Dear Parents, Guardians and Students,
Welcome to Scotland Elementary School (SES)! We are very pleased that your children will be attending SES this year. We hope you had a relaxing and exciting summer vacation.
This handbook will give you valuable information about our school and advise you of statements and policies required by law and the Scotland Board of Education. Always feel free to call the school directly if you have a concern or a question at
423-0064.
We look forward to working with you and your child (children) this year. Our staff will strive to challenge your child (children) academically, so that they experience success in their learning on a daily basis.
Sincerely,
Paul S. Blackstone
Principal
CREATING A COMMUNITY OF LEARNERS – RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW AND FOREVER.
Preface
This booklet is written for our students and their parents. It contains required and useful information. Because it cannot be as personal a communication as we would like, we address students not directly as “you” but rather as the “students” or “children”. Likewise, the term “the student’s parent” may refer to the parent, legal guardian or other person who has agreed to assume responsibility for the student.
Mission Statement
Scotland Elementary School is committed to excellence, student emotional and physical well being, research-based instructional practices, parental and community involvement and ongoing academic achievement by all students. We are dedicated to providing quality educational programs by promoting active learning, self-confidence, respect, and social and civic responsibility.
“We are creating a community of learners-right here, right now and forever.”
Vision Statement
At Scotland Elementary School we envision a school of excellence where the staff, students, parents and community members:
Each student is encouraged to develop and achieve individual educational goals. SES will provide every student with equal educational opportunities regardless of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, economic status, marital status or disability. No student will be excluded on such basis from participating in or having access to any course offerings, student athletics, counseling services, employment assistance, extracurricular activities or other school resources.
Scotland Elementary School does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability in providing education services. SES has been designated to coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended. SES has been designated to coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements of section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
Scotland Elementary School does not discriminate on the basis or disability by denying access to the benefits of district services, programs or activities. To request information about the applicability of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) interested persons should contact the Superintendent’s Office.
I, Paul Blackstone, attest to the fact that Scotland Elementary School as a Title I school is in compliance with Section 1119-Qualifications for Teachers and Paraprofessionals of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, Public Law 107-110. Parents may request information regarding the professional certification status qualifications of their child’s classroom teacher and paraprofessionals servicing their child. At this time, all teachers and paraprofessionals are highly qualified and meet all requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.
Social, emotional and cognitive growth is promoted through play. Parents are the child’s first and most important teachers, and staff will involve them in all aspects of their child’s education. The focus on the classroom is to facilitate each child’s development in a stimulating, but ordered environment where they make choices and act on them. The preschool/ kindergarten targets both the typical and non-typical learners. This inclusive model provides for the development of friendship and social interaction and an opportunity to understand and accept human differences.
Section 504 of the Handicapped Act
Any student or employee of SES who believes he/she has been discriminated against, denied a benefit or excluded from participation in any SES education program or activity, in violation of this policy, may file a written complaint to the Superintendent of Schools. The coordinator shall cause a review of the written complaint to be conducted and a written response mailed to the complainant within 10 working days after receipt of complaint. If the complainant is not satisfied with the response, an appeal stating the reason for disagreement may be made to the Board of Education. A copy of the written complaint and the coordinator’s response shall be provided to each Board member, indicating with particularity the nature of the disagreement with the response and reasons underlying such disagreement.
The Board of Education shall consider the appeal at its next regularly scheduled Board meeting, following receipt of the response. The Board of Education shall permit the complainant to address the Board in public or closed session, as appropriate and lawful, concerning his/her complaint and shall provide the complainant with its written decision in the matter as expeditiously as possible, but in no case later than thirty days. The complainant may be represented at the hearing. Appeals of the local Board’s decision may be made to the Department of H.E.W. Office of Civil Rights, Region 1, 140 Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110.
Teaching Staff
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Superintendent of Schools |
Dr. Ted Malvey, Interim |
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Special Education Coordinator |
Judy Sommariva |
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Principal |
Paul Blackstone |
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Preschool |
Karen Slyman |
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Kindergarten |
Paula Brisson |
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Grade 1 Grade 2 |
Victoria Jacques Debra Smith |
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Grade 2/3 Grade 2/3 and TAG |
Carolyn Lebeau Elizabeth Crain |
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Grade 3 |
Margaret Bakken |
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Grade 4 |
Sherry Cole |
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Grade 5 |
Margery Jahnke |
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Grade 6 Remedial Support |
April Bergeron Julie Sumner |
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Special Education |
Karen Pacheco |
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Special Education |
Diane Beach |
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Special Education |
Suellen Henry |
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Art |
Judith Newton |
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Physical Education |
Karen Schenck |
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Music |
Roxanne Tiffany |
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Psychologist |
Jennifer Ridolfo |
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Speech & Language |
Linda Stefon |
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Occupational Therapy |
Marie West |
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Physical Therapy |
Lori Fisher |
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Support Staff
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Nurse |
Margaret Shieber |
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District Social Worker |
Kim Low |
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Head Maintenance |
John Ferguson |
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Secretary |
Nancy Rivers |
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Secretary |
Deborah Wright |
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Preschool Aide |
Michelle Gibson |
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Kindergarten Aide |
Joan Naumec |
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Technology Aide |
Jennifer Morelli |
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Special Education Aide |
Carol Perkins |
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1st Grade Aide |
Diane Parker |
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2nd Grade Aide |
Karin Clark |
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2/3 Special Education Aide 2/3 Grade Aide |
Dianne Fenn-Page Carrie Lyons |
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Library Aide |
Susan Martineau |
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Technology Support |
Michel Leask |
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Cafeteria Director |
Maria Carrillo-Santiago |
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Cafeteria Aide |
Pauline Wrzesien |
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Long term sub (2/3 special ed. Aide) |
Traci Dziurgot |
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Absence
Every attempt should be made to confine necessary appointments to after school, weekends and vacation periods. When a parent determines that an absence or late arrival is necessary, they are requested to notify the school as soon as possible. Parents are encouraged to call the school between 8a.m. and 9a.m. on the day of the absence; if this presents undue difficulty, a message may be left on the school’s answering service.
As time allows, school personnel will call the student’s home on the day that a child is missing from school. However, it is the responsibility of the child’s family to report absences and late arrivals as soon as possible. If staff are not able to contact an adult responsible for the child’s care, the absence will be recorded as “Unexcused” until a parent or guardian provides a reason for an “Excused” absence.
The parent is requested to send a written excuse to the school on the date of the student’s return. The student should submit the excuse directly to the office.
Excused Absence
Students receive an excused absence when they are absent from school for the following reasons:
The responsibility for makeup work lies with the student, not the teacher. Unless a student has an extended illness, all makeup privileges must be completed within three days after the student returns to school.
Unexcused absences are those, which do not fall under any of the excused absences. Students who have unexcused absences may be denied makeup privileges. Such absences may also be reflected in the student’s final grade. Disciplinary consequences may include reduction in grade or withholding credit. Accurate attendance records and comparison with report cards is expected.
If a student accumulates four (4) excused or unexcused absences a written note will be sent home by the nurse and/or principal. If a student accumulates ten (10) absences (excused and unexcused combined) a second written note will be sent home by the nurse and/ or principal.
Legislation requires all school buildings to be reevaluated to determine if asbestos is present and if it poses a significant health hazard to the building’s occupants. SES has on file the yearly inspection and plans showing the location of asbestos in each building and measures undertaken to comply with regulations to maintain a safe school environment. Requests to review these plans may be made in the school office.
There are times when classes, grades, teams or the entire school may gather for assembly programs. These programs are arranged to bring information or entertainment to the student community. A student’s conduct in assemblies must meet the same standards as in the classroom.
Connecticut State Law requires parents to make sure that their children between the ages of 5 and 16 attend school regularly. State law also allows the board to vote on admitting any child under 5 years of age to school. Daily attendance is a key factor in student success; thus, any absence from school is an educational loss to the student. These rules are designed to minimize student absenteeism while providing students the opportunity to make up schoolwork missed due to a legitimate absence.
The parent shall have the option of waiting to send the child to school until the child is 6 or 7 years of age, upon signing an option form with the Superintendent’s Office.
Beginning July 1, 2000, a student must remain in school until age 18, unless he/she graduates or gets written consent from a parent to leave school at age 16 or 17.
If a child is absent and no notification has been received from the parent, the nurse will contact a parent each day the child is absent. If the absence is not for a legitimate reason or the student does not return within a reasonable time, the principal will be notified.
After each unexcused absence, the principal will confer with the student and may arrange for the student to meet with the guidance counselor, hold a parent conference, refer the child for additional services or enforce disciplinary measures.
After four unexcused absences within a thirty-day period, the psychologist will contact the parents. A referral to the Student Assistance Team may be made if necessary. The classroom teacher will complete a written report, which will include a plan for making up any missed assignments.
After ten or more unexcused absences in any school year, the student will be referred to the Student Assistance Team. A student who has twenty unexcused absences within a school year will be referred to the Superintendent’s Office.
Students should plan to arrive after 8am, when school supervision begins. Students arriving between 8:00am and 8:25am should report to the library for the morning program. Students cannot leave the school grounds after they have arrived. After 3:00pm only students who have official school business or who are participating in supervised activities should be in the building. Children should not be dropped off before 8am, since there is no adult supervision.
Students may ride their bikes to and from school. Prior to riding to school, students must:
In order to perform its duties in an open and public manner in accordance with state law, the Scotland Board of Education holds regular business meetings on the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm in the SES library. Parents, students and other community members are encouraged to attend.
The Board’s main purpose is policy setting. Board members are interested in the public’s opinion on district issues, which can assist them in formulating policy, which reflects community values and expectations. Members are unpaid elected public officials with the responsibility for governance of the school district. Members of the SES Board of Education are:
Chairman, Clare D’Appollonio; Vice Chairman, Dr. Gale Lockland; Secretary, Deborah Schultz; Members, Susan Smith, Melissa Cardin and Peter Reardon.
Bullying
Bullying of a student by another student is prohibited. Such behavior includes any willful attempt or threat to harm another person, continuous teasing, joking or gestures, or any intentional display of force, which would give another person reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm. Such behavior will result in disciplinary action.
The following procedures will be used in handling bullying situations:
1. Students may anonymously report acts of bullying to teachers and school administrators.
2. Parents or guardians of students may file written reports of suspected bullying.
3. Teachers and other school staff who witness acts of bullying or receive reports of bullying must notify school administrators.
4. School administrators will investigate any written reports filed and review any anonymous reports.
5. Provide an intervention strategy for school staff to deal with bullying.
6. Parents or guardians of students who commit any verified acts of bullying and the parents or guardians of students against whom such acts were directed will be notified.
7. All written reports will be kept on file.
Bullying is defined as any overt acts by a student or group of students directed against another student with the intent to ridicule, humiliate or intimidate the other student while on school grounds or at a school-sponsored activity which acts are repeated against the same student over time.
All eating is to be done in the cafeteria. Food is not permitted elsewhere in the building. Rules of cleanliness are to be observed at all times. Misconduct in the cafeteria may be cause for receiving an assigned seat or forfeiting the right to eat in that location or such other disciplinary action deemed appropriate for the misconduct. Students may receive loss of recess or a detention.
The cafeteria experience should be a pleasant time for our students. Students need to be kind and respectful during the lunch period. Students are expected to:
Lunch milk is available for $.25 a carton. Lunch is $1.65 per day. Ice cream ($.50) is available for purchase two days per week. Free and reduced ($.40) lunch is available for those who qualify.
Teachers, principals, paraprofessionals and other professional school staff are obligated by law (C.G.S. 17a-101) to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the Connecticut State Department of Children and Families Services. Specific procedures governing the reporting of abuse and neglect are in effect, and staff receives yearly training in their use.
Reporting of child abuse and neglect is a responsibility, which is taken seriously. If there is any doubt about reporting suspected abuse or neglect; a report will be made. The school will work with parents and appropriate social agencies in all cases.
Child abuse is defined as any physical injury inflicted by other than accidental means or injuries, which are not in keeping with the explanation given for their cause. Improper treatment such as malnutrition, sexual molestation, deprivation of necessities, emotional abuse, cruel punishment or neglect are also considered child abuse.
Students are responsible for conducting themselves properly in a responsible manner, appropriate to their age and level of maturity. SES has authority over students during the regular school day and while going to and from school on school transportation. This jurisdiction includes any school-related activity, regardless of time or location, and any off campus school related misconduct, regardless of time or location.
Student responsibilities for achieving a positive learning environment in school or school related activities include:
11. Students should walk in an orderly manner and not disrupt other classes in session.
Students at school or school related activities are prohibited from:
13. Cheating or copying the work of another student.
14. Throwing objects that can cause bodily injury or damage
property.
15. Leaving school grounds or school sponsored events without
permission.
16. Disobeying directives from school personnel or school policies,
rules and regulations.
17. Being disrespectful or directing profanity, vulgar language, or
obscene gestures toward teachers, other school employees and students.
18. . Playing with matches, fire or committing arson.
19. Committing robbery or theft.
20. Damaging or vandalizing property owned by the school, other
students or school employees.
21. Disobeying school rules on the school bus.
22. Fighting, committing physical abuse or threatening physical
abuse.
23. Committing extortion, coercion, or blackmail that is forcing an
individual to act through the use of force or threat of force.
24. Name-calling, making ethnic or racial slurs or derogatory
statements that may substantially disrupt the school program or incite violence.
25. Engaging in inappropriate physical or sexual contact disruptive
to the school environment or disturbing others.
26. Assaulting a teacher, staff member or other individual.
27. Selling, giving, delivering, possessing, using or being under the
influence of drugs such as marijuana, a controlled substance or drug and alcoholic beverage, including energy supplements.
28. Possessing a weapon or dangerous instrument.
29. Prescription drugs, which are given to a person other than who
the drug is prescribed.
30. Smoking or using tobacco products.
31. Behaving in any way that disrupts the school environment or
educational process.
32. Students are to respect the property of others and the
school.
33. Toys are not to be brought to school. Basketballs and soccer
balls may be brought to school with permission of the teacher.
34. Students are not allowed to chew gum.
35. Students should remove hats upon entering the school building
36. No Yu-Gi-oh, Pokemon, or other playing/ trading cards.
37. No laser pointers.
38. No student is allowed to possess an electronic pager or beeper device or portable telephone on school property without prior approval of the principal.
Students who violate these rules will be subject to disciplinary action and shall be referred when appropriate, to legal authorities for violation of the law.
Student information as defined herein must be protected from unethical, illegal and inappropriate disclosure through universal adherence to the principals of confidentiality and privacy by all employees and volunteers of education agencies in the State of Connecticut. Confidential information, unless otherwise defined, is information the disclosure of which would, or would likely to, constitute an invasion of personal privacy. Accordingly, confidential information concerning a student or student’s family must be protected by all personnel in public school districts, approved private programs for special education and Birth to Three, Regional Education Service Centers (RESCs), Regional Family Service Coordination Centers (RFSCCs) and the Department of Education. Confidential student information must be protected regardless of how or where the information is obtained, that is, whether it is obtained through oral, printed or electronic means, on or beyond school or agency grounds, and regardless of what type of record, record-keeping, or method of record-storage is used. The requirements of confidentiality apply to all student information including, but not limited to, academic, family, social, economic, and health information, and to information, which is provided orally or electronically, and not solely information contained in “school records.”
No guns, knives or any other objects, including martial arts weapons, capable of threatening or causing injury or death may be brought onto school grounds. Any object used to cause injury will be considered a weapon. Violators will be subject to arrest and prosecution as well as appropriate disciplinary action. Any student found to possess a weapon on school grounds or during a school activity will be expelled from school.
An expelled student may apply for early readmission to school. Such readmission is at the discretion of the Board of Education. The Board or Superintendent as appropriate, may condition such readmission on specified criteria.
Recognizing the need to be fair, firm and consistent when students are referred to the office for disciplinary measures, the following will be the discipline action followed by the administrator when a student is sent to the office:
1st – Counseling, review of rules and discussion of classroom or school management plan.
2nd – counseling, review of rules and discussion of classroom or school management plan. Consequences decided on a case-by-case basis, to include loss of recess or other privileges.
3rd – Parents will be notified via the telephone or by letter. Decision of consequences made on a case-by-case basis.
4th – Submit conference form for STAT referral with student, teacher and parent.
5th – Inside/outside suspension may be resultant. Decision will be made by an administrator.
The hierarchy of the above mentioned plan would be implemented according to the severity of the student’s behavior. Teachers should follow this procedure in their classrooms prior to sending a child to the office. Severe violation of school rules will result in immediate disciplinary action to include possible suspension or expulsion.
Student dress may be regulated and students are encouraged to dress in clothing appropriate to the school situation. Restriction on freedom of expression may be applied whenever the mode of dress is unsafe, disruptive or contrary to law.
Any school dress which impairs safety or increases the risk of injury to self or others, causes discomfort to others, causes distraction or disruption of the learning environment, advertises or advocates the use of alcohol or drugs, pornography or is libelous or inherently contains unreasonable potential to upset and hurt others is prohibited. The following clothing is not allowed in school: metal studded or large buckles, outdoor wear, bare midriff halters, head or face coverings, dog or choke collars, cutoff shorts, sunglasses or untied shoes.
School closings and delays during inclement weather or other emergencies will be announced over the following radio/TV stations:
WILI 1400AM and 98.3FM; WDRC 1360AM and 102.9FM; WTIC 1080AM, 96.5FM; WICH 1310AM; WCTY 97.7FM; WINY 1350AM, WTNH, channel 8; WFSB channel 3; WVIT channel 30.
Early school closings during inclement weather will also be announced over the local stations.
For the 2005-2006 school year we are activating an Early Release plan to be utilized during unexpected early closings (due to inclement weather, etc.) Rather than calling parents in the event of an unexpected early closing, we will send your child to the address indicated on the form sent home on the first day of school. This change is an effort to reduce the degree of confusion and keep the phone lines open in emergency situations. This handbook lists T.V. and radio stations that you may listen to for information on school closings. Please keep the school informed of any changes that need to be made to this plan. Thank you in advance for your understanding.
It is very important that we have the ability to reach you or your designee in case of an emergency. Telephone numbers must be updated as situations change. Please keep us informed of any contact or telephone number change.
The Board of Education may expel a student from school privileges if after a full hearing, the Board feels that a student’s conduct endangers persons, property or the educational process or is in violation of a publicized Board policy. Students who have been expelled may be eligible for an alternative educational program.
Each class will be going on at least one school sponsored trip during the year. A permission slip and appropriate information will be provided, well in advance of the trip. Teachers will seek volunteers in the event that chaperones are needed. Students that continually disobey school rules may not be allowed to go on a field trip due to safety issues.
The signal for a fire drill is a constant blast on a special horn. When the alarm sounds, students are to proceed along the posted exit routes in a quick, quiet and calm manner. Students should not return to the building until the return signal is given.
Fundraising
General Awards: Special Education students are eligible for awards based on their actual work performances and grades at their level. K-3 grade students who exhibit proficiency in areas of reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and spelling will be awarded.
Citizenship Award: Any student that maintains good effort, a positive attitude, proper conduct and good working habits should be considered. Citizenship will be awarded one per grade.
(And preschool when applicable)
Physical Education, Music and Art awards will be given by teachers at each grade level.
Perfect attendance awards will be given to all students with no excused or unexcused absences in a marking period. Students will also be awarded perfect attendance for having no absences all year.
Report cards will be given to parents at Parent-Teacher conferences in December and March, and sent home at the end of the year.
Preschool and kindergarten children receive a written report in January and June.
Parent conferences are held in December and March.
Interim reports on student progress will be sent to parents when necessary. Interim reports will indicate significant change in student achievement or behavior.
HUSKY is Connecticut’s insurance program to provide affordable, comprehensive health insurance to children from birth to age 19. It is available to children in families of all income levels. In the Windham area please contact: Generations Family Health Center, 1315 Main Street, Willimantic, CT 06226 (860) 450-7471 x129. (Parents and guardians may be eligible also.)
Students are prohibited from participating in any hazing activities. Hazing is any activity that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purposes of initiation or admission into, or affiliation with any student organization.
Parents wishing to home school their child must show equivalency of instruction and file a notice of intent form with the superintendent of schools. In a notice of intent form the parent acknowledges full responsibility for the education of the child in accordance with the state law requirements.
State law requires every local educational agency to appoint a liaison for students who are homeless and specifies of their legal responsibilities. The liaison will be responsible to ensure the identification, school enrollment, attendance, and opportunities for academic success of students in homeless situations. Our liaison is Mrs. Low.
The purpose of homework is to help students become self directed, independent learners and is related to the educational progress of the student. It serves to help all students reach their instructional goals.
In general students should be expected to receive homework averaging times within these limits:
Preschool/Kindergarten 10-15 minutes 1-2 times per week
Grade 1 10-20 minutes 1-2 times per week
Grade 2 15-20 minutes 2-3 times per week
Grade 3 20-30 minutes 2-3 times per week
Grade 4 20-30 minutes 3-4 times per week
Grade 5 30-45 minutes 4 times per week
Grade 6 45-60 minutes 4-5 times per week
An honor roll listing all students in grades 4-6, who have achieved this distinction, will be published each marking period throughout the year. This honor roll will consist of three categories; high honors, honors and achievement honors.
High Honors: A student must be at grade level and have received A’s in each of the six major subjects: reading, math, language arts, spelling, social studies and science with no “C”, “D” or “U” in any other subject. The student must exhibit positive effort, conduct and good work habits.
Honors: A student must be at grade level and have received A’s and B’s in all of the six major subjects: reading, math, language arts, spelling, social studies and science with no “C”, “D” or “U” in any other subject. The student must exhibit positive effort, conduct and good work habits.
Achievement Honors: A student must be no more than six months below grade level and meet all the requirements of honors.
Citizenship Award: Any student that maintains good effort, a positive attitude, proper conduct and good working habits should be considered. Citizenship will be awarded one per grade.
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