any school property that is lost, damaged, or destroyed.

               

                                                                                               

PHOTOGRAPHS

Individual pictures of pupils will be taken on Friday, September 21, 2007 and distributed before Christmas.  Information will be sent home prior to the photographer’s arrival at school.  You are not obligated to purchase pictures.  Please be advised that payment must be made before or on the day photos are taken.  Make-up pictures will be taken on October 19th.

 

 

NEWSLETTERS AND NOTICES

From time to time, notices and bulletins will be sent home with your child.  Please show your child that you are interested by reviewing this information with him/her.

 

 

TELEPHONE

Students may use the telephone for emergency purposes only after receiving permission from their teacher and the office staff.

 

CAFETERIA CREDIT POLICY 5146

Students may charge lunch one time.  They will not be allowed to charge again until the first charge is paid.  Any student requesting a charge beyond the first charge will be served a peanut butter and jelly sandwich or cheese with white milk.  At the end of each week the student’s parents will be notified as to the amount of the charge.  There will be no charges for 9th through 12th grades or adults.

 

 

Clayton Elementary School

Calendar 2007-2008

August

27                  School opens for students

31                  School closed

September

3                     School closed - Labor Day

4                     School reopens

7                     Clayton Elementary Student Grade Level Orientation

Grades KN, 1-2                     9:00 a.m.

Grades 3-4                             10:00 a.m.

10                  Clayton P.T.O. meeting 6:00 p.m. in the Library

DIBELS Testing KN and special education K-4

                17            DIBELS data entered

19                  Smyrna School District Board meeting @ John Bassett Moore Intermediate 7:00 p.m.

20                  Kick-Off Assembly for P.T.O. initial fundraiser

Grades KN, 1-2                     2:00 p.m.

Grades 3-4                             2:45 p.m.

21                  P.T.O. fundraiser begins: Lavender’s from September 21st – October 5th.

School picture day starting at 9:00 a.m. in the gym.  A variety of packages will be

available.  Please make checks payable to Lifetouch.

                24            Open House (Monday) 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

27            Mid-Marking Point 

October

                2              Super Fun Show assembly KN-4th grades @ 2:00 p.m.

4              Progress Reports issued

                12            State Wide Inservice Day – No School for Students

15                  Clayton P.T.O. meeting 6:00 p.m. in the Library

15-16          DSTP Science test – 4th grade only

17            Smyrna School District Board meeting @ Smyrna Kindergarten Center 7:00 p.m.

18-19          DSTP Social Studies test – 4th grade only

19            Picture Make-up date 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

29            Assessment Masters and DIBELS testing week

30                  End of Marking Period

9 p.m., report cards issued during elementary conferences)

31                  Annual Halloween Parade through Clayton 1:30 p.m.

November

2                     P.B.S. Fall Festival

Inservice Day – No School for students (Assessment Masters and DIBELS data entry plus building or district initiatives).

November Cont’d.

8                     Inservice (K-8) – Parent conferences – ˝ day for students.

Walkers dismissed at 12:25 p.m. and bus students will be dismissed at 12:30 p.m. Teachers will schedule parent conferences. Parents must attend to receive their child’s report card.

9                     Full day Inservice (K-8).   Parent conferences – students do not attend school.

12            Clayton P.T.O. meeting 6:00 p.m. in the Library             

16-26          P.T.O. fundraiser begins: Home Interior Candles & Mary Kay

20            Smyrna School District Board meeting @ Clayton Elementary 7:00 p.m.

21-23          Thanksgiving Vacation – No School

December

6              Mid-Marking point

10                  Clayton P.T.O. meeting 6:00 p.m. in the Library

P.T.O. Cookies with Santa & Secret Santa Workshop – Parent Night

10-14          Santa’s Secret Workshop

13            Progress Reports issued

18            Christmas Program – 3rd & 4th grades 7:00 p.m. parents and friends invited

19            Smyrna School District Board meeting @ Smyrna Elementary 7:00 p.m.

21            Christmas sing-a-long – KN, 1st & 2nd grades 1:30 p.m. parents and friends invited

                24-1/1     Winter vacation – No School

January

2                     School Opens

7-10 Assessment Masters & DIBELS test week

11            Inservice Day – No school for students (Assessment Masters and DIBELS data entry plus building or district initiatives).

14                  Clayton P.T.O. meeting 6:00 p.m. in the Library

17            Smyrna School District Board meeting @ North Smyrna Elementary 7:00 p.m.

18            End of Marking Period

                21            Martin Luther King Day – No School

                29            Report Cards issued

February

                11            Clayton P.T.O. meeting 6:00 p.m. in the Library

                18            Presidents Day – No School

20            Smyrna School District Board meeting @ Smyrna High School 7:00 p.m.

21            Mid-Marking Point

 

February Cont’d.

22            Inservice Day – No school for students. (Staff: building or district initiatives and  prepare for I Love Smyrna School District Day)

                23            I Love Smyrna School District Day

                25-29       Writing Audit K-4, Sp. Ed.

                28            Progress Reports issued

March

5-6                DSTP Mathematics – Grade 2-10

10            Clayton P.T.O. meeting 6:00 p.m. in the Library

10-11          DSTP Reading – Grades 2-10

13-14          DSTP Writing – Grades 3-10

17            P.T.O. fundraiser Home Interior

19            Smyrna School District Board meeting @ Smyrna Middle School 7:00 p.m.

21-28          Spring Vacation – No School

31            School Reopens

April

2                     End of Marking Period

14            Clayton P.T.O. meeting 6:00 p.m. in the Library

15            Report cards issued

16            Smyrna School District Board meeting @ Clayton Elementary 7:00 p.m.

28-5/2     Assessment Master & DIBELS test week

May

2              Inservice Day – No school for students (Assessment Masters and DIBELS data entry plus building or district initiatives).

5                     Mid-Marking point

10            May Fair

12            Clayton P.T.O. meeting 6:00 p.m. in the Library

14            Progress reports issued

Smyrna School District Board meeting @ John Bassett Moore Intermediate 7:00 p.m.

16            P.T.O. Yearbook Singing

22            Spring Concert

23            End of Marking Period

                Clayton Elementary Field Day

26                  Memorial Day – No School

27                  Rain-out date for Field Day

30                  ˝ day Inservice – Walkers dismissed at 12:25 p.m. & bus students at 12:30 p.m.

June

2-3                ˝ day Inservice – Walkers dismissed at 12:25 p.m. & bus students at 12:30 p.m.

2                     Kindergarten awards 9:00 a.m.

Clayton P.T.O. meeting 6:00 p.m. in the Library

June Cont’d.

3                     1st & 2nd grade awards 9:00 a.m.

4                     3rd & 4th grade awards 8:45 a.m.

Last student day – report cards issued 10:30 a.m. dismissal

5                     Last teacher day

18            Smyrna School District Board meeting @ Smyrna Elementary 7:00 p.m.

July

            21-22   DSTP Reading test for summer school students grades 3, 5, 8

 

CLAYTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STAFF 2007-2008

 

Mr.  Stanley J. Borowski                          Principal

Mr. Michael R. Dulin                                Associate Principal

Mrs. Robin Hamburg                                Financial Secretary

Mrs. Brenda Darrell                                   Secretary

Ms. Melissa Vorbau                                  Nurse

Mr. Ron Girton                                           Guidance Counselor

Mrs. Chauntel Hayward                           Kindergarten, Section 1

Mrs. Brenda Fabian                                   Kindergarten, Section 2

Ms. Laura Vodvarka                                  Kindergarten, Section 3

Ms. Amy Rigby                                          Kindergarten, Section 4

Mrs. Jane Moor                                           Grade 1, Section 1

Mrs. Irene Hrycushko                               Grade 1, Section 2

Mrs. Jennifer Fortney                                Grade 1, Section 3

Mrs. Joan Johnson                                     Grade 1, Section 4

Mrs. Carol Russell                                     Grade 1, Section 5

Mr. Justin Malin                                         Grade 2, Section 1

Ms. Sheila Downs                                     Grade 2, Section 2

Mrs. Lisa Sheehan                                     Grade 2, Section 3

Mrs. Sarah Sharp                                        Grade 2, Section 4

Mrs. Kate Kleinot                                      Grade 2, Section 5

Mrs. Lauren Kassner                                 Grade 3, Section 1

Mrs. Kerry Lowe                                        Grade 3, Section 2

Ms. Sarah Mills                                          Grade 3, Section 3

Mrs. Paula Daniels                                    Grade 3, Section 4

Mrs. Alice Karr                                           Grade 4, Section 1

Mrs. Crystal Reynolds                             Grade 4, Section 2

Mrs. Susan Gilmore                                   Grade 4, Section 3

Mrs. Jennifer Daniels                                Grade 4, Section 4

                       

SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS:                   RELATED ARTS TEACHERS:

Mrs. Brooke Williams                    Grade 1                   Mrs. Lauren Shanklin       Physical Education

Mrs. Andrea Cooper                        Grade 2                   Mrs. Elaine Minear            Music

Ms. Lisa Martin                                Grade 3                   Mrs. Monica DeHart         Art

Mrs. Veronica Becton                    Grade 4                    Mrs. Susan Zolper              Librarian     

Mrs. April Murray                           CLP Mrs. Anita Bullock           Library Para

Mrs. Rose Daisey                             CLP Para                Mrs. Cathy Price                Library Para P/T

Ms. Dianna Ferris                            One-on-One Para

Mrs. Jean Lemma                              One-on-One Para

 

                                                                       

TITLE I:                                                                              SPECIAL SERVICES:

Mrs. Kim Dulin                  Reading Specialist            Mrs. Rachael Rudinoff       School Psychologist                                                      

Mrs. Carol Murry                       Para                                Mrs. Risa Malone                  Speech Therapist            

Mrs. Denise Trier                       Para                                Mrs. Leslie Hume                  S.T.E.P.     

Mrs. Esther Downes         Math Specialist                  Mrs. Eileen Reynolds         Teacher Hearing Impaired

                                                                                                Mrs. Eileen De Gregorris                           ESOL Teacher

INTERVENTION SUPPORT PARA:                      Mrs. Tanya Ferrindino         Occupational Therapist

Mrs. Christine Lowry                                                                                                         

                                                                                                CUSTODIAL STAFF:

CAFETERIA STAFF:                                                   Mr. Charles Chase                  Chief

Mrs. Darlene Massie           Manager                              Mr. Michael Wurzel              Fireman/Custodian

Mrs. Linda Oberholtzer     Cook                                    Mrs. Shirley Ennis                Custodian

Mrs. Lisa Outten                  General Worker                Mr. Steve Kulhanek              Custodian

Mrs. Pamela Messick          General Worker                Mr. Dave Leager                     Custodian

Mrs. Diane Severson           General Worker

Mrs. Patricia Savin              General Worker