Nondiscrimination/Equal Opportunity

GENOA-HUGO

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Student Handbook File: AC-E-1

In compliance with Titles VI & VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act and Colorado law, Genoa-Hugo School District C-113 does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or need for special education services in admissions, access to, treatment, or employment in educational programs or activities which it operates.

Complaint procedures for Title IX and Section 504 have been established for students, parents, employees and members of the public. The following person(s) have been identified as the designated employee(s) to coordinate compliance activities for the district:

As referenced in exhibit ACE-E-1, specific complaints of alleged discrimination under Section 504 or the ADA (disability) should be referred to:

Superintendent 220 West 7th Street P.O. Box 247 Hugo, CO 80821 719/743-2428

As referenced in exhibit JBA-E, specific complaints of alleged discrimination under Title IX (sex) should be referred to:

Superintendent 220 West 7th Street P.O. Box 247 Hugo, CO 80821 719/743-2428

2 Complaints may also be filed with the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, Colorado, 80204-3582 GENOA-HUGO SCHOOL ELEMENTARY HANDBOOK TABLE OF CONTENTS

ATTENDANCE: School Hours page 4 Attendance/Tardies Illness Policy from the School Nurse Visitors in the School

ACADEMIC STANDARDS: Reporting to Parents page 5 Individual Literacy Plan Title I School Records Withdrawal from School Textbooks Awards and Book It Fifth Grade Graduation Homework Policy

STUDENT BEHAVIOR Conduct and Discipline Code page 8 AND DISCIPLINE: Possession of a Weapon Remedial Discipline Plan Habitual Disruptions and Expulsion Playground Rules Lunchroom Rules Toys and Other Items Dress Code

GENERAL POLICIES: Lunch and Breakfast page 15 Sending Money to School Library Books Telephones Cell Phones & E-Readers Dispensing of Medication Immunization Pedestrians/Bicyclists Bus Transportation

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES: Emergency Evacuation Procedures page 18 Tornado Emergency Procedures

3 ACTIVITIES: Fees page 20 Field Trips Parties ATTENDANCE

School Hours and Calendar Grades K - 5 8:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. Parents are asked to see that their children do not arrive at school before 7:45A.M. Breakfast is between 7:45A.M. and 8:10A.M. Please refer to the school calendar for days that school will not be in session.

Attendance/Tardies Regular attendance is essential to a student’s success in school. Excessive absenteeism is regarded as a serious problem and will be addressed on an individual basis. After conferences with the principal, then the superintendent, parents may be required to present reasons for excessive absences to the Board of Education. More than ten (10) days per semester, whether excused or unexcused, is considered excessive absenteeism.

When a student is unable to attend school, parents should call the school. If a phone call is not possible, the parent must send a note with the student the day they return to school. If a student becomes ill while at school (fever, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive coughing, skin rashes, etc.), a parent/guardian will be called to take the child home. Students will be sent home if a fever exceeds 100 degrees Fahrenheit. See letter from the school nurse at the end of the attendance section.

Students may not leave the building during the school day without permission from the office. Please check with the school secretary before going to your child’s classroom when you wish to have them dismissed early or they are arriving at school late.

Illness Policy from the School Nurse Please see the Illness Policy under the parents tab on the school website www.genoahugo.org. For any questions or concerns, you may reach Holly Hollembeak, School Nurse, East Central BOCES at 719-760-0651 (cell).

4 Visitors in the School Any visitor to the school must obtain a visitor pass from the school’s office. Visitors should call the teacher in advance to set up a visiting time and date. Visitors are expected to observe all school rules and procedures. Students requesting to bring a visitor to school must have approval from the principal prior to the visit. At no time should a visitor disrupt the schedule or academic program. The principal reserves the right to deny any visitation privileges at any time.

ACADEMIC STANDARDS

Reporting to Parents Student progress is communicated to both students and their parents in many forms. One method for this communication is the report card. The report card seeks to accurately report the progress of the whole child, based on full information from many sources. Parent-teacher conferences will be held at mid- semesters. Notes will be sent home for parents to schedule a convenient time either in the evening or the following morning. The grading scale used in third, fourth and fifth grades is: 100-90 = A 90-80 = B 80-70 = C 70-60 = D 60-0 = F Parents of 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders can request an online password from the school office to monitor their child’s grades.

Individual Literacy Plan (ILP) The Colorado Basic Literacy Act mandates that all students will be reading at grade level and that reading growth will be carefully monitored. Students not reading at grade level will receive Title I services and be placed on an ILP (Individual Learning Plan), which will be developed by the school and the family. Districts are required to gather a body of evidence, which will determine the reading level of each student. Our body of evidence will include DIBELS, AR, MAPS, and TCAP (Transitional Colorado Assessment Program) results. If the body of evidence indicates the student is not reading at grade level, summer school will be recommended. Summer school may also be recommended for writing and math if the child needs support.

Title I

5 The Title I program provides specialized individual help in reading/ language arts and math. This program is available to students who meet the Federal, State and Local criteria. Title I is considered a supplement, not a substitute, for regular classroom instruction. The Title I department may screen students so the district can better serve their needs. Just because a child is being screened does not necessarily mean that he/she will receive extra help through the Title I program. There are parent information and resource centers available in Colorado. These sites are: http://www.cpire.org http://www.coparentcoalition.org Please contact our title I instructor if you have questions or concerns. School Records The school office keeps an up-to-date enrollment card on each child. It is also very important that we have telephone numbers on the enrollment card at which the parents can be reached in case of an emergency. In the event the school cannot reach a parent, the enrollment card must list another phone number of an additional emergency contact.

Withdrawal from School Please notify us immediately of plans to withdraw your child from school. There are forms that must be filled out by the office and by your child’s teacher. When possible leave a forwarding address so things can be sent to you.

Textbooks Textbooks and workbooks are furnished for student use during the school year. A fine will be assessed for loss or unreasonable damage.

Awards Awards are given throughout the year. Awards may include grades, attendance, citizenship, reading (Book It), and special classes. Students must be enrolled for the entire year and have no tardies or absent periods to be eligible for the end-of-year 100% attendance award.

Book It Students must complete all Book It requirements by the end of each month to participate in the end-of-year Book It reward. Students who have earned the year end Book It reward have worked extremely hard. Please respect your child’s accomplishment and do not bring siblings/children if you attend.

6 5 th Grade Graduation Fifth grade graduation ceremony recognizes students who have successfully completed the Elementary School Program. Students failing one or more of the following courses during 5th grade will not be allowed to take part in the 5th grade graduation ceremony: Language Arts, Science, Math, Social Studies, or Reading. Students who move into the district during the school year must also pass these classes during their enrollment at Genoa-Hugo.

Homework Policy Having homework completed by the next subject class period or when it is due is essential. Students need to come to class each day prepared and ready to learn. Any elementary student (K-5) may have consequences for not completing homework (lose points, complete work during recess or during special classes, etc.).

7 Students may earn the right to be a Homework Hero if they complete and turn in all homework when it is due. Awards for the weekly or monthly homework heroes is up to the discretion of the classroom teacher.

STUDENT BEHAVIOR AND DISCIPLINE Conduct and Discipline Code Colorado Law article 22-32-110(2)(a) states that the general assembly hereby finds and declares that every student in a public school in the State of Colorado has the right to learn in an environment which is safe, conducive to the learning process, and free from unnecessary disruption. To ensure such an environment, Genoa-Hugo School District has adopted a conduct and discipline code which is based upon the principle that every student is expected to follow accepted rules of conduct and to show respect for and to obey the persons in authority in the school. The school district must enforce the code so that students demonstrating unacceptable behavior and their parents understand such behavior will not be tolerated.

The Genoa-Hugo Elementary School conduct and discipline code provides students, parents and staff with a framework of behavior expectations and consequences. In most cases, the teacher and the child will be able to work together to solve any behavior problems. The child, parents, and the school share the responsibility to ensure that appropriate behavior is maintained in all situations. Two basic rules define general behavior expectations:

Guiding Principle #1: (Safety and Respect Rule) Students will not hurt themselves or others, physically or verbally; students shall treat themselves, others, and property with respect; students shall respect others’ personal space on school property and school vehicles. Guiding Principle #2: (Academic Rule) Students must come to class prepared and ready to work; students must follow teachers’ directions.

If a student’s behavior disrupts the learning atmosphere at any time during the school day, the incident will be logged in the computer behavior management system. It may be possible for a student to have more than one behavior incident logged in a day by more than one teacher or staff member. The student may be removed from the situation to improve the learning atmosphere for a specified time. Expected behavior has been grouped in six categories. If the number of incidents logged becomes excessive, consequences will become more severe. Incidents may be reported to the local law enforcement agency when necessary. Note: Serious incidents, such as a weapon at school, will by-pass the offense steps.

8 Please see the following pages for a list of the behavior categories and possible consequences.

9 Genoa-Hugo Elementary School Behavioral Consequences Guideline

Incident 1st Incident 2nd Incident 3rd Incident 4th Incident 5th Incident 6th Incident 7th Incident 8th Incident 9th Incident ADMINISTRATIVE- Administration (Note: the law assigns may be consequences; contacted) Colorado Law robbery, assault, will take theft, use or precedence possess alcohol or drugs or tobacco, vandalism, weapons violation SAFETY- (Note: 1 incident = the law may be 1 offense contacted) aggressive behavior, fighting, out of designated area, physical harm, push, shove, kick, unsafe actions, verbal and/or written threats, severe bullying BUS- Warning with Office Office fighting, parent contact referral, loss referral, loss inappropriate of privilege of privilege to behavior or to be be language, unsafe determined determined actions RESPECT- Classroom 2 incidents = Start a new Bullying, defiant, consequence 1 offense cycle inappropriate and/or removal gestures, abusive from classroom or offensive depending on language, out of severity of control anger, incident property destruction, habitual or severe disrespect or disruptions, severe lying CLASSROOM- Classroom Classroom Classroom Classroom 5 incidents = Start a new Arguing, cheating, Consequence Consequence Consequence Consequence 1 offense cycle disobedient, disrespect, disruptive, lying, inappropriate items or toys, inappropriate language or touching, personal space, picking on others, refusing to work, uncooperative HOMEWORK- Classroom Classroom Classroom Classroom Classroom Classroom Classroom 8 incidents = Start new Missing, Consequence Consequence Consequence Consequence Consequence Consequence Consequence 1 offense cycle unprepared / contact parents Behavior offenses accumulate between the categories: 1st, 2nd and 3rd offenses – lunch/recess detention; 4th offense – half day in-school suspension and behavior plan; 5th offense – 1 day in-school suspension; 6th offense – 1 day out-of-school suspension and re-evaluate behavior plan with parents, end-of-year field trips and/or other activities will be revoked. Parents will be contacted after every behavior offense. 9

11 Elementary Student Discipline Writeup

Student Name______Location______

Referred by______Time______Date______

All write-ups need to be given to the classroom teacher. Please circle the behavior that best describes the incident in the following behavioral categories:

ADMINISTRATIVE: SAFETY:  Robbery  Aggressive behavior  Assault  Fighting  Theft  Out of designated area  Use or possess alcohol  Physical harm  Use or possess drugs  Push, shove, or kick  Use or possess tobacco  Unsafe actions  Vandalism  Verbal and/or written threats  Weapons violation  Severe bullying

RESPECT: CLASSROOM:  Bullying  Arguing  Defiant  Cheating  Inappropriate gestures  Disobedient  Abusive or offensive language  Disrespect  Out of control anger  Disruptive  Property destruction  Lying  Habitual or severe disrespect  Inappropriate items or toys  Habitual or severe disruptions  Inappropriate language  Severe lying  Inappropriate touching  Personal space  Picking on others  Refusing to work  Uncooperative

HOMEWORK: BUS:  Missing  Fighting  Unprepared  Inappropriate behavior  Inappropriate language  Unsafe actions

On the back side of this discipline writeup, please describe the incident in detail using factual information. 10

(page 2 continued) Incident Notes (Please be complete; however, concise as these notes may be logged onto the student’s annual behavior record in the future) ______

Student Signature______Date______

Student signature acknowledges that the student is aware of the writeup. It is the student’s responsibility to inform parents of any write-ups. The classroom teacher will inform students if any detentions need to be served and administration will contact students and parents if any suspensions need to be served. All detentions and suspensions are logged

13 Possession of a Weapon (state law) Colorado State law states that pocketknives can be considered a weapon. There are two related issues; first is the length of the knife blade and second is the use of the weapon in a threatening manner (including toy weapons such as guns, swords, etc). Students are not allowed to bring pocketknives or any form of weapon to school.

Remedial Discipline Plan When a student fails to conform to established rules of conduct, which has resulted in the 6th offense and at least one day out-of-school, a discipline plan will be required. The purpose of a remedial discipline plan is to address the child’s disruptive behavior, his/her educational needs, and the goal of keeping the child in school. The district shall encourage and solicit the full participation of the child’s parent in the development of the remedial discipline plan. The remedial discipline plan will outline procedures for the next three incidents; consequences will include in-school or out-of-school suspensions and the third incident will result in expulsion for up to a calendar year (12 months). 1. Work will be completed for full credit on any in-school or out-of-school suspension. 2. An alternative to suspension (in or out-of-school) will allow the student to remain in the classroom if the parent or guardian, with consent of the student’s teacher, will attend classes with the student for a period of time specified by the suspending authority. 3. A student who has been placed on a remedial behavior plan during the school year will not participate in the end-of-year field trips or other activities that are earned through student performance.

Habitual Disruptions and Expulsion If a student does not meet the expectations of the remedial discipline plan and requires school personnel to deal with continued disruptive behavior more than three times, the student will be considered habitually disruptive at which time the mandatory expulsion law will be enforced. 1. "Habitually Disruptive Student" means a child who has been suspended (in or out-of- school) three times during the school year for causing a material and substantial disruption in the classroom, on school grounds, on school vehicles, or at school activities because of behavior which was initiated, willful, and overt on the part of the child. No child shall be declared habitually disruptive prior to the development of a remedial discipline plan. 2. Upon expelling a student, the district shall provide information to the student’s parent concerning the available educational alternatives; the district is not obligated to pay for educational alternatives. Except as required by federal law, the expelling district is not required to provide educational services to any student who is suspended or expelled.

14 3. If a habitually disruptive student is a child with a disability, such child may not be expelled if the behaviors are a manifestation of the disability. However, such child shall be removed to an appropriate alternative setting to allow a manifestation IEP meeting to be scheduled in the appropriate time limit. 4. If a student is expelled, that student will not be allowed on school property for any school activity during the expulsion period.

General Playground Rules Students will be outside during recesses unless given permission by the teacher/aide on duty to go inside. Students must bring a note from home if they are to stay inside. Parents should make sure their children are dressed appropriately according to the weather. Recess will be outside unless it is raining/snowing or wind chill is too cold. 1. The school is only responsible for students on the playground during school hours. 2. Students are not allowed outside the fence. 3. Students should not use their fingers for pretend guns to play shooting games. 4. Games may be stopped if complaints start. 5. Students should not play rough. Do not tackle, wrestle, push, pull, or pull on clothes. Any student acting carelessly or recklessly will be disciplined. 6. Students bringing school balls outside are responsible for bringing them in. 7. Students should not bring toys and other items from home. 8. Students should not get on the cement when there is water, ice, slush or snow on it. 9. Students should not throw or kick rocks, gravel or snow. 10. Students should not run, slide or push when lining up. 11. Students should wear shoes while on the playground. 12. Students should not move the tires or crawl under the tires. 13. Students should not jump off any equipment. Rules for the large playground unit - students should: 1. go feet first down slides 2. go one at a time down slides, wait until it is clear before you slide. 3. go up the ladders and slide down the slides. Students should not: 4. play chicken on the cross bars. 5. jump off the unit 6. throw rocks down the slides. 7. climb on the outside of slide or cross bars 8. climb on the outside of the slide or tunnels. 9. slide down the hand rails on the steps. Rules for the swings - students should sit down and swing straight. Students should not: 1. climb the poles. 2. swing double. 3. jump or bail out of the swings or run underducks.

15 4. twist swings. 5. play in front or behind the swings. Rules for blister bars, parallel bars, and dome – students should take turns. Students should not: 1. pull others off 2. stand on top or hang upside down (Only 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders are allowed on top of the blister bars.) Basketball, Football, Baseball, etc. 1. Follow the standard game rules. 2. Play away from other equipment. 3. Only plastic balls and bats will be used unless special permission is given. 4. Jump ropes should be used for jumping only 5. Tackle football is not allowed

Lunchroom Rules All students are required to eat in the lunchroom where they will be supervised. The lunchroom management and your fellow students will appreciate your cooperation with the following rules: 1. Raising your hand for permission before getting out of seat. 2. Keeping noise level to a minimum. 3. Walking in the lunchroom. 4. Depositing all lunch litter in wastebaskets. 5. Returning all trays and utensils to the dish washing area. 6. Leaving the table and floor around your place in a clean condition. 7. Not trading food from lunches. 8. Only take what you will eat from the salad bar table.

Toys and Other Items Students should not bring toys and other items (balls, mitts, play equipment, cards, game boys, electronic games, etc.) from home. Students will use the school’s playground equipment only. Items can be taken away and may not be returned; incidents may be logged under the discipline policy. The school will not be responsible for lost or stolen items.

Dress Code All boys and girls are expected to dress in a manner which will allow them to participate in all school related activities. The general standards below should be followed: 1. Students are expected to be clean and neat. 2. Students should dress appropriately for an educational environment and weather conditions. Recess will be outside so make sure your child is dressed for the weather. 3. Shoes are required and socks are recommended for recess and P.E. 4. No low cut tank tops or spaghetti straps may be worn. 5. Shorts of appropriate length (fingertip length) will be allowed. 6. Leggings and tights may only be worn with clothing that covers what is traditionally considered private parts of the body. This applies to both the front and back of the body. 7. Caps and hats can only be worn outside the building.

It is important that all personal belongings be marked with your child’s name (caps, shoes, coats, etc.).

GENERAL POLICIES

Lunch and Breakfast Students may elect to bring their own sack lunch if they so desire; however, a hot lunch program is available to all students. The cost of breakfast is $.50 for Elementary and $1.00 for Middle School and High School. Students will be charged $.30 for an additional drink. The costs of the lunches are: Elementary $2.20, Middle School $2.40, High School $2.40, Adults $3.50. Lunches must be paid one month in advance; notes are sent home to inform parents of lunch account balances. Lunch bills (and other fees) must be paid or participation in the end-of-year activities may be revoked.

17 Sending Money to School

From time to time additional money is needed for school pictures, plays, books, etc. In such instances a note will always be sent home informing you. When sending money to school please: 1.) Seal it in an envelope. 2.) Write on the envelope the child’s name, amount of money, and what the money is intended for. Students are responsible for any money brought to school.

Library Books It is the student's responsibility to return library books to the return box in the library by the date they are due. If the student has overdue books they will not be allowed to check out more books until the books are returned. If books are overdue by two weeks, a note will be sent to the parents asking for help in locating the books. If the book is not returned by the end of the school year, it is considered lost and a request for payment is sent to the student and the parents. If the book is found at a later date, the money paid will be returned. The price of a book is determined by the approximate cost it would take to replace it. Missing library books (and other fees) must be paid or participation in the end-of-year activities may be revoked.

Telephones Children may not use the school telephone without permission from the teacher or the office staff. They will not be called away from classes to answer the telephone except in emergencies. Classes will not be disturbed to deliver messages. Messages will be delivered from 11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. for after school changes. Please try to let your child know where they need to go after school before coming to school in the morning.

Cell Phones and E-readers During the school day (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) cell phones must be turned off. Secure storage will be provided in the classroom for cell phones and other electronic devices.

Dispensing of Medication Medications - If a student must bring medication to school, the following requirements must be met: 1. All prescription or non-prescription drugs must be brought to the school office. 2. Prescription and non-prescription drugs must be in the original container with the child’s name, drug identity, dosage instruction, doctor’s name, and prescription date. 3. A note, dated and signed by the doctor, must accompany the medication, giving the child’s name, dosage amounts, specific dosage times and other instructions if necessary. 4. Students may not share medication with other students.

Immunization Immunization requirements will be strictly enforced. Colorado immunization law requires that all parents provide proof of immunizations in order to register in and attend school. Parents have the right to sign an exemption in regards to immunizations. Contact the school if you have questions on immunizations.

Pedestrians / Bicyclists Students walking or riding bikes to school must use the pathway adjacent to the exit road. Students should walk their bike across the parking lot. Bicycles should be parked in the racks provided. We recommend that a chain and lock be used to secure the bicycles since the school is not responsible for loss or theft. Rollerblades should not be worn during school hours.

19 Bus Transportation Bus transportation is provided for the students’ and parents’ convenience. The school is happy to provide this service but requires that certain standards of behavior be maintained. Contact the school if you have questions about your bus schedule.

The driver is in full charge of the students and the bus. Students should obey the driver cheerfully and promptly. The right of all students to ride on the bus is conditional on their good behavior and observance of the bus rules (see the detailed bus rules included with this handbook). Safety demands complete cooperation. The bus driver may require assigned seating. The bus driver and/or administration may remove bus privileges if an incident is serious or if inappropriate behavior is persistent. See the discipline chart for consequences.

Students will not be permitted to ride a bus other than their regularly scheduled route without a note signed by the parent or principal of the school.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Genoa-Hugo Public Schools is committed to providing a safe environment for students, staff and visitors.

We work closely with national, state, and local safety officials -- police, fire, emergency medical services, and public health -- in order to prevent and prepare our schools for an emergency. Together, we have developed a comprehensive Emergency Response Plan that covers a wide variety of emergencies that serves as a guide to help staff and our public safety partners respond swiftly should a crisis occur in our schools.

Should a school emergency occur, parents will be notified and updated by phone and/or e-mail text using the school division’s new rapid notification system – AlertNow. Prior to reporting to your child’s school during an emergency, it is critical for parents to follow directions communicated via AlertNow.

20 Should a school be evacuated, each school has a procedure for helping parents locate their child. Parents will be directed to a specific location where they will be required to show proper identification. Remember, a student can only be released to an adult who is documented as an emergency contact. If you are a non-custodial parent, you must be listed with your child's emergency contact information as a guardian and show proper identification.

In addition to being notified via AlertNow, parents are able to receive information about the school emergency by:

Visiting the homepage of www.genoahugo.org

Additional information on school emergencies and important terms that are used during an emergency, such as internal/external lockdowns, are available at www.genoahugo.org

Parents – It is vital that we have your current phone and contact information in order to effectively communicate with you. If you change address, phone numbers (home, work or cell), or emergency contacts please notify the school as soon as possible.

Emergency Evacuation Procedures (constant sounding alarm) Fire exit directions are posted in each room. Upon verbal instructions --Students will walk (not run) and remain quiet. --Teachers will accompany their classes out of the building to their designated areas. --Teachers will take their grade books to make sure all students are present. --Students should reenter the building in a calm, orderly manner when directed by Administration. --If you encounter a sign during the evacuation which says “FIRE”, treat it as if it were a fire. Stay at least 10 meters away. Use an alternative exit.

Tornado Emergency Procedures (announced over PA system) Elementary students and their teachers will proceed in an orderly and quiet manner down the hall into the first and second locker rooms from the south. If warning occurs when elementary students are outside, the teacher will bring the students into the girls locker room via the closest entry doors. Students will sit quietly on the floor. The teachers in the far west classrooms will check all elementary rooms and restrooms for students.

21 Teachers must post exit routes in all rooms near the door. Teachers will review exit procedures with students. The district has a building safety plan in place to address other emergencies.

ACTIVITIES

Fees All school fees (including missing library books, damaged textbooks, and lunches) must be paid in full or participation in end-of-year activities may be revoked.

Field Trips Classes are allowed at least one field trip per year. Parents may be contacted to help sponsor these trips. No other children/siblings are allowed to attend field trips except class members. This is a special day for each class and we would ask that parents not bring older or younger siblings on the field trip (please choose a different day for your family outing). We would request that, as a sponsor, because all family situations are not the same that you refrain from purchasing gifts for your group. All school fees (including missing library books) must be paid in full before the field trip or your child’s privilege to attend may be revoked.

Parties Three major parties (Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day) are held in the elementary each year. A note will be sent home in the fall asking parents to provide snacks and games for these class parties. A chair-parent will be responsible for contacting other parents to help organize class parties. Birthday parties are permissible. Children may pass out treats on birthdays after making arrangements with the teacher. Invitations to birthdays or other parties should not be handed out during school hours. This is mainly because

22 children’s feelings can be hurt if they see invitations being handed out and do not receive one. Remember, only non-colored drinks (lemonade, 7-up, apple juice, etc.) should be brought to any class party. This will help keep our carpets stain-free.