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North Mercer R-III School District 2017-2018

Elementary Student Handbook ~ 2 ~ Dear Parents and Students:

WELCOME TO NORTH MERCER R-III ELEMENTARY!

This handbook has been prepared to help answer questions and to provide both students and parents with a better understanding of the rules and procedures of the North Mercer R-III Elementary School. We hope that this information will contribute to a close working relationship between the home and school to give each child the best possible education. This handbook will be given to all students entering North Mercer R-III School. Unless changes are made, it is to be kept for referral during the elementary grades (PK-6). If lost or destroyed, a copy will be on file at the Principal’s office for review. Our goal is to provide every child with the educational opportunities to develop to the maximum of his/her ability.

All parents are invited to visit school at any time. We welcome your calls concerning questions, problems or comments about your children’s education. The office phone number is 382-4214.

We look forward to working with you to make this school year an enjoyable and educationally profitable one for you and your children.

Sincerely,

Wes Guilkey

~ 3 ~ NORTH MERCER R-III SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the North Mercer R-III School District is to inspire life-long learning. The vision of the North Mercer R-III School District is to become a community that supports student growth so that all students have the skills to be successful citizens in our changing world. To demonstrate these values, the school has made these collective commitments to our students and their parents: The North Mercer R-III School District will ensure student learning through: A. A safe and orderly school climate. B. Instructional leadership demonstrated by the school principal. C. High expectations of teachers for learning success of students. D. Strong emphasis on academic achievement. E. Frequent monitoring of student progress. F. Supportive home-school relations. G. Equal educational opportunities for every student. H. Support for students who do not learn. I. Enrichment when students do learn.

Revised Fall 2013

OUR BELIEF AT THE ELEMENTARY LEVEL

We believe that our school is a laboratory of learning where our teachers and your child work together to develop their ability and potential.

Through our contacts with you and your child, we expect to bring about changes. We believe that:

1. Each child should be equipped with knowledge of reading, writing, arithmetic, language, geography, history, etc., according to his/her level of development and become lifelong learners equipped to take an active role in society. 2. Each child should develop good work and study habits and should appreciate and respect the dignity of work. 3. Each child should develop emotional stability and become a happy, well- adjusted person. 4. Each child should respect the abilities and rights of others and learn to live well with other people. 5. Each child should develop an appreciation of beauty. 6. Each child should develop healthy habits and attitudes through a quality character education program.

~ 4 ~ NORTH MERCER R-III PUBLIC NOTICE

All responsible public agencies are required to locate, evaluate, and identify children with disabilities who are under the jurisdiction of the agency, regardless of the severity of the disability, including children attending private schools, highly mobile children, such as migrant and homeless children, and children who are suspected of having a disability and in need of special education even though they are advancing from grade to grade. The North Mercer R-III School District assures that it will provide a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) to all eligible children with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 21 under its jurisdiction. Disabilities include autism, deaf/blindness, emotional disorders, hearing impairment and deafness, mental retardation, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairments, specific learning disabilities, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, visual impairment/blindness and young child with a developmental delay.

The North Mercer R-III School District assures that it will provide information and referral services necessary to assist the State in the implementation of early intervention services for infants and toddlers eligible for the Missouri First Steps program.

The North Mercer R-III School District assures that personally identifiable information collected, used, or maintained by the agency for the purposes of identification, evaluation, placement or provision of FALPE of children with disabilities may be inspected and/or reviewed by their parents/guardians. Parents/guardians may request amendment to the educational record if the parent/guardian believes the record is inaccurate, misleading, or violates the privacy or other rights of their child. Parents have the right to file complaints with the U.S. Department of Education or the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education concerning alleged failures by the district to meet the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

The North Mercer R-III School District has developed a Local Compliance Plan for the implementation of State Regulations for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This plan contains the agency’s policies and procedures regarding storage, disclosure to third parties, retention and destruction of personally identifiable information and the agency’s assurances that services are provided in compliance with the General Education Provision Act (GEPA). This plan may be reviewed in the office of the Superintendent of Schools, 400 Main Street, Mercer, MO, during regular school hours on days school is in session.

Local school districts in the State of Missouri are required to conduct an annual census of all children with disabilities or suspected disabilities from birth to age twenty-one (21) that reside in the district. This census must be compiled by December 1 of each year. This information is treated as confidential and must include: name of the child; parent/legal guardian’s name/address; birth date and age of the child; the child’s disability; and the services provided to the child. If you have a child with a disability or know of a child with a disability who is not attending the public school, please contact Josh Stiles, Special Education Coordinator, 660-382-4214.

North Mercer R-III School District is in compliance with all laws and procedures regarding nondiscrimination including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1974 and the American Disabilities Act (ADA). It is the policy of the school district that no person, on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap, shall be discriminated against in employment, educational programs, and activities and admission. The school district will also provide an environment free of sexual harassment. All such policies include grievance procedures. Should a student, parent, staff member, or community person have reason to believe they have been discriminated against or sexually harassed, they should refer to the grievance procedure outlined in the Board of Education policy. All inquires regarding implementation of any guidelines of these programs should be directed to Superintendent of Schools, 22931 Main Street, Mercer, MO, phone 660-382- 4214.

This notice will be provided in native languages as appropriate.

~ 5 ~ North Mercer R-III School Calendar 2017-2018

August 11 Teacher In-Service/Workday (1) August 14 Teacher In-Service/Workday (2) August 15 Teacher In-Service/Workday (3) August 16 First Day of School

September 1 Dismiss 12:30 – Labor Day September 4 No School – Labor Day September 15 Teacher In-Service/Workday (4)

October 16 End of First Quarter October 19 Dismiss 12:30 – Parent/Teacher Conference 2-8 p.m. October 20 No School (5)

November 10 Dismiss 12:30 – Teacher In-Service November 22 No School – Thanksgiving Break November 23 No School – Thanksgiving Break November 24 No School – Thanksgiving Break

December 20 Out 12:30 Winter Break End of Second Quarter/First Semester Ends December 21 No School – Winter Break

January 2 Teacher In-Service/Workday (6) January 3 School Resumes January 15 No School – Martin Luther King Day (Snow Make-Up Day) January 26 No School – Teacher In-Service/Workday (7)

February 16 Teacher In-Service/Workday (8) February 19 No School – President’s Day (Snow Make-Up Day)

March 5 End of Third Quarter March 8 Dismiss 12:30 Parent/Teacher Conferences 2-8 p.m. March 9 No School (9) March 30 No School – Good Friday/Spring Break

April 2 No School – Spring Break April 3 No School – Spring Break

May 9 Dismiss – 12:30 – End of Fourth Quarter/Last Day of School May 10 Teacher In-Service (10) (Snow Make-Up Day) May 11 Teacher In-Service (11) (Snow Make-Up Day) May 14 Snow Make-Up Day May 15 Snow Make-Up Day

Student Days: 168 Teacher Aide Days: 174 Teacher Days: 179

~ 6 ~ North Mercer R-III Elementary School Faculty and Staff 2017-2018

Superintendent: Mr. Dan Owens Elementary Principal Mr. Wes Guilkey Curriculum Director: Mrs. Lisa Prichard Elementary Counselor: Mrs. Lauren Guilkey Preschool: Mrs. Melissa Ewing Kindergarten: Mrs. B.J. Passmore First Grade: Mrs. Megan Martin Second Grade: Mrs. Jody Owens Third Grade: Mr. Doug Eldridge 4-5-6 SS/Science: Ms. Janet Searcy 4-5-6 Communication Arts: Mrs. Carla Perkins 4-5-6 Mathematics: Mrs. Tara Martin Art: Mrs. Courtney Scroggie Library: Mrs. Lisa Prichard Music: Ms. Jessica Gannon Physical Ed/Health/Speech Implementer: Mrs. Angie Couchman Title One: Mrs. Krista Snow Special Education: Mr. Josh Stiles Reading First Coach/Speech Implementer: Mrs. Lori Hartley Parents as Teachers: Ms. Rebecca Tate At-Risk Coordinator: Mr. Dan Owens School Nurse: Mrs. Kelly Cowan Paraprofessionals: Preschool: Mrs. Erin Nall Special Education: Mrs. Kay Wyatt Ms. Rebecca Tate

~ 7 ~ 2017-2018 North Mercer School District Organizational Chart

Board of Education Members Patrons of the Tracy Meinecke President District Chris Main, Vice-President Julie Graham, Sec/Treas Kirk Ellis, Peggy Johnson, Superintendent of Jennifer Wilson, Justin Holt School, Mr. Dan Owens DESE

School Nurse, Central Office Mrs. Kelly Cowan Secretary, Mrs. Jennifer Wilson

Secondary Principal Director of Director of Director of Food Elementary Principal, Mr. Wes Guilkey Transportation Maintenance, Services, Mrs. Mr. Wes Guilkey Mr. Brian Persell Terry Bomgardner Reading Coach Office Secretaries Curriculum Parents as Dir, Mrs. Mrs. Lori Teachers Bus Drivers Custodians Cooks Hartley Lisa Prichard Elementary Secondary AD, Coaches and Teachers Teachers Sponsors

Paraprofessionals Students Paraprofessionals Students

Office Secretaries: Custodians: Paraprofessionals: Parents as Professional Staff: Professional Staff: Professional Staff: Kip Houk Melissa Ewing-Preschool Josh Stiles—Elem. SPED Sean Thurm-History Terry Bomgardner Erin Nall Teacher: B.J. Passmore-Kindergarten Jeff Wyatt-Ag. Ed. Dave Fuller-Science Krystle Lowrey Richard Jones Kay Wyatt Becca Tate Megan Martin-1st Grade Katie Crabtree-Business Janice Persell- Math Rebecca Tate Jody Owens-2nd Grade Angie Couchman-Elem PE/Health Courtney Scroggie -Art Doug Eldridge-3rd Grade /Speech Implementer Drew Smith -JH/HS Health/PE Bus Drivers: Cooks: Janet Searcy-4-5-6 SS/Science Jessica Gannon-Music Greg Frost-ITV/Spanish Carla Perkins-4-5-6 Comm Arts Lauren Guilkey-Counselor Lori Hartley-Rdg. Coach Doug Eldridge Nellie Henley Debra Goodman Tara Martin- 4-5-6 Math Lisa Prichard-Librarian Doyle Wyatt Krista Snow-Title I Melissa Hill-English Richard Jones Trevor DeVore –HS SPED SCHOOL ADMITTANCE

In accordance with Missouri School Law, Section 160.051, a child must be five (5) years of age before August 1, to be eligible for Kindergarten during the current school year. A child entering first grade must be six (6) years of age before August 1. A copy of the official birth certificate of the child is needed for school records. All immunization records must be up to date.

BUILDING AND GROUNDS

The school building/grounds belong to you, your parents, your neighbors, and your friends. They are public property and are here for your use. We will do our best to keep them clean and in good repair. North Mercer is a small school with limited funds, thus, money spent on carelessness, damage, or loss, is taking away from the main purpose of the school, the best education possible.

SCHEDULE OF HOURS

The North Mercer R-III Elementary runs a class schedule from 8:10 AM - 3:14 PM for grades K-6. Students who ride the bus will be dismissed from class and will walk directly to the bus and become seated.

North Mercer R-III Elementary has a closed noon hour with a supervised lunch period and recess. There is NO break for children to leave the school grounds. Children may leave during school hours only if the parent or guardian picks them up. The adult will check out students with the principal before leaving the building. In the event that a student will be checking out, prior notice, written is ideal, is appreciated whenever possible.

Parents are asked to not interrupt student’s classes near the end of the school day. Please refrain from picking your child up from school during the last ten minutes of the school day. We ask for all parents to please wait for school to be dismissed before picking up your children. Waiting outside in the hallway of the classroom for your child to be dismissed is common and acceptable.

Students are not to remain in the school building after school hours, unless they are supervised by a teacher. School hours are as follows 7:45-3:30 Monday through Friday. The doors to the building will be locked except during those times. Please note, students will not be allowed into the building/cafeteria until 7:45 each morning.

In accordance with the district crisis management plan, all doors are subject to a lockdown at a moment’s notice. This decision will be made by the administration, and no one except an administrator is allowed to open these locked doors for any reason. This includes, but is not limited to, teachers, faculty, and staff. IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

Elementary Office 382-4214 Wes Guilkey, Principal

BAD WEATHER AND EARLY DISMISSAL

The following radio stations will carry news of the closing of the North Mercer R-III Schools in the event of severe or bad weather. If school must be closed during the school day because of deteriorating weather conditions, the information will be provided to these stations one hour or more before the time to dismiss:

KTTN 92.3 FM--Trenton KAAN 95.5 FM/87AM—Bethany

If your elementary child must go somewhere other than home when school is dismissed early, please send a note to the teacher telling where the child is to go and which bus he or she must ride. Send the note so the teacher can make a list of all the children in the room who must ride a different bus. Please try to make this a permanent arrangement so you will not need to call when we dismiss early. The teacher and the principal will see that your child gets on the correct bus. Older children in grades 7-12 can find their own bus but should be told by you where to go if school is dismissed early.

There will be times when we will not have school at all the next day. If a decision is made for no school in the afternoon or evening, the announcement will be on the radio stations. They will begin announcing it about 6:30 a.m.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Farmer’s Bank of Northern Missouri, in cooperation with Mercer County schools, has developed Community Connection. You can sign up to receive important, community-related information sent as text messages directly to your mobile phone. Included are school cancellations, early dismissals, sports scheduling, etc. The messages will be sent as a text message to your cell phone. Sign up is very simple. Go to www.onlinefarmersbank.com and click on “More Info” of the Community Connection information box.

~ 10 ~ ABSENCES AND TARDIES

We cannot stress too greatly the importance of your child being in school every day on time to be successful with schoolwork. Each day’s absence makes it more difficult for the child upon returning. In the event that a child is arriving late to school, he or she must report to the principal with a note or accompanied by a parent. At this time the student will be taken to class by the building principal. In the event that a child is leaving early from school, he or she must report to the principal with a note or accompanied by a parent to sign out. If a child is leaving from recess the parent must notify the teacher on duty and be signed out so attendance can be kept correctly. If a student is showing a pattern of tardiness or poor attendance, the parents may be reported for educational neglect. Absences in excess of 7 days per semester or excessive tardies may be referred to Division of Family Services for investigation.

SCHOOL INSURANCE

There will be an opportunity to purchase accident insurance for your child at a relatively low premium if you desire. Information and enrollment applications are posted on the school website.

LUNCH PROGRAM

Please send payment for school lunches to the school secretary monthly (unless other arrangements are made with her). Extra milk may be purchased for 25 cents per carton. Juice is 30 cents per carton.

LUNCHES FROM HOME

For health and safety reasons, parents and other persons will not be permitted to bring food from home after 8:30 A.M. Students eating sack lunches should bring meals to school upon morning arrival.

BREAKFASTS

Breakfast is offered daily to all North Mercer R-III students. Please send payment for school breakfasts to the school secretary monthly (this may be included with lunch money).

Applications for free and reduced breakfasts and lunches will be sent home with all children the first day of school. To be placed on free/reduced meals, applications must be filled out completely, including social security number and salary, and returned to the school office for approval/disapproval as soon as possible. You will receive written notification of the approval or disapproval of your application. This information is strictly confidential, and the district encourages all families to apply for this program.

When students arrive in the morning, they are to sit in the commons area until breakfast is served. At 7:45, students who will be eating breakfast will line up in an orderly fashion and then return to their seat until the completion of their breakfast. Students in grades

~ 11 ~ Kindergarten, First, and Second are allowed to go to their classroom after they eat breakfast or at the 8:00 A.M. bell. All other students are not to leave their seat in the commons area until the bell rings at 8:10 to go to their classroom.

Students are not to have restaurant food in the cafeteria. Restaurant food is not allowed to be brought in by another individual such as a parent or guardian. This is violation of state lunchroom guidelines and will not be allowed.

MONEY AT SCHOOL

In the interest of helping children learn the value of money and eliminating temptation regarding the possession of another’s property, children MUST NOT bring money to school unless it is to be used for a specific purpose such as milk, lunch money, or library books. Money sent to school should be placed in an envelope with the name of the child, name of the teacher, and purpose on the outside.

MONEY MAKING ACTIVITIES

School sponsored money making activities may be held during the school day upon approval from the office. Non-school sponsored money making activities such as non-profit, charitable activities need approval from the office and a written agreement on the purpose of the fund- raiser must be signed before its beginning.

Private profit making activities are strongly discouraged.

TELEPHONE USE

Students are not to use the phone during school hours unless there is an emergency. Students are to use the phone in the commons or ask their teacher for permission to use phone in classroom before and after school.

ASSEMBLIES

Assemblies are held occasionally for the benefit of the student. Students are expected to be seated and attentive.

Teachers are to sit with and supervise their classes during each assembly.

No assemblies are to be scheduled or held without the approval of the principal.

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are a good extension of classroom learning and classroom activity. Field trips are also valuable to clubs and extracurricular activities.

Students may need to bring entry fees for certain field trips activities. In the event that payment cannot be made for the activity, other arrangements will be discussed.

~ 12 ~ Students may be signed out from a field trip if advance notice in writing has been provided to the trip sponsor by the parent. This would allow the student to leave the group with an adult other than the parent. The student under no circumstances will be allowed to ride home with a fellow student or juvenile. The adult permitted to take the child home must sign the student our appropriately with the sponsor. All students are expected to travel to a field trip destination with the group.

FIRE, TORNADO, and EARTHQUAKE DRILLS

Fire, tornado, and earthquake drills will be held periodically. These are held to ensure the safety of students should an actual emergency arise.

Directions for Responding to Crisis

Below are specific instructions for responding to four of the most common crisis this school is likely to see. Crises not listed here will be handled through the Crisis Team. The Crisis Team will provide instruction on how to respond to crises not listed below.

FIRE 1) A series of short on-off horns will sound with flashing lights in the hallway. 2) Teachers and students will leave the classroom or office in a quiet, orderly manner. 3) Teachers and students will follow the fire evacuation plan posted in their room which tells them where to go. 4) Teachers will account for their students when they reach their designated area. Any missing or injured persons will be reported to an administrator immediately. 5) No one is to re-enter the building until an administrator gives the all-clear.

TORNADO/SEVERE WEATHER 1) A series of short, on-off bells will sound. 2) Students and teachers will leave the classroom or office in a quiet, orderly manner. 3) Students and teachers will follow the tornado evacuation plan posted in their room or office.

4) Teachers will account for their students when they reach their designated area. Any missing or injured persons will be reported to an administrator immediately. 5) No one is to return to their usual area until an administrator gives the all-clear.

EARTHQUAKE During an earthquake: 1) The teacher in charge will direct students to get under their desk or table and cover their head. If students can’t do this, they should get against a wall away from windows and falling objects. Students should stay as calm as possible and listen for instructions. 2) Students in the lunchroom, Art room, Music room, Library, or gym, will get under tables. 3) Students in the bathroom will move to the doorway.

~ 13 ~ 4) Students who are outside should stay in an open area away from buildings and power lines. 5) No one should go back into the building until instructed to do so by an adult. When the earthquake is over: 1) Students should wait for a signal such as a loud blow of a whistle for evacuation of the building. If for any reason the principal or head teacher cannot direct teachers and students, the teachers present will have students wait 2 minutes then proceed on their own. 2) Students will be directed to follow the procedures in place for fire drills—teachers will first make sure that the way out is safe. 3) Students should not run aimlessly and blindly out of the building. There is always danger of electrical wires, falling debris, and gas leaks that might cause fire. 4) Teachers will take roll immediately after reaching the designated area.

BOMB THREAT

1) A long, continuous bell will sound. It is the same as a fire alarm. 2) Students will leave their classroom or office in a quiet, orderly manner. 3) Students should follow the fire evacuation plan posted in their room or office. 4) Teachers will account for their students when they reach their designated area. Any missing or injured persons will be reported to an administrator immediately. 5) No one should re-enter the building or leave cover until the all-clear is given by an administrator.

Additional information on the school procedures in case of an actual emergency can be found in the Crisis Management Plan located in the principal’s office.

SCHOOL VISITS

We are always happy to have mothers and fathers visit school at any time. You are always welcome. Visiting classes and seeing your child working in the group not only helps you understand the school program better, but also helps your child feel that you are sincerely interested in him/her and the work he/she is doing.

With the busy schedule all parents have, we know that it is not always possible to make regular visits to school. We hope you will call us by phone or write a note if you are unable to come to school or if you have any questions. We ask that all parents or visitors entering the school notify the office of their presence in the building before going into their child’s classroom.

We ask that all visiting parents talk with the classroom teacher as well as the principal if they wish to observe in their child’s classroom. It is important that parents not interrupt the work or become a distraction for the students during the visit.

INTERNET USE

~ 14 ~ Students using the Internet will be expected to follow certain guidelines. Should a student fail to follow these guidelines, detention and denial of use may occur. Please read these guidelines carefully.

1) ALL students who are using the Internet at this school are required to sign an Internet Use Contract yearly, BEFORE using the Internet. A parent signature is also required. This contract is included in the “back to school packet” dispersed on the first day of school. A copy will be kept on file in the principal’s office.

2) The Internet is to be used for educational purposes only. Research and exchanging of information for class purposes are two examples of acceptable Internet use. If you are not sure if what you are doing is appropriate, be sure to ask!

3) Any transmission, receipt, reading, or use of obscene material, pornographic material, any form of advertising, lobbying or political use is prohibited.

4) Any violation of state, federal, local, or school rules is prohibited.

5) Vandalism (such as purposely destroying or tampering with date or equipment) is prohibited.

6) Interference with others’ use of the Internet (such as tying up the system for long periods of time to download large amounts of data, is prohibited).

7) North Mercer R-III is not responsible for the accuracy of information received or for damages such as loss of data or non-delivered data.

8) Rules and regulations for use of the Internet will be reviewed regularly by the school. Students and parents will be informed of changes.

9) Failure to abide by the rules established for the use of Internet will result in the loss of the privilege of using Internet.

The North Mercer R-III Schools believe that the Internet contains resources that can be very valuable to the education of students. The district would like you to know that there is material on the Internet that is not appropriate for students. The district will do everything it can to prevent students from accessing this material. Students found accessing inappropriate material will lose their privilege to use the Internet and school discipline policies found in this handbook will also apply. The district would like your assistance in ensuring that your students do not access inappropriate material on the Internet during school hours. Please talk with your son or daughter on this matter. The North Mercer R-III School District will not encourage accessing inappropriate material and will not be held responsible for students doing so.

COMPUTER USE

~ 15 ~ Students using school computers are not to play non-educational games on them or access any inappropriate material such as pornography. Students are not to be on chat lines. Students using the computer labs must have teacher approval. No food or drink is allowed in the labs or around any computer in the building. Supervision is required any time students are in the computer lab.

YEARBOOK AND SCHOOL WORK DISPLAYS

Parents are required to notify the school if for any reason they do not want their child’s student work displayed in the hallway or classroom. All work displayed will be at the discretion of the classroom teacher unless notified by the parent or guardian. In addition to this, parents are asked to notify the school if for some reason they do not want their child’s picture included in the North Mercer Annual Yearbook or placed on the school web page that is updated periodically.

RECESS

Recess is an important part of the day for elementary students. This is a time where they are able to play, communicate with others socially, show sportsmanship, and cooperate with others under a few general rules. It is important to note that all elementary classes will be going outside if the weather is clear and above 40 degrees. It will be crucial that your child wears the appropriate clothing, that will include a hat, gloves, and coat, which must be sent to school daily during the cooler days of fall, winter and spring.

SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS

Below are some general expectations students are expected to follow. More specific expectations and guidelines are found later in this handbook.

The following are prohibited during school and school functions.

All students must: 1) Walk steps one at a time. 2) Wear shirts at all times in school 3) Not use the office telephones except for emergencies or for school business. 4) Not run in the school building (except in PE or sports). 5) Not use or possess tobacco, alcoholic beverages, or controlled substances. 6) Not wear clothing with profanity, beer/alcohol advertising, advertising of tobacco products, and inappropriate messages (obscenity, nudity, sex, violence, drugs). 7) Not wear bandannas, other headgear, and/or sunglasses in the school building. First Offense: warning/taken until end of school day. Second Offense: taken until the end of the following quarter. 8) Not have radios, pagers, cell phones and/or CD players. 9) Not display affection (including hand holding, kissing, hugging, and arms around each other).

~ 16 ~ 10) Not use disruptive speech or show inappropriate conduct (including yelling, foul language, talking out of turn, and being disrespectful).

Classroom Expectations: 1) Follow teacher’s instructions. 2) Bring necessary materials with you to class. 3) Be ready for class activities. 4) Contribute positively to the learning environment. 5) Respect others and their property. 6) Follow the expectations of this handbook and any additional expectations specified by the classroom teacher.

Students are responsible for their own conduct. Failure to act in an appropriate manner (such as violating the above expectations) will result in appropriate action such as office referrals, parental contact, conferences, detention, counseling, suspension, and/or expulsion.

ELEMENTARY DRESS CODE

Dress Code guidelines for both male and female students include, but are not limited to:

1) Clothing must allow no skin showing the torso, other than the appropriate necklines. This does include shirts that have “spaghetti straps” and low cut tank tops.

2) Shorts and Skirts: When standing straight with arms at the side, length must be at or below lowest fingertip.

3) A change of clothing is required for all dress code violations. Students will not be allowed to go home for other clothes if a suitable item can be provided here at school. When necessary, the parent may be called to bring in clothing before the student will return to class. If this occurs, the absence will be counted as unexcused and the time will be made up after school.

1st Offense: Verbal reprimand, change in clothing required. The student may pick up the item when the school provided item is returned.

2nd Offense: Detention, change of clothing required.

3rd Offense: One day In School Suspension

4th Offense: One day Out of School Suspension

ACTIVITY BUS TRANSPORTATION POLICY

~ 17 ~ 1) All extracurricular activities participants will travel to and from all activities on school provided transportation under direct supervision of a North Mercer School District Employee. 2) Any student that does not travel to an activity on school provided transportation would be considered ineligible to participate in that specific activity or event. 3) Parents/Guardians who wish to transport their student home, must sign out the student with the on-site activity sponsor. STUDENTS WILL, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE, BE ALLOWED TO RIDE HOME WITH A BOYFRIEND, GIRLFRIEND, OR ANY OTHER PERSONS OTHER THEN THEIR PARENT OR GUARDIAN. A student found to be in violation of this provision will be considered ineligible for the next activity in which they would normally attend. 4) Continued violations of this provision will result in suspension from all activities. 5) Administrative discretion can be used in an emergency situation. 6) Once a parent/guardian signs a student out, the school relinquishes all responsibility and liability.

GYM EXPECTATIONS

No students are to be in the gym in the morning before school without supervision from an adult. The gym will remain locked until supervision is provided.

When students are allowed in the gym, they are to play responsibly. No rough play (such as tackling or throwing balls at each other) is acceptable. Rough play may result in not being allowed in the gym or in detention.

General Gym Expectations:

1) No street shoes are to be worn on the gym floor. 2) No rough play will be allowed. This includes tackling, throwing hard balls at each other and shoving. 3) No shooting baskets or throwing balls from the bleachers. 4) No horsing around in the bleachers. 5) No climbing on the bleachers while they are folded in. 6) Balls and other equipment must be put away before leaving the gym. Should violations of these expectations occur, the student will be warned. If the behavior continues, the student may be asked to leave the gym and will not be allowed to return to the gym. Detention may also be given for violations of the gym expectations.

PLAYGROUND EXPECTATIONS

1) Students should not climb on or over the fence. 2) Student should not leave the playground without special permission. 3) Students are not to be in the parking area at any time. 4) Students are NOT to play TACKLE FOOTBALL, HARDBALL, OR DODGEBALL on the school grounds. (NO CONTACT SPORTS)

~ 18 ~ 5) Kick balls are the only pieces of equipment that may be kicked. 6) Tag games should be discouraged on the concrete areas. 7) The throwing of rocks, snowballs, sticks, etc., will not be permitted. 8) Avoid roughness in play, such as tripping, kicking, fighting, and tackling. 9) Always refrain from petting and playing with dogs and cats that come to the playground. 10) Do not write on school property, such as buildings, walks, and grounds areas. 11) Help keep the schoolyard clean and attractive by picking up papers and other litter. 12) Do your part to help keep an attractive playground. 13) Use school equipment safely and as it is meant to be used. 14) No equipment or toys are to be brought from home to use at recess or on the playground. 15) Watch the language you use. Set a good example for friends and students.

SLIDES

1) Students should sit down and face forward while using the slides. 2) Only one person should go down the slide at a time. 3) Once slides have been climbed, always go down. 4) Do not track mud onto the slides.

SCHOOL BUSES

Bus transportation is a school service. Students are responsible for his or her actions to the bus and bus driver at all times and are expected to be courteous and considerate to other students as well.

Students that will be riding the bus are to walk directly to the bus to help avoid congesting the area in the commons and hallways. When the buses are being loaded, pupils are to form separate lines for each bus. No students may board the bus except as directed by the driver. Students desiring to ride a bus other than their assigned bus must bring a note or request from home and have it signed in the office. Failure to follow bus rules may result in withdrawal of the privilege of riding the bus.

As per school board policy adopted September 12, 2005, 4-year-old preschool students that are attending the full day program and weighing a minimum of 40 pounds* will be allowed to ride the bus. It is recommended that preschool children riding the bus sit in the front seats during all regular bus routes. An approval form will need to be completed by the parent/guardian through the preschool program prior to riding. Three-year-old preschool students will not be allowed to ride the bus.

*The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education recommends, for safety concerns, all preschool students weigh a minimum of 40 pounds.

SCHOOL BUS EXPECTATIONS

1) Driver is in charge of the pupils and the bus. Pupils must obey the driver promptly and cheerfully. ~ 19 ~ 2) Pupils must be on time. The bus cannot wait beyond its regular schedule for those who are tardy.

3) Pupils should never stand in roadway while waiting for the bus.

4) No food or drink unless approved by the driver.

5) Unnecessary conversation with the driver is prohibited.

6) Classroom conduct is to be observed by pupils while riding in the bus, except for ordinary conversation. No horseplay will be permitted.

7) Pupils must not, at any time, extend arms or head out of bus windows.

8) Pupils must not try to get on or off the bus, or move about within the bus, while it is in motion.

9) Pupils must observe instructions from driver when leaving bus.

10) Any damage to a bus by a student must be paid for by the student responsible for the damage.

11) The driver will not discharge riders at places other than the regular bus stop near the home, or at school, unless by proper authorization from parent, the Superintendent or Principal of the school.

FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE REGULATIONS MAY RESULT IN EXPULSION FROM THE BUS.

SCHOOL BUS DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES

When a student has a problem on the bus such as being out of seat, yelling, standing, this plan will be followed:

Step 1: Bus driver will file discipline report and driver will report problem to principal with written report. Principal will then have a conference with the student. Student will miss a minimum of one day of recess. A parent will be notified of the incident.

Step 2: Repeated occurrence of same or similar problem. Driver will report problem to principal with written report. Principal will have conference with the student. Student will miss a minimum of two days of recess. A parent will be notified of the incident.

Step 3: Repeated occurrence of same or similar problem. The student and principal will have a conference and the student will call parents and explain the

~ 20 ~ situation. An elementary student K-6 will be off the bus one day (morning and evening).

Step 4: Repeated occurrence of same or similar problem. An elementary student K-6 will be off the bus two days (morning and evening).

Step 5: Repeated occurrence of same or similar problem. An elementary student will be off the bus a minimum of four days.

More serious problems, such as fighting, smoking/tobacco usage, and unacceptable language will be handled in the following manner:

First Occurrence: One day missed recess and/or one to three days off of the bus.

Repeated Occurrence: Conference with parents and five to ten days off of the bus.

Extreme cases, such as bus vandalism will result in the student being off the bus for a minimum of three school days. This will be determined by school administration and additional compensation may be required to pay for damages.

* DISCIPLINE PLAN - K-6

Behavior expectations for students:

1) Follow all directions. 2) Be in seat (with all supplies needed) ready to work when bell rings. 3) Keep hands, feet, and objects to self. 4) Raise hand and wait to be recognized before speaking. 5) Show respect and good manners. 6) Work in a way that allows all class members to do their best work. Each elementary teacher has an approved discipline plan in place for their classroom. This policy will be sent home during the first week of school. The policies are in place to ensure that all students have an environment in which they can learn. Policies may include spending time at recess with the teacher instead of playing.

In the event of very serious offenses may be sent to the principal’s office immediately.

These offenses include, but are not limited to, the following:

1) Fighting 2) Failure to submit to the authority of adults. 3) Destruction of property or theft. 4) Possession of dangerous objects. 5) Disrespectful actions toward adults and peers. 6) Possession of tobacco, drugs, or alcohol. 7) Throwing food in the lunch room. 8) Other infractions as outlined in “Safe Schools Act”.

~ 21 ~ SUSPENSIONS

In-school suspension is a disciplinary means assigned to the student for infractions of school regulations. This measure requires total cooperation of the student. Should the student fail to cooperate, the student may be suspended from school. Students assigned to in-school suspension will not be counted absent from class and will receive full credit for their work. In- school suspensions may be served on assigned days per administrative request.

The following expectations apply to in-school suspension:

1) The student will remain in the in-school suspension room all day. 2) Students will be provided with lunch if they desire. Lunch will be eaten in the ISS room. 3) Students shall bring all books, paper and something to write with. 4) All assignments shall be completed by the end of the day. 5) A student assigned to ISS will be ineligible to participate in any school activity during the period of suspension. 6) Only administration can give ISS. 7) ISS may be served on certain days as per administrative request.

The following expectations apply to out-of-school suspension: 1) Student will be under the supervision of the parent or guardian for the length of the suspension. 2) Students will complete all homework and turn them in to the teacher(s) upon the student’s return to school. 3) Immediately prior to the student’s return to school, the parent and principal will meet to discuss the student’s return and behavioral expectations. 4) A student assigned to OSS will be ineligible to participate in any school activity during the period of suspension. 5) Only administration can give OSS.

DISCIPLINE RESPONSIBILITIES

STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY

Since the Constitution and laws safeguard the student’s rights, each student has the responsibility to protect his/her own and other’s rights to an undisturbed education. All students in the public schools shall be expected to follow the rules and regulations of the Board of Education and school administration. Students shall be required to observe the customary rules of courtesy and politeness, which contribute to good order as established by the acceptable standards of the school and community. The superintendent of schools and the school principals shall be authorized to use their own judgment in regard to what is to be interpreted as contributing to good order.

PARENT’S RESPONSIBILITY

~ 22 ~ Discipline is the primary responsibility of the parents and the students while attending school. The behavior of students attending our schools shall reflect standards of good citizenship demanded of members of a democratic society. It is the parent’s obligation, by teaching and leading by example, to develop good student behavior habits, as well as proper attitudes toward the school. To insure student success, parents should at regular intervals, check with school officials concerning the student’s school conduct.

Student dress and appearance are the responsibility of the parents. Students shall be permitted to dress and appear in a fashion that is acceptable to parents, students and staff. This decision is made on the assumption that the apparel is appropriate for school and does not interfere with student’s health and welfare. It is also the responsibility of the parent to work with the school to bring about changes in the behavior of students who violate standards of acceptable school conduct.

SCHOOL’S RESPONSIBILITY

It is the school’s responsibility to provide experiences that will enable the student to function as a good citizen. Policies and measure of discipline shall be employed to establish a favorable learning environment free from distractions and misbehavior. Furthermore, there shall be communication among administrators and faculty within each level of education toward the goal of a more consistent and fair discipline policy.

Over the past 20 years, greater attention has been directed toward applying what we know about human behavior and improving school climate and discipline. School-wide Positive Behavior Support (known also as Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) is our district’s process for teaching social and behavioral skills so teachers’ focus can be on teaching and learning. Through PBIS, the district works to provide a framework for:

1. Improving the social behavioral climate of the school 2. Supporting and enhancing the impact of academic instructor on achievement 3. Increasing proactive, positive, preventive management while decreasing reactive management 4. Integrating academic and behavioral supports 5. Improving services for all students, including students at risk and students with disabilities

The guidelines on the following matrix (p. 24) are behavioral expectations for students while in the school building.

Teachers will complete the Minor Referral Form (p. 25) for incidents which are deemed Minor. Following a 4th incident of the same problem behavior, an Office Referral Form (p. 26) will be completed by the teacher. This form will accompany the student to the office where the Student and Principal will conference. Parent contact will be made to discuss consequences and possible solutions.

Students who are involved in a problem behavior considered Major will be sent immediately to the Principal’s office. Parents will be contacted to discuss consequences and possible

~ 23 ~ solutions. An Office Referral Form will be completed as well to document the behavior and administrative action taken.

~ 24 ~ Be Respectful Be Responsible Be Safe Bus -Follow bus rules -Be Ready and on -Stay in seat -Use Inside Voice Time -Keep hands, feet, -Keep area clean and objects out of -Keep track of aisle belongings -Enter and exit safely Commons -Use Inside Voice -Ask permission to -Stay in seat -Use good manners leave -KAHFOOTY such as “Please and -Clean up after -Report messes Thank you” yourself -Walk -KAHFOOTY -Follow School Rules Rest Rooms -Respect others’ -Take care of -Wash hands with privacy business soap -Inside Voice -Flush -One person in a stall -Wait your turn -Throw trash away -Use bathroom appropriately Classrooms -Keep a positive -Stay on task -KAHFOOTY attitude -Be ready to work -4 on the floor -Listen and follow -Do your best -Wait your turn directions -Complete work -Teacher approved -Take care of your voice level belongings Hallways -Whisper -KAHFOOTY -Walk in a straight -Go directly to your line destination -Stay to the right -Stay in your spot in -Face forward line Playground -Outside voice -Play by the rules -Play safe -Share Equipment -Line up in a straight -Be where you belong -Get along with line -KAHFOOTY others -Use equipment -Dress appropriately properly for weather

All settings: Listen to Adults, Use your Manners, Follow rules/directions of the school, Take care of School Property

Voice Level: Silent ↔ Whisper ↔ Inside Voice ↔ Outside Voice KAHFOOTY—Keep All Hands, Feet, and Other Objects to Yourself

~ 25 ~ ~ 26 ~ ~ 27 ~ SCHOOL DISTRICT POLICY ON ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

This policy and its associated guidelines are an effort by the school district to respond effectively to the potential and current use and abuse of alcohol and drugs by members of its school population.

STATEMENT OF POLICY

The use of illicit drugs and the unlawful possession and use of alcohol is wrong and harmful and is prohibited on school property.

Board adopted disciplinary sanctions, up to and including expulsion, termination of employment and referral for prosecution will be imposed on students and employees who violate the standards of conduct. Compliance with the standards of conduct is mandatory.

The school district will work through curriculum and classroom activities, administrative and faculty effort, and disciplinary procedures to prevent and intervene in the abuse of alcohol and drugs by members of the school population.

As an extension of this policy, the following school guidelines should be used with reasonable judgment, when responding to alcohol and drug-related situations.

The guidelines are divided according to situations that may occur at school or at school- sponsored events.

North Mercer Policy on Sexual Harassment

Inappropriate sexual conduct will not be tolerated and may constitute sexual harassment. North Mercer does not condone or tolerate any form of sexual harassment involving employees or students. The school system is committed to the creation and maintenance of a learning and work environment in which all persons who participate in school programs and activities can do so in an atmosphere free from all forms of sexual harassment.

North Mercer will take appropriate action to prevent and correct behavior that violates this policy. Disciplinary actions for students who violate the policy include a conference, suspension and/or expulsion depending on the circumstances, severity of the offense, and age of the students involved. It is the responsibility of every teacher and principal to recognize acts of sexual harassment and take necessary action to ensure that such instances are addressed swiftly, fairly, and effectively.

~ 28 ~ SUMMARY OF THE SAFE SCHOOLS ACT

The legislation outlines several policy requirements focusing on promoting safe school environments. Local boards of education of each school district are required to establish a written discipline policy, including specifying the districts policy on corporal punishment and procedures in which punishment will be applied. Pupils and their parents or legal guardians must be provided a copy of the disciplinary policy.

District administrators are required to report acts of school violence to teachers and other school employees who have direct responsibility for the child’s education or interact with the student on a professional basis. The section defines “acts of school violence” and “violent behavior” including a list of felonies that are required to be reported. Any portion of a child’s IEP relating to demonstrated or potentially violent behavior must be reported to any teacher or district employee who is directly responsible for the child’s education or who interacts with the student within the scope of their duties.

Current law requires suspension for a student bringing a weapon to school. Civil war era weapons, when used for civil war reenactment on school property are exempted. This weapon must be unloaded. The term “weapon” shall mean a “firearm” and the following items: a blackjack, a concealable firearm, an explosive weapon, a firearm, a firearm silencer, a gas gun, a knife, knuckles, a machine gun, a projectile weapon, a rifle, a shotgun, a spring gun, or a switchblade knife. Such definition shall include the weapons defined above but may also include other weapons. Any student who brings or possesses a firearm as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921 or a device as defined in 571.010 RSMo on school property or at any school activity will be suspended from school for at least one calendar year or expelled and will be referred to the appropriate legal authorities. The suspension or expulsion may be modified, on a case-by-case basis, upon recommendation by the superintendent to the Board of Education.

All school district personnel responsible for the care and supervision of students are authorized to hold every pupil strictly accountable for any disorderly conduct in school or on any property of the school, on any bus going or returning to school, during school-sponsored activities, or during intermission or recess periods.

Acts of violence shall include, but are not limited to the following: exertion of physical force by a student with the intent to do serious bodily harm to another person while on school property. This includes a school bus in service on behalf of the district, or while involved in school activities. The principal or the superintendent, to local law enforcement or the juvenile officer for the district, shall report this violation.

School districts shall for each student enrolled in the school district compile and maintain records of any serious violation of the district’s discipline policy. Investigating school district personnel shall issue separate reports of their findings and recommendations.

Assault: Attempting to cause injury to another person; intentionally placing a person in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury.

~ 29 ~ First Offense: Two after-school detentions or one day out-of-school suspension and notice to law enforcement officials with documentation in the students discipline records.

Subsequent Offense: Two day out-of-school suspension, notification to law enforcement officials, and documentation in student’s discipline record.

Extortion: Threatening or intimidating any student for the purpose of obtaining money or anything of value.

First Offense: Principal/Student conference, two after school detentions, or 1-4 days of out-of -school suspension.

Fighting: Mutual combat in which both parties have contributed to the conflict either verbally or by physical action.

First Offense: Two after school detentions and/or 1-4 days out-of-school suspension, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record.

Subsequent Offense: 1-4 days out-of-school suspension, and possible documentation in student’s discipline record.

REPORTING CHILD ABUSE

The Board of Education requires its staff members to comply with the state child abuse and neglect laws and the mandatory reporting of suspected neglect and/or abuse. Any school official or employee who knows or has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been subjected to abuse or neglect, or who observes the child being subjected to conditions or circumstances which would reasonably result in abuse or neglect, will immediately report or cause a report to be made to the building principal, who will become responsible for making a report via the Child Abuse Hotline (1-800-392-3738) to the Missouri Division of Family Services (DFS), as required by law. The building principal will make the superintendent aware that a report has been made, and will keep him or her aware of the status to the case.

The school, as a mandated reporter, will be entitled upon request to the local DFS office or to the social worker completing the investigation of information on the general disposition of the report. The information should be shared with the staff member who originated the report, but should not be released to anyone else without written authorization from DFS. Parents/Guardians should be referred to DFS for information regarding the investigation. Parents or legal guardians have access to the DFS records after investigation is completed, except that the identity of the reporter is not released.

When DFS receives a child abuse report which alleges that an employee of a school district has abused a student, the report is immediately referred to the school superintendent (or president of the school board in cases involving the superintendent) who will conduct an initial investigation. If the report relates to a spanking by a certificated school employee administered pursuant to written district policy or if it is determined that the sole purpose of the

~ 30 ~ report is to harass a school employee, the superintendent or board president will jointly investigate the matter with the juvenile officer or a law enforcement officer designated by the juvenile officer. Findings and conclusions will be issued as required by section 160.261, RSMo.

All other reports of any nature will be immediately returned to DFS for investigation, and the superintendent will take no further action. The superintendent and/or school board president will be considered a member of the multidisciplinary team, and such will be involved in the investigation and have access to appropriate information including the outcome of the investigation.

Any person, who in good faith, participates in making of such reports, or in any judicial proceeding resulting from there, will be immune from civil or criminal liability. It shall not be the responsibility of the school official or employee who initiated the report to prove that the child has been neglected or abused.

The superintendent will prepare and implement procedures as are necessary to accomplish the intent of this policy and of the law.

KNIVES, GUNS, AND TOYS

In the interest of safety and good study habits, children must not bring knives, toys, guns, tobacco or related products to school.

Children are not to bring toys, electronic games, tape players, radios, and small pocket articles unless it contributes to the child’s classes in some way. All articles and materials confiscated at school must be picked up by the owner’s parents within two weeks of confiscation.

WEAPONS IN SCHOOL

The possession or use of a weapon by any person, except where authorized by law, shall be prohibited in all school buildings on or about school grounds, and at all school activities. It is also important to note that a threat of use of any weapon is prohibited and may carry the same discipline procedures as usage of a weapon.

A weapon shall be defined as any instrument or device customarily used for attack or defense against an opponent, adversary or victim; or any instrument or device used to inflict physical injury or harm to another person. It is also important to note that a toy weapon that is used to threaten or instill fear in another individual may also follow the consequences established.

Violators of this policy may be referred to the appropriate legal authorities. In addition, any student who violates this policy will be subject to suspension and/or expulsion from school.

In accordance with federal law, any student who brings or possesses a firearm (as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921) on school property will be suspended from school for at least one calendar year.

~ 31 ~ The suspension may be modified on a case-by-case basis, upon recommendation by the superintendent to the Board of Education.

INVESTIGATIONS

Whenever there is any reasonable suspicion of use or abuse of alcohol or drugs, the principal or the principal’s designee should be involved in the investigation. The investigation may include a search.

A student’s locker and desk are considered school property and may be searched at any time. At times, it will be necessary to search the student’s belongings or person. Although the student’s consent is not required when there is reasonable suspicion that the search will result in the discovery of alcohol, drugs, or drug paraphernalia, the school official should always first request that the student volunteer any drugs, chemical substances, or drug paraphernalia. Any search should be conducted in the presence of another school staff member or the student’s parent.

CONFIDENTIALITY

The privacy of students shall be respected. Communication regarding alcohol and drug situations that call for referral or disciplinary action should be limited to those individuals who have a need to know.

GRADING AND POLICIES REGARDING GRADES

A standard percentage scale is used for assigning letter grades.

GRADING SCALE K-6

A 100-96 B- 82-80 D+ 69-67 A- 95-90 C+ 79-77 D 66-63 B+ 89-87 C 76-73 D- 62-60 B 86-83 C- 72-70 F 59 & Below

HOMEWORK

Each child is responsible for completing and returning homework assignments, including make-up work from absences. Notes are sent home and procedures are explained at the beginning of the year for homework policies and credits in various grades. Teachers want to work with parents to assure that all children complete their assignments in a timely manner.

In case of illness, a reasonable amount of time will be allowed for the student to make up missed work. For every day absent two days of make-up time will be allowed. In case of a long illness, special arrangements will be made.

~ 32 ~ We believe this policy will benefit your child in the following ways:

A) Better determine student progress. B) Promote student responsibility. C) Develop good work habits. D) Teachers and parents will be aware at an early date of any student difficulties. If your child is consistently late in handing in papers, then you will be notified by the teacher. Example, three recorded zeros will be brought to the attention of parents.

STUDY HALL K-6

Teachers may request that students who have late papers due be assigned to study hall during recess time.

REPORTING TO PARENTS

Report cards are sent to parents on a quarterly basis. Midterm progress reports are also sent four times a year. With the addition of the At-Risk Program at North Mercer, student grades are monitored by the coordinator weekly and then reported to the parent when deemed necessary by the guidelines established by the program. At this time a tutor can be set up for the student if desired.

Parent-teacher conferences are also scheduled twice during the year. We urge parents to come to the conference when possible. If the parent and teacher discuss together the goals they have for the child, and the ways in which these goals may be reached, much more can be accomplished. It is essential to always remember that the goals of staff and parents are the same, To Improve Student Achievement. We welcome any questions about your child’s progress. If a conference is desired at some other time than those scheduled, please call your child’s teacher or the principal for an appointment.

APPEALS PROCESS FOR GRADES:

Any parent or student wishing to appeal a quarter or semester grade will have three weeks from the receiving date of the grade to appeal it.

The steps for appealing a grade are:

1) Discuss the grade with the teacher. If the recipient is still not satisfied: 2) Discuss the grade with the principal. Parental and student involvement in grading is welcome. Please contact us at school if you have questions or concerns.

ELIGIBILITY

~ 33 ~ To be eligible for extracurricular activities a student must maintain grades of a C- (70%) or above. No F’s and no more than two D’s (D+, D, or D-) will be permitted. Grades will be monitored every Monday. In addition to meeting the school eligibility requirements, a student must also meet state eligibility requirements for some activities.*

Students ineligible may continue to practice with the group(s) but will not be allowed to participate in group activities. When an ineligible student has raised his or her grades to an acceptable level, the student will become eligible for participation. In the event a student’s grade is failing at the end of any given quarter, the student will be ineligible for four (4) weeks into the following quarter, at which time the student’s grade will be re-evaluated for eligibility. The four (4) week waiting period is to give the student extra time to improve their grades so he or she will not fall further behind.

Ineligibility for grading periods begins when the office receives the grades.

Grades will be monitored by the At-Risk Coordinator on Monday mornings. Ineligible students will be notified of ineligibility by the principal. The principal will also initiate parental contact notification of ineligibility.

To be eligible for a scheduled evening activity a student must have been in class attendance a minimum of four (4) class period (200 minutes) the day of activity.*

*See MSHSAA Official handbook for state requirements concerning music, athletics, and speech.

PROMOTION AND RETENTION POLICY

The purpose of promotion and retention is to provide maximum consideration for the long- range welfare of the student and to provide an opportunity for each student to progress through school according to his/her own needs and abilities.

However, consistent with state law, students with reading ability levels more than one grade level below their current grade level will not be promoted to a higher grade level until this deficiency is removed. This limitation on promotion will not apply to students receiving special education services pursuant to state law.

The District utilizes a program for reading improvement instruction for students in kindergarten through sixth grade who fail to meet the district’s objectives for reading based upon the student’s performance on reading assessment measures. Students reading one grade level below their grade placement must attend summer school or after school tutoring as a condition for promotion at the school’s discretion.

The District strictly follows the promotion and retention policy that has been established by the State of Missouri over the past two years regarding reading level and grade placement.

Grades K-2

~ 34 ~ Students will be promoted to the next grade level by meeting at least two out of three of the following criteria:

1) Achieve 70% or above in all academic core subjects. (Reading, English, Spelling, Science and Math). 2) Attain a composite score that shows acceptable progress in state or standardized tests. 3) Teacher recommendation (exhibit developmental maturity for his/her grade level, daily classroom effort, teacher observation - an anecdotal record will be kept. * Special education students will be evaluated by their IEP, towards promotion/retention. The IEP Committee will make the decision. (Teachers, parents, and administration)

Grades 3 - 6

Students will be promoted to the next grade level by meeting at least two out of four of the following criteria:

1) Passing with a C or better in nineteen out of the twenty-four quarters of the following core subjects: Math, Reading, English, Spelling, History, and Science. 2) Maintain a reading level that is not determined to be one grade below grade level as determined by state mandated assessments. 3) Attain a composite score that shows acceptable progress in state or standardized tests. 4) Teacher recommendation (exhibit developmental maturity for his/her grade level, daily classroom effort, teacher observation - an anecdotal record will be kept.

Attendance may be considered by the school when determining whether an elementary student may progress to the next grade. Classroom performance is often influenced by chronic absenteeism (over 7 days per semester) and is a factor in a student’s educational progress.

* Special education students will be evaluated per their IEP, towards promotion or retention. The IEP Committee will make the decision. (Teachers, parents, and administration)

All parents of students being considered for retention will be contacted by the teacher a minimum of three times prior to the end of fourth quarter. The teacher and principal will hold a conference with the parents. Parental input concerning retention will be given full consideration by the school; however, if the child fails to progress at a rate that he/she can achieve grade level skills, that child will be recommended for retention. Final determination will be made as soon as possible regarding student retention. Parents will receive a certified letter from the principal and teacher stating the recommendation.

SPECIAL SERVICES

The school offers many special services to meet the needs of our students. These include:

~ 35 ~ Special Education Services At-Risk Program Title One Program Four-Year Old Pre-School Extensive Tutoring Program Guidance Services School Health Services

GUIDANCE SERVICES

The North Mercer R-III Elementary School has a Guidance Counselor who has various functions. The counselor is available for individual counseling or group session. Teachers are encouraged to permit children to visit the counselor when problems persist. Parent conferences are usually arranged by the counselor to help the child when certain problems persist. Frequent visits to the primary classrooms help keep the counselor in touch with each child. Careful observation often helps prevent future problems. Upon request, the counselor will visit the classrooms to help with the development of self-concept, character building, study habits, etc. Pupils with severe emotional or physical problems may be referred to outside agencies, if parents and staff agree it is necessary.

A child experiencing difficulty in the regular classroom assignments may be referred to the counselor for evaluation. Upon completing the evaluations, if a child seems to have particular marked deficits, conferences will be held with the staff to help determine the proper placement of that pupil. The State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education require tests before a child can be enrolled in certain special programs.

Each test administered has a special purpose and no child’s placement is based on a single test score. Staffings are held with all personnel involved with the pupil helping to make decisions on placement. Test data is only one of many criteria considered in making these important decisions.

In grades K-2, a nationally-normed test such as the Stanford is administered annually. Also, in grades three through eight, students take the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) Test in the designated areas. These tests help the child and teacher measure the amount of academic growth during the year. They also help identify the child’s strengths and weaknesses, point out children needing remedial programs, etc. These tests are machine scored or hand scored and returned to the school.

Test results are kept in the student’s permanent file. Test results must be reported to the State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education annually. Parents are urged to visit the counselor’s office or make a phone call to discuss test scores, and interpretations. The counselor explains and interprets the test scores to pupils, teachers, and parents.

The counselor encourages the referral of pupils with personal problems. Few children can function well when they are under undue emotional strain. Sometimes a child needs a chance to talk his/her way out of his/her dilemma. The counselor is ready and willing to listen.

TITLE ONE PROGRAM

~ 36 ~ The North Mercer Title I Reading and Math program has been developed to reinforce the regular classroom program. The regular program, the Title I program, and other special programs are designed to collaborate together to meet the needs of each child being served. This requires cooperation between the regular classroom teacher and the Title I staff. The theory of the Title I program is to give a child a “double dose” of instruction. The program is not to replace the regular classroom instruction, but to reinforce the regular classroom.

The goals and objectives of the North Mercer R-III Title I Reading and Math program have been developed by the Title I staff with input from the elementary classroom teachers and parents. The major goal of the program is to improve the qualified students’ reading and math abilities as measured by gains from Standardized Achievement Tests, which are administered each school year. An improvement in the children’s classroom grades will also be observed.

The Objectives of the North Mercer Title I Program are as follows:

1) Provide supplemental instruction to those qualified students.

2) Offer successful opportunities for each student through the use of computer software, learning activities, board games, and other educational material.

3) Present opportunities using popular literature to foster a positive attitude toward the area of reading.

4) Coordinate the program closely with the elementary classroom teachers in order to reinforce appropriate skills in reading and math.

SPECIFIC SERVICES OF THE SCHOOL HEALTH PROGRAM

School personnel should maintain continuous observation for health problems and refer to the school nurse any suspected child health problems. Students are sent to the school nurse upon teacher discretion. Teachers may check student body temperature in the classroom before sending a student to the nurse. The school nurse appraises and interprets the health status and needs of each child and provides services or recommends services to meet those needed. Note: It is extremely important that all Emergency Registration Forms be completed before each school year including each student’s last visit to the dentist and physician. Also included on this form is all current Insurance information that must be completed fully in order to give your child the best care possible.

The school nurse shall maintain a written permanent health record on each student. This information will include complete dates of all immunizations received, results of the screening programs, and health and medical information. This record will be updated annually with other additions and corrections made as needed.

EMERGENCY CARE FOR ILLNESS AND INJURY

~ 37 ~ The school nurse has the responsibility for the emergency handling of accidents and sudden illness occurring on school property during school hours. This includes giving first aid and notifying the parents. The school is not responsible for subsequent treatment or medical expense incurred after the administration of first aid. As a guideline, the nurse will follow the recommended procedures in the flip chart provided jointly by the Department of Health and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, title RECOMMENDED PROCEDURES FOR EMERGENCY CARE OF ILLNESS AND INJURIES.

The district reserves the right to act as necessary, in its opinion, in a life or death situation. School personnel will notify the office of the superintendent when such emergency services are needed.

Mercer has a full time registered nurse in the elementary building. If there are questions regarding your child’s health, you may reach her at 382-4214. It is advisable that you talk with her about any special needs your child may have.

Fall is sneaky! Remember to dress your children in layers to go with the change in temperature. Please check them closely in the morning and start with a good breakfast. If your child still doesn’t feel well, you might want to consider keeping them home. Students must stay home or will be sent home with a temperature of 100 degrees or more. Students will come to the office with health related problems.

HEAD LICE

If your child comes home with head lice, don’t panic. Millions of school children contact head lice each year. Children play in close contact with each other or exchange hats, clothing, brushes, combs, pillows, etc. and transmit the head lice from one to another.

The most common symptom is intense itching on the back of the neck and head. Look for a small gray insect and nits (eggs) that are attached to the hair follicle that won’t flip or brush off. If lice and/or nits are present, do the following:

1) Inspect all members of the family.

2) Treat by using a pediculicide that kills both lice and nits. Remove the nits by sliding them off the hair by using your thumb and first finger. This is necessary to get rid of the dead nits so you can tell if the child is getting new ones. A product called CLEAR may be used to loosen the nits for easier removal. Some shampoo products require a second application to kill any new lice or eggs that may have hatched. Follow the directions on the box. Hair dryers may be used also.

3) Wash all clothing, bedding etc. that have come in contact with the head, and dry in the dryer. It is the heat that kills the lice.

4) Vacuum carpets, upholstery, pillows, and mattresses which may have been exposed to persons with head lice.

~ 38 ~ 5) Dry-clean hats and clothing that cannot be washed, or seal stuffed toys in an air- tight plastic bag for at least two weeks.

Please call the school and let the principal or school nurse know about discovering the head lice and what you have done to treat it. The nurse will do head checks on all students in that grade and other friends and relatives that might have them.

Preventive Measures

1) Check your child’s head daily especially if there has been an outbreak.

2) Remind them not to wear other children’s hats, clothing and Do Not Use other’s combs and brushes.

3) Do Not Use the shampoo unless lice and nits are found. Overuse of the pediculicide is hard on the hair and scalp and can be absorbed into the body through the skin. If lice are found on babies or young children remove them with your fingers. Do Not Use pediculicide on them.

4) When using the shampoo or cream rinse, avoid getting it in the eyes or on the body as it may irritate the skin and cause a rash.

Over the counter treatment of the child and his environment is usually sufficient to get rid of head lice infestation; however, if the treatment is ineffective or if there are complications, see your family doctor. The student should come to the Health Room for a head check before going back to class. By early detection, reporting, and treating, we can keep our school children lice free and nit free. Your help is greatly appreciated.

If a child is lice infected, the parent will be called to get their child. The child can’t return until lice and nit free. The student is to be checked by the school nurse before they can return to the classroom. If the student is absent more than three days, the parent will be contacted by the school nurse to see if any outside assistance is required.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASE - STUDENT

Purpose

The School Board recognizes its responsibility to protect the health of students and employees from the risks posed by infectious diseases. The Board also has the responsibility to uphold the rights of affected individuals to privacy and confidentiality, to attend school and to be treated in a nondiscriminatory manner.

Immunization

Students cannot enroll and/or attend school unless immunized as required by Missouri law.

Universal Precautions

~ 39 ~ The district requires all staff to routinely observe universal precautions to prevent exposure to disease-causing organisms, and the district provides necessary equipment/supplies to implement universal precautions (see attachment).

Communicable Disease--Categories of Potential Risk

Students with infectious diseases that can be transmissible in school and/or athletic settings (such as, but not limited to, chicken pox, influenza and conjunctivitis) are managed as specified in: (a) the most current edition of the Missouri Department of Health document entitled: Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases: A Guide for School Administrators, Nurses, Teachers, and Day Care Operators and (b) documents referenced in 19 CSR 20-20.030 and (c) in accordance with any specific guidelines/recommendations or requirements promulgated by the local county health department.

A student infected with a blood-borne pathogen such as hepatitis C virus (HCV), or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) poses no risk of transmission through casual contact to other persons in a school setting. Students infected with one of these viruses shall be allowed to attend school without any restrictions, which are based solely on the infection. The district cannot require any medical evaluations or tests for such diseases.

Exceptional Situations: There are certain specific types of behaviors (for example, biting or scratching) or conditions (for example, frequent bleeding, episodes or un-coverable, oozing skin lesions), which could potentially be associated with the transmission of both blood-borne, and non-blood-borne pathogens. No student, regardless of whether he or she is known to be infected with such pathogens, will be allowed to attend school unless these behaviors or conditions are either absent or appropriately controlled in a way that avoids unnecessary exposure.

In these exceptional instances, an alternative educational setting may be warranted. In certain instances, a designated school administrator may want to convene a Review Committee. The number of persons on the Review committee should be limited. It is recommended that members be limited to: 1) the parent(s)/guardian (s), 2) medical personnel, 3) building administrator, 4) superintendent and/or designee. Local health department officials may be consulted and/or included as members of the review team. If the student is identified as having a disability, any change of placement would need to be effected through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. In the case of a student who is disabled, but not identified under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, any change of placement would need to be effected through a multidisciplinary team meeting.

Specific mechanisms should be in place to ensure the following are consistently done:

a) All episodes of biting, and all children who exhibit continuous testing shall be reported to the designated school administrator.

b) The school nurse, and the designated school administrator when appropriate, should be informed of any child who has recurrent episodes of bleeding or who has un-coverable, oozing skin lesions.

~ 40 ~ c) The school nurse, and the designated school administrator when appropriate, should be promptly informed of any child with an illness characterized by a rash.

d) The school nurse and designated school administrator shall be informed promptly of any instance in which there is a significant potential for disease transmission.

HEALTH EDUCATION - STUDENT

All students should receive age-appropriate information about the prevention and control of communicable diseases, to include the use of universal precautions. Instruction should be incorporated within a comprehensive school health curriculum in grades K-12 as stated in Missouri School Improvement Program Standards.

REPORTING AND DISEASE OUTBREAK CONTROL

Reporting and disease outbreak control measures will be implemented in accordance with state and local laws and Department of Health rules governing the control of communicable and other diseases dangerous to public health, and any applicable rules promulgated by the appropriate county health department.

NOTIFICATION

Superintendents who supply a copy of a board-approved policy that contains provisions substantially similar to this guideline to the Department of Health shall be entitled to confidential notice of the identity of any district child reported to the Department as HIV Infected and known to be enrolled in the district (whether in a public or private school). The parent or guardian is also required by law to provide such notice to the superintendent.

POLICY REVIEW

Districts should periodically review their policies and procedures and make revisions when necessary. (Revised Spring 1998)

APPROVED

Legal Refs: SS167.191, 191.650-703 RSMo.

Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S. C. 12101 et seq.)

P.L. 92-142 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1973 (20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq.) P.L. 92-112, Section 504 of the

~ 41 ~ Rehabilitation Act of 1973 19 CSR 20.20.010 through 20.20.060 and 20.28.010

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES--RECOMMENDED PROCEDURES:

1) The district’s policy and procedures on communicable diseases, including detailed information about procedures to be implemented should a student with a chronic infectious disease be enrolled, will be disseminated to parents of all students attending schools of the district and to the news media at least annually.

2) All employees will follow the most recently issued guidelines of the centers for Disease Control, including applicable universal precautions in cleaning up body fluid spills, whether or not an individual infected with a body fluid or blood-borne pathogen is known to be present in the school environment or related activities. Willful or negligent disregard for precautions by any staff member will be cause for disciplinary action.

3) Any staff member who has a basis for believing a student has been exposed to a contagious or infectious disease or who observes symptoms of such a disease shall inform the building administrator who will request a review of the case by a designated health professional (school nurse, physician, county nurse).

4) If the designated health professional determines that the student is infected with an acute infectious disease of short duration, the student will be excused from school for the number of days specified in the latest revision of the Missouri Department of Health publication, “Prevention and Control of Communicable Diseases--A Guide for School Administrators and Control of Communicable Diseases--A Guide for School Administrators,” FHC 16, or until a physician certifies the student no longer is liable to transmit the disease.

5) If the designated health professional determines that a student identified as handicapped under the Federal Education for All Handicapped Children Act (P.L. 94-142) may be infected with a chronic infectious disease, the student’s medical condition, and educational placement will be evaluated under the procedural safeguards stated in the district’s compliance plan for implementing P.L. 94-142.

6) If the designated health professional determines that a student not identified as handicapped may be infected with a chronic infectious disease, the student shall be excluded from school and provided education in an alternative setting until the following procedures have been concluded.

The building administrator shall within three (3) working days request a team review and assessment of the student’s medical condition. The team shall be comprised of the following:

a) The student’s parents or guardians; b) The student’s personal physician;

~ 42 ~ c) A school health professional; d) A public health official; e) The building administrator; and f) Others mutually agreed upon by the district and the parents.

The team members shall be those responsible for determining the fitness of the student to attend school as provided for in Section 191.689, RSMo.

The team will assess the student’s condition, the school conditions, and the risks of exposing others to the disease in the school environment and determine whether the student should be permitted to attend school without restriction; attend school under stated restrictions and conditions; or be excluded from attending school and provided an alternative educational program. The team will also establish dates and/or conditions under which the student’s status will be reviewed.

The team will also identify the school staff members who have a medical need to know the identity of the infected student* because they are responsible for providing proper health care and provide the names of those persons to the superintendent of schools or, in the case of nonpublic schools to the chief administrative officer of the school as provided in Section 191. 689. RSMo.

7) The determination of the team will be made within three (3) working days after the team is convened and communicated in writing to the student’s parents or guardians, the building administrator, and to the superintendent. The determination will be final unless reversed on appeal.

8) The parents or guardians of the student may appeal the determination of the team to the board of education by submitting notice of appeal in writing to the superintendent within five (5) working days after receiving notice of appeal, the superintendent will confer with the assessment team, review the record and/or receive additional information, and make a recommendation to the board. The board will consider the appeal at its next regularly scheduled meeting or at a special called meeting. The board’s decision shall be final. The stated timeline may be adjusted by mutual agreement of the parties.

9) If a student with a chronic infectious disease is permitted to attend school, the building administrator will identify and notify the staff members who, for medical reasons, need to know the student’s identity and conditions under which the student is attending school. Willful or negligent disclosure of confidential information by a staff member will be cause for disciplinary action.

------

*Staff members who have a need to know the medical identity of a student or employee with a chronic infectious disease would include: (1) Those who are designated by the school district to determine the fitness of an individual to attend school or work in a school environment; (2) Those who are responsible for providing health care to the infected individual, such as the

~ 43 ~ school nurse, and; (3) those who are most likely to be in a position to render first aid to an infected individual in case of an accident or medical emergency.

MEDICATIONS AT SCHOOL

It is generally recognized that some students may require medication for chronic or short-term illness during the school day to enable them to remain in school and participate in their education.

With the exception of students in special education programs, or those with Section 504 Accommodation Plans, the school district is not obligated to supply or administer medication to children. The district will provide administration of medication for any student if the parent/guardian is willing to comply with requests for documentation of need, provision of medication, and physician orders. A health professional licensed to prescribe by a state regulatory body may recommend that an individual student with chronic health condition assume responsibility for their own medication as part of learning self-care, e.g. inhalers used for asthma. Self-administration medication may be allowed if certain conditions are met.

I. Prescription Medication

A) The student’s authorized prescriber shall provide a written request that the student be given medication during school hours. The request shall state the name of the student, name of drug, dosage, frequency of administration, route of administration, and the prescriber name. When possible, the prescriber should state any adverse effects and any applicable emergency instructions.

B) A parent/guardian will provide a written request that the school district comply with the authorized prescriber’s request that the school district comply with the authorized prescriber’s request to give medication. The district will not administer the first dose of any medication.

C) The parent/guardian will supply the medication in a properly labeled container from the pharmacy with only those doses to be given at school, and with instructions for any special need for storage, e.g., refrigeration. Medication supplies should not exceed a thirty-day supply.

D) Documentation records of medication administered will include the student’s name, drug, dose, date, time and name or initials of person administering the medication.

II. Over-the-Counter Medications

A written standing order or written protocol for the administration of over-the-counter medications in school has been secured from authorized prescriber for individual students or for a prescriber’s group of students. The use of a written standing order or written protocol applies only to registered nurses and licensed practical nurses who will assess the student’s need for medication. Administration of over-the-counter medications may be delegated to a

~ 44 ~ qualified person following the nurse’s assessment that the medication as a intervention is appropriate and indicated in each instance.

III. Emergency Medication

It is recommended that all schools be equipped with the medication, epinephrine, to be administered in the event of a severe allergic reaction, resulting in anaphylaxis. Emergency medications require orders from an authorized prescriber before their administration.

IV. Self-Administration of Medication

Self-Administration of medication means that the student is able to consume or apply medication in the manner directed by an authorized prescriber without additional assistance or direction. Our district allows Jr.-Sr. High School students to routinely self-administer their medication. This policy allows the student to carry the medication, with a written statement from the parent requesting self-administration, or to have the permission on file, and medication stored in the health room or school office. Students may be responsible for taking their own medication after the school nurse has determined that the following requirements are met:

A) The student, the school nurse and the parent agree to the conditions under which the medication is to be self-administered.

B) The authorized prescriber request and parent request are on file.

C) The student’s health status and abilities have been evaluated by the nurse or his/her designee who deems self-administration safe and appropriate. The school nurse shall observe the initial self- administration of the medication.

D) The school nurse is reasonably assured the student is able to identify the appropriate medication, knows the reason for administration, the frequency and time of day for which the medication is ordered.

E) The student follows a procedure for documentation of self-administration of medication.

F) The school nurse establishes a policy for storage of the medication in a safe location, providing accessibility for the student when needed. In the case of an inhaler, or other emergency medication, a back-up supply shall be kept in the health room drug storage, or second readily available location.

G) The school nurse will monitor the student’s manner of taking medication. This may include observing the student taking medication, reminding the student to take the medication, communicating with the authorized prescriber regarding any side effects, and notifying

~ 45 ~ the parent/guardian of any problems including student’s refusal or failure to take the medication.

V. Handling, Storage and Disposal of Medications

A) A parent/guardian or other responsible adult shall deliver all medications to be administered at school to the school nurse or other responsible person designated by the school nurse. The medication must be in a pharmacy or manufacturer labeled container.

B) The school district shall provide secure, locked storage for medication to prevent diversion, misuse, or ingestion by another individual. Schedule II controlled substances (e.g. Ritalin) shall be inventoried upon receipt and at least on a weekly basis by either the school nurse or an individual trained and supervised by the registered professional nurse to administer medications.

C) Expiration dates on stock medication must be checked on a routine basis.

D) Access to stored medications shall be limited to persons authorized to administer medications and to self-medicating students. Access to keys shall be restricted to the extent possible. Students who are self-medicated shall not have access to other students’ medications.

E) Parents/guardians may retrieve the medication from the school at any time.

F) When possible, all unused, discontinued or outdated medication shall be returned to the parent/guardian and the return appropriately documented. With

parent consent, medications may be destroyed by the school nurse, witnessed by another individual, and documented appropriately. All medications should be returned/destroyed at the end of the school year.

VI. Role of the School Nurse in Medication Administration

The administration of medication, which includes over-the-counter medications, is a nursing activity, which must be performed by a registered professional nurse or a licensed practical nurse. A registered professional nurse may delegate and thereby, will supervise the administration of medication by licensed practical nurses and unlicensed personnel who are qualified by education, knowledge and skill to administer medications. A registered nurse should provide and document the requisite education, training, and competency verification.

It is the registered professional nurse’s responsibility to:

A) Document the training, education, competency verification, and supervision of licensed practical nurses and unlicensed personnel who are delegated

~ 46 ~ medication administration; provide information regarding product identification, safe dosage limits, side effects, interaction effects, adverse reactions, emergency procedures, and other pertinent drug information as indicated; and periodically monitor procedures.

B) Ensure medications originate from an order from an authorized prescriber and are appropriate, labeled, administered as prescribed, and properly documented after being administered.

C) Provide for safe, appropriate storage of medication.

D) Monitor the use of over-the-counter medications and discourage the use of medication that might mask health problems or send the wrong message to students regarding drug use.

E) Communicate to parent/guardian and/or authorized prescriber the effect of the medication on the student’s performance and behavior, and appraise them of frequent requests for “as needed” medication.

F) Administer certain immunizations under the direction of the consulting school physician and in cooperation with the local public health unit.

G) Establish a written procedure for dealing with questionable medication orders from a prescriber, including the manner in which medication administration is dealt with when administration pursuant to the prescriber’s order is refused when it is believed that the safety of the child is at risk.

Adapted from Medications in Schools from Department of Elementary and Secondary Education-July 1996.

PARENT VOLUNTEER POLICY

Volunteers are people who willingly give their time and talent as valuable members of a school team to support staff in enhancing student activities. Volunteer activities are valued because they benefit students and the school, as well as the volunteers themselves. These benefits include:

 Enriching educational programs and services  Enhancing student success and achievement  Providing members of the community with opportunities to use their knowledge and skills  Enabling members of the community to gain valuable experience and satisfaction

All volunteers perform under the direction and supervision of school personnel. Volunteers should know and follow school policies and rules. North Mercer R-III School, in its discretion and without a statement of reasons, may suspend any volunteer from further volunteer

~ 47 ~ activities. No statement by North Mercer R-III School establishes a right to perform volunteer work.

In order to volunteer at North Mercer R-III School, the volunteer should contact the principal to fill out a School Volunteer Agreement and be added to the Parent Volunteer List. Information will then be distributed regarding ways to help.

No Child Left Behind Parents’ Right to Know

In January 2002, President Bush signed the law known as “The No Child Left Behind Act.” NCLB represents the most sweeping changes in federal law regarding public schools in nearly 40 years. NCLB includes new accountability measures for all schools. It is based on the ambitious goal that ALL children will be proficient in reading and math by 2014. In 2006, Missouri developed new, annual tests in reading and math for grades 3-8 to measure student’s academic progress. The law also requires that all children in public schools be taught by “highly qualified” teachers. NCLB also calls for improving communication with parents and making all schools safer for students.

During the first week of school, a packet will be dispersed with more notices and information.

~ 48 ~ North Mercer R-III School District Annual Parent Notice Right to Request Teacher Qualifications

Dear Parent or Guardian:

Our school receives federal funds for Title I programs that are part of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Throughout the school year, we will continue to provide you with important information about this law and your child’s education.

You have the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of your child’s classroom teacher(s). If you request this information, the district or school will provide you with the following as soon as possible:

a. if the teacher has met state licensing requirements for the grade level and subjects in which the teacher is providing instruction; b. if the teacher is teaching under an emergency status for which state licensing requirements have been waived; c. the type of college degree major of the teacher and the field of discipline for any graduate degree or certificate; and d. if your child is receiving Title I services from paraprofessionals and, if so, his/her qualifications.

If you would like to request this information, please contact your child’s school. Thank you for your interest and involvement in your child’s education.

Sincerely,

Mr. Wes Guilkey Principal

North Mercer R-III School

~ 49 ~ 2017-2018

Parent Permission Form and Internet User Agreement

I, the parent or guardian of ______(student’s name), the minor student who has signed along with me, this acceptable use policy, understand that my son or daughter must adhere to the terms of this policy. I understand that access to the NMCS is designed for educational purposes but will also allow my son or daughter access to external computer databases, networks, etc… not controlled by NMCS. I also understand NMCS will block inappropriate sites, but it is impossible to screen or block all unsuitable sites, thus my son or daughter will not attempt to use and view unblocked, unsuitable sites. I understand if my son or daughter violates the above rules, he or she may lose their computer/internet privileges.

______Parent/Guardian Name (Print) Parent/Guardian Signature Date

______Student Name (Print) Student Signature

Impromptu field trips

I give my student permission to go on impromptu field trips within walking distance of the school (i.e. downtown, city park, etc…).

I also give permission for my student to participate in short field trips to the Princeton area (ie. assemblies, court house, etc. . . . )

______

Parent signature Date

~ 50 ~

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