ROCKY RIVER BOARD OF EDUCATIONGoldwood Primary School
ROCKY RIVER BOARD OF EDUCATION Kathleen Goepfert
Jay Milano
Jean Rounds
Jon Fancher
Liz Anderson, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and
Instruction Ted Blank, Executive Director of Human Resources and
Support Services
James Scheer, Director of Learning Resource Services Jennifer
Norman, Principal, Goldwood Primary School
Todd Murphy, Principal, Kensington Intermediate School Samuel
Gifford, Principal, Rocky River Middle School
Gwen Hampel, Assistant Principal, Rocky River Middle School Debra
Bernard, Principal, Rocky River High School
Alan Wilhelms, Assistant Principal, Rocky River High School Megan
Rose, Assistant Principal, Rocky River High School
Jeffery Schultz, Director of Athletics and Student Activities Greg
Markus, Treasurer
Mary Levendusky, Manager of Transportation Carol Eubanks, Manager
Food Services
Elizabeth R. Lauer, Manager of Computer Operations
We believe….. - students are the heart of our purpose. - student
success requires a partnership among family. - a Rocky River
education empowers values, inspires curiosity and
encourages talents that lead to success. - high expectations lead
to high achievement. - lifelong learners thrive as they embrace the
changing global society.
An exceptional school district demonstrates all of the above
Mission Rocky River Schools…
Goldwood Parent/Student Handbook Page 3
Goldwood Primary School
Ms. Jennifer Norman, Principal
Main Office Phone (440) 356-6720 Attendance Phone (440) 356-6730
FAX (440) 356-6044 Transportation (440) 356-6042
.........A Caring Environment with Successful Students
Goldwood Parent/Student Handbook Page 4
GOLDWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION
We believe the Goldwood Primary School Program of Education should
help children develop basic social, academic, and communication
skills and help children recognize the value of cooperation and
responsibility for their actions. We believe that each primary
school student is a lovable, capable and unique person who: • has
special needs • has different abilities and talents • needs to be
recognized and appreciated • needs help to develop, to grow, to
learn, to feel secure, and to gain confidence We believe that the
primary school experience should promote a positive self-image, the
enjoyment of learning, and the motivation to be a life-long
learner: • needs to be positively reinforced as a person in order
to feel a sense of success and worth • should realize and accept
the responsibility for judgments and actions • should have the
freedom to use imagination and creativity, question critically,
think independently, and make decisions • should become aware of
the relationship between formal education and life, and seek
alternative methods for solving problems now and in the future •
should seek enjoyment in the activities of learning and develop a
growing satisfaction in a continual quest for
learning • should develop a respect for a healthy mind and body •
should appreciate the heritage of our society and become a
responsible, contributing member We believe each staff member: •
should be aware of and practice the educational philosophy as
stated for the Rocky River City Schools • should continue
professional growth through such means as advanced study,
workshops, and professional reading • should practice the
principles of learning, recognize individual differences, have for
each student realistic
expectations and goals, which provide a means of evaluation
Goldwood Parent/Student Handbook Page 5
OFFICE OF THE GOLDWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL Dear Parents and
Students, Welcome to Goldwood Primary School! We hope this handbook
provides you valuable information regarding school regulations
necessary for a smooth operation. Your child is our most important
concern. We accept and respect each child by giving them support,
supervision and trust. Your children will grow intellectually,
socially and physically in this environment. Our faculty is looking
forward to working with each of you. We are confident that you will
recognize this desire to provide your child with the best possible
education in a positive school climate. It is our sincere hope that
parents will review this information and share it with their
children. Please feel free to contact the school if you have any
questions concerning your child's academic program or progress.
Sincerely, Ms. Jennifer Norman Principal
MESSAGE FROM GOLDWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL PTA
Dear Parents and Students, Goldwood Primary School PTA welcomes you
to our school. One major component to a successful school
experience for students is parental involvement. Neither home nor
school alone can complete a child's education. Communication
between home and school is vital, and membership in PTA is a most
effective way for us to maintain communication. Our PTA is a
dedicated and committed group of people who through the years have
helped make the difference between a great school and an
outstanding one! During the school year, parents and teachers
together nurture the children's' educational growth through the
provision of exciting and challenging experiences. Some of the many
wonderful opportunities for you to volunteer your time through the
PTA are: room helpers, book fairs, pizza days, Snowflake Palace,
library aides, cultural and fine arts, spirit wear sales, and many
others. We look forward to your contributions as an important part
of our school and extend our best wishes for a rewarding school
year. Sincerely, Goldwood Primary School PTA
Goldwood Parent/Student Handbook Page 6
TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSENCE/ ATTENDANCE Excused absences Planned
absences Unexcused absences Make-up privileges Late/tardy to school
Leaving and entering school during the day ACADEMIC ACCELERATION
ACTIVITY PASSES AIDS ASSEMBLIES BEAR’S DEN BICYCLES/SKATEBOARDS
BIRTHDAY PENCIL BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS BULLYING AND OTHER FORMS OF
AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR CHILD CUSTODY COMMUNICABLE DISEASES COMPUTERS
COPIES OF STUDENT RECORDS DISCIPLINE RULES, GOLDWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL
Goldwood School Rules Lunch Rules Playground Rules Bus Rules
Assembly Rules Behavioral Consequences DISTRICT-WIDE PRACTICES
Anti-Hazing Statement. Dress Code – Rocky River City Schools Dress
Code – Goldwood Primary School Drug and Alcohol Use Emergency
School Closing Gifted Education Program Internet User Guidelines
Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy Purchases Required by
Students Special Education Weapons ENRICHMENT PROGRAM FEES Waiver
of fees FIELD TRIPS FINES
Goldwood Parent/Student Handbook Page 7
Library fines Damage to books Lost Book FINGERSCANNING FIRE,
STORM/TORNADO, EARTHQUAKE EVACUATION DRILLS FORMS HEALTH
REQUIREMENTS FOR ENROLLMENT HOMEWORK, DEFINITION OF Guidelines for
Homework Assignment Guidelines for Parents HOUSEKEEPING
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION LEARNING RESOURCE SERVICES Services
available Reading /Math Intervention Consultation Intervention
Assistance Team Guidance Services Material Resources ESL
Psychological Services Speech/Language/Hearing Services Application
Procedure LOST AND FOUND LUNCH MEDICATION PLACEMENT OF STUDENTS
POSITIVE ACTION PROMOTION REFLECTIONS OF TEACHING AND PARENTING
REPORTING STUDENT PROGRESS Report Cards Interim Reports Progress
Conferences Markings SCHOOL BUS RULES Waiting for the bus On the
bus Getting off the bus Safety Alert Disciplinary procedures SCHOOL
DAY SCHOOL PICTURES SERVICE LEARNING SPECIAL SUBJECTS Art
Goldwood Parent/Student Handbook Page 8
Library Music Fitness Education STANDARDIZED TESTS STUDENT
PARTICIPATION IN EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES TELEPHONE TRANSPORTATION
VISITATION OF CLASSES AND CONFERENCES WITH TEACHER DURING SCHOOL
HOURS VOLUNTEERS WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL WHAT PARENTS CAN DO TO HELP
THEIR CHILD WITH SCHOOL. Before School During Elementary School
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY POLICY APPENDIX:
Floor Plan Head Lice Referral Form School Bus Incident Form
Speeding Ticket
School Calendar ROCKY RIVER CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT BYLAWS &
POLICIES:
Bus Conduct Gifted Education Internet Student Conduct and
Discipline Suspension Transportation Use of Medications Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Rights Under the
Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)
Goldwood Parent/Student Handbook Page 9
ABSENCE/ATTENDANCE
Regular school attendance is considered essential for the
educational development of the student. Regular attendance is
important for the continuity of instruction and interaction between
teacher and student and student with student.
- Excused Absences: Students may be absent from school upon
permission of the principal/designee for personal illness, illness
in the family, quarantine of the home, death of a relative, work at
home due to absence of the parent/guardian, observance of religious
holidays, emergency circumstances.
PLEASE CALL THE ATTENDANCE LINE, 356-6730, stating the name of the
student, teacher, and reason for absence.
- Planned absences: Absence due to a set of circumstances judged by
the principal to constitute a good and sufficient cause for absence
from school may be approved for up to "Five Days" per school
year.
o Reasons for such absence may include accompanying parents on a
trip, college visitations, participation in non-school athletic
events, family matters out-of-town, or other trips approved by the
parent.
o The parent should submit a written request for the planned
absence to the school office five days prior to the absence.
- Unexcused absences: Absences from school that do not meet the
criteria for excused absences or planned absences are unexcused
absences and are discouraged. Out-of-school suspension will be
treated as an unexcused absence.
- Make-up privileges: Students who are absent from school with an
excused absence will have an opportunity to make- up all work
missed. If a student is ill, arrangements may be made to pick-up
assignments by calling the office before 11:30 am or by requesting
the assignments when reporting your child's absence. Because of the
many hands-on activities in kindergarten, grades 1 and 2
classrooms, general assignments will be provided after
vacations.
- Late/Tardy to School: Students who arrive late must be signed in
to the school office. A student may be excused for being LATE to
school for the same reasons as allowed for Excused Absence from
school. If a student is late to school for unexcused reasons, the
student is considered tardy. Students who arrive at school after
10:00 AM are counted absent for that half-day. Students who leave
school before 1:30 PM are counted absent for that half day.
- Leaving and Entering School During the Day: Students are not
permitted to leave the school grounds at any time during the school
day unless the office has received written notice. If for some
reason a student must be excused from school during the day,
written notice of this must be received by the office before the
student will be excused. A student who becomes ill during the day
must always report to the office. These students will not be
excused until a parent/guardian has been notified and arrangements
have been made to pick up the student. Students returning to school
during the school day must first report to the office and be signed
in by a parent. Do not drop children off anywhere else, i.e.
playground, classroom.
ACADEMIC ACCELERATION
The district recognizes appropriate use of accelerated learning may
be required for some students who demonstrate remarkable
performance. Procedures of evaluating these students for possible
accelerated placement are delineated in Administrative Guideline
5408. Contact the school counselor for further information.
ACTIVITY PASSES Persons sixty years of age or older will be
admitted to student activity events without cost if they are:
•residents of the Rocky River City School District; residents of
the school district of a participating team or group; relatives of
a Rocky River student; attending a Southwestern Conference athletic
contest. (Rocky River School District Administrative Directive:
32)
AIDS The control of communicable diseases is essential to assure
the health and safety of all persons in the school community who
are assigned to or frequent the schools and administrative offices.
Current medical information and opinion conclude AIDS is not spread
by casual contact that usually occurs in schools. AIDS does not
appear to be a traditional form of a communicable disease.
Decisions concerning exclusion or restriction
Goldwood Parent/Student Handbook Page 10
of the person with AIDS and the disclosure of predetermined
information should be made on an individual basis. The
determination of whether an AIDS infected person can remain in the
school environment is a medical decision rather than an educational
one.
ASSEMBLIES Several assemblies are held throughout the year. Many
assemblies are made possible in part through the help of our PTA.
Some performing groups, usually in the arts, are from outside our
school while other groups such as River's Edge and RRHS student
clubs and sport teams also visit.
BEAR'S DEN Bear's Den is an activity center providing a variety of
enrichment and reinforcement opportunities for the Goldwood Primary
School students. Children work both independently and cooperatively
with other students.
BICYCLES/SKATEBOARDS
Bicycles and skateboards are not permitted at Goldwood Primary
School.
BIRTHDAY PENCIL A child's birthday is important! Goldwood Primary
School celebrates birthdays with a "Happy Birthday" pencil, which
will be presented to your child by his/her classroom teacher.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS Non-food items are encouraged to celebrate
these special occasions (i.e. pencils, erasers, small toy).
Celebrations that are absent of food items will help protect
students who may have life threatening allergies to the ingredients
contained in many treats. Additionally, this will help contribute
to the general wellness of these youngsters. Please check with your
child's teacher for convenient times for these treats to be
distributed. Invitations to personal parties may be distributed at
school only when everyone is included. This will help to avoid any
hurt feelings.
BULLYING AND OTHER FORMS OF AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR Aggressive behavior
toward a student, whether by other students, staff, or third
parties, is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. This
prohibition includes physical, verbal, and psychological abuse,
including any gestures, comments, threats, or actions, which cause
or threaten to cause bodily harm or personal degradation. This also
includes intimidation and harassment based on any of the legally
protected characteristics, such as sex, race, color, national
origin, marital status, or disability, stalking, bullying/cyber
bullying, intimidating, menacing, coercion, name-calling, taunting,
making threats, and hazing. Any student who believes she/he has
been or is the victim of aggressive behavior should immediately
report the situation to the building principal. (See Board Policy
#551701 for additional information)
CHILD CUSTODY
In all cases where custody of the child has been granted court
documents must be notarized and submitted with a certified copy of
a court order establishing custody or guardianship and/or
explaining special circumstances on visitation. This is for your
child’s protection.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES Observe your children closely each morning
before they leave for school. If the following symptoms are
present, your child should be kept home: Sore Throat Running nose
Vomiting (as well as during the night) Earache Skin rash Reddened
eyes Headache Cough Watering eyes Diarrhea Nausea A child with a
fever of 99 degrees Fahrenheit or higher should remain at home
until the temperature has been normal for at least 24 hours without
the use of fever reducing agents.
Goldwood Parent/Student Handbook Page 11
In order to control an outbreak of illness at school, report
communicable illness to the school office as soon as possible. You
may call the school nurse any time you have any questions about an
illness or medication. Questions frequently arise concerning
exclusion from school due to communicable diseases.
The following are guidelines for the more common communicable
diseases: - Chicken Pox - A skin rash often consisting of small
blisters which leave scabs. Requires one week exclusion
following the appearance of the blister. - Impetigo - Blister-like
lesions developing into crusted puss like sores. Requires exclusion
for 24 hours after the
initiation of treatment. - Strep Throat - Often may be accompanied
by fever, sore and red throat, tender and swollen glands of the
neck.
Requires exclusion from school for 24 hours after the initiation of
antibiotic treatment. - Conjunctivitis (Pink-Eye) - Redness and
swelling of membranes of one or both eyes with burning or
itching.
Usually accompanied by purulent discharge. Requires exclusion from
school 24 hours after the initiation of treatment.
- Head Lice - Usually identified by the presence of grayish white
"nits" (egg fastened on the hair, usually near the scalp). Requires
exclusion from school until the first treatment is completed and
all nits have been removed. The district maintains a "nit free"
policy to provide evidence that treatment measures have occurred
and to help prevent re-infestation. (please see attachment)
Communicable Diseases
Chicken Pox* Slight fever; skin rash; small blisters which
scab
13-17 days Exclude until all blisters are scabbed and dry-at least
7 days. DO NOT GIVE ASPIRIN-check with your doctor.
Cold Irritated throat, runny nose and eyes, cough, slight fever,
chills, sneezing
12-17 hours Exclude during first 24-72 hours
Flu High fever, chills, headache, sore muscles
3 days after onset of symptoms
Exclude until symptoms are gone. DO NOT GIVE ASPIRIN-check with
your doctor
Fifth Disease* Bright red rash usually beginning on face. “Slapped”
cheek appearance
4-14 days Exclusion not appropriate
Head Lice* Itching of scalp 1-2 weeks Exclude until treated and nit
free. Must be checkedby school nurse/designee to be
readmitted.
Impetigo* Blister-pus like sore, irregular in outline
2-5 days or Exclude until treated and sores no longer drain. Must
be diagnosed by doctor.
Scabies* Intense itching especially at night
1st infestation 2-6weeks subsequent 24 hours
Student and all their household members are treated.
Ringworm Scalp-scaly patches --10-14 days Exclude for 24 hours
after
Goldwood Parent/Student Handbook Page 12
Skin-flat ring-like rash --4-10 days the initiation of treatment
Strep throat Scarlet Fever*
Fever (not always sore or red throat), swollen neck, glands,
headache, vomiting. If scarlet fever develops, very red tongue and
skin rash.
1-3 days or longer
Exclude until treated and released by doctor, usually 24 hours
after treatment is started. Must be diagnosed by doctor.
Pink Eye* Redness, swelling, itching or burning of eye mucosa.
Tearing, yellowish drainage and eyes matted shut after
sleeping.
24-72 hours Exclude for 24 hours after the initiation of
treatment.
*Communicable disease, which must be reported to the school
nurse/designee as soon as possible after diagnosed by doctor. The
following communicable diseases must also be reported to the school
nurse/designee: Hepatitis Infectious Mononucleosis Reye's Syndrome
Meningitis Whooping Cough Measles, Mumps, Rubella Encephalitis
Polio
COMPUTERS Each classroom in Goldwood Primary School contains
computers. Students are provided with many opportunities to
experience and generate new ideas using the computer, as well as
gaining proficiency in the basic operations. Our school also
contains a computer lab for student usage.
COPIES OF STUDENT RECORDS Copies of records requested by
parents/guardians will be provided at $.15 per page and $.60
handling, per request.
GOLDWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL DISCIPLINE RULES
Goldwood School Rules Students will demonstrate respect for
themselves and others by: • following all lunch, playground, bus,
and classroom rules. • keeping hands, feet, and objects to
themselves. • being courteous to others. • walking quietly through
the building. • encouraging their friends. Remember, everyone makes
mistakes. Lunch Rules Students will: • remain seated unless
otherwise directed by an adult. • use a quiet voice. • display
appropriate table manners. • walk at all times. Playground Rules
Students will: • walk to and from the playground. • stay within the
playground boundaries. • use each piece of playground equipment
properly. • listen to and follow the directions given by the
monitors. • keep their hands and feet to themselves. • not push
while waiting in line to use a playground toy.
Goldwood Parent/Student Handbook Page 13
• return to the building quietly • play fairly with those wanting
to be a part of an activity. • invite others to be a part of an
activity if they would like. • be sure not to chase someone not
wishing to play along. • include friends that are sad to help them
have a happy day. Bus Rules Students will: • walk to and from the
bus. • listen to the bus driver. • whisper to their neighbor. •
stay in their seats with their feet underneath the seat. • keep
their backpacks and belongings on their laps. • be sure to hold
backpacks close to their bodies when entering or exiting the bus. •
always remain quiet when approaching, stopping at, and crossing the
railroad tracks. • not eat, drink, or chew gum on the bus. • listen
for directions when the lights go on in the bus. • load the bus
only when it has completely stopped. • leave the bus windows as
they find them when getting on to the bus. Assembly Rules Students
will: • be courteous to our guests. • listen quietly and politely
to the program and instructions. • use positive actions and good
manners. • sit in a manner, which will allow everyone to see the
presentation. • keep their hands and feet to themselves. • pay
attention to the performers or presenters. • show their
appreciation by clapping when appropriate. Behavioral Consequences
The children's actions reflect a respect for self and others, as
outlined in our positive action program. Each classroom establishes
basic behavioral rules, which are explained to the children and
also provided to parents.
Failure to adhere to the behavioral rules may result in the
following disciplinary actions:
• Warned and advised. • Removal from participation in a student
activity. • Temporary removal of less than 24 hours from a school
class or other school activity. • Temporary removal from the school
bus. • Detention. • Loss of privileges. • Parent conferences. •
In-school suspension. • Out-of-school suspension. • Expulsion. The
school principal may authorize additional disciplinary actions as
may be appropriate. Following these rules will make our school a
safe and happy place. Breaking these rules will result in the
appropriate
consequences. These rules have been created through the efforts of
Goldwood students and staff.
Goldwood Parent/Student Handbook Page 14
DISTRICT-WIDE PRACTICES
ANTI-HAZING STATEMENT It is the belief of the Rocky River City
Schools that hazing activities of any type are inconsistent with
the educational process and shall be prohibited at all times. No
administrator, faculty member, or other employee of the school
district shall encourage, permit, condone, or tolerate any hazing
activities. No student, including leaders of student organizations,
shall plan, encourage, or engage in hazing. Hazing is defined as
doing any act or coercing another, including the victim, to do any
act, including an act of initiation into any student or other
organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing
mental or physical harm to any person. Permission, consent, or
assumption of risk by an individual subjected to hazing does not
lessen the prohibition contained in the statement.
DRESS CODE – ROCKY RIVER CITY SCHOOLS
Responsibility for a student’s dress and grooming rests primarily
with you and your parents. Such matters are of concern to and
become the responsibility of the Rocky River City Schools only when
(1) they are or are likely to become disruptive of the learning
process, (2) they pose a threat to the health or safety of any
individual student or students generally (adequate footwear is
required), (3) they are destructive to school property such as
floors or furnishings, (4) they contain inappropriate slogans or
illustrations, i.e., alcohol, drugs, tobacco, etc., (5) the clothes
or symbols that are worn identify a person as a gang member.
DRESS CODE - GOLDWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL Clothing should be appropriate
for school. In fall and spring, during extremely hot weather,
appropriate shorts may be worn. Baseball caps and hats may not be
worn in the building. The students will go outside for recess
whenever it is possible. Please be sure the students are dressed
appropriately especially during the winter months. Hats, gloves,
boots and scarves help make recess time more enjoyable for all.
Boots are encouraged in extremely wet and muddy conditions as
well.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE The use of illicit drugs and the unlawful
possession and use of alcohol is harmful. The unlawful possession,
use, or distribution of illicit drugs and/or alcohol on school
premises or at any school activity is prohibited. Students who
violate this policy will be subject to sanctions under the
Discipline Code, which may include suspension, expulsion, and
prosecution. Information about drug and alcohol counseling and/or
rehabilitation programs is available to all students through the
Guidance Office or the Building Principal. This includes lists of
available programs, inpatient and outpatient, as well as cost of
such programs. Compliance with the Discipline Code is mandatory,
and all students and parents are given a copy of the Code.
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING Emergency school closing because of snow
or other calamity is announced on Cleveland radio and television
stations. It should be assumed that schools are open unless
announced otherwise. This information is also available on our
district website and parents will be notified via our Alert Now
calling system. We use the AlertNow Notification Service to send
telephone or email messages to parents providing important
information about emergencies or school events. In the event of an
emergency at school parents will be informed immediately by phone.
The email notification service allows us to reduce paper and
mailing costs and ensure that necessary information reaches
parents. AlertNow has an online parent portal, called AlertNow
Access, which allows parents to choose which contact numbers and
email addresses for the system to use. There is a link to AlertNow
Access on the district website. Emergency school closing because of
snow or other calamity is announced on Cleveland radio and
television stations. It should be assumed that schools are open
unless announced otherwise.
GIFTED EDUCATION PROGRAM
Please see Rocky River City School District Bylaws and Policies
attached.
Goldwood Parent/Student Handbook Page 15
INTERNET USER GUIDELINES The Internet is available for student and
staff use through Lakeshore Northeast Ohio Computer Association
(LNOCA). Parents and students will be asked to read the District’s
“Internet User Guidelines” and to sign and return both a user and
parent authorization form before being able to have Internet access
provided by the District.
NON-DISCRIMINATION AND ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY
It is the policy of the Rocky River Board of Education that there
will not be any discrimination on the basis of sex, age, marital
status, race, color, creed, religion, disability, or national
origin in the programs, services, or practices of the school
district. It is also the policy of the school district to provide
an environment free of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for
sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or
physical conduct of sexual nature that has the purpose or effect of
creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. This
applies to staff harassment of a student, student harassment of
another student, and student harassment of staff. If a student is
harassed or discriminated against, a student may use the complaint
procedure authorized by the Board of Education. The procedures are
set forth in Administrative Directive 16 - Complaint Procedures for
Alleged Violations of Equal Employment Opportunities, and
Harassment Including Sexual Harassment.
PURCHASES REQUIRED BY STUDENTS Students may be required to buy
supplemental books, workbooks, materials, personal instructional or
safety equipment, and uniforms or uniform items. These items are
not provided by the Rocky River City Schools.
SPECIAL EDUCATION Special education services are provided for
students, ages 3-21, which have been identified as having a
disability under the Ohio Rules for the Education of Handicapped
Children, Rules for the Education of Preschool Children with
Disabilities, Individual with Disabilities Education Act, and
Section 504 - The Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Information
concerning identification, parent rights, programs and services and
other special education issues is available through the Division of
Learning Resource Services.
WEAPONS Possession of any weapon, or a look-alike weapon, at school
or school-related events is prohibited and will be dealt with
according to the discipline code. Student possession of any knife,
object similar to a knife or used as a knife to threaten or injure
someone will be treated as possession of a weapon and is prohibited
at school or school-related events. Toy or other look-alike
guns/weapons are not permitted at school unless approved in writing
by a teacher or administrator for a special project or purpose
related to an educational activity.
ENRICHMENT PROGRAM Our enrichment program supplements the classroom
curriculum. The enrichment teacher provides activities that focus
upon thinking and creative skills.
ANNUAL FEES FOR ALL STUDENTS Kindergarten, Grade 1, Grade 2 For
materials, supplies, consumables $44.00 When checks are written,
please include student’s full name and room number on the check.
Electronic payment may also be made through the district website
rrcs.org. Electronic payment will include a nominal processing
charge. Waiver of fees: School fees may be waived for students on
assistance. Generally, the standard used for waiver is eligibility
for free or reduced school milk. Applications for this eligibility
are sent home at the beginning of the year. An additional form may
be requested at the office.
Goldwood Parent/Student Handbook Page 16
FIELD TRIPS
Students are provided with many opportunities to visit and
experience firsthand many exciting places in our area. These trips
are used to enrich our curriculum in Kindergarten, Grades 1 and
2.
FINES • Library Fines: Fines will not exceed cost of purchasing and
processing replacement book • Damage to Books: + Damaged Spine. If
spine can be repaired-$2.00. If spine cannot be repaired-actual
cost of rebinding plus $2.00
for processing + Destroyed Page. If page can be replaced-$2.00
first page and $1.00 each additional
page. If page cannot be replaced-actual cost of replacement book
plus $2.00 for processing. + Other Damage. If repairs can be
made-$1.00 per page. If repairs cannot be made-actual cost of
replacement
book plus $2.00 for processing. • Lost Books: Actual cost of
replacement book plus $2.00 for processing
FINGERSCANNING
A voluntary finger scanning program is in place in the RR School
System for purchasing milk or juice at lunchtime at Goldwood
Primary School. It involves scanning the children’s fingers to
create unique signatures that are electronically stored. This is a
confidential, “biometric” process. After scanning, the image is
immediately discarded and replaced with a numerical template.
Payment is made online at myschoolaccount.com.
FIRE, STORM/TORNADO, EARTHQUAKE, EVACUATION DRILLS Fire and tornado
drills are held periodically throughout the school year. Emergency
information sheets are posted in each room in the school so they
can be easily referred to by teachers, students and visitors.
Fire/Storm or Tornado: When the fire or tornado alarm rings, all
students and teachers leave the building quickly and quietly.
Classroom lights should be turned off, windows closed and the door
closed by the last person leaving the room. Each class is to walk
in a single line to its designated spot outside of the building
(for fire drills) or to assume the "safe" position in a designated
area of the building (for storm/tornado drills). There, each class
waits without talking until attendance is taken by the classroom
teacher and the all-clear sign is given. Earthquake: Should an
earthquake occur, we will follow a Drop, Cover, and Hold procedure
to ensure the students' safety. Specific guidelines are posted in
each room. Evacuation: If evacuation for any reason is deemed
necessary and upon determination that the building cannot be
reentered: •Students, accompanied by all teachers, will walk to the
City of Rocky River Memorial Hall. •Goldwood Primary School office
will contact the Transportation Manager to inform them of our
location and make arrangements for students. •Classes will remain
at City Hall until the building can be reentered at the end of the
school day when transportation will take children to their
home/daycare. In the event of an emergency, the Alert Now phone
system will be activated.
FORMS Various forms are sent to parents at the beginning of each
school year. We ask that you fully complete these forms and return
them to the homeroom teacher on the first day or soon after. The
student's full name must be on all forms returned to school.
Throughout the year, various forms and permission slips are sent
home. Please sign and return these forms on or before the deadline.
If a cost is included and payment is made by check, please include
the student's full name. Please note that through the year, if your
telephone number, emergency telephone numbers, and/or address
change, notify the school of such changes. It is important that we
be able to contact you promptly at all times.
Goldwood Parent/Student Handbook Page 17
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS FOR ENROLLMENT Pupils enrolled in Kindergarten
through 12 are required to have written proof on file at their
school that they have received the following immunizations, which
are required under Ohio Law Sections 3313.671 and 3701.13 of the
Ohio Revised Code:
• Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (Dtap, DTP, DT, Td) Kindergarten-a
minimum of 4 doses are required. If the 4th dose was given before
the 4th birthday, a 5th dose is required. Grades 1-12-Four doses of
DtaP, DTP, or DT or any combination. If age 7 or older and the 3rd
dose in the
series is Td, a 4th dose is not needed. Grade 7-One dose of Tdap or
Td must be administered prior to entry.
• Polio (OPV/IPV) K-Four doses are required; the final dose must be
administered on or after the 4th birthday regardless of
the number of previous doses. Grades 1-12-Students enrolled in
school in or after the 1999-2000 school year must have received
a
total of 4 or more doses of polio. Students enrolled prior to the
1999-2000 school year are required to have a minimum of 3
doses.
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Grades K-12-Two doses of MMR
vaccine are required. The first dose must have been received on or
after the 1st
birthday and the 2nd dose at least 28 days after the first. •
Hepatitis B (Hep B-HBV)
Grades K-11-A minimum of 3 doses are required— The 2nd dose must be
at least 28 days after the first dose. The 3rd dose must be given
at least 16 weeks after the first dose and at least 8 weeks after
the second dose. The last dose in the series must not be
administered before age 24 weeks.
Grade 12-Hepatitis B is recommended but not required. • Varicella
(Chicken Pox)
K-Two doses of varicella vaccine after the first birthday. Grade
1-4-One dose of varicella vaccine after the first birthday.
Vision and Hearing Screenings: Vision and hearing screenings will
be done for kindergarten, first grade, and new students according
to recommendations by the Ohio Department of Health. Physicals:
Medical authorities and school educators urge that every child have
a complete medical examination before entering school.
-According to Sections 3701.13 and 3313.671 of the Ohio Revised
Code, on the 15th day after school entrance it will be necessary to
exclude from school all pupils who have not been adequately
immunized. Exceptions to this exclusion, however, are provided for
under the law. These exceptions for religious, philosophical and/or
medical reasons can be discussed with the school nurse. Medical
authorities and school educators urge that every child have a
complete medical examination before entering school in order that
defects, if possible, may be corrected and the child be physically
ready to accept all the advantages which education has to offer.
Parents will be provided with an appropriate form to complete
concerning this examination. Also, a tuberculin skin test to
determine if your child has been exposed to tuberculosis is highly
recommended but not required. If a child is suspected of having a
handicap, parents should contact the Division of Learning Resources
(356-6006) to arrange an appointment.
DEFINITION OF HOMEWORK Homework is defined as out-of-class
preparation in a given subject area which is either assigned or
approved by a student's teacher. This assignment is such that the
student must complete all or part of the assignment during
non-class time. The purpose of homework is: •to supplement and
support classroom experiences •to reinforce learning through
practice, integration, and application
Goldwood Parent/Student Handbook Page 18
•to develop student initiative, responsibility, and self-direction
through independent effort •to foster parent awareness of their
child's learning activities Guidelines for Homework Assignments
During the first week of class, and at Open House, teachers will
explain the school's homework policies and their expectations. The
following guidelines will govern the assignment of school homework:
• Homework should logically grow from classroom instruction,
problems, and projects and may include practice of
spelling words, math facts, and reading library books. • Students
should not be expected to learn new skills or concepts in
completing a homework assignment. • Students should clearly
understand the specific objectives, related purposes, processes and
due-date of each
homework assignment. • Homework assignments should be reviewed to
assure completion and be returned to the teacher. Credit,
when
applicable, for the completion of the assignment may be given in
light of the objectives to be accomplished. • Homework assignments
should be made based upon the needs of the students and of the
class. These
assignments do not need to be pencil and paper tasks. • A variety
of homework should be assigned to include practice, creative,
preparatory, and extending assignments. • Homework assignments
should be reasonable and developmentally based. Guidelines for
Parents • Provide your child with a private place at home to study
that is quiet. • Help your child become a successful student
through acquiring the ability to concentrate. • Inquire about your
child's homework on a regular basis and insist that all homework be
completed and turned in on
time. • Encourage your child to seek assistance from teachers and
other school personnel.
HOUSEKEEPING
School is where we all spend a major portion of our day. Students
should keep it neat and clean by picking up paper, utilizing trash
containers and recycling containers. Students are to place their
chairs on their desks at the end of each day before they
leave.
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION Children are eligible to be registered
for kindergarten if they will be five years old on or before
September 30. Students will be admitted to first grade only upon
successful completion of kindergarten.
LEARNING RESOURCE SERVICES The Rocky River City School District
provides a variety of programs for students with special needs.
Many students are given assistance through special education
programs and services for the disabled. The Board of Education
recognizes there are students who are not disabled but who do
experience significant difficulty learning. In an effort to provide
a caring, personalized learning environment, Goldwood Primary
School offers Learning Resource Service Programs designed to give
assistance to students needing supportive help to succeed in the
classroom. SERVICES AVAILABLE Reading/ Math Intervention – A
program aimed at improving the reading and writing skills of
elementary students. Small group assistance is available to
students who require assistance in meeting Ohio Performance
Standards. Instruction is carefully coordinated with the child’s
program in the regular classroom. Consultation – The Coordinator of
Learning Resource Services is available to confer with school
personnel and parents regarding specific instructional strategies
and/or materials for use with students. Intervention Assistance
Team – A school based problem-solving group developed to assist
teachers with intervention strategies for dealing with behavioral
and learning needs of students. Parents are contacted for their
input and are viewed as a valuable and necessary member of this
team.
Goldwood Parent/Student Handbook Page 19
Guidance Services – Large group guidance services are offered to
all students at Goldwood Primary School through the classroom
guidance program. Each year the school counselor visits the
classroom and presents lessons on special topics. These topics
include self-esteem, group interactions, and the pillars of
character. Small Group Counseling is designed for students who have
similar needs. The school counselor works with new students,
children from single parent or divorced families, as well as other
groups, which may be needed during the school year. In the past
some of these groups discussed motivation topics, social
interaction and positive awareness of self and others. Individual
counseling is available to students on an as needed basis. Any
student may see the school counselor by self, parent, or teacher
request. Parents are encouraged to call the guidance office if they
have any special requests. Material Resources - Materials at
various instructional levels selected for use with students with a
variety of learning styles are maintained in the Learning Resource
Center. English as a Second Language - Instruction provided in the
English language for students whose first acquired language is
other than English. Major emphasis of the program is placed on oral
communication and developing and understanding of the English
language. Psychological Services - Psychological services include
psycho-educational evaluation, consultation with teachers and
parents, and counseling by the school psychologist.
Speech/Language/Hearing Services - Individual and small group
services are provided by a speech/language/hearing therapist in the
Rocky River City School District. Assistance is designed to help
those children with significant difficulties in oral language and
speaking vocabulary, articulation, fluency, voice quality and
listening skills. Application Procedure - Requests for Learning
Resource Services may be initiated by school personnel, parents, or
students. Parents may apply for services by contacting the school
principal, counselors, coordinator or director of Learning Resource
Services.
Instruction Reading/Math Intervention Speech/Language
LEARNING RESOURCE SERVICES
Consultation Intervention Assistance Teams
LOST AND FOUND
All kinds of unclaimed clothing seem to accumulate at an amazing
rate. These items will be kept in the lost and found for one
quarter at which time they will be disposed.
LUNCH Students must pack a lunch. Milk and juice are available for
purchase by students at the Goldwood Primary School's lunchroom
during lunch hours.
Goldwood Parent/Student Handbook Page 20
Lunchroom/playground monitors are in attendance for student
supervision. Only one grade level is on the playground or in the
lunchroom at a time. The children participate in an incentive
program for good behavior on the playground and during lunch.
Points are earned each day, which can be used to earn a special
treat at the end of the grading period. Approximately twice a month
our PTA provides, at a nominal cost, a pizza lunch. In addition to
the pizza, the cost of the lunch includes a drink and dessert.
Pizza lunches must be purchased in full at the beginning of each
semester.
MEDICATION No student is permitted to take any type of prescribed
medication or over-the-counter medication at school unless there is
a "Request to Administer Medication" form filed for that student in
the school office. The forms are available at the office.
PLACEMENT OF STUDENTS In the spring of each year, placement of
students for the following year is accomplished. This procedure is
extremely important, requiring considerable time and careful
consideration. It is important because a student's placement into
the appropriate classroom setting is a significant factor in
his/her educational and social progress during the year. Each
student is placed individually, considering such factors as
teacher's personality and teaching style, student's personality and
learning style, physical arrangement of the classroom, balance of
girls and boys, and overall composition of the class.
POSITIVE ACTION Positive Action is not a simplistic approach to
self-concept education. It is a comprehensive, child-centered
program, which enhances school climate. The primary goal of
Positive Action is to enhance students' self-concepts. Throughout
Positive Actions, self-concept is defined as the way we feel about
ourselves. Positive Action is organized to develop the underlying
theme that we feel good about ourselves when we act in positive
ways. At the core of Positive Action is the recognition that
self-esteem is cyclical. Positive thoughts lead to positive
actions, which lead to positive feelings. Positive feelings lead
right back to positive thoughts. Positive Action improves an
individual's self-confidence, ability to resist negative peer
pressure, ability to make positive choices, problem-solving skills,
social skills, thinking skills, and independence. Academic
achievement and school attendance improve. There are significant
positive changes in the climate at school, at home, and in the
community because students are learning and practicing such
positive behaviors.
PROMOTION Decisions concerning a student's promotion/retention will
be made in the best interest of the student.
REFLECTIONS OF TEACHING AND PARENTING
The best thing a parent can do to help his/her child is to be
actively interested. That means from the eager anticipation at the
beginning of the school year to the end. Learning the procedures
and following them. Encourage your child to feel school is a
special place -- show your interest and enthusiasm by becoming
involved in the Learning Center or Library. Find a way to help --
your special way! Each day -- talk about school and all that
happened. Please take time to check all the papers in a caring
manner -- it represents your child's hard work. If there is a
problem, address it quickly and communicate with the teacher to
show your interest. Follow through is the key. Be sure to
positively reinforce good efforts of the child, and show
appreciation to his/her teacher.
REPORTING STUDENT PROGRESS Report Cards: Reporting student progress
is a vital link in the communication involving the student, the
home, and the school. Thoughtful and accurate reporting does much
to strengthen this communication. Kindergarten children do not
receive report cards for the third grading period. Interim Reports:
Interim reports are mailed home at the mid-point of each grading
period to parents of students: • Whose progress is unsatisfactory •
Who are performing significantly below expectations • Who have
shown significant improvement
Goldwood Parent/Student Handbook Page 21
Progress Conferences: One conference is to be conducted with
parents each school year. This usually occurs near the end of the
first grading period. During this conference, the teachers will
clarify the report card, share information about the student at
school, and clarify class expectations. Markings: Are given for
Social Growth and Work Habits, Reading, Math, Social Studies,
Science, Health, Art, Music, and Fitness Education. P = Performance
as expected Student usually demonstrates this behavior/skill. E =
Exceeds expectations Student consistently demonstrates this
behavior/skill in a self-directed manner
and accepts additional challenges. N = Needs improvement Student
does not demonstrate acceptable behavior skill. The student
will
continue to receive assistance in the classroom. It is important
that the student be encouraged and helped at home.
M = More time to develop Student needs additional time to grow and
develop. The overall profile of the child is evaluated through
daily work, participation, teacher observation, as well as a
cumulative portfolio, skill cards, and authentic assessments, which
are available for your review.
SCHOOL BUS RULES WAITING FOR THE BUS •Stand away from the street on
the sidewalk. •Stay off the grass and do not litter. •Get on only
at your bus stop. •Be at the bus stop a few minutes early. •Wait
for the school bus on the side of the street on which you live
unless you have your parents' permission to cross the street.
•Cross the street only when the bus driver gives the signal to
cross. ON THE BUS •Get on the bus and sit down as quickly as
possible. •Obey the Bus Driver. •Keep your head and hands in the
bus. •Stay in your seat and talk quietly. •Do not throw objects.
•Bus Drivers will assign seats when necessary. •Do not eat, drink
or litter. •Do not use profane language. •Hold books, musical
instruments and other objects on your lap. •Do not talk when bus is
at railroad crossings. GETTING OFF THE BUS •Ride only on the bus to
which you were assigned. •Stay in your seat until the bus stops.
•Get off the bus single file. •Cross the street only when the bus
driver or transportation aide gives the signal to cross. SAFETY
ALERT •Instruct your children to stay away from the bus as the bus
leaves their stop. The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration has informed school districts that there is a
potential danger to children when their clothing is caught in the
bus door framework. The school will also discuss this safety
precaution with the children. Disciplinary Procedures 1. Student
misbehavior is divided into two categories:
Goldwood Parent/Student Handbook Page 22
a. Major incidents - Incidents that imperil the safety of students
and proper operation of a school bus. These include possessing a
weapon on a bus, gross disrespect of a school employee, fighting,
vandalism, riding a school bus without authorization, and other
incidents which may lead to physical harm or a major safety
issue.
b. Minor incidents - Incidents which are not major incidents but
which cannot be allowed to continue. These include not remaining
seated, inappropriate behavior while waiting for the school bus,
failure to immediately follow the direction of the school bus
driver, and other minor offenses, which are not appropriate for
school bus behavior.
2. Action to be taken: a. Major incident - A School Bus Incident
Report form shall be completed by the bus driver and forwarded to
the
Manager for Transportation Services. The Manager will review it and
forward it to the principal. In addition, the Manager will call the
principal, if necessary because of the severity of the incident.
The principal will review the situation with the student and take
action according to standard disciplinary procedure. Action that
may be taken includes: • Verbal warning • Conference with parent •
Detentions • Suspension of riding privileges • Other disciplinary
actions
Each principal is responsible for developing a consistent pattern
of discipline based upon the age of the student and the severity of
the offense. Immediate removal from transportation may be made by
the principal when the student's presence poses a danger to persons
or property or a threat to the safe operation of the school
bus.
b. Minor incident -First offense - School bus driver gives verbal
warning to student and records date and time of incident for future
reference.
-Second offense - Verbal reprimand or written report, depending
upon severity of the incident. -Third and repeated offenses -
School bus driver, depending upon the situation, may complete a
School Bus Incident Report form. The bus driver will forward the
completed form to the Manager for Transportation Services who will
review the form and forward it to the school principal. The
principal will again take appropriate action. The disciplinary
procedures as listed above will be used. For first offenses the
less severe procedures will be followed. If the School Bus Incident
Report is not the first, more severe disciplinary action will be
taken. The principal will contact the school bus driver to obtain
information as necessary.
SCHOOL DAY
The regular school day at Goldwood Primary School is 9:05 AM to
3:20 PM. Children may enter the classrooms at 8:55 AM. Kindergarten
sessions are 9:05-11:50 AM and 12:35-3:20 PM.
SCHOOL PICTURES
Each year, usually in the fall, school pictures are taken. This
includes an individual picture and a class picture. Pictures are
taken of all children so that the school has a picture for safety
measures. Various picture packages for purchase are available.
Information about specific costs of the various packages is
distributed to students approximately one week before the day
pictures are taken. Payment for the selected package is due on or
before the day pictures are taken. Even if no pictures are
purchased, the student's picture is taken for the permanent record
folder. A re-take date is established shortly after the pictures
arrive for those students who were absent or whose pictures were
flawed.
SERVICE LEARNING Service Learning involves students in community
activities that complement their classroom studies. Service
Learning activities (e.g., Jump Rope for Heart, Harvest for Hunger,
Welsh Home visitations, et cetera) show students that what is
learned in school can be applied to the real world. Service
Learning activities help students to become interested in their
communities and show them how they can affect the quality of life
in them.
Goldwood Parent/Student Handbook Page 23
SPECIAL SUBJECTS Art: Instruction in art education is provided for
students in grades K-2. Kindergarten students receive forty minutes
of art a week in the art room. First and second grade students
receive sixty minutes of art instruction in the art room each week.
Library: Instruction in library skills is provided. Kindergarten
students receive one thirty-minute period per week of combined
library skill and book exchange. First and second grade students
receive forty minutes of library/computer skills instruction per
week. In addition, each class has thirty minutes of time scheduled
with the library for book exchange each week. Music: Instruction in
music is provided for Kindergarten through second grade.
Kindergartners receive thirty minutes per week, while first graders
receive two periods of thirty-five minutes and second graders
receive two periods of thirty minutes each of musical instruction
in the designated music room. This music instruction includes
singing and playing some basic instruments. Fitness Education:
Instruction in physical education is provided for all classes in
grades K-2. Kindergarten classes receive thirty minutes of fitness
education each week in the gym; first graders receive 60 minutes
and second graders receive seventy minutes of fitness education
instruction in the gym each week. Each child works actively
exercising, playing games, learning good sportsmanship, and working
together on a team. A "Physical Best" program is utilized.
"Physical Best" is a comprehensive physical fitness education and
assessment program designed to motivate all children to participate
in physical activity. It aims to develop their personal best.
"Physical Best" can help us change the way our students think about
their own physical fitness. "Physical Best" is educational,
motivational, individualized, health related and based on health
fitness standards. This program allows students to compete against
themselves not with each other. It also promotes fitness activities
in leisure time. We want your child to be his or her best --
healthy, fit, and well educated in all areas. Using this program
will help your child to become his or her "physical best".
STANDARDIZED TESTS
Each year, a standardized achievement test is given in grade two.
The testing occurs in the spring.
STUDENT PARTICIPATION IN EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES Students
participating in the educational program may be subject to various
physically demanding activities. These activities include, but are
not limited to playground play, field trips, athletic contests and
practices, and all other curricular and student activity events. If
the parent or legal guardian has knowledge of his/her child's
mental limitations of same, or has other personal concerns, the
parent shall inform the student's teacher, instructor, advisor,
coach, or appropriate administrator prior to participation in the
activity. While it is impossible to foresee all possible dangers,
some of the specific hazards or injuries which may occur are:
slipping or falling, bumps, bruises, cuts, infections, insect
bites, poisoning, sprains, fractures or other injuries. The
designate supervisor of the activity will take reasonable
precautions to minimize exposure to known risks; however, the
participant's parent or guardian should understand the nature of
the sport or activity and that not all of the stresses and hazards
connected with the activity can be foreseen.
TELEPHONE
School phones are for official use and not generally available for
student use. The school will call for a forgotten lunch or other
critical item. Calls to arrange "play time" after school are not
permitted. Remembering assignments, instruments, books, and
permission forms are part of developing responsibility. Students
generally are not permitted to use the telephone for these
matters.
TRANSPORTATION If your child will be receiving a ride home, please
send a note to your child's teacher detailing who will be picking
and meeting the child at his/her classroom. The safety of all our
students is our main concern. Please cooperate with us by not
calling Goldwood Primary School or sending in notes to alter bus
stops. The Transportation Department’s phone number is
356-6042.
Goldwood Parent/Student Handbook Page 24
VISITATION OF CLASSES AND CONFERENCES WITH TEACHERS DURING SCHOOL
HOURS
Parents are always welcome in the Rocky River Schools. Parents must
schedule appointments directly with a teacher. Parents should not
walk into a classroom while the teacher is teaching and expect to
confer with that teacher. Visitors must report to the office to
sign in.
VOLUNTEERS Volunteers are always needed and welcome at Goldwood
Primary School. A volunteer sheet is available at the beginning of
each school year. Individual arrangements may be made with
teachers, library, office, Bear's Den, and during special events.
We like to recognize our generous volunteers while visiting our
school. Please be sure to sign in at the office and receive your
identification badge.
WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL
Parents are asked to contact the office when a student is going to
withdraw from school. It is helpful to know several days in advance
of the student's last day. A consent form for release of records
should be signed by the parent/guardian. School records are then
mailed or faxed to the requesting school. In some cases, records
may be hand-carried, but these are "unofficial". The official
school records are mailed or faxed. There is no cost for this
service. Before records are transferred, textbooks and library
books must be returned to the school and school fees and fines
paid.
WHAT PARENTS CAN DO TO HELP THEIR CHILD WITH SCHOOL
Before School 1. Give your child many experiences and talk about
them together. 2. Provide for the physical needs of your growing
child; nutritious diet, adequate rest, large muscle activity,
and
physical examinations of general health, vision and hearing. 3.
Provide time for your child to be with other children both younger
and older. 4. Give your child exact names for things in the home
such as tools used in the kitchen, the colors of clothes,
foods
and toys. 5. Help your child sort and classify things. Name all the
fruits you eat or all the vegetables in the refrigerator. Sort
the
clothes for the laundry into whites, colored, dark, or cotton,
knit, permanent press. 6. Develop responsibility by having your
child help with tasks at home. 7. Make scrapbooks of a few pages of
oilcloth or other cloth. Paste one item or picture to a page. Label
it. 8. Take your child to the public library. Read to your child
and let your child read to you by telling his/her own story
about the pictures. 9. Speak slowly and clearly to your child and
build your child's self-confidence by encouragement not criticism.
10. Limit your child's television viewing time. During Elementary
School 1. Set aside time for homework and provide a quiet,
comfortable place. 2. Limit your child's television viewing time to
one hour or less per day. Instead, encourage reading or other
activities. 3. Visit the library regularly with your child even if
there is a library in the school. 4. Continue reading to your child
even when your child can read. This lets them know that you value
reading as a
worthwhile leisure time activity. 5. Provide your child with
his/her own books and magazines. 6. Provide for your child's
physical needs especially good nutrition and adequate rest and
exercise. 7. Accept your child as he/she is and encourage him/her
to improve within his/her ability. 8. See that your child attends
school regularly and keep in close contact with the school. 9. Help
your child learn habits of sharing, cooperation, and completing a
task. -International Reading Association
Goldwood Parent/Student Handbook Page 25
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY POLICY
It is the policy of the Rocky River Board of Education that there
shall not be any discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color,
religion, age, handicap or national origin in educational programs
and activities or employment. The Board has approved an
administrative directive, 16-081976, grievance procedures for
alleged violations of equal employment opportunities and/or equal
educational opportunities, outlining a detailed grievance procedure
which can be followed when a parent, student, citizen, employee, or
other person feels that discrimination has taken place. The
administrative directive is available for review at the educational
services center, the Rocky River Public Library, and in each school
library. Equal opportunity officers: • Implementation - Assistant
Superintendent • Compliance - Director of Administrative Services
Either officer may be contacted by writing them at the Educational
Services Center, 21600 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River, Ohio, or by
calling 356-6000. In accordance with the Immigration Reform and
Control Act of 1986, all employees must show proof that they are
either citizens of the United States or aliens lawfully authorized
to work in the United States.
Goldwood Parent/Student Handbook Page 26
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Goldwood Primary School Office of the Principal Referral Form
Dear Parent(s), All of us at Goldwood School are working to help
your child learn the behavioral and academic skills needed for
success in life. We believe in using a pro-active approach, as
outlined in the “Progressive Discipline Plan.” Despite our efforts
to help your child make good choices,
__________________________________________ was (student) sent to
the office on ______________________________________ by
________________________________________ for (date) (staff member)
We discussed the problem, and Please review this with your child at
home and return the signed form to me. We hope to continue to work
with you to help your child learn from this experience. Thank you
for your support. Sincerely, Jennifer Norman Principal Parent
Signature Date White – Principal file Pink – Staff member Blue –
Guidance Yellow – Parent Gold - Original
Goldwood Parent/Student Handbook Page 29
Goldwood Parent/Student Handbook Page 30
Dear Families, We are continuing to do everything we can to ensure
the safety of all of our students at Goldwood. In discussions,
staff members have indicated concern about the numbers of students
running in the halls. Therefore, we have developed a “Speeding
Ticket” program. We will remind the children daily about the
importance of walking. If, after several warnings, students
continue to run, we will issue this “Speeding Ticket.” Please
reinforce the importance of walking, sign below, and return this
form to school the next day. Thank you for working with us to help
our children. Ms. Jennifer Norman Principal
Speeding Ticket issued to
Goldwood Parent/Student Handbook Page 31
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Rocky River City School District Bylaws & Policies
5610.04 - BUS CONDUCT
While the law requires the school District to furnish
transportation, it does not relieve parents of students from the
responsibility of supervision until such time as the child boards
the bus in the morning and after the child leaves the bus at the
end of the school day.
Once a child boards the bus -- and only at that time -- does s/he
become the responsibility of the school District. Such
responsibility will end when the child is delivered to the regular
bus stop at the close of the school day.
In view of the fact that a bus is an extension of the classroom,
the Board will require children to conduct themselves in the bus in
a manner consistent with established standards for classroom
behavior.
Children who become a serious disciplinary problem on the school
bus may have their riding privileges suspended. In such cases, the
parents of the children involved become responsible for seeing that
their children get to and from school safely.
R.C. 3319.41, 3327.01, 3327.014 A.C. 3301-83-08
Adopted: 11/15/01
2464 - GIFTED EDUCATION AND IDENTIFICATION
The Board of Education shall ensure that procedures are established
to identify all gifted students. The District follows the
identification eligibility criteria as specified in Section 3324.03
of the Ohio Revised Code and the Operating Standards for
Identifying and Serving Gifted Students as specified in the
District Plan.
"Gifted" students perform or show potential for performing at
remarkably high levels of accomplishment when compared to others of
their age, experience, or environment. Annually, children who are
gifted are identified by professionally qualified persons using a
variety of assessment procedures. The Board encourages efforts to
provide services for the children who are gifted as an integral
part of the total kindergarten through grade 12 program.
The Superintendent shall identify children in grades kindergarten
through twelve, who may be gifted in one or more of the following
areas:
A. Superior Cognitive Ability B. Specific Academic Ability in one
or more of the following content areas: 1. Mathematics 2. Science
3. Reading, writing, or a combination of these skills 4. Social
studies C. Creative Thinking Ability
Goldwood Parent/Student Handbook Page 33
D. Visual or Performing Arts Ability such as drawing, painting,
sculpting, music, dance, drama. Only those instruments approved by
the Ohio Department of Education shall be used for screening,
assessment, and identification of children who are gifted as
provided in the Chart of Approved Assessment Instruments for Gifted
Screening and Identification. The District shall select instruments
from the approved list that will allow for appropriate screening
and identification of minority and disadvantaged students, students
with disabilities, and students for whom English is a second
language.
Scores on Ohio Department of Education approved assessment
instruments provided by other school districts and trained
personnel outside the School District shall be accepted.
The Board of Education shall adopt and the Superintendent shall
submit to the Ohio Department of Education a plan for the
screening, assessment, and identification of children who are
gifted. Any revisions to the District plan will be submitted to the
Ohio Department of Education for approval. The identification plan
shall include the following:
A. the criteria and methods used to screen and select children for
further assessment who perform or show potential for performing at
remarkably high levels of accomplishment in one of the gifted
areas
B. the sources of assessment data used to select children for
further testing and an explanation to parents of the multiple
assessment instruments required to identify children who are
gifted
C. an explanation for parents of the methods used to ensure equal
access to screening and further assessment
by all District children, culturally and linguistically diverse
children, children from low socio-economic background, children
with disabilities, and children for whom English is a second
language
D. the process of notifying parents regarding all policies and
procedures concerning the screening, assessment, and identification
of children who are gifted
E. provision of an opportunity for parents to appeal any decision
about the results of any screening procedure for
assessment, the scheduling of children for assessment, or the
placement of a student in any program or for receipt of
services
F. procedures for the assessment of children who transfer into the
District G. at least two (2) opportunities a year for assessment in
the case of children requesting assessment or
recommended for assessment by teachers, parents, or other
children
The District’s plan may provide for contracting with any qualified
public or private service provider for screening or assessment
services under the plan.
The Superintendent shall:
A. ensure equal opportunity for all children identified as gifted
to receive any or all services offered by the District; B.
implement a procedure for withdrawal of children from District
services and for reassessment of children; C. implement a procedure
for resolving disputes with regard to identification and placement
decisions; D. inform parents of the contents of this policy as
required by R.C. 3324.06; E. submit, as required, an annual report
to the Ohio Department of Education.
Placement procedures for District services shall be in conformance
with the District's written criteria for determining eligibility
for placement in those services.
A. Written criteria for determining eligibility for placement in a
gifted service shall be provided to any parent, District educator,
or the Ohio Department of Education upon request.
B. Written criteria provided by the District shall include an
explanation of the methods used to ensure equal access to each
gifted service for all eligible District students, including
minority or disadvantaged students,
Goldwood Parent/Student Handbook Page 34
students with disabilities, and students for whom English is a
second language.
C. Services which students receive shall be consistent with their
area(s) of identification and shall be differentiated to meet their
needs.
D. Subjective criteria such as teacher recommendations shall not be
used to exclude a student from service in the superior cognitive
and specific academic areas who would otherwise be eligible.
E. All District students who meet the written criteria for a gifted
service shall be provided an equal opportunity to receive that
service.
The Superintendent shall implement all policies and procedures in
accordance with laws, rules and regulations, and follow the
Operating Standards for Identifying and Serving Gifted
Students.
The Superintendent shall develop a plan for the service of gifted
students enrolled in the District identified under this policy.
Services specified in the plan may include such options as the
following:
A. a differentiated curriculum B. differentiated instruction C.
cluster groupings D. mentorships/internships E. whole grade
acceleration (see Policy 5410) F. subject acceleration (see Policy
5410) G. early entrance (see Policy 5112) H. early high school
graduation (see Policy 5464) I. dual enrollment options including,
but not limited to, the postsecondary enrollment option program J.
advanced placement K. honors classes L. magnet schools M.
self-contained classrooms N. resource rooms O. independent
study/educational options P. advanced online courses and programs
Q. internships R. other options identified in the rules of the Ohio
Department of Education.
A Written Education Plan (WEP) will guide the gifted services based
on the student's area(s) of identification and individual needs.
The Written Education Plan shall:
A. provide a description of the services to be provided; B. specify
staff members responsible for providing that specific services are
delivered; C. implement a procedure for resolving disputes with
regard to identification and placement decisions; D. specify
policies regarding the waiver of assignments and the scheduling of
tests missed while participating in
any gifted services provided outside the general classroom if
different from the District policy detailed below;
Goldwood Parent/Student Handbook Page 35
E. specify a date by which the WEP will be reviewed for possible
revision.
Students participating in gifted services provided outside the
general education classroom will generally be exempted from routine
class work (worksheets, homework, etc.) assigned during absences
from the regular classroom due to participation in the gifted
services. Students are to turn in work due the day of absence and
make arrangements to make up missed tests. Special class work
(projects, book reports, etc.) assigned during the student's
absence are to be completed. Exceptions to this policy will be
detailed in the student's Written Education Plan.
The District shall report to parents and the Ohio Department of
Education that a student is receiving gifted education services
only if the services are provided in conformance with the Operating
Standards for Identifying and Serving Gifted Students.
R.C. 3301.07(K), 3324.01 - 3324.07, 3315.09, 3317.024(O) A.C.
3301-51-15
Adopted 9/20/01 Revised 2/19/09
7540.03 - STUDENT NETWORK AND INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE AND
SAFETY
Advances in telecommunications and other related technologies have
fundamentally altered the ways in which information is accessed,
communicated, and transferred in society. Such changes are driving
the need for educators to adapt their means and methods of
instruction, and the way they approach student learning, to harness
and utilize the vast, diverse, and unique resources available on
the Internet. The Board of Education is pleased to provide Internet
services to its students. The District’s Internet system has a
limited educational purpose. The District’s Internet system has not
been established as a public access service or a public forum. The
Board has the right to place restrictions on its use to assure that
use of the District’s Internet system is in accord with its limited
educational purpose. Student use of the District’s computers,
network and Internet services ("Network") will be governed by this
policy and the related administrative guidelines, and the Student
Code of Conduct. The due process rights of all users will be
respected in the event there is a suspicion of inappropriate use of
the Network. Users have no right or expectation to privacy when
using the Network (including, but not limited to, privacy in the
content of their personal files, e-mails, and records of their
online activity while on the Network).
The Board encourages students to utilize the Internet in order to
promote educational excellence in our schools by providing them
with the opportunity to develop the resource sharing, innovation,
and communication skills and tools that are essential to both life
and work. The instructional use of the Internet will be guided by
the Board's policy on instructional materials.
The Internet is a global information and communication network that
provides an incredible opportunity to bring previously unimaginable
education and information resources to our students. The Internet
connects computers and users in the District with computers and
users worldwide. Through the Internet, students and staff can
access up-to-date, highly relevant information that will enhance
their learning and the education process. Further, the Internet
provides students and staff with the opportunity to communicate
with other people from throughout the world. Access to such an
incredible quantity of information and resources brings with it,
however, certain unique challenges and responsibilities.
First, and foremost, the Board may not be able to technologically
limit access through the Board's Internet connection, to only those
services and resources that have been authorized for the purpose of
instruction, study and research related to the curriculum. Unlike
in the past when educators and community members had the
opportunity to review and screen materials to assess their
appropriateness for supporting and enriching the curriculum
according to adopted guidelines and reasonable selection criteria
(taking into account the varied instructional needs, learning
styles, abilities, and developmental levels of the students who
would be exposed to them), access to the Internet, because it
serves as a gateway to any publicly available file server in the
world, will open classrooms and students to electronic information
resources that have not been screened by educators for use by
students of various ages.
Pursuant to Federal law, the Board has implemented technology
protection measures, which protect against (e.g. filter or block)
access to visual displays/depictions/materials that are obscene,
constitute child pornography, and/or are harmful to
Goldwood Parent/Student Handbook Page 36
minors, as defined by the Children’s Internet Protection Act. At
the discretion of the Board or the Superintendent, the technology
protection measures may be configured to protect against access to
other material considered inappropriate for students to access. The
Board also utilizes software and/or hardware to monitor online
activity of students to restrict access to child pornography and
other material that is obscene, objectionable, inappropriate and/or
harmful to minors. The technology protection measures may not be
disabled at any time that students may be using the Network, if
such disabling will cease to protect against access to materials
that are prohibited under the Children’s Internet Protection Act.
Any student who attempts to disable the technology protection
measures will be subject to discipline.
The Superintendent or Coordinator of Technology may temporarily or
permanently unblock access to sites containing appropriate
material, if access to such sites has been inappropriately blocked
by the technology protection measures. The determination of whether
material is appropriate or inappropriate shall be based on the
content of the material and the intended use of the material, not
on the protective actions of the technology protection
measures.
Parents are advised that a determined user may be able to gain
access to services and/or resources on the Internet that the Board
has not authorized for educational purposes. In fact, it is
impossible to guarantee students will not gain access through the
Internet to information and communications that they and/or their
parents may find inappropriate, offensive, objectionable or
controversial. Parents assume risks by consenting to allow their
child to participate in the use of the Internet. Parents of minors
are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their
children should follow when using the Internet. The Board supports
and respects each family's right to decide whether to apply for
independent student access to the Internet.
The Superintendent shall prepare guidelines that address students'
safety and security while using e-mail, chat rooms, instant
messaging and other forms of direct electronic communications, and
prohibit disclosure of personal identification information of
minors and unauthorized access (e.g., "hacking") and other unlawful
activities by minors online.
Building principals are responsible for providing training so that
Internet users under their supervision are knowledgeable about this
policy and its accompanying guidelines. The Board expects that
staff members will provide guidance and instruction to students in
the appropriate use of the Internet. Such training shall include,
but not be limited to, education concerning appropriate online
behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social
networking websites and in chat rooms and cyber bullying awareness
and response. All Internet users (and their parents if they are
minors) are required to sign a written agreement to abide by the
terms and conditions of this policy and its accompanying
guidelines.
Students are responsible for appropriate behavior on the Board's
computers/network and the Internet just as they are in classrooms,
school hallways, and other school premises and school sponsored
events. Communications on the Internet are often public in nature.
General school rules for behavior and communication apply. The
Board does not sanction any use of the Internet that is not
authorized by or conducted strictly in compliance with this policy
and its accompanying guidelines. Users who disregard this policy
and its accompanying guidelines may have their use privileges
suspended or revoked, and disciplinary action taken against them.
Users granted access to the Internet through the Board's computers
assume personal responsibility and liability, both civil and
criminal, for uses of the Internet not authorized by this Board
policy and its accompanying guidelines.
The Board designates the Superintendent and Coordinator of
Technology as the administrators responsible for initiating,
implementing, and enforcing this policy and its accompanying
guidelines as they apply to students’ use of the Network.
P.L. 106-554, Children's Internet Protection Act of 2000 47 U.S.C.
254(h), (1), Communications Act of 1934, as amended (2003) 20
U.S.C. 6801 et seq., Part F, Elementary and Secondary Education Act
of 1965, as amended (2003) 18 U.S.C. 1460 18 U.S.C. 2246 18 U.S.C.
2256 20 U.S.C. 6777, 9134 (2003)
Adopted 1/14/10
Goldwood Parent/Student Handbook Page 37
5600 - STUDENT CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE
The Board of Education believes that appropriate student behavior
is necessary and must be maintained if all students are to obtain a
quality education. The Board has "zero tolerance" of violent,
disruptive behavior or a violation of school rules by its
students.
The Board delegates to school staff the authority to enforce
District policies, rules and regulations governing student conduct.
Students have a responsibility to know and follow the rules and
regulations of the school. A student's failure to comply with these
expectations may result in discipline.
Discipline will be administered in a reasonable manner, will be
based upon respect and consideration of the rights of others and
will be in compliance with Ohio Law and the policies of the Board.
Consideration will be given to appropriate notification and
involvement of parents.
Rules, regulations and possible disciplinary actions for students
of each school will be established by the principal of the school
and included in the Student/Parent Handbook for the school. The
disciplinary actions will also be progressive in nature dependent
upon the severity and/or frequency of the inappropriate actions
taken.
A student will not be removed from an academic class or academic
activity while it is in session except when necessary. Likewise, a
student will not be removed from school during the school day
except when necessary.
Not allowing a student to participate in a future academic class or
academic activity will not be used as a punishment or consequence
except under unique circumstances. The principal will be involved
when such action is taken.
The principal has the responsibility and authority to establish and
implement additional rules and disciplinary actions as may be
necessary for the orderly operation of the school. Such rules and
actions must be appropriately communicated to students, parents and
staff.
Staff and parents should be involved by the principal in reviewing
the rules and regulations for student conduct and student
discipline to be included in the Student/Parent Handbook for the
School.
If a student is identified through the school district as being
disabled, the student's disability and any applicable law, rules
and regulations will be considered in taking disciplinary action.
The principal/designee may consult with the Director of Learning
Resource Services to ensure compliance with state/federal
regulations for students with disabilities.
There will be equivalent practices concerning student conduct and
student discipline for students participating in student activities
including athletics. However, those rules and regulations will be
included in the Student Activity Handbook and/or rules for each
activity or athletic team.
The Board believes it is necessary for staff, parents and students
to work together to promote the best educational interests of the
students of the District.
The Board adopts and incorporates herein by reference
Administrative Guideline 5600A as its Code of Conduct Policy. The
Board additionally adopts and incorporates herein by reference the
policies and procedures for disciplinary action embodied in
policies 5610, 5610A, 5610.01, Administrative Guidelines 5610 and
5610A.
The rules and standards set forth, apply to conduct on school
premises, or on school buses or any other school vehicle, or
involving school property, or at any school-sponsored event or
function. The rules and standards also apply to any misconduct,
regardless of where it occurs that is directed at a district
employee or official or the property of such employee or
official.
R.C. 3313.20, 3313.66,