FENNIMORE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK 2020-2021
The Fennimore Community Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital status, parental status, or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability in any of its student programs and activities or any of its hiring, employment, or volunteer opportunities and procedures. Please indicate if you need this information presented in another language.
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FENNIMORE COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT MISSION
To continuously improve student achievement, utilizing all of the resources available to our community. We strive to improve course offerings, promote a positive school climate, build relationships, increase parent involvement, promote community involvement, set clear performance collaborative standards, and facilitate faculty commitment to the mission.
School District Philosophy
The Board of Education believes that the purpose of education is to facilitate the development of the potential of each student. In a free society, every individual has both the right and responsibility to make choices and decisions for himself/herself and for society. A prerequisite for every member of such a society in meeting those responsibilities is competence in the use of the rational thought processes needed to make intelligent, ethical choices and decisions. If our society, as originally conceived, is to survive and function effectively, its young people need to be prepared to exercise their rights and their responsibilities in ways that benefit them and the society. Likewise, if individuals are to be able to achieve their life goals in a free society, they need to be competent to choose among the myriad alternatives that are and continue to be available to them.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Allergy Aware School and Treats 6 Medication Administration 21 Animals in School 6 Open Enrollment 21 Attendance Procedures 7 Parent Involvement 22 Behavior/Discipline 11 Physical Education Excuses 22 Bicycle Riders 12 Physical Examination 22 Bullying/Harassment 12 Promotion 22 Bus Loading and Walking Students 13 Pupil Services 23 Bus Procedures 14 Religious Beliefs 23 Cancellation of School 5 School Day Schedule 3 Candy/Gum/Soda 15 School Fees 24 Cell Phones/PCD 15 School and District Performance 24 Co-Curricular Activities 15 Student Assessment 24 Concussion 15 Student Hazing 24 Drug Abuse Prevention 15 Student Illness 24 Due Process Procedures Student Injury 25 for Concerned Parents 15 Student Records 26 Early Dismissal / Student Rights of Expression 26 Emergency Closing of School 16 Student Searches 26 Emergency Drills 16 Technology Acceptable Use 26 Field Trips 16 Telephone 26 Flag and Pledge of Allegiance 17 Telephone extensions 4 Grading Procedures 17 Tobacco Prohibited 26 Hand Washing/Sanitizing 17 Toys/Learning/Safety 27 Head Lice 17 Tuition Waiver 27 Immunization Requirements 17 Video Surveillance 27 Interviews (Student) 17 Visitors 27 Lockers and Desks 19 Volunteerism 27 Lost and Found 20 Water Bottles 28 Lunch/Breakfast Program 20 Weapons 28 Nondiscrimination and Access to Equal Withdrawal from School 28 Educational Opportunity 5 2
GENERAL INFORMATION
District Administrator Principal Jane Wonderling Carmen Burkum
OFFICE PHONE NUMBERS District Office 822-3243 Elementary Office 822-3285 High School Office 822-3245 Bus Garage 822-3111 District Office Fax 822-3250 High School Fax 822-3247 Elementary School Fax 822-3257
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS
JoAnn Wiederholt, President Herman Maier Peter Heberlein, Vice-President Sheila Ruchti, Treasure Margaret Sprague Lyle Lang Diane Helms, Clerk Peter James Heather Horsfall
Fennimore Elementary School Daily Schedule
7:30 AM SCHOOL DOOR (FRONT) OPENS STUDENTS REPORT TO LUNCHROOM 7:30-8:00 BREAKFAST SERVED IN THE CAFETERIA 8:00 1st BELL STUDENTS REPORT TO CLASSROOMS 8:10 TARDY BELL ATTENDANCE TAKEN, SCHOOL NEWS TV SHOW 11:00-11:50 LUNCH and RECESS 4k 11:10-12:00 LUNCH and RECESS 5k 11:40-12:15 LUNCH and RECESS 1S T 11:45-12:15 LUNCH and RECESS 2N D 12:00-12:45 LUNCH and RECESS 3R D 12:20-1:05 LUNCH and RECESS 4T H 12:15-1:05 LUNCH and RECESS 5T H 3:00 MESSAGE CHECK, ANNOUNCEMENTS, PREPARE FOR DISMISSAL 3:05 BUS STUDENTS DISMISSED 3:10 OTHERS DISMISSED (Following the departure of the busses)
** School will dismiss at 2:35 on early release days.
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20-21 Elementary Staff Telephone Extensions
Fennimore Elementary School Staff – Dial 822-3285, select 2 for the elementary school and the extension number listed:
Principal ● Carmen Burkum 2100 Guidance Secretary ● Krystle Ambort 2120 ● Carrie Friederick 2100 Art Director of Pupil Services ● Kara James 2239 ● Gavin Greenlee 2273 Food Service Early Childhood ● Amy Boebel 2277 ● Kimberly Ammon-Aide 2242 Library Media Specialist 4-year old Kindergarten ● Kelly Ahnen 2276 ● Deanna Gunderson 2203 Music ● Darla Nalepinski 2201 ● Joy Schewe 2241 5-year old Kindergarten Nurse ● Samantha Biddick 2205 ● Sara Peterson 2113 ● Jenna Govier 2208 Physical Education ● Becky Timmerman 2206 ● Tom Needham 2244 1st grade ● Jim Prochaska 3409 ● Brenda Bunn 2207 Technology Facilitator ● Maggie Kartman 2216 ● Kim Droessler 2116 ● Robin Streeter 2214 Title 1 2nd grade ● Michelle Becwar 2219 ● Brianna Melcher 2218 ● Lynn Knutson 2240 ● Kristin Reinke 2223 Special Education ● Tammy Schwingle 2225 ● Joe Carl 2220 ● Danielle Wagner 2233 ● Amy Hinrichsen 2222 3rd grade ● Megan McWilliams 2210 ● Linda Gerlich 2235 ● Deanna Needham 2209 ● Kate Goss 2237 Speech Therapist ● Jason Rutkowski 2236 ● Shelley Miles 2231 ● Samantha Schoenberg 2238 ● Anna Schellhorn 2114 4th grade Computer Network Manager ● Tammy Greenlee 2249 ● Nate Myhre 3103 ● Jerica Henkel 2243 Computer Tech/Data Specialist ● Alicia Wienkes 2251 ● Carol Jozefowicz 3601 5th grade Library/Circ Desk ● Dianne Langmeier 2252 ● Ellen Hines 2217 ● Brenda Neisius 2253 Therapy/OT/PT 2250 ● Coby Zwiefelhofer 2254
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CANCELLATION OF SCHOOL When, for any reason, it becomes necessary to cancel school, this information will be communicated in several ways. ● Parents and guardians should sign up for Skylert messages in their F amily Access Account to receive text messages and email notifications of school cancellations, delays, and other important information. ● School closure information will be posted on our school Facebook page. ● The information will also be broadcast over the following radio and television stations as early as possible: ○ WDMP 810 AM / 99.3 FM - Dodgeville/Mineral Point ○ KATFM 92.9 FM / KDTH 1370 AM / KGRR 101 FM / KXGE 102 FM / WJOD 103.3 FM / WDBQ 1490 AM/ KLYV 105.3 – Dubuque ○ WGLR 1280 AM / 97.7 FM / WPVL 1590 AM / KLYV 106.1 Lancaster/Platteville/Dubuque ○ WTSO 1070 AM 100.9 FM / Z104 - Madison ○ WPRE 980 AM / 94.3 FM - Prairie du Chien ○ WKPO 105.9 – Viroqua
○ Channel 3 (WISC-TV) Madison ○ Channel 15 (WMTV) Madison ○ Channel 27 (WKOW) Madison
If a parent feels his/her child is at risk of injury due to inclement weather, he/she should keep the child home for the day.
NONDISCRIMINATION AND ACCESS TO EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY
The Board does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital status, parental status, sexual orientation, sex, (including transgender status, change of sex or gender identity), or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability ("Protected Classes") in any of its student program and activities. This policy is intended to support and promote nondiscriminatory practices in all District and school activities, particularly in the following areas: A. use of objective bases for admission to any school, class, program, or activity; B. prohibition of harassment towards students and procedures for the investigation of claims (see Policy 5517); C. use of disciplinary authority, including suspension and expulsion authority; D. administration of gifts, bequests, scholarships and other aids, benefits, or services to students from private agencies, organizations, or persons; E. selection of instructional and library media materials in a nondiscriminatory manner and that reflect the cultural diversity and pluralistic nature of American society; F. design and implementation of student evaluation practices, materials, and tools, but not at the exclusion of implementing techniques to meet students' individual needs; G. design and configuration of facilities; H. opportunity for participation in extra-curricular and co-curricular activities, provided that separate programs for male and female students may be available provided comparable activities are made available to all in terms of type, scope, and District support; and I. the school lunch program and other school-sponsored food service programs.
Reporting Procedures
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Students, parents and all other members of the School District community are encouraged to promptly report suspected violations of this policy to a teacher or administrator. Any teacher or administrator who receives such a complaint shall file it with the District’s Compliance Officer at his/her first opportunity.
Students who believe they have been denied equal access to District educational opportunities, in a manner inconsistent with this policy may initiate a complaint and the investigation process that is set forth below. Initiating a complaint will not adversely affect the complaining individual's participation in educational or extra-curricular programs unless the complaining individual makes the complaint maliciously or with knowledge that it is false.
District Compliance Officers The Board designates the following individuals to serve as the District’s "Compliance Officers" (hereinafter referred to as the "COs").
Boone Tollefson Carmen Burkum Middle/High School Principal Elementary Principal 608-822-3245, ext. 3100 608-822-3285 ext. 2100 510 7th Street, 830 Madison Street, Fennimore, WI 53809 Fennimore, WI 53809 [email protected] [email protected]
A CO will be available during regular school/work hours to discuss concerns related to student discrimination in educational opportunities under this policy.
See school district policy #2260 for more information.
ALLERGY AWARE SCHOOL Fennimore Community School District is an allergy aware school district. We want to alert you to the fact that we have students in our schools that have food allergies including peanut or tree nut allergies. Exposure to peanuts or tree nuts may cause a severe and/or life-threatening allergic reaction that may require emergency treatment. We are asking for your help to provide a safe school environment and reduce the chance of allergic reactions. Please be mindful as you plan lunches and talk with your student about not sharing snacks or lunches brought from home. A nut-free table is designated in the cafeteria to reduce the risk of exposure for students who possess an allergy to peanut and or tree nut products.
Due to Covid-19, students will not be able to bring birthday treats to school at this time. T reats can not be eaten on the way home on the bus. W e ask that if a parent/guardian is going to send food to school that they first check with the school nurse regarding possible food allergies within a specific class. If you are sending treats to your child’s classroom, please consider non-food items, such as pencils, erasers, or stickers for classroom treats. We also ask that parents/guardians do not send latex balloons to school. There may be classrooms where homemade, bakery, or other food treats will not be accepted because of severe allergies. If that is the case, the classroom teacher will communicate that information to the parents.
NON-SERVICE ANIMALS IN SCHOOL S chool Board Policy 8390 Animals permitted in schools and elsewhere on District property shall be limited to those necessary to support specific curriculum-related projects and activities, those that provide assistance to a student
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or staff member due to a disability (e.g., seizure disorder), or those that serve as service animals as required by Federal and State law.
Taking into consideration that some animals can cause or exacerbate allergic reactions, spread bacterial infections, or cause damage and create a hazard if they escape from confinement, the Principal may permit non-service animals to be present in classrooms to support curriculum-related projects and activities only under the following conditions: A. the staff member seeking approval to have a non-service animal in his/her classroom shall: 1. provide a current satisfactory health certificate or report of examination from a veterinarian for the animal, if required by applicable law or ordinance; 2. take precautions deemed necessary to protect the health and safety of students and other staff; 3. ensure that the animal is treated humanely, keeping it in a healthy condition and in appropriate housing (e.g., a cage or tank) that is properly cleaned and maintained; 4. keep the surrounding areas in a clean and sanitary condition at all times; and B. other staff members and parents of students in areas potentially affected by animals have been notified in writing and adjustments have been made to accommodate verified health-related or other concerns. Except where required by law, the presence of a non-service animal shall be disallowed if documented health concerns of a student or staff member cannot be accommodated.
ATTENDANCE School Policy For further information refer to School Board Policy 5200
Elementary students must be in the classroom b y 8:10 AM and remain in school until dismissal in order to be counted as present for the full day. Unexpected absences should be phoned in to the school by 8:00 AM on the day of the absence.
State law requires the Board of Education to enforce the regular attendance of students. Further, the Board recognizes that the District's educational program is predicated upon the presence of the student and requires continuity of instruction and classroom participation. The regular contact of students with one another in the classroom and their participation in a well-planned instructional activity under the tutelage of a competent teacher are vital to this purpose.
All children between six (6) and eighteen (18) years of age shall attend school regularly during the full period and hours, religious holidays excepted, that the school in which the child is enrolled is in session until the end of the term, quarter, or semester of the school year in which the child becomes eighteen (18) years of age, unless they fall under an exception under State law, this policy, or administrative guideline issued under this policy. A child who is enrolled in five (5) year-old kindergarten shall attend school regularly, religious holidays excepted, during the full period and hours that kindergarten is in session until the end of the school term.
Parent Notification of Absence Required The District Administrator shall require, from the parent of each student or from an adult student, who has been absent for any reason a w ritten notification (may be sent through Skyward or email) stating the reason for the absence and the time period covered by the absence. The Board reserves the right to verify such statements and to investigate the cause of each:
A. single absence; or B. prolonged absence; or
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C. repeated unexplained absence and tardiness.
School Attendance Officer
The District Administrator shall designate an administrator at each school to be the School Attendance Officer. The School Attendance Officer shall perform any duties and responsibilities s/he is required to perform by State law, this policy, and any administrative guidelines issued by the school. The duties of the School Attendance Officer shall include, but not be limited to, the following.
A. Determining daily from attendance reports submitted by teachers which students enrolled in the school are absent from school and whether the absence is excused. B. Submitting to the District Administrator, on or before August 1st of each year, a report of the number of students enrolled in the school who were absent in the previous year and whether the absences were excused. The District Administrator shall then submit this information to the State Superintendent. C. Providing student attendance information to individuals and agencies for purposes authorized by State law and the Board's Policy 8330 - Student Records.
Excused Absences
As required under State law, a student shall be excused from school for the following reasons: A. Physical or Mental Condition The student is temporarily not in proper physical or mental condition to attend a school program. B. Obtaining Religious Instruction To enable the student to obtain religious instruction outside the school during the required school period (see Policy 5223 - Absences for Religious Instruction). C. Permission of Parent The student has been excused by his/her parent before the absence for any or no reason. A student may not be excused for more than ten (10) days per school year under this paragraph and must complete any course work missed during the absence. D. Religious Holiday For observance of a religious holiday consistent with the student's creed or belief. E. Suspension or Expulsion The student has been suspended or expelled. F. Program or Curriculum Modification The Board has excused the student from regular school attendance to participate in a program or curriculum modification leading to high school graduation or a high school equivalency diploma as provided by State law. G. High School Equivalency – Secured Facilities The Board has excused a student from regular school attendance to participate in a program leading to a high school equivalency diploma in a secured correctional facility, a secured child caring institution, a secure detention facility, or a juvenile portion of a county jail, and the student and his/her parent agrees that the student will continue to participate in such a program. H. Child at Risk The student is a "child at risk" as defined under State law and is participating in a program at a technical college on either a part‑time or full-time basis leading to high school graduation, as
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provided under State law. A student may be excused from school, as determined by the School Attendance Officer, or his/her designee, for quarantine of the student's home by a public health officer.
Unexcused Absences Unexcused absences demonstrate a deliberate disregard for the educational program and are considered a serious matter. The District Administrator shall develop guidelines to address unexcused absences.
Late Arrival and Early Dismissal It is necessary that a student is in attendance throughout the school day in order to benefit fully from the educational program of the District.
The Board recognizes, however, that from time-to-time compelling circumstances require that a student be late to school or dismissed before the end of the school day.
As agent responsible for the education of the children of this District, the Board shall require that the school be notified in advance, if possible, of such absences by written request of the student's parent, who shall state the reason for the tardiness or early dismissal. Justifiable reasons shall be determined by the building administrator.
No student who has a medical disability which may be incapacitating may be released without a person to accompany him/her.
No student shall be released to anyone who is not authorized such custody by the parents.
Truancy Plan The Board will issue a Truancy Plan based upon the recommendations of the County Truancy Committee convened under State law, the Board's policies and procedures, and applicable provisions of State law. The Board will review and, if appropriate, revise the Truancy Plan at least once every two (2) years.
The Truancy Plan will include, at a minimum, the following: A. procedures to be followed for notifying the parents of the unexcused absences of a student who is truant or a habitual truant and for meeting and conferring with such parents B. plans and procedures for identifying truant children of all ages and returning them to school, including the identity of school personnel to whom a truant child shall be returned C. methods to increase and maintain public awareness of and involvement in responding to truancy within the School District D. a provision addressing the immediate response to be made by school personnel when a truant child is returned to school E. the types of truancy cases to be referred to the District Attorney and the time periods within which the District Attorney will respond to and take action on the referrals F. plans and procedures to coordinate the responses to the problems of habitual truants, as defined under Sec. 118.16(1)(a), Wis. Stats., with public and private social services agencies G. methods to involve the truant child's parent in dealing with and solving the child's truancy problem A student will be considered truant if s/he is absent part or all of one (1) or more days from school during which the School Attendance Officer, principal, or a teacher has not been notified of the legal 9
cause of such absence by the parent of the absent student. A student who is absent intermittently for the purpose of defeating the intent of the Wisconsin Compulsory Attendance Statute Sec. 118.15, Wis. Stats. will also be considered truant.
A student will be considered a habitual truant if s/he is absent from school without an acceptable excuse for part or all of five (5) or more days on which school is held during a school semester.
Notice of Truancy The School Attendance Officer shall notify a truant student's parent of the student's truancy and direct the parent to return the student to school no later than the next day on which school is in session or to provide an excuse for the absence. The notice under this paragraph shall be given before the end of the second school day after receiving a report of an unexcused absence. The notice may be made by electronic communication, personal contact, telephone call or 1st class mail and a written record of this notice shall be kept. This notice must be given every time a student is truant until the student becomes a habitual truant.
Notice of Habitual Truancy When a student initially becomes a habitual truant, the School Attendance Officer shall provide a notice to the student's parent, by registered or certified mail, or by 1st class mail. The School Attendance Officer may simultaneously notify the parent of the habitually truant student by an electronic communication., The notice must contain the following: A. a statement of the parent's responsibility under State law to cause the student to attend school regularly B. a statement that the parent or student may request program or curriculum modifications for the student under State law and that the student may be eligible for enrollment in a program for children at risk C. a request that the parent meet with the appropriate school personnel to discuss the student's truancy. The notice shall include the name of the school personnel with whom the parent should meet, a date, time, and place for the meeting and the name, address, and telephone number of a person to contact to arrange a different date, time, or place. The date for the meeting shall be within five (5) school days after the date that the notice is sent, except that with the consent of the student's parent the date for the meeting may be extended for an additional five (5) school days. D. a statement of the penalties, under State law or local ordinances that may be imposed on the parent if s/he fails to cause the child to attend school regularly as required by State law The School Attendance Officer will also continue to notify the parent of a habitual truant's subsequent unexcused absences.
Referral to the District Attorney Truancy cases will be referred to the District Attorney as provided in the County Truancy Committee Plan. The School Attendance Officer will ensure that appropriate school personnel has done the following before any case is referred to the District Attorney: A. met with the student's parent to discuss the student's truancy or attempted to meet with the student's parent and received no response or were refused B. provided an opportunity for educational counseling to the student to determine whether a change in the student's curriculum would resolve the student's truancy and have curriculum modifications under State law C. evaluated the student to determine whether learning problems may be a cause of the student's truancy and, if so, have taken steps to overcome the learning problems, except that the 10
student need not be evaluated if tests administered to the student within the previous year indicate that the student is performing at his/her grade level D. conducted an evaluation to determine whether social problems may be a cause of the student's truancy and, if so, have taken appropriate action or made appropriate referrals Note that paragraph A. is not required if the meeting between school personnel, the student, and the student's parent, which was requested in the Notice of Habitual Truancy to the parent, did not occur within ten (10) school days after the Notice was sent. Paragraphs B., C., and D. are not required if appropriate school personnel were unable to carry out the activity due to the student's absences from school.
Make-up Course Work and Examinations Students who are absent from school, whether the absence was excused or unexcused, shall be permitted to make-up course work and examinations missed during the absence when they return to school. It is the student's responsibility to contact his/her teachers to determine what course work and examinations must be made-up. Teachers shall have the discretion to assign substitute course work and examinations. Teachers shall also have the discretion to specify where and when examinations and course work shall be completed, including outside regular school hours. The time for completing the work shall be commensurate with the length of the absence, unless extended by the principal based upon extenuating circumstances.
BEHAVIOR/DISCIPLINE S chool Board Policies 5500, 5511, 5610 Fennimore Elementary School uses Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). PBIS focuses on creating and sustaining a school-wide system of support that improves the educational environment for all children. Our aim is to explicitly teach behavioral expectations and then recognize the positive behaviors shown by students. The core values that we will teach and expect in all areas are; Be Respectful, Be Responsible and Be Safe. By improving the school environment, we hope to increase learning time and promote academic and social success for every student. More information will be sent home with your child at the beginning of the school year.
School-wide Guidelines The following unacceptable behaviors have been identified as "absolutes" and will not be tolerated in any school setting including playground, buses, classrooms, etc. 1. Destruction of property/stealing 2. Deliberate harm to another. 3. Sexual/Racial, or other forms of harassment or taunting. 4. Possession of any type of weapon, such as pocket knife or other knives, toy or real guns, numb-chucks, etc. 5. Deliberate endangerment of self through inappropriate use of equipment, rocks, and sticks and wood chips, or leaving the premises. 6. Excessive physical contact, i.e. tackle football, play fighting/wrestling, etc. 7. Chronic insolence or disrespect to supervising adults. 8. Use/possession of alcohol and/or drugs. 9. Serious classroom disruptions. 10. Foul language. Identified behaviors will be addressed by prompt action which may include: ● Removal from play. ● Removal from the playground and/or classroom. ● Referral to the principal. Referral to Principal When a child is referred to the principal for discipline, the child and the principal collaborate on a plan
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for subsequent success and restitution (fixing the problem). This may include: 1. Written and/or verbal contact with parent. 2. Plan for restitution. 3. Temporary suspension from play, and/or the classroom, and/or school. Extreme or repeated misconduct or misbehavior may result in: 1. In-school detention or suspension 2. Referral to police 3. Out-of-school suspension (1-10 days) 4. Expulsion (per school board policy)
Parents are always encouraged to dialogue with their children’s teachers and with the principal whenever there is a concern regarding behavior and/or consequences. In addition to these general behavior guidelines, Fennimore Community School Board policy #5610 more specifically defines conditions under which a student may be suspended or expelled from school.
BICYCLE RIDERS Parents are urged to allow children to ride bicycles to school only when they are sure the child has the maturity, ability and good judgment to ride safely. Riding bicycles to school is potentially dangerous for primary grade children. 1. Bicycles must be parked in the bike racks as soon as the student arrives at school. 2. Remember to observe all traffic regulations while riding to and from school. 3. Students are not allowed to ride their bikes on school grounds.
BULLYING/HARASSMENT S chool Board Policy 5517 and 5517.01 "Bullying” Bullying is deliberate or intentional behavior using word or actions, intended to cause fear, intimidation, or harm. Bullying may be a repeated behavior and involves an imbalance of power. Furthermore, it may be serious enough to negatively impact a student's educational, physical, or emotional well being. The behavior may be motivated by an actual or perceived distinguishing characteristic, such as, but not limited to: age; national origin; race; ethnicity; religion; gender; gender identity; sexual orientation; physical attributes; physical or mental ability or disability; and social, economic, or family status; however this type of prohibited bullying behavior need not be based on any of those particular or other particular characteristics. It includes, but is not necessarily limited to such behaviors as stalking, cyberbullying, intimidating, menacing, coercing, name-calling, taunting, making threats, and hazing. "Cyberbullying" – the use of information and communication technologies such as e-mail, cell phone and pager text messages, instant messaging (IM), defamatory personal web sites, and defamatory online personal polling websites, to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group, that is intended to harm others." "Harassment" includes, but is not limited to, any act which subjects an individual or group to unwanted, abusive behavior of a nonverbal, verbal, written or physical nature on the basis of sex, (including transgender status, change of sex, or gender identity), race, color, national origin, religion, creed, ancestry, marital or parental status, sexual orientation or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability, or any other characteristic protected by Federal or State civil rights laws. “Sexual Harassment” consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexually motivated physical conduct or other verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual nature.
Complaint Procedures Any student that believes s/he has been or is the victim of bullying should immediately report the situation to the building principal or assistant principal, or the District Administrator. The student may also report concerns to a teacher or counselor who will be responsible for notifying the appropriate administrator or Board official. Complaints against the building principal should be filed with the 12
District Administrator. Complaints against the District Administrator should be filed with the Board President.
Every student is encouraged to report any situation that they believe to be bullying behavior directed toward a student. Reports may be made to those identified above.
All school staff members and school officials who observe or become aware of acts of bullying are required to report these acts to the building principal or assistant principal, or the District Administrator.
Reports of bullying may be made verbally or in writing and may be made confidentially. All such reports, whether verbal or in writing, will be taken seriously and a clear account of the incident is to be documented. A written record of the report, including all pertinent details, will be made by the recipient of the report.
If the investigation finds that bullying has occurred, it will result in prompt and appropriate remedial and/or disciplinary action. This may include student discipline, including, but not limited to reprimand, suspension, or possible expulsion. Further, the result of an investigation that finds that bullying has occurred may result in discharge for employees, exclusion for parents, guests, volunteers, and contractors, and removal from any official position and/or a request to resign for Board members. Individuals may also be referred to law enforcement officials.
This policy shall not be interpreted to infringe upon the First Amendment rights of students (i.e., to prohibit a reasoned and civil exchange of opinions, or debate, that is conducted at appropriate times and places during the school day and is protected by State or Federal law).
Retaliation against any person who reports, is thought to have reported, files a complaint, or otherwise participates in an investigation or inquiry concerning allegations of bullying is prohibited and will not be tolerated. Such retaliation shall be considered a serious violation of Board policy and independent of whether a complaint is substantiated. Suspected retaliation should be reported in the same manner as bullying. Making intentionally false reports about bullying for the purpose of getting someone in trouble is similarly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Retaliation and intentionally making a false report may result in disciplinary action as indicated above.
If a student or other individual believes there has been bullying, regardless of whether it fits a particular definition, s/he should report it and allow the administration to determine the appropriate course of action.
Privacy/Confidentiality The School District will respect the privacy of the complainant, the individual(s) against who the complaint is filed, and the witnesses as much as possible, consistent with the Board’s legal obligations to investigate, to inform parents, to take appropriate action, and to conform with any discovery or disclosure obligations. All records generated under this policy and its related administrative guidelines shall be maintained as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
To the extent appropriate in conducting a thorough investigation and/or as legally permitted, confidentiality will be maintained during the investigation process.
BUS LOADING/UNLOADING AND WALKING STUDENTS Buses unload on the North side of the building in the morning. Students should proceed to the grade level entrance of the school. Parents dropping off students should do so on the front (East side) 13
sidewalk.Please pull ahead as far as possible and drop students off next to the sidewalk. Walking students are expected to exercise extreme care when coming to and leaving school. Students must use the sidewalks and crosswalks. Cutting through the bus loading area is dangerous and not allowed. Walking students should refrain from walking on lawns of adjacent properties to the school when coming to or leaving school. Student entrances: ● Grades 4k-5K enter through using the front entrance ● Grades 1-2 South Front entrance ● Grades 3-5 North entrance Students will go directly to their classrooms.
BUS PROCEDURES/GUIDELINES It is the policy of the Board of Education to provide transportation for those students, of any age, whose distance from their school makes this service necessary within the limitations established by State law and the regulations of the Department of Public Instruction or other appropriate agency. A. Fennimore Community School District will transport currently enrolled students and assigned for curricular and co-curricular programs. Students and assigned chaperones are the only persons authorized to be transported by district school buses. B. Students who wish to participate in curricular and co-curricular programs requiring transportation shall utilize district transportation services. If a student will be riding home from a school event, they must provide the adult in charge of the event a signed written permission from their parent/guardian. C. Transportation of eligible students with exceptional educational needs shall be arranged through the use of District-owned vehicles, through cooperation with other districts, through commercial carriers, and/or by other means in the most efficient and economical manner.
School Bus Rider Responsibilities A. The same behavioral expectations are held for students on the school bus and at bus stops as at school. B. Some situations are unique to the bus: a. No eating or drinking is allowed on daily bus routes. b. Be on time at the designated school bus stop - keep the bus on schedule. c. Do not move toward the bus at the school loading zone until the bus has been brought to a complete stop. d. Keep the hands, head, and objects inside the bus at all times after entering and until leaving the bus. e. In the event of a road emergency, remain in the bus until directed to do otherwise by the bus driver. Cross the road when necessary after getting off the bus at least ten feet in front of the bus, but only after checking to be sure no traffic is approaching and after receiving the sign from the driver. f. Bus riders are not permitted to leave the bus except at regular bus stops unless written authority has been given in advance by the parents to school officials. g. Students must have written permission from parents and school to ride a different bus or get off at a different bus stop. h. Due to limited capacity on buses during the 20-21 school year, we ask that the parents/guardians give the school as much notice as possible for transportation changes. In the event that multiple riders (4 or more) are going to the same address for an event, please provide a one week notice.
Transportation privileges may be revoked if the student's conduct is in violation of the District Administrator's administrative guidelines or the Code of Conduct pertaining to student transportation. 14
Such revocation shall be in accord with statutorily-required procedures.
CANDY/GUM/SODA Candy and gum are not necessary at school except in situations with specific permission of the teacher. Sodas are not allowed to be consumed during the school day on school grounds. Please consider this when packing lunches. For field trips, parents are encouraged to send juice boxes or flavored water. N o food or drink should be consumed on the school bus.
CELL PHONES and other PERSONAL COMMUNICATION DEVICES (PCD) School Board Policy 5136 Students in grades PK-5 may not use PCDs during the school day. The devices must be powered completely off (i.e. not just placed in vibrate or silent mode) and stored out of sight.
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES The purpose of co-curricular activities in the Fennimore Community Schools is to promote and nurture maximum participation by all students of Fennimore Schools, to stimulate interest in wholesome activities and to establish widespread interest in such activities.
Co-curricular activities available for elementary school students include After School Activities scheduled by grade levels. It is important for students to listen for the announced times and type of activity, and then have parents sign the necessary permission slip before they are able to participate. It is the parents' responsibility to pick up the s tudent on time at the end of the activity.
CONCUSSION A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. Concussions occur when there is a forceful blow to the head or body that results in rapid movement of the head and causes any change in behavior, thinking, or physical functioning. Concussions are not limited to situations involving loss of consciousness. Some symptoms of a concussion include headache, nausea, confusion, memory difficulties, dizziness, blurred vision, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty sleeping.
If a student is going to participate in an activity where a concussive event may occur, they shall be provided with an information sheet regarding concussion and head injury and the appropriate release must be signed at least once per school year.
Further, parents who inform coaches and teachers that their child is being treated by a healthcare professional for a concussion must provide written clearance from that healthcare professional for full or limited participation in class, practice, activity, or competition. Prior to receiving written clearance from a healthcare professional, students who have sustained a concussion may not participate in any school-related physical activities.
DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION S chool Board Policies 5500 and 5530 The administration and staff recognize that the misuse of drugs is a serious problem with legal, physical, and social implications for the entire school community.
The use, possession, concealment, or distribution of any drug, drug look-alike and any drug-paraphernalia at any time on school property or at any school‑related event is prohibited. Disciplinary sanctions, up to and including expulsion and referral for prosecution, will be imposed on students who violate the school's drug abuse guidelines.
DUE PROCESS FOR CONCERNED PARENTS Occasionally parents find themselves concerned over a school service or procedure. Communication 15
between home and school can be enhanced if parents are aware of the course of action that can be followed.
For parents who wish to discuss their concern, the following procedures are recommended 1. If the concern is with a teacher and/or classroom service, a conference with the teacher should be scheduled at a mutually convenient time. The matter should be discussed openly and frankly. 2. If resolution cannot be reached in a conference with the teacher, the matter should then be discussed with the principal. In some cases the teacher may be requested to be present at the conference. In some situations the principal may request parents to submit their concern, in writing, on a district form. 3. Most concerns can be resolved at the local school level. However, if further steps become necessary, parents may contact the superintendent. The school principal may be a part of any discussion with parents resulting from a central office contact. 4. If necessary, concerns may be taken to the Board of Education. If a parent feels it is necessary to take a concern to the Board level, this may be done by written communication to the District Administrator or the Board of Education.
A parent may need to communicate with other employees in the school organization if the problem is not a classroom concern. Examples would be related to food services, special education matters, or transportation issues. These can be referred to the administrator and/or employee responsible for the specific area.
EARLY DISMISSAL/EMERGENCY CLOSING OF SCHOOL If because of weather it becomes necessary during the course of the school day to dismiss students before the usual dismissal time, five key points are emphasized:
1. See page 5 for notification information. 2. PARENTS ARE TO MAKE SURE ALL FAMILY MEMBERS & CAREGIVERS ARE AWARE OF WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF EARLY DISMISSAL. 3. Inform the school office in advance of any factors you feel should be known if an early dismissal occurs. 4. Students should return home by their usual means of transportation. When a student fails to ride the regular bus home, it shall be the parent's responsibility to provide a method of transportation from school to home.
EMERGENCY DRILLS As required by State law, Fennimore Elementary School will schedule a Fire Drill each month that school is in session. Students should quietly follow the instructions of their teacher/supervisor.
Tornado and Emergency drills will be scheduled twice during the school year, once in the Fall and once in the Spring. Students should walk quietly and listen for instructions from their teacher. Upon reaching their protection area students should sit in a tuck position with their head between their legs and their hands behind their head. Stay in the tuck position until the ALL CLEAR signal is given.
FIELD TRIPS Field trips may be planned for all students or students in a particular classroom. You will receive a permission slip form for you to sign and return to your child's teacher, indicating your approval for your child to attend these field trips throughout the school year. Prior to each field trip that your child's teacher or the principal plans, you will receive a notice informing you of the trip, including date and 16
time. The School District will pay the transportation cost. Admission costs, etc. will be paid by the student.
FLAG AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE S chool Board Policy 8800 The United States flag shall be displayed at each school during school hours and in each classroom. The Pledge of Allegiance or the National Anthem is offered in grades 1-12 each school day. No student shall be compelled against his/her objections or those of his/her parents or guardians to recite the Pledge of Allegiance or sing the National Anthem.
GRADING PROCEDURES It shall be the policy of the Fennimore Community Schools to evaluate pupil achievement in grades Pre-K-12 based on the Wisconsin Common Core Standards and the Wisconsin Model Academic Standards. An Incomplete will be given when course requirements are not met within the designated time. Work not completed or not excused within two weeks following the end of the grading period will receive a failing grade.
In some cases, curriculum will be modified to address student needs. In these cases, parents will be consulted and modified grading will be noted on report cards.
Grades should reflect the student's progress toward the standards in each subject area.
HAND WASHING/SANITIZING Handwashing and/or sanitizing will be required before eating and after eating. Hand sanitizing will be required before and after recess, Physical Education, and any class period that utilizes shared materials.
HEAD LICE S chool Board Policy 8451 If a child in the District is found to have live lice, the child's parent will be contacted to have the child treated and to pick him/her up immediately. After treatment and upon returning to school, the child will be examined by the school nurse. The District practices a policy of "no live lice" as a criteria for return to school.
IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS State law 140.05 REQUIRES every student entering a Wisconsin school for the first time to submit evidence of complete immunization or a signed waiver claiming health, religious or personal conviction exemption. The specific requirements by grade are indicated on the Student Immunization Form. THIS FORM MUST BE COMPLETED, SIGNED AND RETURNED TO YOUR CHILD'S SCHOOL BEFORE THE 30TH SCHOOL DAY AFTER YOUR CHILD IS ADMITTED TO SCHOOL IN ORDER FOR YOU TO BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE LAW.
By law, there are new requirements for two doses of the varicella vaccine or documentation of chicken pox disease and Tdap boosters for certain grade levels. Your child will be notified if they need further immunizations or you may contact the school nurse to inquire if your child is compliant.
INTERVIEWS (STUDENT) S chool Board Policy 5540 The Board of Education is committed to maintaining the educational atmosphere of the schools and restricting access by individuals not part of the school system but also recognizes its responsibility to cooperate with law enforcement agencies and its need for assistance from law enforcement in certain circumstances.
When law enforcement requests permission to interview a student at school, the District Administrator 17
or building administrator shall be contacted prior to any further action by law enforcement. The administrator shall determine whether it is appropriate to provide access to the student based on the officer's purpose, whether the officer has stated that there is an emergency involving imminent threat, or that the officer is in possession of a valid warrant. A warrant shall be deemed valid if executed by a judicial officer and describes the school premises.
If law enforcement is contacted by the administration for assistance, administration shall maintain the lead role in the investigation and shall be present or contact a parent to be present for any interview to the extent reasonable.
When an agency requests permission to remove a student, or does remove a student without prior permission, the building administrator shall notify the District Administrator.
Law enforcement investigations on school premises fall into two (2) primary categories. First, some investigations will occur at the request of school administration due to suspicion of a violation of school policy that may also be criminal. Second, law enforcement investigations may occur without the initiation of school officials and may or may not involve activity on school grounds.
Different procedures are to be followed in each instance as outlined below:
By law enforcement personnel, on request of school authorities
An administrator may exercise his/her discretion in determining whether to request assistance of law enforcement in investigating a crime, or allegation of a crime, committed in his/her school building or school grounds during school hours. If assistance is so requested, it shall be directed to the local law enforcement agency and the administration shall remain the primary investigator with assistance from law enforcement. When determining whether to contact law enforcement, a school administrator shall consider the mandatory reporting requirements of Section 48.981 in the event the allegations involve suspected child abuse or neglect.
If the administrator requests assistance, a law enforcement officer may conduct an investigation within the school building and interview students as witnesses in school during the school day. Administrators shall take steps to assure that students are not removed from classes if at all possible. The administrator shall be present during the interview unless the law enforcement officer, student or his/her parent requests that the school official not be present. The student may request other representation such as legal counsel. If a student requests legal counsel, the administrator will make an effort to contact the parent(s) and the student will be put in custody of the law enforcement agency. The administrator shall attempt to contact the parent(s) of any student prior to questioning by law enforcement. A decision whether to take a student into custody is the decision of the law enforcement officer.
If the investigation focuses on a particular student as a prime suspect of crime, the administrator and the law enforcement officer shall abide by the guidelines with respect to any interrogation, search and arrest. Once law enforcement is involved in an investigation of possible criminal activity on school grounds, assuring that the constitutionally protected rights are respected during the investigation process is the law enforcement officers' responsibility.
School officials shall assist and cooperate in investigations as requested by law enforcement and consistent with District responsibility to maintain the confidentiality of student records under State and Federal law.
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By law enforcement personnel without request of school authorities
Law enforcement officers will be asked to make every effort to interview students outside of the school hours and outside of the school setting in those cases where assistance has not been requested by school authorities. This procedure will not apply to circumstances where a serious crime may be involved, or where imminent threats to persons or property may be involved or where law enforcement states that it is not feasible to interview the student outside of school due to the nature of the investigation and that they are not able to provide specific information substantiating the need to immediately interview the student.
If law enforcement deems it absolutely necessary to interview a student at school, the law enforcement personnel shall first contact the administrator regarding the planned visit and inform the administrator of the circumstances that require him/her to investigate within the school and obtain his/her approval to interview a student during school hours. The police officer shall not commence his/her investigation until such approval is obtained. The law enforcement personnel may appeal to the District Administrator if it is deemed that approval was unreasonably withheld.
The administrator shall make every effort to maintain the privacy of the student.
Accordingly, the administrator shall do the following:
Request that every attempt be made to schedule questioning during a time the student is not in class.
Request that the student be pulled out of class by a school administrator, rather than a police officer, if necessary.
Notify the law enforcement officer that the school official will attempt to contact the student's parent(s) prior to questioning, unless specifically requested not to because such contact would unduly impede the investigation.
If law enforcement officer is in possession of a valid warrant, school officials shall in no way interfere with the officer's execution of the warrant. A warrant shall be considered "valid" if it accurately describes the school facility and is executed by an authorized judicial official. District officials shall not attempt to evaluate the sufficiency of probable cause upon which the warrant is based.
In the event a law enforcement officer seeks to execute a warrant on school grounds, the officer is to be directed to building administration. The administration shall attempt to assist in executing the warrant by directing the student to report to the office. The school administration shall then (1) contact the student's parent if the student is a minor; and (2) contact the District Administrator. This process shall be followed unless the law enforcement official states that s/he has reason to believe that the subject of the warrant poses an immediate threat to the health and safety of others while in the school. In such a case, school officials shall grant access to the facility for execution of the warrant.
LOCKERS AND DESKS S chool Board Policy 5771 (See section on student searches) Homeroom teachers will assign a corridor locker to each student. Two students may share a locker in grades K-5. It is expected that good housekeeping and organizing habits will be used by students at all times. Teachers are expected to inspect students' lockers and desks periodically.
School lockers and desks are the property of Fennimore Community Schools. At no time does the Fennimore School District relinquish its exclusive control of lockers or desks provided for the convenience of students. Periodic general inspections of lockers and desks may be conducted by the 19
school principal or his/her designee for any reason at any time, without notice, without student consent, and without a search warrant.
LOST AND FOUND The lost and found area is in the cafeteria hallway.. Students who have lost items should check there and may retrieve their items. Items that may have a higher value such as jewelry, wallets, etc. will be kept in the office and can be claimed if a proper description is given. Unclaimed items will be given to charity at the close of the school year.
LUNCH/BREAKFAST PROGRAM S chool Board Policy 8500 The Fennimore Community School District’s breakfast and hot lunch program offers family accounts. Money may be deposited in your account by bringing your deposit to the elementary, high school or district offices. Monies brought to school will be deposited in the family account in full. All students within one household will share an account regardless of which building they attend. Each student will have an electronic meal card. The card will contain the student’s name and picture. The card will be scanned each time the student eats breakfast, hot lunch or has milk outside these programs. The cost will then be deducted from the balance in the family account. Parents may check the status of their family’s lunch account online via Skyward Family Access. Questions regarding Family Access may be directed to Jeanne Henkel in the District Office (822-3243 ext 1004).
The price of lunches will be $3.00 per day in the elementary building. A student requesting a second entree $.25 Breakfasts are $1.50. Morning milk only and additional milk at lunch will be deducted from the family account at $.30 per carton. Families will be given a notice when their account balance drops under $10.00. Families may make deposits to their account at anytime. Families are encouraged to pay by the month, the quarter or the semester. Changes in family situations will be addressed on an individual basis. Please contact the office of the building in which your child(ren) attend school.
Office staff will attempt to contact parents of elementary students with insufficient funds in their accounts. A new district policy is in place concerning insufficient funds in a family lunch account. Please see the new policy in the District Newsletter, or contact the school for more information. There will be no loaning of scan cards. No students will be allowed to access accounts other than their own. Initial cards are issued free of charge. Replacement cards are $5.00 each.
Free and reduced priced breakfasts and lunches will continue to be available to qualifying families. Fennimore Schools encourages all families to apply by completing an application and submitting it to the Fennimore Community School District office.
Parents are permitted to come to school and eat lunch with their child(ren). Adult lunch tickets cost $4.00 per day and adult breakfast tickets cost $2.25. Please call the school in advance to enable the cooks to plan accordingly. Parents and visitors will not be able to eat lunch with their children during the 2020-21 school year.
Any student wishing to bring a sack lunch from home may do so. Students bringing their own lunch will go to the cafeteria with their class and eat with their classmates. Students choosing to bring a sack lunch are encouraged to bring nutritious foods and are reminded that no soda pop is allowed in the lunchroom. Any student wanting milk must have sufficient funds in their family account.
Proper manners and general lunchroom behavior is expected at all times. Respect will be shown to all students and adults alike. Students are expected to eat quietly and orderly and enjoy the lunchroom as a part of the total positive school experience. Talking in a normal tone of voice is 20
allowed. Students are expected to clean up after themselves, return trays and silverware to the proper area and garbage to the containers provided. General school rules prevail.
Failure upon the part of a student to follow these simple rules may result in an assigned seat in the lunchroom or the office for a period of time.
All students must remain on the playground, in the supervised areas, during the lunch period. Students going home for lunch should bring a note from parents, then sign out and in at the office.
MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION PROCEDURES School Board Policy 5330 A. Administering Medications to Students at School For the protection of your child and the protection of those giving medication to students, the following procedures M UST be followed according to state statute 118.29: a. The medication request authorization form for the school must be signed by the practitioner who is ordering the medication, by the parent or guardian of the student and by the person who is responsible for administering the medication to the child at school B EFORE the medication will be given by school personnel. b. The physician must indicate how many days the prescription medication is to be administered at school. c. The parent or guardian MUST supply the school with the prescription medication in a properly labeled pharmacy container. The labeled bottle must be the most current dated original from the pharmacy and show: 1. Name of child. 2. Name and telephone of pharmacy. 3. Name of physician. 4. Name and dosage of medication. 5. Exact times medication is to be administered. B. Administering Non-Prescription Medication to Students at School a. The medication request form for the school must be signed by the parent or guardian and the person at school who is responsible for administering the medication B EFORE any of the medication will be given by school personnel. b. The parent or guardian must indicate how many days the non-prescription medication is to be given at school. c. The non- prescription medication must be provided by the parent or guardian, and it MUST be in the original medication container and labeled with the student’s name. d. Nonprescription drug products may be administered to any student during school hours only with the prior written consent of the parent. Substances, which are not FDA approved (i.e. natural products, food supplements), will require the written instruction of a practitioner and the written consent of the parent. e. Medication may not be administered to a student in a dosage other than the recommended therapeutic dose unless the request to do so is accompanied by the written approval of the student’s health care practitioner. Substances that are not FDA approved (i.e., natural products, food supplements) will require the written instruction of a medical practitioner and written consent from the student’s parent or guardian. f. No CBD products will be permitted for use at school.
OPEN ENROLLMENT/TUITION WAIVER Students in four year old Kindergarten to grade 12 may attend public school in a district other than the one in which they reside, if space is available (and subject to certain other conditions). Application 21
forms may be obtained from the Department of Public Instruction’s internet site. Parents must apply to the nonresident school district no earlier than the first Monday in February and no later than April 30th, for attendance in the following school year. Students who move out of the district during a school year may be eligible to attend school in their previous district without payment of tuition. Information may be obtained from the building principals or district office.
PARENT INVOLVEMENT Parents/families, the entire school staff, and students are jointly responsible for improving student achievement in meeting the state's high standards. In order to do this: ● The school district will be responsible for providing high quality curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective learning environment so that children may meet the state's high performance standards. ● The school district will be responsible for publishing, at least annually, student achievement results and other outcome indicators for evaluation of the programs and services provided to its students. ● Parents/families can support their child's learning by monitoring attendance, volunteering in the classroom, supporting learning in the home and school, and participating in appropriate decisions relating to their child's education and use of extra-curricular time. ● Parents/families can support their child's learning by participating in the district’s strategic planning meetings, participating in the preparation of district grant proposals and assisting the district by evaluating the content and effectiveness of it’s programs. ● Ongoing communication between parents/families and teachers is critical and may be accomplished through: o Parent/teacher conferences in schools (at least annually). o Frequent reports to parents/families on their children's progress. o Reasonable access to staff. o Opportunities to volunteer, participate, observe, and visit their child's class. o Reading the district newsletter and reviewing information/school work sent home with the students. o Checking the district’s web site located at www.fennimore.k12.wi.us and utilizing Family Access where available.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION EXCUSES Physical education classes meet regularly and are required for all children grades Pre-K-5 unless a written excuse from home or a physician is presented. Children who are to be excused from two successive or more physical education classes must bring a written excuse from a health care provider.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION Parents of children enrolling in school for the first time are requested to submit written evidence of a physical examination for their child administered by licensed medical personnel.
PROMOTION 1 18.33(6), Wis. Stats. The Board directs the District Administrator to prepare a list of specific criteria for promoting students from the 4th and 8th grades. 1. Students must receive a score of basic or above on all of the core sub-tests (ELA, math, science and social studies), on the 4th and 8th grade state mandated test. 2. Demonstrate academic performance by achieving passing grades in 3 of the last 5 semesters in those academic classes related to the sub-test(s) on which the student did not receive a score of basic or above. 3. Secure a recommendation from a faculty appointed by the building principal and consisting of 22
the current grade level teacher, a pupil-service staff member and a special area teacher, and when applicable - a special education teacher or related service provider. The recommendation will be based on consideration of individual circumstances that include a review of records, previous testing, attendance, remediation programs, EL programs, IEP, 504 programs, health plans, and alternative programs. 4. Complete a remediation program and/or summer school, approved by the principal, on or before one month prior to the start of the next school year.
The Board directs the District Administrator to prepare a list of specific criteria for promoting students from the 4th and 8th grades. The criteria shall include the student’s score on the 4th and 8th grade examination, unless the student has been excused from taking the examination; the student’s academic performance; the recommendations of teachers which shall be based solely on the student’s academic performance; and any other academic criteria recommended for Board consideration.
PUPIL SERVICES A. SCHOOL COUNSELING A certified school counselor is available each school day. Developmental guidance and counseling services are provided for students Pre-K-12 who need or request assistance with educational, vocation or personal problems. The school counselor provides developmentally appropriate classroom lessons on inter- and intra- personal skills, pro-social and friendship behaviors, safety, and other topics specific to emotional health and well-being. B. PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES Psychological services are provided by a licensed school psychologist who serves students Pre K-12. The objective of school psychological services is to enhance the social, emotional and intellectual adjustment of students through direct and indirect prevention and intervention strategies. C. REFERRAL PROCEDURES FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION The following procedures should be followed when a parent wishes to refer their son/daughter for a special education evaluation: a. The parent/guardian should notify the school district's Special Education Designee by phone, letter or conference. b. A referral form must be completed and signed by the parent or guardian. c. A copy of the referral form shall be given to the Special Education Designee. d. The School Psychologist / IEP Coordinator will schedule an IEP meeting when evaluations of the student are completed. The parent/guardian is invited to attend the IEP meeting. D. Limited English Proficiency The District recognizes that there may be students enrolled whose primary language is not English. The District provides appropriate identification and transition services for students who possess limited English language proficiency. The purpose of these services is to develop English language skills that will enable the students to function successfully in an all English classroom and complete the District's required curriculum. (Board Policy 2260.02)To inquire about student needs, parents should contact Pupil Services Director, Gavin Greenlee at (608) 822-3285 ext 2273. E. SCHOOL NURSE A certified school nurse is available each school day. The nurse serves the elementary, middle and high school. The duties include providing accurate health information to parents and students, administering first aid, supervising the dispensing of medication, and maintaining accurate health charts, immunization information, and health plans for the district's students.
RELIGIOUS BELIEFS - S chool Board Policies 2240 and 2270 If either the class content or activities conflict with a sincerely held religious belief or value system, the 23
school will honor a written request from his/her parent to be excused for particular classes.
SCHOOL FEES (All fees are non-refundable.) All necessary textbooks for grades Pre K through 12 will be provided by the district. Student Fees (includes book fees): *Pre K- Grade 5 $20.00 *This fee is prorated at $3.75 per quarter for students who enter during the school year.
**Families of students qualifying for free lunch will pay no registration fees. Families qualifying for reduced lunch will pay $10 for each student.
Any pupil who shall lose, deface, injure, or destroy any book or equipment shall be required to pay in whole or in part for such loss or damage. In the event a check is returned from the bank, the district will recover both the amount of the check and any related bank charges for insufficient funds.
SCHOOL AND DISTRICT PERFORMANCE For school performance reports please see https://wisedash.dpi.wi.gov/Dashboard/portalHome.jsp
STUDENT ASSESSMENT S chool Board Policy 2623 The Board of Education shall assess student achievement and needs in all areas of the curriculum in order to determine the progress of students and to assist them in attaining District goals.
All students shall participate in State-wide or District-wide assessments, and any student with a disability shall be provided appropriate accommodation and/or alternate assessments where necessary as indicated in the student’s I.E.P. or Section 504 plan.
STUDENT HAZING S chool Board Policy 5516 Hazing activities of any type are inconsistent with the educational process and may in some circumstances be a violation of State law. The Board prohibits all such activities at any time in school facilities, on school property, and at any District-sponsored activity or event. Hazing is defined as performing any act or coercing another, including the victim, to perform any act of initiation into any class, group, or organization that causes or creates a risk of causing mental, emotional, or physical harm. Permission, consent, or assumption of risk by an individual subjected to hazing shall not lessen the prohibitions contained in this policy. If hazing or planned hazing is discovered, the students involved shall be informed by the discoverer of the prohibitions contained in this policy and shall be ordered to end all hazing activities or planned activities immediately. All hazing incidents shall be reported immediately to the Principal or to the District Administrator. Students who fail to abide by this policy may be subject to disciplinary action and may be held personally liable for civil or criminal penalties. Disciplinary action for students may include, but is not limited to, suspension and/or expulsion.
STUDENT ILLNESS If a student becomes ill during the school day, he/she should report illness to the teacher. The teacher will send the child to the office to be checked. The school maintains a health room. A student may, with the approval of the office, go to the health room to lie down. If the illness is of a nature that will require a student to go home, (e.g. fever, vomiting, need for medical attention) that student's parents will be notified by the office staff. When the parent works outside the home, work phone numbers need to be provided. There must also be an emergency contact in the case that the parents cannot be reached. School officials may be required to notify local health officials if they suspect a student has a covered communicable disease. School officials will comply with notification requirements of the Department of Health and Family Services in addition to notifying the student's 24
parent.
Emergency information and telephone numbers should be current and up-to-date at the school office. In the event that a parent or guardian cannot be reached, the emergency contact will be notified prior to releasing the student. N O STUDENT WILL BE RELEASED WITHOUT PERMISSION.
CONTROL OF CASUAL-CONTACT COMMUNICABLE DISEASES S chool Board Policy 8450
The Board recognizes that control of the spread of communicable disease spread through casual-contact is essential to the well-being of the school community and to the efficient District operation.
For purposes of this policy, "casual-contact communicable disease" shall include diphtheria, scarlet fever and other strep infections, whooping cough, mumps, measles, rubella, and others designated by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (hereinafter referred to as DHS).
In order to protect the health and safety of the students, District personnel, and the community at large, the Board shall follow all State statutes and Health Department regulations which pertain to immunization and other means for controlling casual-contact communicable disease spread through normal interaction in the school setting.
If a student exhibits symptoms of a communicable disease, the principal will isolate the student in the building and contact the parents/guardians. Protocols established by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services shall be followed.
Procedures for the control of communicable disease that may include: A. instruction of professional staff members in the detection of these common diseases and measures for their prevention and control; B. removal of students from District property to the care of a responsible adult; C. preparation of standards for the readmission of students who have recovered from casual-contact communicable diseases; D. filing of reports as required by statute and the DHS. Returning to School After an Illness A child's learning is diminished when he/she is not feeling well. Illness in the classroom can also affect classmates and the teacher. We, therefore, urge parents to keep children home when they are ill. Students who missed school because of a fever should remain at home for 72 hours having a “normal” (99 degrees or below) temperature without the use of temperature reducing medications. Parents may feel a child is well enough to return to school after an illness, but would prefer to have the child remain indoors for recess. A note from the parent to this effect is sufficient to keep the child indoors on the day of return after illness. If more than one day indoors is required, a physician's statement would be needed for as long as it takes the child to completely recover from the illness.
STUDENT INJURY / ACCIDENT BENEFIT PLAN S chool Board Policy 8760 If a student is injured in school or during a school sponsored activity, he/she should immediately report the injury to the staff member in charge. In the case of a serious injury, school staff will administer first aid, summon medical assistance, if needed, notify administrative personnel, notify parents, and file accident reports. Students are covered to a limited degree with an accident insurance policy. This is a secondary insurance covering costs not covered by other coverage available to the student. Amount of coverage is determined by the plan which pays scheduled 25
amounts for injuries sustained by a child in a school sponsored activity.
STUDENT RECORDS S chool Board Policy 8330 In order to provide appropriate educational services and programming, the Board of Education must collect, retain, and use information about individual students. Simultaneously, the Board recognizes the need to safeguard students’ privacy and restrict access to students’ personally identifiable information.
STUDENT RIGHTS OF EXPRESSION Fennimore School recognizes the right of students to express themselves. With the right of expression comes the responsibility to do it appropriately. Students may distribute or display, at appropriate times, non-sponsored, noncommercial written material and petitions; buttons, badges, or other insignia; clothing, insignia, and banners; and audio and video materials. All items must meet the following school guidelines:
Material cannot be displayed if it: ● is obscene to minors, libelous, indecent, or vulgar, ● advertises any product or service not permitted to minors by law ● intends to be insulting or harassing, ● intends to incite fighting or presents a likelihood of disrupting school or a school events ● presents a clear and present likelihood that, either because of its content or manner of distribution or display, it causes or is likely to cause a material and substantial disruption of school or school activities, a violation of school regulations, or the commission of an unlawful act.
STUDENT SEARCHES S chool Board Policy 5771 The Board of Education has charged school authorities with the responsibility of safeguarding the safety and well-being of the students in their care. In the discharge of that responsibility, school authorities may search school property such as lockers used by students or the person or property, including vehicles, of a student.
TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTABLE USE S chool board policy 7540.03 Students are encouraged to use the school's computers/network and Internet connection for educational purposes. Use of such resources is a privilege, not a right. Students must conduct themselves in a responsible, efficient, ethical, and legal manner. Unauthorized or inappropriate use, including any violation of the school's policies and administrative guidelines, may result in cancellation of the privilege, disciplinary action consistent with the school's rules, and civil or criminal liability. Users have no right or expectation to privacy when using District Technolo gy Resources (including, but not limited to, privacy in the content of their personal files, e-mails, and records of their online activity when using the District's computer network and/or Internet connection).
TELEPHONE Students may not make calls from their classrooms without permission. Parents may leave messages for their children using the staff voice-mail system or contacting the office.
TOBACCO PROHIBITED The Board of Education is committed to providing students, staff, and visitors with a tobacco and smoke-free environment. The negative health effects of tobacco use for both users and non-users, particularly in connection with second hand smoke, are well established. In addition, students less than eighteen (18) years of age are generally prohibited by law from purchasing or possessing cigarettes and other tobacco products. 26
For purposes of this policy, "use of tobacco" means to chew or maintain any substance containing tobacco, including smokeless tobacco, in the mouth to derive the effects of tobacco, as well as all uses of tobacco, including cigars, cigarettes, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff, any other matter or substances that contain tobacco, in addition to papers used to roll cigarettes and/or the smoking of electronic, “vapor,” or other substitute forms of cigarettes, clove cigarettes and any other lighted smoking devices for burning tobacco or any other substance. Accordingly, the Board prohibits students from using or possessing tobacco in any form on District premises, in District vehicles, within any indoor facility owned or while leased or contracted for by the District and used to provide education or library services to children, and at all District-sponsored events.
TOYS/LEARNING/SAFETY We urge parents to send NO toys to school. Toys can oftentimes cause conflicts or distractions that disrupt the learning process. Toys which are expensive or potentially disruptive are not to be brought to school. It is impossible to assure the physical well being of expensive toys in all situations. The following list is not inclusive and is intended to provide some examples of the objects which should not be brought to school: cell phones, electronic tablets, laser lights, roller blades, baseballs/baseball bats, radios, music players, electronic games and trading cards. In addition, items which are potentially harmful to others are not to be brought to school. Printed material which is demeaning to others and which reflects a lack of sensitivity toward individuals and/or ethnic groups should not appear at school. Any inappropriate items brought to school will be confiscated and in some cases kept for parents to pick up.
TUITION WAIVER A student, who moves out of a district after the first Monday in February, may continue to attend the previous school in the previous district for the balance of the year. In order to do so the parents of the student must file a "Request for Tuition Waiver Due To Move" form to the non-resident school district ( the school district you want your child to attend). These forms may be picked up at the District Office.
VIDEO SURVEILLANCE School Board Policy 7440.01 The Board of Education authorizes the use of video surveillance and electronic monitoring equipment at various school sites throughout the District and on school buses.
VISITORS Due to Covid-19, visitors will not be allowed in the school at this time.
When visiting school, parents and others are required to check in at the office to request a visitor’s pass, which must be worn during the visit. Parents are encouraged to visit the school. Visits by students from other schools are not permitted. Students must leave the building and/or grounds when requested, according to Wisconsin State Law 334.
VOLUNTEERISM S chool Board Policy 8120 Due to Covid-19, volunteers will not be allowed in the school at this time.
The School Board of Fennimore Community Schools recognizes citizens can provide valuable contributions to the district's program of services and encourages the use of volunteers in and out of the classroom. Volunteerism is deeply rooted in American education and in the philosophy and goals of the Fennimore School District. It is the intent of the Board of Education to foster, support, and encourage volunteer activities throughout school district programs. It also is in the intent of the Board 27
of Education to ensure protection of the school district and volunteers from liability concerns and other matters that could arise as a result of voluntary efforts.
Volunteers provide significant services to students, employees, and school programs by supplementing the work of employees. Volunteer assignments for school programs involve assisting employees with assigned instructional, co-curricular, and extra-curricular programs. Examples of such assignments are classroom helpers, field trip chaperone, conducting a practice in the absence of a coach, and overnight chaperones.
All of the voluntary activities in the school district are to be approved by the respective administrative staff to ensure compliance with the philosophy, policies and procedures of the school district.
All volunteers must have a completed criminal background check on record prior to volunteering in the schools.
WATER BOTTLES Students may bring water bottles to use at school. The water bottle must have a closure to reduce the possibility of spilling. Students are not to share water bottles with one another. Only water is allowed in the water bottles. During the 20-21 school year water fountains will not be available. There will be water bottle filling stations for student use.
WEAPONS S chool Board Policy 5772 The Board prohibits students from possessing, storing, making, or using a weapon in any setting that is under the control and supervision of the District for the purpose of school activities approved and authorized by the District including, but not limited to, property leased, owned, or contracted for by the District, a school-sponsored event, or in a District vehicle, to the extent permitted by law without the permission of the District Administrator.
The term "weapon" means any object which, in the manner in which it is used, is intended to be used, or is represented, is capable of inflicting serious bodily harm or property damage, as well as endangering the health and safety of persons. Weapons include, but are not limited to, firearms (including, but not limited to, firearms as defined in 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(3)), guns of any type whatsoever, including air and gas-powered guns (whether loaded or unloaded), knives, (subject to the exceptions below) razors, with unguarded blades, clubs, electric weapons, metallic knuckles, martial arts weapons, ammunition, and explosives.
WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL When a student intends to withdraw from Fennimore Elementary School, he/she should stop at the office. All textbooks and other materials issued are to be checked in with the teacher and library books to the library. If there are lost or damaged materials, the student is expected to pay at the time of checkout.
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