Forest Hills Elementary School PO Box 290, 547 Locust Street Sidman, PA 15955 (814) 487-7613 www.fhrangers.org O STUDENT HANDBOOK 2016-17 A MESSAGE FROM MR. JACOBS, ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL

The Forest Hills Elementary School faculty and staff join me in welcoming you to the 2016-17 school year. We are committed to motivating, challenging, and inspiring your child to become his or her best. We strive for students to experience a well-rounded program that helps them harness their uniqueness and strengths. You will find your child’s teachers are your best resources and I encourage you to build a positive partnership with them. You, as parents, are a critical part of our school success. You take an active and crucial role in providing an atmosphere that promotes education and quality work habits. Your support provides the foundation for students to come ready to learn. I strongly encourage you to be an active part of your child’s education by making sure they get to school on time and attend school regularly. Please go through this handbook/planner with your child and take note of the many ways in which it will be a strong, beneficial addition to his/her learning. In addition, please note that several changes and updates have been added to the 2016-17 handbook/planner. This tool is intended for your child to become a more independent and responsible learner and promote your more active involvement in your child’s education. I look forward to partnering with you to make this an exciting and successful year for our students. I am honored to be your Principal at Forest Hills Elementary School. Mr. Celmer and I thank you in advance for your support and commitment! I have reviewed and discussed this handbook/planner with my child and will encourage him/her to use it wisely and regularly. Parent/Guardian Signature ______

______Parent Signature Date

L LOGO HERE WELCOME Journals/Diaries------17 Library------17 Welcome to Forest Hills Elementary School. Lice ------21 The administrators, teachers and support Lunch/Meal Prices/Procedures ------11 personnel sincerely hope that this, and all of Medications ------20 the school years at the elementary, will be Medication Consent Form ------23 filled with meaningful and exciting Non-Discriminatory Statement ------2 experiences. Our goal is to make the student Orientation ------16 the best person he/she can be. We look Parties ------19 forward to a future of positive Physical Education ------18 accomplishments. Power School Parent Access ------12 PTO ------22 Table of Contents Registration ------13 Remediation ------18 Accident Insurance ------21 Restricted Devices ------22 Administration/Faculty/Staff------3 School Calendar ------3 After School Detention ------7 School Closings ------13 Alternative Education ------9 School Health Program ------19 Ambulance Service ------21 School Responsibility ------4 Attendance ------12 Searches ------4 Behavior------5 Special Education ------17 Board of School Directors ------3 Student Responsibilities ------4 Building Security (Visitors) ------10 Student Support Services (SSS) ------16 Busing/Transportation ------15 Threatening Statements------9 Chorus ------18 Time Schedule ------3 Conferences ------14 Tobacco Policy ------8 Complaint Procedures (Extracurricular Act.) -22 Transfers ------13 Corporal Punishment ------11 Weapons Policy ------9 Custody of Children ------16 Wellness Policy ------19 Disciplinary Guidelines ------4 Diseases ------21 Distribution of Materials ------16 PURPOSE Dress Code ------13 Drug & Alcohol Guidelines ------7 The purpose of this handbook is to keep Drug Testing ------8 the parents and students informed of the Educational Trips------12 many facets of school life. We urge you to English as a Second Language ------15 read and discuss this booklet together. Entertainment Items ------22 Examinations ------19 Field Trips ------19 HANDBOOK Fighting ------6 FHOSS ------18 These handbooks are being provided to the student Gifted Education ------17 by the Forest Hills School District. The student is Grading ------14 responsible for possession and maintenance. If a Guidance ------17 replacement is necessary, a $5.00 charge will be Handbook ------2 imposed for the handbook/planner. Harassment------8 Hazing ------8 Homebound Instruction ------20 NONDISCRIMINATORY STATEMENT Illness/Injury ------20 Instrumental Music ------18 The Forest Hills School District does not Immunizations ------19 discriminate in educational programs, activities or employment practices based on race, color, national

2 origin, sex, disability, age, religion, ancestry or any SCHOOL CALENDAR (2016-17) other legally protected classification. This policy is in accordance with state and federal laws, including August 22 -- Students report for classes Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of September 5 -- Labor Day -No School the Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 September 12 -- Elementary Open House and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age September 16 -- Early Dismissal –Teacher In-Service Discrimination Act of 1975, and the Americans with October 10 & 11-- Parent/Teacher conferences Disabilities Act of 1990. October 24 -- Early Dismissal–Teacher In-Service November 11 -- Veteran’s Day – No School DAILY TIME SCHEDULE November 23 -- Early Dismissal November 24 & 25 -- Thanksgiving Break-No Schoo1 8:45 -- Homeroom Activities November 28 -- Hunting Holiday- No School 9:00 -- Classes Begin December 20 -- Early Dismissal 11:00 -- Kindergarten Lunch/recess December 21 thru 31 -- Christmas Break – No School 11:50 -- Grade 5 Lunch/recess January 2-6 -- New Year’s Break – No School 11:40 -- Grade 2 Lunch /recess February 20 -- Teacher In-Service – No School 11:30 -- Grade 1 Lunch/recess March 23 -- Early Dismissal-Teacher In-Service 11:20 -- Grade 4 Lunch /recess April 12 --Early Dismissal 11:10 -- Grade 3 Lunch/recess April 13 -- Easter Break- (Snow Make-up day#1) 12:10 -- Grade 6 Lunch/recess April 14 -- Easter Break –No School 3:20 -- Classes end April 17 -- Easter Break-No School 3:25 -- Dismissal Begins May 29 -- Memorial Day-No School Pre- K Time Schedule May 30 -- Tentative Last Day of School 8:45 – 11:25 - AM Pre-K Class May 31 -- Snow make-up day #2 12:20 – 3:05 - PM Pre-K Class June 1 -- Snow make-up day #3 June 2 -- Snow make-up day #4 June 5 -- Snow make up day #5 PERSONNEL FACULTY BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS Ambrose, Jennifer Bachota, Tammy Fred Russell - President Bahorik, Kristin Berk, Barbara John Bopp Beyer, Angela Brezovec, Anthony Galen George Burda, Edward Carpenter, Denon Tracy Helsel Colosimo, Kelsey Cope, Robin Richard Knavel Cordek, Chad Daly, Rebecca Corina Long Dupnock, Deborah Elias, Jay Robert MacTavish Faith, Staci Gibson, Maria Tim Ondrejik Gordon, Wendy Griffith, Kelly Deborah Petrunak Gulnac, Jill Hostetler, Kimberly Howell, Tracey Hupkovich, Dianna ADMINISTRATION Jani, Mindy Kearney, Jake Kehn, Julia Kerr, Nicole Edwin Bowser - - - - Superintendent Kestermont, Annette Kestermont, Timothy Vanessa Sral - - - - Director of Education Klein, Margaret Krestar, Daniel Claudia Mehall - - - - School Psychologist Krestar, Kathleen Krise, Kayla Lucas Jacobs - - - - - Elementary Principal Kulback, Ron Lashinsky, Scott Larry Celmer - - - - - Assistant Principal Layman, Cassandra Lewis, Stacey Marian Boyer - - - - - Food Service Director Lieb, Jennifer Maderia, Sarah Manges, Heather McCall, Dawn SECRETARIES McCall, Lynne McGough, Deana Melissa Boneshefski Jack Boneshefski Miller, Jennifer Miller, Noelle Regina Fyock Joyce Myers Montag, Jamie Myers, Kelly Karen Wilson Ohler, Tammy Pasierb, Michael 3 Pcola, David Penna, Bonnie teaching nor students from learning, nor violates Poldiak, Jennifer Potter, Anne the basic rights of any individual in the school Ray, Ann Roberts, Laurie community. With this in mind, each student in the Seftic, Eva Senft, Sarah Forest Hills Elementary School is expected to: Shilcosky, Cindy Shope, Nicole Stiffler, Christina Summits, Jody 1. Accept responsibility for his/her own Tully, Jena Varner, Michele actions. Vescovi, Amanda Wehner, Becky 2. Respect the rights of others, including Wingard, Savannah Yahner, Hilary his/her right to secure an education in an Young, Kaitlyn Zahurak, Michele environment that is orderly and disciplined. 3. Attend school on a regular basis. 4. Be punctual at all times. DISCIPLINARY GUIDELINES and 5. Maintain personal cleanliness, neatness, good PROCEDURES grooming, and safety. 6. Respect school property and help to keep it free PHILOSOPHY from damage. Reimbursement is necessary for damage to books or property. Administrators, teachers, and support staff 7. Recognize that the teachers assume the role of members of the Forest Hills School District believe a parent in matters of behavior and discipline that the educational environment of our student- from the time a student enters school until centered school must be one of order and discipline. he/she leaves school, as well as during any We believe that attainment of this goal requires a school-sponsored activities. code of discipline that categorizes unacceptable 8. Make an effort to do his/her best work. behavior and provides for appropriate disciplinary 9. Show self-control at all times in options. In that no written code can cover all walking/traveling to and from school. possible situations, the following code may be 10. Obey school regulations and rules made by adapted by the principal/assistant principal when school authorities. their judgment deems necessary. 11. Maintain an atmosphere that is conducive to learning and personal growth. 12. Look out for and be aware of the safety and well-being of other students. If the safety of SCHOOL RESPONSIBILITIES others is in jeopardy, students should contact their teachers, guidance counselor or principal. The school is responsible for students and student 13. Refrain from making any type of threatening behavior during the following times: statement to staff or students.

1. During the instructional hours of the school day in school. SEARCH PROCEDURE 2. During the instructional hours of the school day on school district property. The School District continues to strive to make 3. On school district vehicles, whether they are the school the safest educational environment in owned, rented, leased, or contracted. which your son or daughter can learn. As part of 4. At the bus stop prior to school and the overall educational process the following immediately after disembarking the bus after procedure related to the Elementary School has school. been adopted concerning sniff searches of 5. At school district events held before, during backpacks and book bags. or after school that are directly observed and supervised by school district staff. Students who choose to carry book bags, backpacks, etc. must understand that, first and STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES foremost, the School District has a responsibility to create a safe educational environment conducive to It is the belief of the Forest Hills School District learning. Students must understand that carrying a that all students have a responsibility to behave in backpack to school is a privilege given to a student, a manner that neither prevents teachers from and the School District has the right to sniff search 4 and seize any or all items that are deemed suspicious If necessary, a proper and accurate discipline log or may prove to be a threat to the welfare of students of the offense is recorded and kept by the staff or other individuals. member.

An administrator may seize any evidence DISCIPLINARY OPTIONS - May include, but are discovered as a result of a search of a student’s not limited to the following: property, clothed body, or areas designated for * Verbal reprimand. student use, if the search is proper and reasonable, * Parent conference (person or phone) and there is an indication that a student is violating or * Recess time detention has violated the law or a school rule. * Loss of classroom privileges

A student who refuses the request for a search by LEVEL II an administrator that is proper and reasonable may be disciplined under the District’s discipline policy. DESCRIPTION OF BEHAVIOR Action may include suspension or referral to the board for an expulsion hearing. Level II misconduct involves behavior whose frequency or seriousness tends to disrupt the learning LEVEL I climate of the classroom or of the school.

DESCRIPTION OF BEHAVIOR Examples - Include, but are not limited to the following: Level I misconduct involves behavior on the part of the student which impedes orderly classroom * Unmodified Level I behavior procedures or interferes with the orderly operation of * Inappropriate attire the school. * School tardiness Examples - Include, but are not limited to the * Failure to serve detention assignments. following: * Abusive or obscene language or gestures * Threats to others 1. Violation of classroom and /or school rules or * Disruptive behavior procedures. * Insubordination 2. Chewing gum anywhere in the school * Using forged notes/excuses building. * Leaving school without authority 3. Showing disrespect toward fellow students or * Improper behavior during lunch time, their property. assemblies, or any activity outside the 4. Running, shoving, or pushing in any school classroom area. * Lying 5. Unauthorized eating/drinking outside the * Failure to accept any reasonable discipline cafeteria area. from a teacher or principal 6. Throwing objects. * Conduct unworthy of a FHSD student in school or at any school-related activity These misbehaviors will be handled by an * Direct verbal refusal to obey a reasonable individual staff member. They should be dealt with request made by any adult who is employed consistently, swiftly and fairly. by the FHSD

LEVEL I PROCEDURES These infractions usually result from a continuation of Level I misbehaviors and require the intervention Immediate intervention is required by the staff of personnel on the administrative level because the member who is supervising the student or who execution of the Level I disciplinary response(s) has observes the misbehavior. failed to correct the situation. Also included in this Repeated misbehaviors require a parent/teacher level are misbehaviors which do not represent a conference and/or parent conference with the direct threat to the health and safety of others, but principal or assistant principal. whose educational consequences are serious enough to require corrective action on the part of the administrative personnel. 5 LEVEL II PROCEDURES * The level of physical confrontation (fighting) will be determined by the elementary The student may be referred to an administrator administration in regards to the number of out for appropriate disciplinary action. of school suspension days. A proper and accurate discipline log of the offense * Theft/possession/sale of stolen property is recorded by the staff member and sent to the office. * Abusive or obscene language or gestures to staff The administrator meets with the student and * Threatening students decides the most appropriate action. * Threatening staff * Stealing A proper and accurate record of the offense and * Possessing pornographic materials the disciplinary action is maintained by the * Forgery of grades, passes or signatures administrator. These acts can be most frequently handled by Parent/Guardian is informed when deemed the disciplinary mechanism in the school. necessary. Corrective measures which the school undertakes depend on the extent of the school’s resources for DISCIPLINARY OPTIONS - May include, but are remediating the situation in the best interest of all not limited to the following: students.

* Parent/staff conference If these acts are considered criminal in nature, * Referral to Student Support Services (SSS) they will automatically be referred to the * Referral to guidance counselor appropriate law enforcement office. * Behavior contract * Recess time detention LEVEL III PROCEDURES * Referral for psychological evaluation * After School Detention The administrator initiates disciplinary action by * Modified school day investigating the infraction and conferring with the * Suspension (in-school or out-of-school) staff on the extent of the consequences.

LEVEL III The administrator meets with the student and confers with the parent about the student’s DESCRIPTION OF BEHAVIOR misconduct and the resulting disciplinary action.

Level III misconduct involves acts directed A proper and accurate record of offenses and against person or property, but whose consequences disciplinary actions is maintained by the do not seriously endanger the health or safety of administrator. others in the school. DISCIPLINARY OPTIONS- May include, but are Examples - Include, but are not limited to the not limited to the following: following: * Parent/staff conference * Unmodified Level I and Level II behaviors * Referral to Student Support Services (SSS) * Behavior which may result in any injury * Referral to guidance counselor * Pushing or shoving another student * Behavior contract * Striking another student with the intent to * Recess time detention cause harm * Referral for psychological evaluation * Fighting (Using physical means to settle a * After School Detention disagreement is not acceptable. Any physical * Modified school day confrontation that may result in disciplinary * Suspension (in-school or out-of-school). The action by the administration may result in the number of days of (in-school or out-of-school) involvement of local law enforcement as well will be determined by the Administration. as a severe fine involving the magistrate or juvenile court system.

6 LEVEL IV AFTER SCHOOL DETENTION DESCRIPTION OF BEHAVIOR Level IV misconduct involves acts which result in A student can be placed in the LGI room during violence to another person or property or which poses his/her lunchtime recess for disciplinary reasons by a direct threat to the safety of others in the school. the administration. A student who has accumulated Examples - include, but are not limited to the more than ten (10) days in the LGI room will be following: placed in After School Detention for a period of 1 * Unmodified Level I, II, and III behaviors hour for two consecutive days for each disciplinary * Destruction of school property referral for the remainder of the school year. After * Making terroristic threats or misuse of the 911 School Detention will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 emergency system p.m. in the LGI room. It will be the parent’s * Carrying or concealing any item that may be responsibility to provide transportation home for the construed as a weapon onto school property student. (See District Weapons Policy #218.1) * Possessing or using tobacco products on the DRUG – ALCOHOL - TOBACCO bus or on school property (see District Tobacco GUIDELINES Policy #222) * Possessing, using or distributing drugs, alcohol The Elementary staff is committed to the task of or tobacco, including look-alike representations an alcohol, drug and tobacco free school, and in so * Assault as defined by the Pennsylvania doing, espouses the following as control guidelines Crimes Code relating to the specific rules and regulations with * Terroristic threats established school district policy. Situation Action These acts are so serious that they always require administrative actions which may result in the (a) There is suspicion -- A conference is scheduled immediate removal of the student from school, and that a student consisting of parents, may require the intervention of law enforcement could possibly be guidance counselor and authorities, and/or action by the Board of School involved in the use building administration. Directors. or distribution of drugs, alcohol, or LEVEL IV PROCEDURES tobacco, including look-alike represen- The administrator verifies the offense, confers tations and unauthorized with the staff involved, and meets with the student. over-the-counter drugs or controlled substances. Parents are notified and the student may be removed from the school environment. (b) A student -- 1. The student and his/her possesses possessions will be School officials contact the law enforcement drugs, alcohol, searched and any found agency and assist in prosecuting the offender, when tobacco or substance will be appropriate. look-alike confiscated. representations A complete and accurate report will be submitted and unauthorized 2. A conference is to the Superintendent for Board review. over-the- scheduled consisting of counter drugs parents, guidance DISCIPLINARY OPTIONS - May include, but are or controlled counselor and building not limited to the following: substance. administration. * Parent conference * Referral for psychological treatment (c) A student uses -- 1. A school nurse is * Ten day out-of-school suspension or is under summoned * Action which results in appropriate placement the influence * Charges under the Pennsylvania Civil of drugs or 2. Police are summoned Criminal Code or referral to the alcohol. appropriate law enforcement agencies.

7 3. A parent conference is for students and staff that is free from hazing. held as an informal Hazing activities of any type are inconsistent with the hearing to discuss educational goals of the Forest Hills School District disciplinary and and are prohibited at all times. rehabilitative Hazing shall hereafter be defined as any measures. intentional, knowing or reckless act, occurring on or off School District property, by one person alone or (d) A student is -- 1. Police are notified. acting with others, directed against a student, that distributing endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a drugs, alcohol, 2. A parent conference is student for the purpose of initiation or membership in or a controlled conducted as an or affiliation with any organization whose members substance, informal hearing to are or include students of the Forest Hills School including look- discuss disciplinary District. alike representa- and rehabilitative tions and un- measures. DRUG TESTING KITS authorized over- the-counter drugs The Forest Hills School District will make available or controlled upon parental/guardian request, a urine-screening substances. device at no cost to the parent/guardian. This will enable a parent/guardian with a means to do an in- (e) A student has -- 1. A school nurse is home screening for their children. A parent/guardian a drug or alcohol summoned and the would then decide whether to pursue further related medical student is transported diagnostic measures in regard to the child(ren). In emergency. to a medical facility. the event that positive results are confirmed by additional laboratory testing, a parent/guardian may 2. Parents and police are contact the building principal/assistant principal for notified and treatment resources available through the Student rehabilitative Assistance Program. measures are taken.

UNLAWFUL HARASSMENT - District TOBACCO POLICY Policy #248

The Board prohibits students from possession and use of tobacco at any time upon school property, The Board strives to provide a safe, positive including all district buildings, grounds, athletic learning climate for students in schools. Therefore, it facilities, in vehicles and at all school-sponsored shall be the policy of the district to maintain an educational environment in which harassment in any activities. In addition, the use and possession of tobacco shall be prohibited by students proceeding to form is not tolerated. and from school and /or school related or sponsored activity. The board prohibits all forms of unlawful harassment of students and third parties by all district The school district may initiate prosecution students and staff members, contracted individuals, of any student who violates this policy. Under Act vendors, volunteers, and third parties in the schools. 145 of 1996 of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, which The Board encourages students and third parties who amends the Crimes Code (Title 18), a student have been harassed to promptly report such incidents convicted of possession or use of tobacco in a school to the designated employees. building or on a school bus or school property may be fined up to $50.00 plus court costs or admitted to The Board directs that complaints of harassment alternative adjudication. shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action be taken when allegations are substantiated. Confidentiality of all parties shall be maintained, HAZING - District Policy #247 consistent with the district’s legal and investigative obligations. The purpose of this policy is to maintain a safe, positive educational and extra-curricular environment 8 THREATENING STATEMENTS or on any public conveyance providing transportation to a school or school-sponsored activity. The School responds to threatening statements in a Expulsions shall be conducted pursuant to all very serious manner. Students who make threatening applicable regulations. statements about their intent to bring a weapon to school or to harm themselves or others will be The Superintendent may recommend discipline suspended for a period of no less than 3 days and short of expulsion on a case-by-case basis. The may face possible expulsion. Superintendent shall, in the case of an exceptional student, take all steps necessary to comply with the All parents/guardians and students are to be aware Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. that statements such as “I was just kidding” or “I didn’t mean it”, are not acceptable excuses. The age The Provisions of this policy shall not apply to the of the student and the context of the statement will be following: taken into consideration when determining the number of days of suspension or possible expulsion. 1. A weapon being used as part of a program approved by the Superintendent or Building Principal. WEAPONS POLICY A weapon that is unloaded and is possessed by a student while traversing school property Purpose - The Board recognizes the for the purpose of obtaining access to public importance of providing a safe or private lands used for lawful hunting, if and orderly school environment. the entry on school premises is authorized by school authorities. Authority - Possession of weapons and/or destructive devices is strictly The school district shall report all incidents prohibited on school property, at involving possession of a weapon or destructive any school-sponsored activity, or device prohibited by this section to local law any public conveyance providing enforcement officials. transportation to any school- sponsored activity. 1. The Superintendent or Building Principal shall report the discovery of any weapon or destructive device prohibited by this “School Property” – is defined as all buildings, section to local law enforcement officials. facilities, and grounds on the school campus sites, 2. The Superintendent shall report to the school buses, and other conveyances providing Department of Education all incidents transportation to or from school or school-related relating to expulsions for possession of a functions or activities. weapon on school property, at any school sponsored activity, or on any “Weapons” - includes, but is not limited to, any public conveyance providing transporta- knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool, nunchaku, tion to a school or school-sponsored activity. firearm, shotgun, rifle and any other tool or The report shall include all information as instrument capable of inflicting serious bodily injury. required under Section 1302-A.

“Destructive Devices” – includes any explosive, incendiary, or poison gas bomb, grenade, missile, When a student enters Forest Hills Elementary rocket, mine or device similar to any of the devices the parent must sign an Affirmation of Prior described in this definition. Discipline Record as stated in Act 26.

Delegation of Responsibility - Except as otherwise provided in this policy, the Board of School ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION Directors shall expel for a period of not less than one year, any student who is determined to have brought A student placed in an Alternative Education and/or possessed a weapon or destructive device on Program for disciplinary reasons is a student who any school property, at any school sponsored activity, poses a clear threat to the safety and welfare of other students or school staff, or who creates an

9 unsafe school environment, whose behavior Exception: An exception to the need for the materially interferes with the learning of other VISITOR TAG will be made for those who are students, disrupts the overall educational process, or responding to an invitation to attend a play or exhibits to a marked degree the conditions specified program. in law. 4. When bringing a child to school after classes Students placed in an Alternative Education have begun, parents should report to the office Program, when established methods of discipline and sign the Visitor/Student Registration have failed, are not eligible to participate in extra- register. At this point the child should take curricular events or activities while they are enrolled his/her excuse and then proceed to their in the Alternative Education Program. classroom on his/her own.

5. If you need to bring your child(ren) to school BUILDING SECURITY in the morning before the start of the school day, you may drop your child(ren) off between School Volunteers the hours of 8:15 and 8:45 at the loop road The Elementary Administration values the unique drop off area behind the school. If you need to contributions made by parent/guardian and come into the office before school starts, do not community volunteers to the educational programs of park in the bus loading zone, you must park in the Forest Hills Elementary School. Accordingly, the the large parking lot and enter via the main Administration encourages the participation of entrance. parent/guardian and community volunteers, subject to certain requirements and procedures as set forth 6. When coming to pick up a child between 9:00 below. a.m. and 3:00 pm. it is expected that parents/ guardians use the security intercom at the main All volunteers assisting in the presence of a entrance to enter the building. Proceed directly teacher/administrator with students will be to the office, sign the register, and wait there required to sign the PDE 6004 form. This for your child. If the reason for having the standardized form has been developed by child excused early involves a scheduled the Pennsylvania Department of Education appointment, please send a note alerting the as an additional proactive safety measure. teacher to prepare for the student’s absence.

Out of concern for the safety and welfare of If picking up your child at the 3:25 dismissal, the students at Forest Hills Elementary School -- you must obtain a pick-up card from the office ALL VISITORS MUST: with the name of the child(ren). The loop road behind the cafeteria will be used for this pick- 1. Use the security intercom at the main up procedure. Vehicles will not be permitted entrance to enter the building between the to enter the loop road until 3:10 pm. Vehicles hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. should be lined up along the right side of the road with the pick-up card of the student(s) 2. Report directly to the office. If your visit prominently displayed on the dashboard or on involves more than a casual conversation or the window. Children will be dismissed from information type discussion with a the school in the order of the lined-up vehicles. secretary, the Visitor/Student Registration Register must be completed. Please get the children secured and leave as quickly as possible, not passing but following 3. If a need for you to travel beyond the the vehicle in front of you, so as to not hold up office is verified by the office staff, you will the line. receive a VISITOR TAG. The tag will be worn at all times while traveling beyond Note: Unless determined otherwise by office the office area. Wearing the tag provides personnel, there should be no reason for visitors to building personnel with a sense of leave the office when picking up a child. reassurance that clearance for the visit has been sanctioned by the office.

10 CORPORAL PUNISHMENT cafeteria office anytime, at 487-7613 extensions 3672 or 3673. The State Board of Education has adopted the Regulations and Guidelines of Students Rights and Statements are sent at the middle and end of each Responsibilities. The Forest Hills School District month to those who have reached a negative balance. complies with their regulations. SUSPENDED MEAL ACCOUNTS – In Corporal Punishment (paddling) is not an accordance with Forest Hills School District board acceptable form of discipline in the Forest Hills approved procedure, meal accounts that reach -$30 School District. will be suspended. Students with a suspended account will need to provide a lunch from home, until MEAL PRICES/PROCEDURES payment is received. In the event no lunch is provided from home, the student will receive an Meal prices for the 2016-17 school year have alternative lunch consisting of a sandwich and milk been set at: only, at a cost of $1.00. No alternate breakfast will be provided for suspended meal accounts. Breakfast $1.10 Reduced Breakfast Price $.30 Lunch $2.10 Reduced Lunch Price $.40 At the end of each school year, positive balances Adult $3.50 will be carried over to the following school year. All Drinks $ .40 negative balances must be paid before report cards will be issued. Second lunches or second entries are no longer an option for elementary students. Second servings of Parents are welcome to come in have lunch with fruits and vegetables may be purchased for $.55 their children. We would ask that the parents (excluding potato items). and family members limit lunchtime visits to 1 or 2 days throughout the school year. Student meal accounts are managed by Power Lunchtime visits will be permitted from School’s computerized lunch system. Students make October 1st thru April 30th. If coming in for deposits to their accounts, the cost of their meals will lunch, adhere to the following procedures. be deducted from their account, and the computer keeps a running balance. Students in grades 2, 3, 4, 5, 1. Please notify your child’s homeroom teacher in and 6 access their meal accounts by entering a writing, at least 24 hours before the day you student identification number (five or six digits) into plan to join us for lunch. Include your name, a pin pad. Student accounts in Kindergarten and date you are having lunch, and the number of grade 1 will be accessed using a roster book. people eating.

Stamped deposit envelopes are available to 2. Sign in at the office and obtain a visitor sticker. students in each homeroom. To ensure that deposits can be made to the correct account, please fill out 3. Go through Line #2 or #3 in the dining room. student information completely. Checks should be Adult meals are $3.50 and must be paid for with made payable to Forest Hills Cafeteria Fund. cash. Student meal accounts cannot be used for visitor meals. To speed up the lunchtime Students are permitted to charge a meal, as a process, please pay with small bills, or exact courtesy, if they forget their money. However, the change. system is set up as a debit system, not a charge account. Students are reminded by the lunch or 4. In keeping with the goals of our Wellness Policy, breakfast cashier when their accounts have reached a No fast food items or takeout food maybe negative balance, and can check their own balance at brought into by parents for lunch. either lunch or breakfast by looking at their screen, or asking the cashier. Parents may check balances at 5. Following lunch with your child: Do not return home on the Forest Hills School District website by with your child to the classroom. Do not go to the using their Power School Student ID access numbers playground area with your child. Be sure to sign- issued to parents from the office or by calling the out in the office.

11 POWER SCHOOL PARENT ACCESS 1st Offense Parental Letter/ Phone Call 2nd Offense Parental Letter/Phone Call rd As another means of improving communication 3 Offense Parental Letter/Meeting between the school and the home, the Forest Hills 4th Offense Charges will be filed with the School District has extended an invitation to parents District Magistrate. to participate in the Power School Access Program. *Children and Youth may be contacted at any time* This provided parent/guardians with a way to view your child(ren)’s grades, attendance and lunch 4. Pennsylvania School Code Section (D) balance at your convenience. Access is gained 24-13-1327 - A maximum of ten days through the internet by using a unique username and (10) of cumulative lawful absences password. No individual student information may be verified by parental notification may be altered or deleted by the parent, and parents can only permitted during a school year. All access information for their own child(ren). absences beyond ten (10) cumulative days should require an excuse from a physician. Parents/guardians must come to the school to pick As required by the District Magistrate, a up the unique user name and password to access the student placed on medical evidence will be Power School program and also receive the easy-to- placed on an attendance contact. A total follow instructions. of thirty days (30) throughout any

one school year will cause the student’s SCHOOL ATTENDANCE promotion status to become questionable.

Pennsylvania School Laws define and delegate the 5. Children who are absent due to scheduled regulation for school attendance In Administering appointments (doctor/dentist) will be these regulations, the following guideline prevail at required to procure a written (doctor/ our building. dentist) excuse. The medical secretary will

complete one upon request at the doctor’s (A) Compulsory Attendance office. Parents writing an excuse that Subsequent to a child’s enrollment into Kdg., states “My son was at the doctors will not the commonwealth’s compulsory attendance be considered a legitimate (doctor/dentist) laws prevail. excuse.

(B) Absences from school 6. Educational Trips-If a student is going on a (non-school sponsored) educational 1. Excused absences are granted for illness and trip, the parents must contact the emergency situations. assistant principal. A special form must be completed prior to going on the trip. 2. Written parent excuses are required for each Failure to turn in the proper paper work period of absence, regardless of the reason will result in the day(s) being considered unless the child was sent home from school by Illegal Absence(s). A student will be the school nurse or administration. Excuses Excused for a maximum of ten (10) are to be turned in on the day the student school days per academic year. returns to school. Excuses are to be given to Educational trip days exceeding 10 days the homeroom teacher. Failure to provide a will be considered illegal absences. written excuse from a parent or guardian within three days of returning to school (C) Tardy and leaving school early constitutes an illegal absence. Excuses must contain the following information: parent's Students arriving between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 signature, date, and specific reasons for the a.m. are considered tardy. The student must be absence. The Principals will determine illegal brought into the office and signed in by the absences. parent. A student arriving after 10:00 a.m. will be marked absent for the morning 3. Unexcused/unlawful Absence Procedures: session. Those children leaving after 2:30 12 p.m. will be considered present for the day. another district, a transfer card will also be expected at the time of registration.

DRESS CODE TRANSFERS

In an attempt to provide comfort for the students Pupils moving from the school district should during the hot temperatures of fall and spring, while inform their teacher and the school office in advance at the same time preserve a sense of dignity with regarding this intent. The parent should come to the dress, students may wear jams and shorts to school. school to sign a withdrawal form for the child(ren). This does not include short shorts or tight fitting A photocopy of the child’s immunizations and a spandex clothing. Cut off tee shirts, obscenely withdrawal sheet will be given to the parent when the monogrammed tee shirts, halters and midriffs are child leaves. (Immunization dates are usually not acceptable attire. Articles of clothing mandatory to enroll in a new district). advertising alcohol or tobacco products are not acceptable, nor are articles of clothing that may District Policy is that no school records are given somehow cause a disturbance or distraction in to parents to be hand carried to the new school. Test class. data, report cards, and other recorded information maintained by the school will be mailed to the pupil’s Considering the wide range in the maturity of our new school upon request from the school. students between pre-kindergarten and sixth grade, the elementary administration reserves the right to SCHOOL CLOSINGS determine if clothing is inappropriate and take specific action to remedy the situation. School may be closed when weather conditions are such that it is determined to be too dangerous for When selecting the proper shoes for your the school buses to travel or temperatures are child(ren) for school, please consider that they may determined to be detrimental to the health of the traverse many stairs in a day and play active games at child. The local television and radio stations will recess and run on bark mulch. Always put your keep you alerted as to when school is being closed child’s safety as the top priority, even ahead of due to poor weather conditions. The school will also fashion. Flip flops seem to be the cause of many alert you using the one-call system for emergency accidents and injuries. early dismissals and cancellations. It is important in an emergency to keep the phone lines open – please REGISTRATION do not call the school office or the home of school officials. Registration for pre-k and kindergarten is conducted during the spring of each year. Advance When an entire day of school is missed due to an notices of the dates for this procedure are provided emergency situation, it obviously affects many through the news media and information releases schedules. Considering our four-day rotation of from the school office. special classes, if a Day #3 is missed due to a school cancellation, the next day the students return will be a Pre-K students must be four years old as of Day #4 and then continue from there. When that day September 1 and kindergarten pupils must be of school is made up, we will make up the Day #3. five years old as of September 1 of the year in Always refer to the menu for the correct day. which they are entering. First grade students entering school for the first time must be six At the beginning of school it is imperative that years old as of September 1 of that year. parents have a pre-arranged plan as to where your child should go after school if an emergency situation Note: The Forest Hills School District will not necessitates an early dismissal. Be sure the teacher enroll students who are 5 years old before knows if the child is to take a different bus in an September 1st into the 4-year -old program. emergency early dismissal situation. We cannot take a child’s word alone that they are to ride a different When enrolling your child (whether transferring bus. In an emergency early dismissal situation, from another district or an original entry), you are phone lines are jammed with incoming calls so it is required to provide proof of birthdate and a complete very difficult to contact a child’s parent to assure immunization record. When transferring from 13 confused students on where to go before buses U = Unsatisfactory Work depart. Please make your arrangements known to the teacher ahead of time to insure that your child Grades received in: gets where they need to go. Reading Spelling Math Handwriting CONFERENCES *Grades 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 (Language Arts) A parent/teacher conference can offer an ELA assessment scores will be combined to form one opportunity for both the parent and the teacher to (1) letter grade for Language Arts four (4) times per discuss mutual concerns regarding the child’s year – every nine (9) weeks. education. Specific days are set aside as part of the *Grades 4, 5 and 6 (Grammar/Writing) elementary school calendar each year for the purpose Grammar and Writing assessment scores will be of having all parents visit the school and the teachers combined to form one (1) letter grade four (4) times of their children. While the time spent in per year – every nine (9) weeks. conversation between a teacher and a parent is typically brief (10 to 15 minutes), it is felt that every Grades 4, 5 and 6 – Report cards are sent home opportunity for the teacher and parent to four (4) times per year – every nine (9) weeks. communicate is of benefit to the child. Letter grades are received in: In addition to our scheduled program of Math Language Arts Science parent/teacher conferences, parents are encouraged to initiate a conference appointment when concerns Social Studies, Art, Music, Phys. Ed. and Library are develop regarding some phase of a child’s school Satisfactory unless otherwise noted. experience. Note: Conferences must be scheduled at a Grades 2 and 3 – Report cards sent home four (4) time that will not interfere with regular times per year – every nine (9) weeks. classroom instruction for school personnel. Letter grades are received in: Math Language Arts

GRADING PROCEDURES Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, Phys. Ed. and Library are Satisfactory unless otherwise noted. Pre-K, Kindergarten and Grade 1 report cards indicate progress in developmentally appropriate areas using individualized/group testing, teacher Students will be graded with a letter grade that will observation, and performance assessment. be taken from the following percentage scale: A = 92 –100 Excellent Pre-K and Kindergarten – Report cards are sent B = 82 - 91 Above Average home three (3) times per year – every twelve (12) C = 72 – 81 Average weeks. D = 62 – 71 Below Average + = Satisfactory Progress F = 55 - 61 Unsatisfactory / = Needs Improvement; - = Shows Progress S = Satisfactory (A-B-C work) (72% - 100%) Progress is noted in the areas of: N = Needs Improvement/Unsatisfactory Social and Motor Development (55% – 71%) (D-F work) Reading and Math Skills Development Letter/Number Knowledge The final grade (F1) is calculated by adding the four quarter percents and dividing by four, then Grade 1 – Report cards are sent home four (4) applying the current grading scale to assign a letter times per year – every nine (9) weeks grade. S = Satisfactory Work N = Needs Improvement 1. Teachers shall be mandated to offer 5% of the SP = Shows progress toward meeting goals total grade in bonus activities. A letter from

14 the teacher to the parents will be sent home (b) A teacher will present the student with a detailing the type of bonus work students will schedule of work to make up the missed be permitted to submit. Bonus work will not assignments. A student is permitted two be accepted until all regular course work is days to complete the make-up work for each completed. The acceptance will be at the day missed, beginning with the day after the discretion of each individual instructor in schedule is presented to the student. compliance with student rights and responsibilities. (c) A pupil not adhering to the above procedure will be referred to the office and possibly 2. Teachers will send a preliminary progress report forfeit his right to make up missed work and home at the mid-point of the marking period for exams. This could result in an incomplete all students in grades 2-6. These reports are grade for the year. reviewed by the administration and given to the IST teachers for monitoring “at-risk” students. ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE 3. Level I screening will be conducted by administrators at the end of every nine-week The Forest Hills School District, in keeping with its marking period to make sure those students goal of academic excellence, has endeavored to needing instructional support have been referred. establish a quality ESL (English as a Second Language) program that provides a student with the 4. Students in IST – teachers will test and grade best education possible. In response to this desire, students in the Instructional Support Program and in keeping with various federal and state according to the adaptations recommended by the regulations related to the education of ESL students, Instructional Support Team, of which the parent the Forest Hills School District formally established is an integral part. and adopted District Policy #138 – English as a Second Language/Bilingual Program, on July 10, 5. Students with an IEP – teachers will test and 2002. The stated purpose of the policy is to enable grade the students according to the identified ELLs (English Language Learners) to recommendations on the Individualized attain academic proficiency and success in English, Education Program. specifically reading, reading comprehension, writing, speaking, and listening. 6. Teachers are required to monitor individual students utilizing the school nurse, school BUSING/TRANSPORTATION psychologist, guidance counselor, Title I teachers and the instructional support teacher to Unless arrangements are confirmed with the insure flexibility in testing and grading when school district’s transportation officer for a child to deemed necessary. be assigned to a bus other than the one originally designated, he/she will not be reassigned. Toward 7. Honor Roll – students in grades 4, 5 and 6 attain this end, if a parent or guardian desires a temporary honor roll status by achieving all B’s or better change of bus for any reason or period of time, a note during a nine-week marking period. must be sent to the classroom teacher and forwarded to the office for approval. Likewise, if a change is 8. An incomplete (I) may be given for work not initiated by the school, parents or guardians will be completed. Credit will not be given until work notified. is completed. An “I” does not automatically become an “F.” A student is responsible to There are certain rules that are established for contact the teacher and make arrangements for the discipline and safety of the occupants of a school make-up work. bus. It is the students’ responsibility to know and obey these rules. Repeated failure to conform to (a) The student must contact the teacher involved these rules may result in the suspension of bus riding within three days after returning from an privileges. absence. A student is permitted two weeks to make up an incomplete nine-week grade. Before boarding the bus:

1. Be on time at the designated school bus stop, at 15 least 5 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time. administration prior to distribution. Do not wait inside your house until the bus 2. The group must have a connection with the arrives and then come out. This destroys bus students or the school. schedules. 3. It must be non-partisan information and not 2. Stand at the side of the highway or sidewalk. related to an election or labor negotiations. Do not interfere with traffic. 4. The dispersed information does not seek or Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop exploit students for the benefit of a profit- before attempting to enter the bus. making organization. 3. Enter in an orderly manner. 5. The flyers are pre-counted and sorted for 4. Respect the property rights of people quick distribution to the intended homerooms who reside at or near the bus stop. and/or student groups.

While on the bus: ORIENTATION The school bus driver is in charge of the bus. 1. Remain seated, keeping hands, head and arms In order to reduce the fears and concerns inside the bus. frequently felt by many pre-k and kindergarten aged 2. Avoid loud talking or confusion that might children (and oftentimes by their parents) a brief divert the bus driver’s attention and result “Orientation to the World of School” program is in a serious accident. scheduled prior to the opening day of the new school 3. Treat bus equipment as you would valuable term. furniture in your own home. Intentional damage to seats or windows must be paid for by the The purpose of this program is to acquaint the offender. young child and his/her parents with the building 4. Never tamper with the bus or any of its setting, the materials to be experienced, and the equipment. teacher with whom the child will be working. 5. Do not throw anything on the bus or out of the bus windows. CHILD CUSTODY 6. Avoid the use of profane language, fighting,

or pushing. During situations when problems surface 7. Assist in keeping the bus safe and sanitary at all concerning who (mother/father) is or isn’t permitted times. to see the child on the school premises, a Court 8. Eating on the bus is not permitted. Order verifying legal custody and limitations must

be presented to the administration. Without The following disciplinary actions will take place verification of this document, either parent may for those students who violate rules associated with see or pick up the child. school provided transportation.

Federal regulations give both natural parents the 1st Infraction 3 days in the LGI right to access their child’s education records unless 2nd Infraction 5 days in the LGI rd there is a court order or legally binding document 3 Infraction Moved to the front seat of the bus prohibiting access. for the remainder of the year.

It is the responsibility of parents to annually Students involved in physical altercation will be notify the school in writing if duplicate sets of suspended from the bus for a period of 5 days. report cards, records and school notifications are to be sent to the non-custodial parent.

DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIALS PLEASE – Do not put the school in the middle of custodial disagreements. In order for an outside group, agency, or organization to distribute materials such as fliers within the school to our student population, the following conditions must be followed: PROGRAMS - SERVICES

1. Materials must be approved by the school STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES (S.S.S.)

16 The Forest Hills School District strives to ensure that The Forest Hills Elementary School has all students with disabilities have available to them a implemented a student assistance program. It is free appropriate public education (FAPE). District dedicated to promoting educational, mental, physical educators are committed to individualizing and and social well-being among the students and staff at supporting students in general education classes to the Elementary School by offering a consistent, the maximum extent possible and to providing small caring attitude in response to the educational and group intervention when needed to meet individual social needs a child may be experiencing. needs. General and special educators work together as a team to meet the instructional needs of special The Student Support Services (S.S. S.) process is a learners. system whereby children who have been identified as having academic, behavioral or a variety of other GIFTED EDUCATION problems receive assistance within the realm of regular education. Following identification of the Gifted education services are provided by the Forest specific problem(s), the Instructional Support Hills School District and focus on enrichment and/or Teacher informs the parents of the referral and acceleration activities that supplement the general collects instructional data about the child. The education program. Instructional services are Student Support Services Team then convenes and provided through direct instruction, consultation, and determines strategies to be implemented in the classroom enrichment. Services are provided to classroom. These interventions are monitored for a students who qualify as mentally gifted and who rate of success over a given time period. A referral demonstrate a need for Gifted Education Services. for a special education evaluation is made only if strategies are not successful in the classroom. GUIDANCE SPECIAL EDUCATION The Forest Hills School District provides a wide Two elementary school counselors provide variety of programs to meet the needs of students assistance for the classroom teacher to more with disabilities. Students participating in a special completely understand each child, and to subse- education program are provided an individually quently provide an adequate program for meeting designed educational program to meet their unique his/her needs. This is accomplished through educational needs. Programs are either operated by individual and small group sessions with the child the district or provided by contract with Appalachia and counselors, by scheduling and facilitating Intermediate Unit 8. programs in the school from outside agencies, and through increased communication between the school Educational disabilities include autism, deaf- and the home. blindness, emotional disturbance, deafness, hearing impairment, specific learning disability, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic JOURNALS/DIARIES impairment, other health impairments, speech or language impairment, visual impairment including Keeping a journal/diary is a technique that may blindness, and traumatic brain injury. sharpen language arts and writing skills. Teachers may choose not to read these items on a regular or The Forest Hills School District has developed even random basis. However, if a teacher does read a procedures for screening and evaluating school-aged student’s journal/diary and finds it to contain children who are experiencing academic and/or anything that may deal with abuse, neglect, harm to emotional/behavioral difficulties. oneself or harm to others, there will be no such thing as confidentiality. Parents and /or the responsible Special education programs include Learning school officials will be contacted immediately. Support, Speech/Language Support, Life Skills Support, Hearing Impaired Support, Visual LIBRARY Impairment Support, Multiple Disability Support, Autistic Support, and Emotional Support. The elementary school houses an attractive library which includes an abundance of reference, fictional and non-fictional materials. 17 Formal instruction in library procedures INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC embracing Pre-K through sixth grade are scheduled on a rotating basis. Flexible scheduling allows for All elementary students in grades four through six the use of the library as a resource room for teachers are given an opportunity to learn to play a musical and students. Students at all grade levels are instrument. Fourth, fifth and sixth graders who so provided time each week for book selections. choose will have instrumental lessons geared Technology instruction will be a regular part of specifically to the instrument of their choice. Sixth library instruction. graders’ instrumental lessons will culminate in a performing Sixth Grade Band. (FHOSS) FOCUS ON STUDENT SKILLS

Focus on Student Skills (FHOSS) is a program CHORUS designed to assist students with their literacy skills. FHOSS is designed after a PA Department of All sixth grade students have an opportunity to Education initiative called Response to Instruction join the chorus. The “Rockin’ Ranger Ensemble” and Intervention (RtII). RtII is a comprehensive generally practices once a week and performs at standards-aligned school reform strategy that enables various functions throughout the school year. early identification and intervention for students needing additional opportunities to learn high level content. In addition, RtII provides benchmark PHYSICAL EDUCATION students the opportunity to enrich and “grow” their skills and talents. Our elementary physical education program offers a wide variety of developmental programs to The administration and elementary faculty will students. use available data to create numerous groups of The following are presented as guidelines for students that will probably be working with another student participation: instructor other than their classroom teacher. The number of students in each group will vary according 1. Loose fitting shorts to the level of student needs. All of the students will 2. Comfortable T-shirt be given the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early 3. Socks Literacy Skills (DIBELS) assessment at the 4. Sneakers beginning of the school year. DIBELS is our 5. Towel/wash cloth & soap universal screening tool used with all K-6 elementary 6. Headbands for those with long hair students to determine their academic status against 7. No jewelry - watches, pierced grade level reading benchmarks. The administration earrings, bracelets. will review progress monitoring and benchmark data to determine whether students need to be moved into Note: Showering facilities are available and highly a different group to address their academic needs recommended for students in grades 5 and 6. H throughout the school year. The F OSS program will include all students in grades K, 1, 2, and 3. If a child is unable to participate in physical education activities on a given day due to temporary REMEDIATION (Reading) illness, a note explaining the details of the illness should be sent by the parent to the physical education The elementary faculty includes remedial reading teacher. Frequent failure by the child to participate specialists in grades kindergarten through five who in physical education activities will result in a request offer additional supportive instruction in basic from the school for a doctor’s excuse verifying the reading skill areas to those students who qualify for validity of the absences. involvement in this Title I federally funded program. The guidelines of this program dictate small class Intramural activities are available to students in size for increased individualized attention, and grade 6 on a scheduled basis, and may be available to request diagnostic evaluation to determine the 4th and 5th graders, depending upon time constraints. participant’s academic status.

18 SCHOOL SPONSORED EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL HEALTH TRIPS (Field Trips)

School health services in the Forest Hills School Occasionally during the school year, elementary District are organized and developed in accordance students take part in a study trip (field trip). These with the school laws of the Commonwealth of trips are scheduled to places of interest with the goal Pennsylvania, the health needs of school children in of enhancing the classroom educational program. this district, and national standards for a sound school Permission slips are sent home prior to the trip and health program. must be returned before a child makes the trip. A child will not be allowed to go on a field trip without (A) Pre-School Immunizations parental permission. The permission slips contain all the pertinent information regarding trip details. Prior to entry into school at Forest Hills

Elementary, a child must be properly immunized. WELLNESS Students in Pre-K must be immunized against rotavirus, haemophilus, influenza type B (Hib), The Forest Hills Board of Education approved the pneumococcal, diphtheria, polio, pertussis, tetanus, Forest Hills Student Wellness Policy #246 on June rubella, rubeola, mumps, hepatitis B and varicella 14, 2006. The policy can be found on the District’s (chicken pox). website at www.fhrangers.org Students in Kindergarten must be immunized against diphtheria, polio, pertussis, tetanus, rubella, PARTIES rubella, mumps hepatitis B and varicella (chicken pox). A few times during the year food parties are permitted in classrooms. These occasions include A physician’s record reporting the dates of these Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Easter. immunizations is required from the parent at the For these classroom parties, parents and teachers are time of registration of the child. to offer minimal amounts of food that contain added sugar as the first ingredient (maximum 2-3 items). Enforcement of the immunization records as a The use of fresh fruits, vegetables, water, 100% fruit prerequisite for school attendance will be in juice or milk is also encouraged. conjunction with the dictates of district policy and As a safety precaution, homemade treats are state mandates. not allowed to be distributed during these activities. Only commercially packaged food (B) Required Examinations items are permitted for school use. Pennsylvania School Law requires a medical Birthday parties may continue to be celebrated at examination of pupils upon original entry to school the discretion of the individual classroom teacher; (pre-k or kindergarten, as the case may be) as well as however, these are not to be food parties. These in grades six and eleven. Parents are encouraged to occasions may be marked with pencils, tablets, have their family physician complete their child’s books, trinkets, etc. physical examination simply because the family physician is more familiar with the child’s medical PARTY INVITATIONS history. Medical forms for the family physician are available in the health room office. At times parents wish to use the school as a venue to pass out invitations to their child’s classmates for Children not examined by their family physician at-home parties. This may only be done if it will be examined by the school physician during the includes all the students of a particular group. For school term. Times for such school examinations example, invitations may be given to the whole are scheduled in advance and parents are informed of class, or all the girls, or all the boys. This will help these dates. Physical defects discovered or assure that feelings aren’t hurt by leaving out a suspected by the examining physician are reported to student. the parents.

19 Pennsylvania School Law requires a dental Any non-prescription (over-the-counter) examination for pupils upon original entry to school medication, other than what is listed below, must (pre-k, kindergarten or grade one as the case may be) have an order from a licensed prescriber before it third grade, and seventh grade. Parents are can be dispensed by school nurses. A copy of the encouraged to have dental examinations done by their form to be completed by the parent and the family dentist. Children who do not have private licensed prescriber (doctor, physician’s assistant), dental examinations done will have one conducted by dentist, certified registered nurse practitioner the school dentist during the school term. (CRNP) is located on the back page of the handbook. School health law further requires that every pupil in kindergarten through grade twelve be weighed and The Pennsylvania Department of Health now measured. BMI (body mass index) will be calculated requires school nurses to have a medication order and these results are to be reported to parents or from a licensed prescriber for non-prescription (over- guardians of students in grades Pre-K-6. the-counter) medications. School nurses cannot dispense any non-prescription (over-the-counter) All pupils in Pre-K through grade twelve will medications to students that are not covered under have a vision screening once yearly. All pupils in the school physician’s standing order. However, Pre-K through grade 3 shall be given a hearing when parents sign the Emergency Procedure Card, screening each year. Pupils in other grades who are school nurses may dispense the following known to have a hearing loss or show evidence of medications as prescribed by the school physician. hearing difficulty will be tested.  Tylenol or ibuprofen  Tums (antacid) (C) Illness/Injury  Benadryl  Calamine lotion Parents are urged to report any health problems  Sucrets that may arise during the school year to the nurse.  Blistex Parent-nurse conferences are encouraged and can be  Sting kill topical arranged by calling the school nurse.  Anbesol

The school health room is equipped to handle first  Neosporin ointment aid and illness during the school hours. Treatment A signed medication order from a licensed of wounds, removal of splinters, treating colds, or other conditions occurring at home is not the prescriber is needed only when the non-prescription medication is not on the list above. responsibility of the teacher or nurse. Please do not send a child to school if he/she is ill. Any medications to be administered during the (D) Homebound Instruction school day must be taken to the nurse’s office (or main office) by the parent or guardian. No student In the event of a child needing to be out of school is permitted to carry any medication to or from because of illness or injury for an extended period of school or during school hours. time, arrangements can be made for homebound The guidelines of the Forest Hills School District instruction services at no expense to the parents. Indicate that all children’s medications be Homebound instruction is only provided subsequent administered at home. Medication other than those to a request from the parent, completion of the covered by the school doctor’s standing orders appropriate forms and a recommendation by the (indicated on the Emergency Procedure Card) MUST attending physician. have a medication order from a licensed prescriber.

(E) Medications *** Important This includes over-the-counter non-prescription medication. However, if under exceptional The following is the method that the Forest circumstances a child is required to take medication Hills School District nurses must use to dispense during school hours, the parent and student must non-prescription (over-the-counter) medications. comply with school regulations. These regulations include the following

20 1. Written request from the physician to the of the school year. school officials that medication be administered to the student. Included in the 2. Whenever it is discovered that a student has request must be the name of the student, lice, the school nurse checks all students in name of the medication, dosage, time to be close contact. administered, diagnosis and possible side effects. 3. A parent communication letter is sent home at the beginning of the school year with 2. Students are not permitted to transport medication suggestions on how to treat and control to or from school. lice. This information is also available a. A parent/guardian or responsible adult on the school website. must bring the medication to school. 4. Once the student has been treated, the b. All medications must be in a prescription student must be checked by the school nurse bottle with current date and name of the before returning to school. Forest Hills has student on the bottle. Medications in plastic a LIVE LOUSE POLICY, as recommended bags or containers other than original by our school physician, which means a containers are NOT acceptable. student must be lice free in order to be c. Parent/Guardian must send enough medicine readmitted to school. to cover the prescription until a refill is needed. 5. After checking the student the school nurse will determine whether the student returns d. Parent/Guardian must anticipate when the to the classroom or returns home for further school medication supply will run out in treatment. order to replenish the supply. 6. Programs are conducted yearly with the e. Empty medication containers will not be sent students concerning the prevention and home with students. treatment of controlling lice.

3. Under no circumstances will any student be PUPIL ACCIDENT INSURANCE permitted to transport medication, except for inhalers for asthma, insulin for diabetes, or The school district is not responsible for payment Epinephrine for allergic reactions as ordered of doctor or hospital bills you might incur for injuries by a licensed prescriber. that happen in or around the school. This includes physical education classes, cafeteria and recess. 4. Medication that is to be given 3 times a day may be given at home before school, immediately We urge all students to carry the pupil’s accident after school, and at bedtime at home. insurance that is available through the school. Medical and hospital coverages are explained in the These regulations are for the safety and protection policy you receive when you purchase the insurance. of all students in the school district. Your This coverage is available only at the beginning of cooperation with these guidelines will be greatly the school year. Insurance forms will be sent home appreciated. with all students. Call the school if your child does not bring a form home. (F) Communicable Diseases School accident insurance only covers inter- Guidelines for the recommended lengths of scholastic injuries after the primary insurer has been absence for communicable diseases vary with the billed. particular disease. Students must remain absent from school until the student is judged non-infective by the child’s physician. AMBULANCE SERVICE

(G) Lice Procedures The Forest Hills School District has contracted with the Forest Hills Ambulance Association to 1. All students will be checked at the beginning provide emergency ambulance service. In the event 21 that it would be deemed necessary by School District Enthusiasm expressed by the parents in our personnel to have a student transported to the hospital children’s education will be reflected in our from school in an ambulance, the cost of the children’s attitudes. All persons are welcome to ambulance service would not be billed to the participate in P.T.O. activities (Grandparents, Aunts, parents/guardians. Uncles) even though they do not have children attending the elementary school. USE OF RESTRICTED/ UNAUTHORIZED DEVICES Many activities are initiated by the PTO. You are encouraged to attend the PTO meetings and voice The Forest Hills School District prohibits the use your suggestions and ideas. Meetings are usually of restricted and unauthorized devices, as defined in scheduled for the 3rd Monday of specified months at policy, by students during the academic school day. 7:00 p.m. in the elementary school. Get involved Such devices shall be turned off or made inoperable with your child’s education. Your opinion is valued. during the academic school day. In the event that a student uses or displays one of the devices listed here during the academic school day, the devise will be COMPLAINT PROCEDURES FOR confiscated and returned to the student’s EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES parent/guardian only. The Forest Hills School district, in conjunction The term restricted and unauthorized device is with its extracurricular staff, will follow the six step defined as cellular telephones, 2-way radio wireless procedure listed below. The order of this line of devices, telephone paging devices commonly known communication must be followed if you elect to as beepers, any device that is capable of operating as pursue any concern you may have with regard to the a telephone paging device, laser pointers, and any extracurricular program. other items deemed by the administration to have the potential to interfere with the orderly management of 1. Head Coach/Advisor the school. 2. Athletic Director (if related to a sports program) 3. Building Principal The term academic school day is defined from the 4. Superintendent time the student arrives on school property to the 5. Board of Education official dismissal time set forth by the school district for that particular building. The information provided in the “Communication

Guide” is intended to help you and your child have a ENTERTAINMENT ITEMS rewarding and enjoyable experience.

The use of DS’s, Ipods, trading cards, electronic devices and other toys or entertainment items will be left up to the discretion of individual homeroom teachers. Some of these prove helpful when recess is held inside because of the weather. However, when permitted, these are brought to school solely at the risk of the individual student. No searches will be conducted by the staff for any lost or missing items. We cannot be held responsible for these items.

PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION

The goal of the Forest Hills Parent Teacher Organization is to enhance learning and social opportunities which normally would not be funded by our school. 22

Forest Hills School District

MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION CONSENT & LICENSED PRESCRIBER ORDER

Student Name: ______Date/Time: ______

School: ______Teacher/Grade: ______

In accordance with school policy, medication(s) should be given at home before and/or after school. However, when this is not possible, prior to receiving the medication at school, each student must provide the school nurse with a Medication Administration Consent Form signed by the student’s parent/guardian and a Medication Order from a licensed prescriber. All medication must be in an original prescription bottle/container from a pharmacy. Parent/Guardian Consent: I give my permission for my child, ______, to receive the following medication ordered by a licensed prescriber during the school day. I understand that the medications will be given by school health personnel according to my child’s licensed prescriber’s directions. Parent/Guardian Signature: ______Date: ______Parent/Guardian Printed: ______Phone: ______I hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Forest Hills School District, its agents and employees, from any and all liability and claim whatsoever for the administration of the above medication to my child/ward should there develop an allergic or other reaction from the medication. ------

Licensed Prescriber Medication Order:

Patient’s Name: ______Date:______

Name of Medication: ______

Route and Dosage: ______

Time of Administration: ______

Directions: ______

Diagnosis/Purpose: ______

Discontinuation Date: ______Allergies: ______

Licensed Prescriber Signature: ______Phone: ______

Licensed Prescriber Name Printed: ______

Revised 2010

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