Starry Elementary

 

                     

 

Family-Student Handbook

 

2011-2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents

 

Welcome and Mission Statement.………………………………………….pg. 3

 

Handy Phone numbers…………………………………………………..….pg. 4

 

The Marion Way…………………………………………………………....pg. 5,6

 

Attendance, Arrival and Dismissal……………………………………..…...pg. 7,8

 

Cancellations, Delays, Early Dismissal……………………………………..pg. 8

 

Conduct and Discipline………………………………………………….. ...pg. 9-12

 

Communication (information forms, calendars, e-mail, website)…..…………………pg 12

 

Concerns, Confidentiality Dressing for School, Drills………………...........pg,13

 

Dual Enrollment, Field Trips, Flyers. …………………………………..…..pg. 14

 

Food Service (Breakfast and Hot Lunch)………………………………...pg 14, 15

 

Health and Screenings………………………………………………….....pg. 15-17

 

Homework, Lost and Found, Open House ………………………………….pg. 17

 

P.T. Conferences, Parent Group, Parties, Pets, Photographs.……………….pg. 18

 

Policies and Procedures, Qualifications, Recess, Report cards ……………..pg. 19

 

Telephone, Surveillance, Visitors …………………………………………...pg. 20

 

Volunteers……………………………………………………………....pg. 20-21

 

Support Programs and Services……………………………………………...pg. 22

 

District Policies……………………………………………………………pg. 23-26

 

 

 

The Marion Independent Mission Statement

 

The mission of the Marion Independent School District is to prepare
all students with the skills required to enter future adult roles and become
effective citizens, productive workers, informed consumers and responsible
family members.   
   

Welcome to the

Starry Elementary School!

This handbook was compiled to build communication and to establish a clearer understanding of the services, expectations, and procedures of the Starry Elementary School. The elementary handbook and the Marion Independent School District Board Policies are also available for your viewing online at www.marion.k12.ia.us.  Please take a moment to read and become familiar with the rules and regulations. 

Starry Elementary staff strives to create a positive learning environment which fosters responsibility, respect, teamwork and academic excellence. We are committed to helping students grow through the many educational opportunities offered at our school.  Our task is to raise student achievement through well-organized professional development and the implementation of research-based instructional strategies.

We encourage you to visit Starry and your child’s classroom.  Volunteers are always welcome. Feel free to join us for Hot Lunch or visit during the school day.  We value your participation in supporting a school of excellence.  Providing the best educational program for children of the district begins with a strong partnership between parents/guardians and the school. Please contact the school (377-4698) with any concerns, questions or comments.

Educationally yours,

 

 

Karen Asa, Starry Principal

 

Marion Independent School District

Handy Phone Numbers:

 

Starry Elementary……………………………………….377-4698 or 377-7084

            (Secretary, nurse, principal, counselor, attendance, messages, etc.)

 

Administrative Office……………….………………………………..377-4691

            (Open enrollment, School Delays and Cancellations, Superintendent’s schedule, etc.)

 

Business Office…………………………………………………………..377-1585

            (Free and Reduced Lunch information, Bussing Applications, Family Lunch Accounts, etc.)

 

Bright Beginnings Preschool…………………………………………….389-7729

 

Emerson Elementary……………………………………………………..377-0183

 

Francis Marion Intermediate…………………………………………373-4766

 

Vernon Middle School……………………………………………………377-9401

 

Marion High School……………………………………………………….377-9891

 

Home School…………..………………………………………………….373-9209

 

Transportation Services……………………….…………………………377-0123

 

Breakfast/Hot Lunch Services…….…………………………………….377-2593

            (Brenda Caraway)

 

 

School closings are announced on all local radio and television stations and are also available on the Marion Independent website. (See pg 7 of the handbook for details)

“The Marion Way” is our model for appropriate behavior at Starry School and in our community.  Our students are taught to use respect, responsibility, and honesty.  The following are three examples used to promote a positive learning environment:

 

FOLLOW THE MARION WAY

(to the tune of “Follow The Yellow Brick Road”)

Follow the Marion Way.

Follow the Marion Way.

Follow, follow, follow, follow,

Follow the Marion Way.

 

Follow the Marion,

  Follow the Marion,

Follow the Marion Way.

 

Respect, responsibility, and honesty we show.

You’ll find we do all three of these wherever we may go.

In class, the hall, at lunch, outside, and at the end of the day because,

Because, because, because, because, because.

Because that’s what a good student does.

 

Respect, responsibility, and honesty we show!

                          

The Pledge of Respect
The Marion Way is my way

I am respectful, responsible, and honest

Follow me!

                    

                                          Starry Rap

(Student parts are in bold and other parts are by teacher/leader                        

 

S-t-a-r-r-y We can be good citizens if we try!

Everybody say S! S!

Everybody say S! S!

We show friendship and nothing less!

 

Everybody say T! T!

Everybody say T! T!

We work best when we are a team!

 

Everybody say A! A!

Everybody say A! A!

Achieving our goals is the Starry way!

 

Everybody say R! R!

Everybody say R! R!

Respecting others makes you a star!

 

Everybody say R! R!

Everybody say R! R!

Yes I can and I just told you why!

 

S-t-a-r-r-y We can be good citizens if we try!

 

Ending:

Say hey, Whoop! Whoop!

Say hey, Whoop! Whoop!

Say Yeah!

 

                              

                             Attendance, Arrival and Dismissal

 Elementary students need to be present for the development of academic, physical, and social skills. Children are expected to participate in all school activities if they are sent to school. If the child is ill, they should be resting at home or with a caregiver.

                   
8:30-8:50 a.m. Breakfast is served 
Children not riding a bus or participating in the breakfast program should not be on school grounds until 8:40. Parents who have children here before the allotted time will be called and asked to pick up their children and return them at 8:40.
 
 
8:40-8:50 a.m.  Student arrival and supervision of students on the playground (or gym if raining)
At 8:40 students are directed to wait on the playground until the school bell rings.
 
 
8:50 a.m. The bell rings and the school day begins
 
 
9:00 a.m.  The tardy bell rings
 
 
3:30 p.m. School is dismissed

 

 Contacting the School

Please contact the school by 9:00 if your child is absent for the day. The school makes a concerted effort to locate all tardy or absent children. We attempt to call the persons listed on the information form until the child is located. Parents and the school need to feel assured children are safely in the care of an adult.

 If you leave a message on the answering machine between 4:00 p.m. and 7:30 a.m., you must identify your child’s name, teacher, and the reason for the absence.  The health department is tracking illnesses, so please identify the illness when you call or we will return a call to obtain further information. A student absence which occurs with parent notification (phone call or written note) on the day of the absence/within 24 hours and with the approval of school administration is excused. If your child uses school transportation and is not riding, call the school transportation department (377-0123 ext. 1) with your name and bus number.

Please call the school or send a note signed by the parent indicating the student needs to leave school during the school day or you may call the school with this information.  Parents/guardians must enter the school to sign the student in and out.

Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
 
Persons picking up students are asked to wait at the main doorways until the students join them. Please do not stand by the classroom doors. At the end of the day, any students who are waiting on the playground will be asked to stand by the main doors or inside at the office.  Walkers must check-in at home before returning to the playground after 3:45. Walkers may not cross the street by the high school without an adult accompanying them.
 
Some local daycares transport children to and from school. We also have an on-site private daycare,
Kid’s Inc. in our building. You must be pre-registered with Kids Inc. if you wish to send your child for any reason before or after school. Please notify the school if you are having difficulties and will be late picking up your child.  Children must be picked up within 15 minutes of the 3:30 dismissal.
 

Vehicles:

  • In the morning, please do not park in the drop-off lane closest to the elementary building.  Near dismissal time, do not park in either lane in front of the school building.
  • You are welcome to park in the parking lot in front of the school, across in the high school parking lots, on the west side of the school, or in the Home School parking lot.
  • Parents picking up or dropping off students on the west side of the school should not park in the bus lane.
  • Handicap parking is available in the front of the building.
  • The first two parking places directly out the west (back) door are to be used as stop and drop zones.
  • If you wait or park on the street you may receive a ticket!

Walkers:

  • Discuss walking across streets, at crosswalks and street corners.
  • Students may not cross the street in front of the school without an adult. 
  • Encourage your children to come home immediately after school. They are not to play on the playground until they have checked in at home or with their daycare.
  • Discuss the importance of never talking to strangers or getting into the car of an undesignated person.

Bicycles:

  • Only third graders may ride their bikes to school.  In the spring, when second grade students have completed the bicycle safety training, they may ride their bikes to school.  
  • Bike riders are to practice bicycle safety at all times.
  • Students should take the safest route to avoid cars and buses.
  • All bicycles are to be parked in the stands on the west side of the school.

Bus Riders:

  • Students utilizing school transportation shall conduct themselves with respect and consideration for the rights of the driver and the other passengers. Students who fail to behave in an orderly manner will receive a bus referral and be contacted by the transportation department. Three reports will result in a possible dismissal from the bus. Please contact the transportation department (377-0123 ext. 1) with concerns.

 

 

Cancellations, Delays, or Early Dismissal of School

The regular school schedule is changed only when a real or potential safety risk exists. If school is cancelled, delayed, or dismissed early due to weather conditions or other emergency situations, announcements are made on local radio stations. Please check the weather on questionable days and listen to the following radio or television stations for the Marion Independent announcement.

 

Radio: WMT(600 AM or 96.5 FM)            KCRG (1600 AM)              KHAK (98.1 FM)

Television: KGAN (Channel 2)                 KWWL (Channel 7)           KCRG (Channel 9)

 

 You may register to receive unexpected cancellations or dismissals on the district website, www.marion.k12.ia.us.  Go to the right side of the website and click on Emergency Notification Email Subscription.

Please inform your child where he/she should go on days when threatening weather is possible. Students will be sent to the destinations indicated on the information form unless the school receives an alternate directive from the parent. It is very important to inform the school office whenever your student emergency information changes.  If school is cancelled or dismissed early, all after school activities are cancelled.

Conduct and Discipline

Bullying and Harassment

Bullying will not be tolerated in the school setting. The Department of Education and the Marion Independent School District are addressing the issues of bullying and harassment in Iowa schools. House File 816, subsection 53 directs the Department of Education to provide schools with age-appropriate materials and resources to assist parents in teaching their children how to recognize and reject unwanted physical and verbal sexual advances. The school will provide age-appropriate materials and a list of available community resources to any parent requesting information.  Please visit the Iowa Department of Education website for further information. 

Harassment and abuse are violations of school district policies, rules and regulations and, in some cases, may also be a violation of criminal or other laws. The school district has the authority to report students violating this rule to law enforcement officials.  

  •  If the student is comfortable doing so, communicate to the harasser or bully that the student expects the behavior to stop,
  • If the student needs assistance communicating with the harasser or bully, the student should ask a teacher, counselor or principal to help.
  • If the harassment or bullying does not stop, or the student does not feel comfortable
    confronting the harasser or bully, the student should tell a teacher, counselor or principal,   

(Bullying and Harassment continued)

Sexual harassment may include unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.  Harassment or bullying on the basis of age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status or familial status includes conduct of a verbal or physical nature that is designed to embarrass, distress, agitate, disturb or trouble persons and places the student in reasonable fear of harm to the student's person or property, has a substantially detrimental effect on the student's physical or mental health, has the effect or substantially interfering with the student's academic performance or has the effect of substantially interfering with the student's ability to participate in our benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

 If your child is being bullied at school, please contact the principal to discuss options and to determine how to best address the situation.  The principal will visit with the student/students responsible for the bullying and determine appropriate consequences.  A form is available on request for anyone considering further investigation of the incident.

 

Discipline

 Students are expected to follow classroom and school-wide expectations and rules. Parents will be contacted when a serious incident occurs or if a student has continuing incidents. Consequences will be determined based upon the facts, the circumstances surrounding the incident, and the student’s discipline record. In or out- of- school suspensions may be used if a student is using threatening language or strikes an adult. Parents will be called and informed of the situation.

 Starry provides positive reinforcement plans for students who struggle with discipline issues resulting in inappropriate choices. Starry Elementary focuses on building positive self-esteem.  Behavior plans offer students an opportunity to receive appropriate praise for good choices and consequences to fit the situation. Data is frequently collected to determine if the student is making progress and whether trying a new strategy or technique would improve the behavior. Please contact the classroom teacher or principal if you have questions concerning your child’s behaviors. Together we hope to make school a positive place to learn and play.  

 Items Not Allowed at School

Items potentially dangerous, hazardous, or disruptive to the school environment may not be brought to school.  These items include roller skates, scooters, roller blades, skateboards, tennis shoes with skates in the soles, scooters, toys, water guns, pocket knives, pop, gum, candy, slingshots, matches, lighters, darts, and anything deemed inappropriate. Computer or handheld games and devices, DVD players, watches, radios, or CD players are considered expensive items and are not allowed at school. The school is not responsible for any such items if they are lost or stolen. Play equipment such as basketballs or footballs need to be left at home. The school will provide outdoor equipment. Students may not bring trading or collector cards to school. 

  (Items Not Allowed at School continued)

Classroom teachers or the principal may hold items until the end of the school day or until parents have been notified of the concern.  If your child is going to daycare after school and plans to bring these items to school, please encourage him/her to give the item to the teacher at the start of the day for safekeeping until he/she arrives at daycare. Cell phones are not to be used anytime during the school day.

 Items considered weapons or weapon look-alikes will be confiscated and parents notified. Further actions including in-school or out- of- school suspensions may occur.

 

Searches

 Searches of desks or lockers may be conducted without prior notice periodically throughout the school year. Students will be present during the inspection of their desk or coat area. Searches of student property, including bags, folders, purses, wallets, pockets, and coats may be conducted by the principal or a designee having reasonable cause to believe that the student may be carrying, possessing, using or distributing items or materials that violate district policy, are illegal, and/or may cause harm to self or others. These items may include, but are not limited to, knives, guns, weapon look-alikes, sling shots, lighters, darts, etc. Parents will be notified by the administration if the student is in possession of any such materials and if further action including in-school or out-of-school suspensions will occur.

Reasonable suspicion may be formed by considering factors such as the following:

  •   eyewitness observations by employees
  •   information received from reliable sources
  •   suspicious behavior by the student
  •   the student's past history and school record (this factor alone is not sufficient to provide
      the basis for reasonable suspicion)

Threats of Violence

 All threats of violence, whether oral, written, or symbolic, against students, employees, visitors, or to school facilities are prohibited. All such threats will be promptly investigated.  Law enforcement may be contacted. Threats issued and delivered away from school or school activities may be grounds for disciplinary action if the threat impacts the orderly and efficient operation of the school.

Students engaging in threatening behavior will face disciplinary consequences up to and including expulsion. The following factors will be considered in determining the extent to which a student will be disciplined for threatening or terroristic behavior; the background of the student, including any history of violence or prior threatening behavior; the student's access to weapons of any kind; the circumstances surrounding the threat; the age of the student; the mental and emotional maturity of the student; cooperation of the student and his or her parent(s) or guardian(s) in the investigation; the existence of the student's juvenile or criminal history; the degree of legitimate alarm or concern in the school community created by the threat; and any other relevant information from any credible source.

 (Conduct and Discipline continued)

 Vandalism

Students are expected to treat school property with care and respect.  Students who deliberately damage or destroy school property will be required to reimburse the school district, as well as be subject to additional disciplinary action.  The local law enforcement agency may also be contacted.

 Communication

Information (Safety) Forms

At the beginning of every school year, parents complete an information form providing the office with pertinent information. Please notify the school immediately if you have a change of address, phone number, employment, custodial rights, or care provider. It is very important, for emergency and notification reasons, the school has up-to-date information on every student.

If you have a personal situation limiting adult access to your child, please inform the school with a copy of the page stating the court order. Without a court order, we will assume both parents have equal rights to have contact with the child. If any of these situations apply to you and your child, please discuss the legal arrangements with the principal or school counselor to assure your child’s safety.

Information Sent Home

Please be aware of items in your child’s backpack. Check it daily for information, communications, teacher notes, etc.  The newsletter and monthly calendar have the most recent information.

 E-mail

You are welcome to discuss student concerns through e-mail. Occasionally, service within our building is interrupted or teachers may be busy and unable to check their e-mails until later in the day or after dismissal. Please call the office with information pertaining to absences or changes in dismissal plans.

 School Calendar

The school calendar is published or available on the Marion Independent School District website. Scheduled days or events may change during the school year. Classroom teachers and the school send newsletters home occasionally to update the calendar. Please post this note in a prominent place in your home for the most current information.

 Website

Please check the district web page at www.marion.k12.ia.us for additional district or building information.                                                                                                                                                          

Concerns

If you have concerns regarding a situation at school, you are urged to follow this procedure:                 

Step 1: Contact your child’s teacher to discuss the problem and possible solutions.                       

 Step 2: If the concern is not resolved, request a conference with the principal.                                

Step 3: If the concern is not resolved, request a conference with the superintendent.

 (Confidentiality) Educational Records

Student records containing personally identifiable information, except for directory information, are confidential.  For a complete copy of the school district's policy on student records or the procedure for filing a complaint, contact the board secretary, in the central administration office.

 

Dressing for School

Students should wear comfortable clothes and shoes for active participation in gym class and recess at school. During cold weather, students need to wear warm coats, snow pants, gloves or mittens and something warm for their heads. Boots may be required depending upon the condition of the playground areas. Please take a moment in the morning to check your child’s attire and to write his/her name on outer wear.

Clothing that is offensive, creates a distraction, or is not conducive to the learning environment will not be worn at school. Although the responsibility of dress begins with parent supervision, the school administration has the right to determine what is proper or improper for the school setting.

The following items are considered inappropriate dress for Starry elementary students:

  • Clothing and apparel promoting products illegal for use by minors such as alcohol, tobacco or drugs, negative religious references, inappropriate pictures or slogans or gang-related clothing
  • Caps worn inside the school building
  • Halter, strapless, backless, or revealing tops

            *Spaghetti strap tops are permitted if they are high and unrevealing

  • Ribbed undershirts or see-through clothing
  • Tops that expose the midriff
  • Low riding pants which expose when seated
  • Short-shorts
  • Tattoos
  • Spray colored hair and make-up (including holidays, homecoming, etc.)
  • Flip-flops on P.E. days

 

Iowa Code 279.58 allows schools to regulate dress code and eliminate anything gang related, distracting, and/or an expression of violence, bigotry, hate and abuse.

                                                           Drills

Fire, Tornado and Lockdown drills are conducted throughout the year to assure the students and

staff understand the procedures. In case of an emergency, students will relocate to Vernon Middle School.  In the event of a Duane Arnold nuclear plant disaster, students will relocate to Mount Vernon Middle School in Mount Vernon, Iowa.

 

                                                 Dual Enrollment Students

 

Home school or home school assistance program students enrolled in classes or participating in school activities in the school district are subject to the same policies, rules and regulations as other students and are disciplined in the same manner as other students.  Dual enrollment students interested in participating in school activities or enrolling in classes should contact the principal of the building.

                                                            Field Trips

 

Periodically groups of students leave the school grounds to go on school sponsored trips.  Parent permission for all trips was completed at registration.  Teachers will send home informational reminders if they are planning to leave the school.

                                                            Flyers/Postings

 

Anyone wishing to distribute out- of- school materials, postings, or advertisements must first submit a copy to the building principal for approval.

Food Service

Hot lunch and the breakfast program are available for all students who wish to participate. If a child has a food allergy or a religious reason for not eating certain foods, parents need to notify the office and the food service.  Every effort will be made to ensure the child can participate in the hot lunch program as often as possible.  However in some cases it may be better to provide a sack lunch from home.

Breakfast is served from 8:30-8:50 a.m.

Kindergarten and first grade lunch: 11:05-11:30 a.m.

Second and third grade lunch: 11:35 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Breakfast $1.30 students                     Lunch $2.00 students                        Milk .35

                 $1.50 adults                                   $2.90 all visitors (exact change required)

                     .30 reduced                                    .40 reduced

 

(Food Service information continued on following page)

 

Checks are to be made to the Marion Independent School District.  Application forms for free and reduced lunches are available at registration or in the office during the school year.  All students (including free and reduced) must pay $.35 for milk if they bring a cold lunch or ask for additional milk with their meal. If the child is participating in the Hot Lunch program, parents/guardians may deposit funds into a lunch account. Please check your Hot Lunch balance on the school website. School personnel may need to contact parents through written reminders and phone calls if the account does not have a positive balance. If money is not in the account after three days of charging meals, the child will be informed to bring a cold lunch until the account is paid.  Any money left in the account at the end of the year will carry-over to the next school year. All students in the same family who attend Marion Independent may have access to the same lunch account.

Parents are welcome to eat with their children at any time. Due to Hot Lunch regulations, we request you do not bring a special lunch (McDonalds, Pizza Ranch, etc.) for you or your child to eat at school. Students may bring cold sack lunch and parents may do the same. Milk may be purchased with cash or through the student’s hot lunch account. Please do not send soda pop or candy with cold lunches.

                                          Health and Screenings

Dental Screening

To accommodate a state law requiring dental screening of all kindergarten students, free dental screenings will be provided at school.  If you do not want your child to receive the dental screening, you must provide proof of a recent dental screening (within the past calendar year) or you must complete an exemption form (available at the school health office).  

Extended Illness

If your child is going to be absent for an extended period of time due to illness, please visit with your child’s classroom teacher or the principal about the absence. If your child has a chronic disorder and it affects his/her attendance, the school will work with parents and doctors to provide the support necessary for learning. 

Health

The school nurse or associate monitor the dispensing of medications and a variety of health concerns including the review of immunizations, screenings, and the implementation of health plans.

 

  • Medication brought to school is to be delivered to the health office upon arrival. 
  • A signed permission slip must accompany the medication for it to be administered. 
  • All medications must carry full information on the original prescription bottle. (If the medication is administered at home and school, the pharmacist may need to prepare two separate bottles.)
  • Only proper labeled meds will be distributed at school.
  • Antibiotics are to be given at home in the morning, after school, and at bedtime unless directed by the doctor to be given with meals.
  • All medications will be sent home with the child on the last day of school unless other arrangements have been made.  
  • Cough drops may be sent to school with parent permission but need to be dispensed by the school nurse.   

(Health and Screenings continued)

If a student shows signs of illness or fever of 100 degrees or higher while at school, parents are contacted and the student is sent home. Students are to be symptom free (no fever, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.) for 24 hours before returning to school.  Please refer to the nurse for additional information on Communicable Diseases.

Throughout the school year, parents/guardians may request their child stay inside due to illness, injury, allergies, etc.  Students are encouraged to play, exercise, and get fresh air. We will respect a parent request for their child to stay indoors for a maximum of two days.  Any requests beyond two days need a physician’s statement. All students will participate in the physical education program unless excused by a physician.

Hearing and Vision Screening

 Annual hearing and vision testing will be provided at school for grades K, 1, 2, and 5. Dates and details will be included on the school calendars or newsletters.  Only parents of children with specific hearing and vision concerns will be notified in writing of the results. Parents who do not wish to have their children tested or screened must notify the school in writing prior to the testing day.  If you have any questions concerning health issues or the medication policy, please contact Nancy Alderdyce, the district health coordinator or the building nurse.

In accordance with the Student Vision Card Act of 2008, it is required that a Student Vision Card be placed in all kindergarten packets.  The card states, “As part of your back-to-school preparations, it is recommended that you take your child and this card to your family eye doctor for a complete eye health examination.”
Human Growth and Development


 The school district provides students with instruction in human growth and development.  Parents may review the human growth and development curriculum prior to its use and have their child excused from human growth and development instruction.  Parents should contact the principal if they wish to review the curriculum or to excuse their child from this instruction.  This curriculum is covered through health instruction.

Insurance

 

HAWK –I  INSURANCE FOR CHILDREN
Parents can apply for low-or no-cost health insurance for their children through the state’s Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (HAWK-I) program.  Children, birth to 19, who meet certain criteria, are eligible.  The coverage includes doctor’s visits, hearing services, dental care, prescription,

immunizations, physical therapy, vision care, speech therapy and hospital services to name a few.  Parents are urged to call 1-800-257-8563 (toll-free) or go to the web site at http://www.hawk-i-.org/ for more information.
Pediculosis (Head Lice) 

 

The Marion Independent School District has a written strategy on dealing with head lice.  As a part of a community plan, the District will support families by emphasizing prevention, early detection and education as the best edge in controlling head lice.

 

Pediculosis (head lice) represents a common communicable childhood condition which children may experience. Community involvement is very important, and families must actively participate at home in the treatment and prevention of head lice.  Head checks should be done at home as a weekly routine for preschool and school age children.  The plan established by the Marion Independent School District is designed to be family friendly and sensitive to individual needs.  Our goal is to support families and keep kids where they need to be—in school!

 

Students with signs and symptoms of head lice will be referred to the school health office for evaluation and recommendations for treatment. This plan emphasizes comprehensive education and community involvement.  Enhanced support will be offered to families.  Working together, we can minimize the impact of head lice in our schools and communities.

 

This plan was developed after reviewing the recommendations of the Linn County Public Health Department, Iowa Department of Public Health, National Association of School Nurses, American Academy of Pediatrics and the Harvard School of Public Health.

Homework

Teachers assign homework as an opportunity for students to practice skills learned during the school day. Students may be expected to complete 15 to 30 minutes of homework. If the homework is not completed as expected, students may be asked to stay in during recess or after school. Parents will always be contacted in advance if students are expected to stay after school. Please visit with the classroom teacher if your child is not completing homework within a reasonable amount of time. Accommodations may be considered if a student is not successfully completing the work as assigned. If you wish to request homework, please notify the school by 10:00 a.m.

 

Lost and Found

A Lost and Found is located near the front office.  Please check it regularly for missing items.  By the end of the year, we have a very large collection of lost clothing. The school is not responsible for the loss of personal items.  During summer cleaning, unclaimed items are sorted and donated.

 

Open House

At Open House students are asked to bring their supplies and visit the school with their parents or guardians. This is an opportunity to become familiar with the elementary building, the teacher and classroom, peers, the guidance counselor and the principal. Please check your registration letter for specific dates and times.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled twice a year. Notices are sent home to schedule a convenient time for parents/guardians to discuss student progress. Teachers providing special assistance or programs are also available during conferences. Students are welcome to attend spring conferences to gain more ownership of their learning. At any time during the school year, parents are welcome to schedule an additional time to speak privately with a teacher.

 

Parent Group

The elementary parent-teacher group supports the school through fund-raisers and special events and activities. All parents and guardians are welcome to attend. Information concerning upcoming meetings or events is sent home with the students or advertised in the newsletter.

 

 

Parties (At School)

Students may bring treats for their birthday. We request treats be simple and nutritious and in sealed store -bought packaging.  We have three holiday parties (Fall Costume, December, and Valentine’s Day). Please notify the school if you prefer that your child not participate in holiday parties or birthdays.  We will arrange a fun alternative activity for those students not participating in the party. We are also limiting candy and switching from punch drinks to only water. Some of the students have food allergies and may not participate in the regular party treats. Parents must contact the classroom to make arrangements if they wish to bring treats or attend any party.

 

Due to latex allergies, all balloons are kept in the office until the close of the school day.  Flowers are also kept in the office area. 

 

Parties (Outside the School Setting)

Invitations handed out at school need to include all the boys, all the girls, or all the students in the class. Invitations not including all the children will be returned home for parents to phone, mail or deliver.

 

Pets

Dogs are not permitted on the school grounds before or after school. If a pet is brought to school for sharing time permission must be obtained from the teacher and principal. An adult must accompany the animal and then it must be returned home immediately. Pets must have rabies vaccinations before being brought to school and be properly contained.  Due to the number of students with allergies, children will not be touching or petting any animal brought to school. Dogs are not permitted in the school unless they are small enough to be in a pet carrier.  Arrangements can be made with the teacher to bring your leashed dog to an outside doorway for sharing.  It must be kept a safe distance from the students.

 

Photographs

 

Individual student photographs are taken early in the fall. Details are explained on the prepaid packages sent home prior to the scheduled “Picture Day”. One class composite is distributed free of charge to the students included in the picture. All children may participate but parents must purchase the photos if they wish to keep them. 

Policies, Procedures, and Regulations

 Persons requesting to see information regarding school policies or regulations may refer to the Marion Independent School District website at www.marion.k12.ia.us .

 

Qualifications

                                                                     Parents Right to Know

 

Parents have the right to know the qualifications of their child’s teachers.  Parents will be notified in writing if their child has been assigned to or will be taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who is not highly qualified.

Recess

 Clothing

Please dress your child appropriately for recess.  All students are expected to go outside to play unless they have a doctor’s excuse (see Health for further explanation).  In the event of inclement weather, students will remain in their classrooms or go to the gym for indoor recess. The students stay indoors in the winter if the temperature or wind chill factor is below zero. During cold weather, students need to wear warm coats, snow pants, gloves or mittens and something warm for their heads. Boots may be required depending upon the condition of the playground areas. Please take a moment in the morning to check your child’s attire and to write his/her name on all outer wear. Contact the school counselor if you do not have appropriate clothing for your child.

 Toys and Equipment

Students are to leave their toys and equipment at home rather than bringing them to school. In all cases, the school accepts no responsibility for lost or broken items. Collector cards are not allowed at school. (see Items Not allowed at School)

  Alternative Recess

Alternative recess is assigned to students who repeatedly do not follow recess rules and have not responded to other interventions during regular recess with their peers.  During alternative recess time, students discuss their behaviors, develop plans for future recesses, and play in a small group setting.  Parents and students will be notified if the student is to participate in alternative recess. A paper will be sent home with the child for the parent’s signature.  If the paper is returned unsigned, parents will be called or notified.

 

Report Cards

Starry Elementary has three reporting periods.  Report cards are sent home in the take-home manila envelopes during the year and mailed at the end of the school year. Please make arrangements with the office or the classroom teacher if you are not the custodial parent during the school week and you wish to receive samples of school work. Arrangements can be made to have a weekly folder or envelope mailed (pre-paid postage by parent) or placed in the school bag.

Telephone

The office telephone is for school business and is not to be used by students, except in an emergency. Students are not allowed to use the phone to make personal arrangements such as requesting permission to visit another child’s home after school. Parents are asked to help students plan ahead for after-school activities to avoid unnecessary phone calls at school.

                                                   Video/Audio Surveillance

Video and Audio surveillance is in use in various locations throughout the district.

Visitors and Guests

The elementary school encourages parents/guardians to visit their child’s classroom or join them for hot lunch. This is an opportunity to learn more about your child’s school day. Please report to the office to sign in and receive a visitor’s badge. If you have clothing, materials, or a cold lunch to deliver, please check-in at the office.

Visitation may affect the learning environment. Please limit your visit to one hour or less.  Visitations are usually more profitable after the third week of school in the fall and prior to the last three weeks in the spring. To make your visit a worthwhile experience, we suggest you contact the teacher to check the classroom schedule. If you wish to conference with the teacher, please arrange for a time or day to visit privately. Please do not bring preschool age children during the visit.

Parents and visitors may not accompany children on the playground.  This is a time for children to socialize and play with their friends. Only approved building personnel will be on the playground providing supervision of students.

Visitors (Students)

Special permission is given at the administrator’s discretion. Visiting students will be sent home if they create any distraction or disturbance to the educational setting.

                                          Volunteer Committees

There are advisory committees to which members are appointed by the board.  Such committees include the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee as well as the School Improvement Advisory Committee (SIAC).  The SIAC committee meets a couple times a year in the evening to discuss student achievement, learn about district initiatives, receive updates on state requirements and make recommendations on district goals.  The Superintendent’s Advisory Committee operates in a similar manner but provides feedback without the expectations for district goal recommendations.  If you would like to be considered to serve on the SIAC please contact Cindy Diouf, Director of Teaching and Learning or Superintendent Sarah Pinion if you are interested in receiving information on the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee.

Volunteer Program

Volunteers are welcome to assist at the elementary. Please visit with the administrator to determine placement and to discuss confidentiality. Volunteers are welcome to assist in the day to day operation of the school by:

  • Listening to students read
  • Providing assistance with math and reading skills
  • Being a guest speaker
  • Assisting with classroom plays, projects or assignments
  • Providing extra supervision during fields trips or outdoor events
  • Developing hands-on learning activities
  • Assisting in the cafeteria
  • Providing specific care for individuals or groups of students
  • Helping with holiday parties

                                        

                                      Support Programs and Services

Starry Elementary School offers support programs and services for students needing extra assistance or an enriched curriculum to further their academic success. If you are interested in learning more about any of the following programs, feel free to contact the elementary principal or classroom teachers.

AEA Services:                                                                                                                                                Grant Wood AEA 10 provides a variety of instructional support services to the Marion Independent School District.  If a child demonstrates an emotional, social, or academic need, the grade level team with assistance from AEA and support teachers may meet to create interventions to address the concern. Parents/guardians of the identified student are informed of the continuing concern and the intervention needed to support the student.

 

Art, Physical Education, General Music, and Library:                                                                       

A variety of programs are provided to enrich the student learning experience. Students meet with the instructors on scheduled days. When scheduling allows, an additional physical fitness opportunity, Alternative P.E., is offered for students who may need specific attention for a physical need.

Elementary Guidance:                                                                                                                          Classroom experiences, small groups, and individual counseling sessions are available to assist students with character growth and development.

 

ELL:

Students may qualify to receive extra assistance if they are identified as English Learners.

Extended Learning Program:                                                                                                                       This program provides an enriched learning experience for identified students (ELP). Students must qualify through the selection process to receive services.

Reading and Math Strategists:                                                                                                                                        The elementary offers assistance programs for eligible students to receive additional instruction in meeting math and reading performance standards. Students must qualify through the selection process to receive services.

Section 504 Plans:

A student with a medical need or condition which affects learning may be eligible for a 504 plan.  The guidance counselor works closely with the grade level team, parents, and principal to determine eligibility.

Special Education (IEP):                                                                                                                         Students may need additional assistance through Special Education Services. Parents and the school collaborate closely with the Area Education Association (AEA) to meet qualifying criteria and to provide special education services.

Title I Reading and Math:                                                                                                                          Identified students are provided small group reading and math support beyond the classroom instruction. Students must qualify through the selection process to receive services.

Notice to Parents : Chapter 103

Notice: Corporal Punishment, Restraint, and Physical Confinement and Detention

 

State law forbids school employees from using corporal punishment against any student.  Certain actions by school employees are not considered corporal punishment.  Additionally, school employees may use “reasonable and necessary force, not designed or intended to cause pain” to do certain things, such as prevent harm to persons or property.

 

State law also places limits on school employees’ abilities to restrain or confine and detain any student.  The law limits why, how, where, and for how long a school employee may restrain or confine and detain a child.  If a child is restrained or confined and detained, the school must maintain documentation and must provide certain types of notice to the child’s parent. If you have any questions about this state law, please contact your school.  The complete text of the law and additional information is available on the Iowa Department of Education’s web site: www.iowa.gov/educate.

 

 

Affirmative Action:                                                                              Board Policy

The Marion Independent School District extends equal opportunities in its employment practices, educational programs and services and does not discriminate on the basis of color, gender, race, national origin, religion, creed, age, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, disability or as otherwise prohibited by law.  For more information about this policy and accompanying complaint procedure, please contact Brain Bartz, EEO/AA Coordinator at (319) 377-1585; Marion Independent School District, Administrative Offices, 777 S. 15th Street, Marion, IA 52302.

 

Multicultural and Non-Sexist Equity Education Opportunity           Board Policy

Enrolled children in the school district community shall have an equal opportunity for a quality public education without discrimination regardless of their race, color, sex, national origin, religion, marital status, or disability.

 

The education program shall be free of such discrimination and provide equal opportunity for the participants.  The education program shall foster knowledge of, respect and appreciation for, the historical and contemporary contributions of diverse cultural groups as well as men and women to society.  It shall also reflect the wide variety of roles open to both men and women and provide equal opportunity to both sexes.

 

Inquiries regarding compliance with equal education opportunity shall be directed to Cindy Diouf, Title IX Compliance Officer, 777 S. 15th Street, Marion, IA, at the central office.

 

 

Abuse of Students by School District Employees                               Board Policy

Physical or sexual abuse of students, including inappropriate and intentional sexual behavior, by employees will not be tolerated.  The definition of employees for the purpose of this policy includes not only those who work for pay but also those who are volunteers of the school district under the direction and control of the school district.  Employees found in violation of this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge.

 

An individual who has knowledge that an employee has physically or sexually abused a student must immediately report to the district Level I investigator or alternate Level I investigator. Reports are directed to Cheryl Toppin, Level I Investigator, Emerson Principal at 1400 10th Avenue, Marion, Iowa, 52302 or at (319) 377-0183, or alternate Mike Murphy, FMI Principal, at 2301

3rd Avenue, Marion, Iowa, 52302, or at (319) 373-4766.  

 

Compliance with Current Asbestos Regulations:

In order to remain in compliance with current asbestos regulations governing schools the district is required to give an annual notification to staff, parents, and legal guardians of students in the Marion Independent School District of the presence of and the availability of the management plan for that particular building located in the administration offices at 777 S. 15th Street. Should you want to know the locations and or the volume of asbestos in our buildings this information is located in the management plans. Also included in these are past activities the district has taken to remove and or encapsulate the asbestos to maintain safety to all occupants.  Regulations require that the district have a full inspection of our facilities every 3 years and periodic surveillance inspections every 6 months to insure that it is maintained in a non-hazardous condition. In addition to this we have undergone E.P.A. audits and inspections in the last 10 years, which have found that the district is in full compliance on its program.  Activities that have occurred in the past, in addition to our re-inspection, have been abatement of floor tile and thermal pipe insulation at Marion High School, Starry Elementary, and Francis Marion Intermediate in preparation of construction activities that occurred in the past. Should you have any questions please contact Ken Cook, Director of Operations, at 377-4974.

Harassment                                                                                    Board Policy

Harassment and bullying of students and employees are against federal, state and local policy, and are not tolerated by the board. The board is committed to providing all students with a safe and civil school environment in which all members of the school community are treated with dignity and respect. To that end, the board has in place policies, procedures, and practices that are designed to reduce and eliminate bullying and harassment as well as processes and procedures to deal with incidents of bullying and harassment. Bullying and harassment of students by other students, by school employees, and by volunteers who have direct contact with students will not be tolerated in the school or school district.

 

The board prohibits harassment, bullying, hazing, or any other victimization of students, based on any of the following actual or perceived traits or characteristics, including but not limited to, age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socio-economic status, or familial status. Harassment against employees based upon the employee's race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, age or disability is also prohibited.

 

This policy is in effect while students or employees are on property within the jurisdiction of he board; while on school-owned or school-operated vehicles; while attending or engaged in school-sponsored activities; and while away from school grounds if the misconduct directly affects the good order, efficient management and welfare of the school or school district.

 

If, after an investigation, a student is found to be in violation of this policy, the student shall be disciplined by appropriate measures which may include suspension or expulsion. If after an investigation a school employee is found to be in violation of this policy, the employee shall be disciplined by appropriate measures which may include termination. If after an investigation a school volunteer is found to be in violation of this policy, the volunteer shall be subject to appropriate measures which may include exclusion from school grounds. "Volunteer" means an individual who has regular, significant contact with students.

 

When looking at the totality of the circumstances, harassment and bullying mean any electronic, written, verbal or physical act or conduct toward a student which is based on any actual or perceived trait or characteristic of the student and which creates an objectively hostile school environment that meets one or more of the following conditions:

·         Places the student in unreasonable fear of harm to the student's person or property;

·         Has a substantially detrimental effect on the student's physical or mental health;

·         Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student's academic performance; or

·         Has the effect of substantially interfering with the student's ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities, or privileges provided by a school.

"Electronic" means any communication involving the transmission of information by wire, radio, optical cable, electromagnetic, or other similar means. "Electronic" includes but is not limited to communication via electronic mail, internet-based communications, pager service, cell phones, electronic text messaging or similar technologies.

 

Harassment and bullying may include, but are not limited to, the following behaviors and circumstances:

·         Repeated remarks of a demeaning nature;

·         Implied or explicit threats concerning one's grades, achievements, property, etc.;

·         Demeaning jokes, stories, or activities directed at the student; and/or

·         Unreasonable interference with a student's performance.

Sexual harassment of a student by an employee means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

·         Submission to the conduct is made either implicitly or explicitly a term or condition of the student's education or benefits;

·         Submission to or rejection of the conduct is used as the basis for academic decisions affecting that student; or

·         The conduct has the purpose of effect or substantially interfering with the student's academic performance by creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive education environment.

In situations between students and school officials, faculty, staff, or volunteers who have direct contact with students, bullying and harassment may also include the following behaviors:

·         Requiring that a student submit to bullying or harassment by another student, either explicitly or implicitly, as a term or condition of the targeted student's education or participation in school programs or activities; and/or

·         Requiring submission to or rejection of such conduct as a basis for decisions affecting the student.

Any person who promptly, reasonably, and in good faith reports an incident of bullying or harassment under this policy to a school official shall be immune from civil or criminal liability relating to such report and to the person's participation in any administrative, judicial, or other proceeding relating to the report. Individuals who knowingly file a false complaint may be subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

 

 

Retaliation against any person because the person has filed a bullying or harassment complaint or assisted or participated in a harassment investigation or proceeding is also prohibited. Individuals who knowingly file false harassment complaints and any person who gives false statements in an investigation shall be subject to discipline by appropriate measures, as shall any person who is found to have retaliated against another in violation of this policy. Any student found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to and including suspension and expulsion. Any school employee found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to and including termination of employment. Any school volunteer found to have retaliated in violation of this policy shall be subject to measures up to and including exclusion from school grounds.

 

The school or school district will promptly and reasonably investigate allegations of bullying or harassment. The principal or designee will be responsible for handling all complaints by students alleging bullying or harassment. The immediate supervisor or designee will be responsible for handling all complaints by employees alleging harassment.

 

It also is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the investigator and principals, to develop procedures regarding this policy. The superintendent in conjunction with the director of teaching & learning are responsible for organizing training programs for students, school officials, faculty, staff, and volunteers who have direct contact with students. The training will include how to recognize harassment and what to do in case a student is harassed. It will also include proven effective harassment prevention strategies. The superintendent will also develop a process for evaluation the effectiveness of the policy in reducing bullying and harassment in the school district.

 

The board will annually publish this policy. The policy may be publicized by the following means:

·         Inclusion in the student handbook;

·         Inclusion in the employee handbooks;

·         Inclusion in the registration materials; and/or

·         Inclusion on the school or school district's web site.

A copy shall be made to any person at the central administration office, 777 S. 15th Street, Marion, IA.

 

Exhibits:

 

104.E1 Anti-Bullying/Harassment Complaint Form

104.E2 Anti-Bullying/Harassment Witness Disclosure Form

104.E3 Disposition of Anti-Bullying/Harassment Complaint Form

 

DISCRIMINATION PROHIBITED

Federal Section 504
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits discrimination against persons with a disability in any program receiving federal financial assistance.  The Marion Independent School District has the obligation, under Section 504 to identify, evaluate, and, if the student is determined to be eligible, to afford access to appropriate educational services.  If the parent or guardian disagrees with the determination made by the professional staff of the school district, he/she has a right to a hearing with an impartial hearing officer.

HOMELESS

The Board of Directors of the Marion Independent School District is responsible for locating and identifying homeless children and youth who are "found" within the district.  A "homeless child or youth of school age" is defined as one between the ages of 5 and 21 who lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence and includes a child or youth living on the street, in a car, tent or abandoned building or some other form of shelter not designed as a permanent home; living in a community shelter facility; or living with nonnuclear family members or friends who
may not have legal guardianship over the child or youth of school age.  The district shall make available to the homeless child or youth all services and assistance including, but not limited to, compensatory education, special education, English as a second language, vocational courses or programs, programs for gifted and talented, health services, and food and nutrition programs, on the same basis as those services and assistance are provided to resident pupils.

 

 

 

*The policies stated in this handbook are intended as guidelines only and are subject to change at the sole discretion of the Board of Education for the Marion Independent School District.

 

 

 

Equity Statement

 

It is the policy of the Marion Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, gender identity, sex, national origin, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or disability, in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices. If you believe you have (or your child has) been discriminated against or treated unjustly at school, please contact Cindy Diouf, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, at (319) 377-4691.