Important Student Handbook Information
Handbook Topics
SCHOOL VISITORS
- When visiting during regular school hours, it is required to register at the
school office.
- For safety purposes, only persons with an appointment with a staff member or administrative approval will be permitted to pass through the main entrance. Once admitted, you may be asked to wear a badge provided by the main office personnel.
STUDENT LUNCH INFORMATION
- Each student will receive a lunch ID number. Students will need to remember
this number as they go through the lunch line. - The purchase will then be deducted from their account.
- A minimum balance of one lunch is required in each student’s account. Otherwise, a cheese sandwich only (without side orders) will be provided. This accommodation will be made no more than three times per school year.
- Lunch prices for 2013-2014 are $2.60 for a regular lunch (includes one carton of milk) and $.40 for milk.
- Checks are accepted by the office to credit the student(s) lunch account. The lunch deposit box is located adjacent to the office window.
EXCUSED ABSENCES
- All students will have the number of excused absent days to turn in assignments missed with no penalty (i.e. 1 day absent equals 1 day to make up assignments).
- When a student has requested work ahead of time due to a planned absence, all assigned work is due upon the student’s return to school.
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES / LATE WORK
After the excused absence time period has passed, assignments turned in will be considered late. Late assignments will be graded as follows:
After the excused absence time period has passed, assignments turned in will be considered late. Late assignments will be graded as follows:
- Each day that the assignment is late the grade earned will be reduced by one letter grade.
- After the fourth day, until the completion of the unit, the maximum grade allowed will be 50% of the grade earned on the assignment (i.e. Student earned 82% on assignment, thus he/she will receive a 41%).
- Assignments will NOT be accepted after the end of the unit.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
(“Every minute in school counts!”)
School Attendance and Administrative Procedures
Parents/Guardians:
(“Every minute in school counts!”)
School Attendance and Administrative Procedures
- The regular school day schedule is 8:35-3:40 for all grade levels.
- “Tardy” means arriving late (8:36 a.m.–9:00 a.m.) to school. Students who are tardy must stop at office to sign in and receive a tardy pass. These students will be marked absent for the morning (half day).
- “Early Out” means a student leaving before the conclusion of the school day. Students leaving before dismissal (before 3:20 on a full day or 12:20 on an “Early Release Day”) will be marked absent. These students will be marked absent for the afternoon (half day).
- Students are to remain in school including lunch and recess. “Habitual Truant” means a pupil who is absent from school without an acceptable excuse for part or all of five (5) or more days on which school is scheduled during school semester.
- “Truancy” means any absence for part or all of one or more days from school without an acceptable excuse.
- Personal Illness of the student. A written statement from a registered physician may be required for extended or chronic occurrences.
- Medical Appointment of student. Such appointments are to be made, whenever possible, outside of school hours/days.
- A special event or important family matter concerning the student. The administrator or designee must pre approve this type of absence in order for it to be acceptable.
- Exceptional circumstances or emergencies that affect the student. Notice must be provided with in a reasonable time frame.
- A maximum of ten (10) excused absences per school year. Procedures as they relate to attendance:
Parents/Guardians:
- Parents/guardians are required to call the school or appear in person on the day of the absence to request that their son/daughter be excused from school.
- Written notice of advanced or planned absences will be required when the parent/guardian has planning time for said absence. The reason for the absence as well as the number of school days the child will not be in attendance must be included.
- The responsibility for making up homework or tests that may have been missed due to an absence (excused or unexcused) is the sole responsibility of the student.
DAMAGED BOOKS/SUPPLIES
- It is the student’s responsibility to maintain all materials and supplies assigned to them in good condition. Any damaged or lost items will result in a fine issued at the end of the year.
DRESS CODE
Guidelines for students include, but are not limited to the following:
If, in the judgment of Washington-Caldwell Staff, a student’s appearance is distracting, disruptive, or a safety concern, the student will be requested to change into something more appropriate. If necessary, parents will be requested to bring a change of clothing to school.
- Students are expected to attend school wearing clothes that are appropriate and conducive to a learning environment.
- Dress and grooming are important because the way people dress reflects the way they think about themselves.
- Besides making a difference to the individual student, the way people dress effects the total school climate.
Guidelines for students include, but are not limited to the following:
- Shorts and skirts are to have at least a four inch inseam.
- Leggings do not fix a dress code violation.
- Students in Grades 6-8: skin tight and /or stretchy material leggings, joggings, and pencil skirts are only allowed with sufficient tops or skirts.
- Extremely loose, baggy, or ill fitting pants or shorts are not acceptable for school.
- Writing on clothing must not contain double meanings, obscenities, and offensive graphics, be sexually explicit or gang related, or promotes drugs, alcohol, tobacco or violence.
- Tops that show the midriff are not be worn; and/or low cut tops are not to be worn.
- Undergarments should not be visible at any time.
- Tank tops are not to be worn, as well as no spaghetti string tops are allowed. Tank tops must cover bra straps and be at least two inches wide on shoulders. Strapless tops are not allowed. Sheer tops are not allowed.
- Students are not permitted to wear outside jackets in classrooms during the school day.
- Hats, caps, sunglasses, slippers, pajamas, and bandanas shall not be worn during the school day except on specifically designated days.
- All students are required to go outside during recess.
- Warm coats, hats, mittens or gloves, boots, and snow pants are necessities and must be worn. Boots are required for all K-5 students.
If, in the judgment of Washington-Caldwell Staff, a student’s appearance is distracting, disruptive, or a safety concern, the student will be requested to change into something more appropriate. If necessary, parents will be requested to bring a change of clothing to school.