MSD of Lawrence Township

Indianapolis, Indiana

2016-2017

Lawrence Education and Community Center (Administrative Offices) 317-423-8200

MSDLT Transportation Main Number 317-423-8400

Early Learning Center & Elementary

Handbook 1

Elementary/ELC Handbook School Year 2016-17

Thank you for taking time to read this updated handbook. This new handbook

is for your information and reference. It contains important content that

will be helpful to you throughout the school year. ALL Elementary Schools

and Early Learning Centers share the same basic handbook. Schools and ELCs

may provide additional information and procedures that apply to specific

locations.

New with this guide are updated safety procedures. The principal of every

school and early learning center is charged with the responsibility of

monitoring who is in the building and the purpose of their visit. Therefore;

the guidelines for visits and volunteer work have been tightened to allow

optimal security and confidentiality to all students. It is our hope that you

support us in our efforts to be MORE cautious when it comes to student safety

and that you not be offended when we ask for information.

It is our intention that our schools are safe places to learn and grow. Student

safety and success guide all of our decisions. Thank you for your contribution

to our progress in being the best place for your child to go to school.

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Student and Family / Guardian Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights To receive a free high-quality public education To be safe at school To be treated fairly, courteously, and respectfully To bring complaints or concerns to the school principal or staff for resolution To tell his/her side of the story before receiving a consequence To be told the reason(s) for any disciplinary action verbally and in writing To be given information about appealing disciplinary actions To express opinions, support causes, assemble to discuss issues, and engage in

peaceful and responsible demonstrations

Student Responsibilities

To attend school daily, prepare for class, and complete assignments to the best of his/her ability

To know and obey school rules and instructions given by the school principal, teachers, and other staff

To tell school staff about any dangerous behavior or bullying that occurs at school, on the way to and from school, at school functions or in the school community

To bring to school only those materials that are allowed To treat everyone in the school community with respect To respect school property, community property, and the property of others

Family / Guardian Rights

To be actively involved in their child’s education To be treated fairly and respectfully by the school principal, teachers and other staff To access information about the Board’s policies and school procedures To be notified in a timely manner if their child is disciplined for inappropriate or

disruptive behavior and informed of the consequences assigned To appeal disciplinary actions taken

To receive information about their child’s academic and behavioral progress

Family / Guardian Responsibilities

To read and become familiar with the school procedures To make sure their child attends school regularly, on time, and to notify the school

early in the day if their child is going to be absent To give the school accurate and current contact information To tell school officials about any concerns or complaints respectfully and in a timely

manner To work with the school principal, teachers, and other staff to address any academic

or behavioral concerns regarding their child To talk with their child about the behavior expected in school

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To support their child’s learning and school activities at home To be respectful and courteous to staff, other parents, guardians, and students To respect other students’ privacy rights

Arrival / Dismissal Times and Procedures

Arrival Times

7:35 Students who ride the bus or are dropped off by car are able to enter the building*

*Students are only permitted in the building before this time if they are enrolled in the Before Care Program.

8:00 All students should be in their classrooms by 8:00*

*Students who are not in their classroom by 8:00 will be marked tardy.

Dismissal Time

2:35 Students are dismissed from their classrooms to go to their bus, the car pick up area, or the After Care Program. Each school uses dismissal procedures in their building that support student safety.

Procedures

Each elementary school has special instructions for the dropping off and picking up of students by car. Please refer to your child’s school’s pages at the back of this handbook for details.

Students will walk to classroom on their own. Family members / guardians are asked to not escort their students to the classrooms.

All students will be given bus rules and procedures on the first day of school. Parents should review this information with their child(ren). Students who do not follow the bus rules and procedures may be denied bus privileges.

If a student is going to be picked up earlier than the scheduled dismissal time, the adult must enter the building, provide a photo ID, and sign the student out for the day. The student will be dismissed from the classroom once the adult has arrived in the office.

Students whose transportation will change at the end of the day (a typical bus rider will be picked up) from what is the normal student routine must have a written note notifying the school of this change. Emergency changes to transportation that are called into the office will only be accepted until 1:30 p.m. of that day.

Students are not allowed to ride a different bus than the one they are assigned.

Attendance Information

Good attendance supports high achievement in students. Students are expected to be at school and in their classroom each day by 8:00 ready

to begin the school day.

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Students who are not in their classrooms by 8:00 will be marked tardy. Families will be contacted if arriving late to school is a repeated issue for a student.

Students who are vomiting, have a fever, or other type of illness should stay home from school (MSDLT follows the Indiana State Board of Health guidelines). A parent / guardian must call the school to notify them of the student’s absence. If a call is not received by 8:15, a staff member will contact the family at home or work for clarification. This is a safety measure to ensure that the school and family are aware of a student not being at school.

If a student becomes ill while at school, the nurse will contact you or someone on the student’s emergency card. An ill student should be picked up from school as soon as possible.

Students who miss more than 10% of the school days for any reason will be contacted by the school. A family / school conference will be held to establish an attendance plan for the student.

Families may request a student’s work when they call in to notify of an absence. Students will have the same number of days of absence to complete the work.

Before and After Care

Childcare is available from 6:30 – 7:35 a.m. each day before school. Childcare is also available to students after the school day from 2:35 – 6:00 p.m. There is a fee for this program. Families must enroll students in the program in order to participate. If school is closed due to bad weather then the Before and After Care Program is also

closed. For more information about this program and costs, please call the Before and

After office at 964-4197.

Cafeteria Procedures

Breakfast and Lunch are served daily; however, breakfast is not served on 2 hour delay days.

Breakfast begins at 7:35. Students who do not ride the bus must be in the cafeteria by 7:45 to receive breakfast.

Visitors are welcome to join their student at lunch time.

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o A visitor must make a reservation with the school’s front office by 9 a.m. in order to eat lunch with a student.

o Visitors will eat with only their student at a designated table in the cafeteria. o Visitors can not just “drop in” for lunch; a reservation is required. o Visitors must follow the school’s procedures for showing identification when

entering the building. o Visitors must exit the building after lunch; students must return to class with

their teacher. o Visitors should silence their cell phones during lunch. Due to privacy and

safety rules, no pictures can be taken by visitors while in the cafeteria. o Principals or their designees have the right to stop any disruptions caused by

visitors during the lunch time. Students may bring their lunch from home (no soft drinks, please) or get a school

lunch.

Communication Procedures

Family / Guardian – Teacher Communication can occur in a variety of ways. o Teachers will give out their contact information to families. Please note that

teachers will not be able to answer the phone during the instructional day. Please use the voice mail system to leave a message.

o The school staff and teachers require families provide updated contact information at the beginning of the school year. Families are expected to contact the school when there are any changes to these numbers. A school MUST have this information in case of an emergency.

o Written communication is another way that parents /guardians and teachers can share information.

o Parents / Guardians who wish to speak with a teacher in person should schedule a meeting time. Teachers cannot speak with parents while they are supervising students or have other school duties.

Family / Guardian – School Communication o Parent / Guardian may call the main office at the school to share information

such as: Change in student’s transportation (Call by 1:00 p.m.) Update contact information Ask basic school questions

o The school will use the contact numbers on file to contact a parent /guardian for

school business or for notification of a sick child. o The school and/or school system may send out automated messages periodically

to notify families of important events or school business.

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Dress Code

Students’ dress and appearance are the responsibility of the family. It is the school’s goal to ensure that the learning environment is not impacted by a student’s clothing or appearance. Inappropriate attire will determined by the principal.

o Shorts, dresses, and skirts should follow the finger-tip rule. Theses clothing items should be longer than the student’s finger tips when his/her arms are by the side.

o Midriff or spaghetti strap shirts should not be worn o Pants should fit around the waist and not bag excessively – no sagging / no

visible underwear o No shoes with wheels o Sleeveless athletic jerseys must be worn over a t-shirt o No clothing is allowed which promotes drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or that is

obscene in language and/or graphics o Hats, caps, and head coverings are permitted, but they must be worn outside

the building except on “special clothing days” Students will go outside for recess year round (except when the weather prevents

this). Please be sure your child is dressed for outside play/

Electronic Devices, Toys, Games, and Non-Academic Items

Cell phones must be turned off during the school day. Students must follow any additional school and classroom rules for phones.

For safety reasons, families must help students understand why phones should not be shared with classmates.

Schools are not responsible for lost or stolen items, including phones.

Electronic devices that students cannot have at school include laser pointers, CD players, and handheld electronic games. If a student brings this type of device to school, it will be kept by the administration and returned to an adult.

Toys, games, trading cards, make-up, and other non-academic items should be left at home unless teacher permission has been given to bring an item to school.

Students who bring items such as these without permission will have the items taken away. Items will only be returned to an adult.

No trading or selling of any items can occur while at school or on school property.

Fire, Tornado, Earthquake and Emergency Lockdowns

Drills are held regularly during the school year as required by MSDLT policy and Indiana State Law.

Students will receive instructions about each classroom and school’s specific procedures for each of the types of drills.

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Homework

Homework is assigned by teachers to be meaningful and connected to the student’s daily learning.

It is highly recommended that all students read each night. Teachers will provide specific homework procedures for the class. The expectations

will change depending on the grade level of the student.

Internet Policy

The internet provides connections to many educational resources for MSDLT students. This service enhances the educational environment for all students.

Students who purposely access an inappropriate site or use the internet in inappropriate ways will lose their privileges. Parents / Guardians will be notified of any disciplinary action.

Invitations and Birthdays

The schools understand that birthdays are very special days for students and their families. School procedures must be followed, however, to ensure the safety of students and the structure of the learning day.

o No food can be sent in for a student’s birthday (homemade or store bought). There are many students with allergies who cannot be around certain foods.

o No balloons or yard signs are permitted. o Deliveries, such as flowers, will not be sent to a student during the school

day. If a family wishes to celebrate a student’s birthday at school, they are encouraged to

give each student in the class a pencil or other small school item. A student might also wish to donate his/her favorite book to the classroom library.

Birthday invitations should not be delivered to students at school unless every student in the class is invited to the celebration.

Latex Balloons

Latex balloons are not permitted in any school in MSD of Lawrence Township due to student and adults with latex allergies.

Lost and Found

Schools are not responsible for lost or stolen items. All lost and found items will be stored for a period of time in the school. If your child is missing any items, please have him/her check the designated area for

lost and found in the school.

Items not claimed in a pre-defined period of time will be donated to charity. Valuable items such as glasses, keys, money, etc. will be secured in the office and can

be claimed by students and adults with proper identification.

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Labeling your child’s items; bookbags, coats, hats, etc. will improve the likelihood that the items will be returned.

Materials’ Fees and Supplies

Materials’ fees cover a variety of instructional materials for your students; access to online programs, computer software, textbooks, paper, etc.

Textbooks and school library books are issued to students and are the property of the school district.

Families may pay the student’s textbook rental fee in full at the beginning of the school year or complete a book rental contract within the first three weeks of school.

Applications for lunch and textbook assistance are available in the school office.

Books should be sued with care and are expected to be returned to the school in good condition.

Students and their families are financially responsible for books that are lost, stolen, or damaged.

Students will need the school supplies provided on the supply lists that are specific to a grade level. These supply lists are available from your child(ren’s) school.

Report Cards

Report cards are issued four times a year for students in grades 1-6. Report cards are sent home with the students. Families should review the report card with their student, then sign the envelope

and return it to school. The final report card is issued on the last day of school. Families may also access information about their student’s grades through their

Skyward on-line account. Access codes to view student information must be requested by the family. Access codes can be requested by going to www.ltschools.org and going to the “Parent” tab.

School Board Policies

All of the Current MSD of Lawrence Township School Board Policies can be found at www.ltschools.org under the “Board” tab.

All school procedures are in line with the MSDLT Board Policies and the Indiana Code.

Student and Staff Safety

School safety is the number one priority in each school’s establishment of procedures.

The MSDLT continuously meets with leading national and state school safety experts.

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Schools will adjust current procedures if information from the experts gives evidence to new information.

All classroom doors will remain locked during the school day. The doors may remain open, but if they are closed they must be locked to the outside.

All outside doors remain locked. Visitors must enter through the main doors and be buzzed into the office area.

Students who are dropped off in the morning must progress to their classroom alone. Adults dropping of the child cannot walk the student to the classroom.

Student Behaviors

The school will follow all discipline policies established by the MSDLT School Board and implement associated procedures.

Families and visitors must follow all district policies and school procedures for the discipline of students on school grounds (even with their own child).

Families and visitors who observe student misbehavior while on school grounds must notify a school employee. Families and visitors are not permitted to intervene or discipline students while on school grounds.

The principal has the final discretion in all decisions regarding student behaviors and school safety.

Providing a safe learning environment for students requires schools to be consistent and diligent in their application of rules and procedures.

Student Health Procedures

Teachers will send students who are ill to the school nurse. The clinic will follow guidelines concerning communicable diseases by the Indiana State Department of Health or accepted guidelines by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The school nurse will contact the parent / guardian if a student needs to go home due to illness.

If the nurse is unable to contact the parent / guardian, the other emergency contacts that were provided by the family will be contacted.

Ill students must be picked up by a trusted adult in a timely fashion to ensure the wellbeing of all students at the school.

If a student is going to be absent from school due to illness, please contact the school’s main office by 8 a.m.

Parent / Guardian must send notify the teacher in writing, via email, or voice mail if a student should stay inside from recess. This can occur for one day. A doctor’s note will be required for a student to remain inside during recess more than one day.

A Medication Permission Form must be completed for each medication to be given to a child in the clinic. Students in ELC to 8th Grade are NOT allowed to transport medication. Please bring the completed form and medication to the school clinic. The forms are available from the school or at www.ltschools.org/content/health- forms.

Only adults can bring medication to school for a student or take it home.

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Indiana State Law requires that your child have an immunization record on file in the office. Please remember that you must keep your child’s immunization up to date. Parents / guardians who choose not to have their children vaccinated for personal or religious reasons must provide the school with written documentation every year.

For more health related information, go to ltschools.org and click on “Health”.

Study Trips

Study trips support the classroom learning and provide authentic opportunities for students.

Teachers / school staff will send home information about any trip in advance. Permission slips must be signed by a parent / guardian prior to the student going on

the trip. Some study trips require additional chaperones. If chaperones are needed the

teacher will inform families. All volunteer procedures must be followed and met to chaperone on a study trip.

Parents (unless chaperoning), family members (including siblings), and friends are not permitted to go on study trips.

Students are expected to follow all school rules while on a study trip.

Updating Family / Guardian Information

If a family’s phone numbers change, they should notify the school office immediately to ensure that the most accurate information is available in case of emergency.

If a family would like to change any information about the contact people on the student’s emergency card, they should contact the school’s office.

If a family moves during the school year, they must go to the MSDLT Welcome Center at 6501 Sunnyside Road to provide the appropriate documentation needed to change the student’s residence information. The Welcome Center’s phone number is 423-8209.

Specific information about residency documentation can be found at www.ltschools.org under the “Enrollment” tab.

Visitors / Volunteers

All visitors must report to the school office to provide identification, sign in, and receive a visitor’s badge before entering the school.

Visitors should not park in the bus lanes. Visitors are welcome for lunch, but a reservation must be made by 9 a.m. on the

morning of the visit. Although classroom visits are encouraged, mutually agreed upon times must be

coordinated between the teacher and the visitor.

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Visitors should not use the visit as a time to meet or talk with the teacher about a student’s progress. The teacher must keep his/her attention focused on the entire class. Appointments should be scheduled for family / teacher conferences.

Volunteers are welcomed and appreciated. A wide variety of opportunities are available at your child’s school. Please check with your child’s school or teacher to learn more about the volunteering opportunities.

Volunteers are at school to complete a certain task within a predetermined time limit. Volunteers must only participate in what was arranged with the teacher or school.

Volunteers who work with students will be required to complete and have an approved criminal history background check prior to working in the school.

Weather

If school is delayed or closed due to bad weather, notifications will be sent to the local TV and radio stations. Information will also be sent to families via the automated phone message system. The website, www.ltschools.org will also have information.

If schools need to release students early, families will be contacted. Students should know their plans for care if school is released early.

If school is delayed, the start time is that many hours later. So if it is a two hour delay, then school will start at 9:35 instead of 7:35.

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STUDENT DISCIPLINE GUIDE: We believe that the safety of our students and staff is a high priority. Students

are expected to display behaviors that are appropriate and respectful of others. Student behaviors that interfere with

the establishment of an educational climate that is safe, secure, and orderly are violations of the Students’ Code of

Conduct. It is the decision of the principal or the principal’s designee to determine which consequence is most

appropriate for a specific violation. The following guidelines are based on I.C.20-8.1-5 of the State of Indiana and

the Standards of Student Conduct set forth by the School Board of MSD of Lawrence Township and can be found in

the adopted policies.

POSITIVE SCHOOL-WIDE BEHAVIOR

School-Wide Expectations:

The Bobcat 3 B’s Be Respectful

Be Responsible

Be Safe

At Crestview Elementary, we expect conduct that promotes a positive learning environment. Crestview has developed

a School-wide Positive Behavior Support Team that is proactive in creating and maintaining safe and effective

learning environments. Crestview has implemented a system of rewards and consequences that reflect the character

traits of being respectful, responsible and safe. Collaboration between home and school helps ensure a positive

behavior climate in our school. We look forward to including parents and families in our student recognition

opportunities.

Discipline/Behavior Beliefs: All students can learn and demonstrate acceptable behavior.

Appropriate behavior is individualized.

One student’s behavior should not interfere with another student’s learning.

All students will be treated fairly. This does not mean all students receive the same consequences.

Any behavior that threatens the health or safety of others is unacceptable.

Discipline will include teaching and reviewing the school wide expectations.

Helping students learn acceptable behaviors should be a collaborative effort among families,

administrators, educators and community members.

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES for STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: All disciplinary procedures for

students with disabilities will be administered in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.

Academic Non-Participation

DEFINITION: Student’s refusal or failure to participate in instructional activities in school or activities related to school, on study trips and/or completing classroom/homework assignments. The failure to demonstrate an honest effort in one’s academic or instructional school work.

CONSEQUENCES: Parent contact; Loss of school privilege; Detention; In-school alternative program; Grade penalty; Parent shadowing; Suspension (in-school or out-of-school); Expulsion; Retention

Alcohol/Drugs/Tobacco

DEFINITION: Knowingly possessing, using or encouraging the unlawful use of, selling, transmitting, manufacturing, distributing, dispensing, or being under the influence of any narcotic drug, hallucinogenic drug,

amphetamine, barbiturate, marijuana, anabolic steroid, alcoholic beverage, tobacco product, intoxicant of any kind,

any controlled substance as defined under federal or state law, or any substance represented to be any one of the

above. (Use of a drug authorized by a medical prescription from a physician is not a violation)

CONSEQUENCES: Confiscation; Parent contact; Suspension (in-school or out-of-school); Successful completion

of a substance abuse/Drug Deferral Program (DDP); Possible arrest; Expulsion

Truancy/Tardiness

DEFINITION: Excessive absences, tardiness, unexcused absences from school, or being absent from school without parent permission. CONSEQUENCES: Parent contact; Physician’s note; Suspension (in-school or out-of-school); Referral to proper

authorities; Expulsion

Insubordination DEFINITION: Willful failure to comply with directions of teachers, administrators, or other school personnel

CONSEQUENCES: Parent contact; Removal from class; Loss of school privilege; In-school alternative program;

Parent shadowing; Suspension (in-school or out-of-school); Expulsion

Intimidation/Threats

DEFINITION: Threatening or intimidating behavior, verbal or non-verbal, which initiates or advocates activities which threatens the safety and well-being of others

CONSEQUENCES: Parent contact; In-school alternative program; Suspension (in-school or out-of-school); Possible arrest; Expulsion

Misconduct

DEFINITION: Conduct and/or language that is immoral, vulgar, profane, dishonest, libelous, or promotes prejudice.

CONSEQUENCES: Parent contact; In-school alternative program; Parent shadowing; Suspension (in-school or

out-of-school); Expulsion

Persistent Disrespect/Disobedience

DEFINITION: Recurring cases or instances of disrespect, refusal to obey school rules, regulations, and staff.

CONSEQUENCES: Parent contact; In-school alternative program; Detention; Parent shadowing; Suspension (in- school or out-of-school); Possible arrest; Expulsion

Physical Aggression

DEFINITION: Hitting, fighting, or other physical, aggressive behavior. CONSEQUENCES: Parent contact; In-school alternative program; Suspension (in-school or out-of-school);

Restitution, if applicable; Possible arrest; Expulsion

Sexual Harassment

DEFINITION: Harassment is defined as physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct directed at another student or any school employee or volunteer that is intimidating, demeaning, hostile, or offensive with an inappropriate focus on

sex, sexual history, individual gender-based characteristics, or sexual orientation; unwelcome verbal or physical

advances; attempts to subject a person to unwanted sexual attention or to coerce a person into sexual relations; and/or

retaliation for refusal to comply with sexual demands. Sexual harassment includes unwelcome (1) sexual advances,

(2) requests for sexual favors, or (3) other behavior of a sexual nature where: (A) submission to such conduct is

made, either explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of an individual’s employment, academic standing, or

participation in a school-sponsored program or activity; (B) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual

is or may be used as the basis for an academic, employment, or other school-related decision affecting that individual;

or (C) such conduct unreasonably interferes with an individual’s academic and/or work performance, participation

in school-sponsored programs or activities, or it creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or educational

environment provided by the school.

CONSEQUENCES: Parent contact; Loss of school privilege; Detention; In-school alternative program; Suspension

(in-school or out-of-school); Possible arrest; Expulsion

Other Prohibited Harassment

DEFINITION: Harassment is defined as physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct directed at another student or any school employee or volunteer that is intimidating, demeaning, hostile, or offensive on the basis of race or color,

religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, age (when directed at persons who are age 40 or older), or disability

when the conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with the other person’s work or educational performance,

creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or learning environment, or interfering with the other person’s

ability to participate in or benefit from a class or an educational program or activity.

CONSEQUENCES: Parent contact; Loss of school privilege; Detention; In-school alternative program; Suspension

(in-school or out-of-school); Possible arrest; Expulsion

Retaliation DEFINITION: Retaliation is defined as physical, verbal, or nonverbal conduct that is intimidating, demeaning, hostile, or offensive which is directed at a person who has made a complaint of harassment or sexual harassment or

who has participated in any manner in the investigation of a complaint of harassment or sexual harassment because

of that person’s complaint or involvement in the investigation. Retaliation includes any adverse action taken

because a person filed a complaint, testified, or otherwise cooperated in the process. Retaliation also includes any

attempt to intimidate a complainant or witness to prevent them from testifying.

CONSEQUENCES: Parent contact; Loss of school privilege; Detention; In-school alternative program; Suspension

(in-school or out-of-school); Possible arrest; Expulsion

Theft

DEFINITION: Stealing or attempting to steal school or private property. CONSEQUENCES: Parent contact; Loss of school privilege; In-school alternative program; Suspension (in-school

or out-of-school); Possible arrest; Expulsion

Vandalism

DEFINITION: Causing or attempting to cause damage to school or private property. CONSEQUENCES: Parent contact; Suspension (in-school or out-of-school); Restitution; Possible arrest; Expulsion

Weapons

DEFINITION: Knowingly possessing, handling or transmitting any object that can be reasonably considered a weapon (including look-alike toys).

CONSEQUENCES: Parent contact; Suspension (in-school or out-of-school); Possible arrest; Expulsion NOTE: The following violations are automatic out-of-school suspension, possible arrest, and/or expulsion from

school: Possessing a gun on school property and/or at a school event or activity; Selling drugs on school property

and/or at a school event or activity; Hitting, striking, or physically assaulting any staff member.

NO TOLERANCE ON WEAPONS AND THREATS: We take a strong stand and position and will not tolerate

students who bring firearms, knives, or other objects intended to be used as a weapon, drugs and alcohol, physical

battery to students and/or staff (not two students fighting) or verbal threats/intimidation that convey physical harm to

students and/or staff. The above such behaviors can result in suspension and/or expulsion, and possible arrest and

prosecution, depending upon the incident investigation and the circumstances. Even when students threaten to kill

or shoot others, one must consider the age of the student and the context of the threat. We will use common sense

and flexibility as the situation merits it.

FALSE FIRE ALARM: If a student admits to or is caught (including witnesses) pulling a fire alarm, he/she can be

arrested and taken to juvenile. The prosecutor may file criminal charges for false reporting and creating an

endangerment to others.

BEHAVIOR VIDEO TAPING: At various times during the year, a teacher may request to have his/her class

videotaped to assess students’ classroom performance, expand on professional development and collect information

on student behavior. Administrators may also choose to videotape in-school suspension rooms for documentation

purposes. This procedure is presently in place on our school buses, as necessary.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES: Students may bring electronic equipment; such as, Kindle’s, iPads, iPods, cell phones

at their own risk. The items will be collected from the student upon arrival by their classroom teacher, and may be

used by students at the teacher’s discretion. Students may not bring laser pointers, or electronic games that

parents/guardians will be asked to come to school to get them. Misuse of electronic devices will result in

confiscation of devices and administrative action.

BICYCLES or SKATEBOARDS: Riding bicycles or skateboards to school is prohibited.

PARENT COMMUNICATION (Special Section): The MSD of Lawrence Township is committed to working

with parents in a positive and supportive manner. Our district-wide Parent/Family Involvement Policy emphasizes

the importance of shared communication among and between teachers, administrators and parents.

Parents also have the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of their children’s

teachers and of teacher assistants who provide educational services to their children.

SCHOOL BUS INFORMATION BETWEEN HOME AND SCHOOL SAFELY: A COOPERATIVE EFFORT

Director of Transportation Telephone # 423-8400 Bus Driver: The school bus driver shall keep order and maintain discipline among the students while on the bus or along the route, being firm but considerate, impartial and fair. The driver shall use every reasonable care for the safety and well-being of the students.

Student:

OBEY THE DRIVER promptly and be respectful. For your safety, the driver must devote his attention to

driving. You are expected to cooperate fully so that order is maintained on the bus AT ALL TIMES.

WALK SAFELY APPROACHING OR LEAVING BUS STOPS. If there are no sidewalks, walk on the

left facing oncoming traffic. When it is necessary to cross the street at the bus stop, cross only IN FRONT

OF THE BUS when signaled by the driver. The driver must be able to see the student cross in front of the

bus.

DO NOT PLAY IN THE ROADWAY while waiting for the bus.

RESPECT PROPERTY NEAR BUS STOPS. Help protect surrounding property while waiting for the bus.

Damage results in the discontinuance of bus stops.

BE AT THE BUS STOP ON TIME. In consideration of other students, the driver is not expected to wait on you.

NEVER ATTEMPT TO ENTER OR LEAVE THE BUS UNTIL IT HAS COME TO A FULL STOP.

Remain in your seat until the bus has come to a complete stop before exiting. Take extra care during times

of poor visibility or slippery conditions. The entrance door will be opened only by the driver, and only

after he has determined conditions permit safe entrance or exit.

TAKE YOUR TURN. AVOID PUSHING AND SHOVING when entering or leaving the bus. Be seated

PROMPTLY, sit three to a seat, and be careful not to block the aisles. NO ONE IS PERMITTED to save

seats. Remain seated until the bus stops. Students must remain in their seats at all times. No standing or

walking while the bus is in motion.

WINDOWS ARE TO BE OPENED ONLY WITH THE PERMISSION OF THE DRIVER. The thrusting

of arms or hands out of windows is always dangerous and is NEVER ACCEPTABLE.

CLASSROOM CONDUCT IS EXPECTED while on the bus. Loud talking or laughing, unnecessary

disruption or other misconduct which diverts the driver’s attention may result in a serious accident. At his

discretion, the driver may need to require silence at certain times and may assign seats either temporarily or

permanently.

1. FOLLOW THE DRIVER’S INSTRUCTIONS WITHOUT QUESTION.

2. REMAIN SEATED WHILE BUS IS IN MOTION.

3. TREAT OTHERS WITH RESPECT. KEEP HANDS TO YOURSELF.

4. NO LOUD OR PROFANE LANGUAGE.

5. NO FOOD OR DRINK IS TO BE CONSUMED ON THE BUS.

YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN CONDUCT. Be courteous. Use no profane language. Improper

conduct or the failure to identify yourself to the driver when asked may result in the loss of the bus riding privilege.

Bus Emergency Cards (small white card): Students should fill out emergency cards with accurate and complete information. It is important that every student return a completed card to the driver.

Parent: BE SURE YOUR CHILD IS AT THE BUS STOP ON TIME.

PROVIDE NECESSARY PROTECTION for your child while walking to and from the bus stop.

CAUTION YOUR CHILD to take proper safety precautions while waiting at the bus stop. Extra

caution is needed during times of adverse road conditions.

EMPHASIZE PROPER BUS CONDUCT for your child and REVIEW THESE GUIDELINES with your child. Work cooperatively with those responsible for pupil transportation.

UNDERSTAND that students must be taken home to their regular afternoon stop. Exceptions may

be allowed in unusual circumstances (sickness of a parent, etc.) with prior approval of your child’s

principal. (There will be no discharge of students at locations other than regularly designated bus

stops.) Any exceptions to this must be requested in writing and signed by the parent or guardian

THE SCHOOL: The driver has the responsibility to maintain order and discipline on the bus. When a problem

occurs which is beyond his control, the driver will inform the school principal (or designees) of the

circumstances involving violation of conduct and safety rules. When the investigation has determined the factors

involved in the situation, the school principal or her representative will notify the parents either by telep hone or

by letter explaining what occurred and what conduct is expected in the future. A parent conference with school personnel may be requested. If the problem continues, the child may be excluded from riding the bus. Certain acts

of misconduct may result in immediate expulsion from the bus.

“Do Not Lose Your Bus Privilege!” -- Follow these

rules! 1. Observe classroom conduct 2. Be courteous, use no profane language

3. Do not eat or drink on the bus 4. Keep the bus clean.

5. Co-operate with the driver. 6. Do not smoke.

7. Do not damage bus or equipment. 8. Stay in your seat.

9. Keep head, hands and feet inside bus. 10. Do not fight, push or shove.

11. Do not tamper with bus equipment. 12. Do not bring pets on the bus.

13. Do not bring flammable material on the bus. 14. The bus driver is authorized to assign seats.

15. Have a safe trip.