Tapteal Elementary 2013—2014 Parent Information Handbook Tapteal Elementary School Richland School District 705 North 62nd Avenue, West Richland, WA 99353 (509) 967-6350 fax (509) 967-4101 (509) 967-6351 Attendance Line Welcome to Tapteal Elementary, Home of the Hawks! I am honored to serve as your principal and truly enjoy working with you and your children. I am fortunate to be a part of such a wonderul school and am commited to serving the students, staff and community of Tapteal. You will not find a more caring staff than the wonderful professionals at Tapteal. Our staff works together as a team to help all students find success. Tapteal provides many great programs and opportunities for students. We have high expectations for our students both in academics and behavior. Tapteal provides a safe and caring learning environment which allows students to learn to their potential. I welcome and encourage parents and family members to visit our school. I truly value a strong school-home partnership and want you to feel connected to Tapteal. I believe that a strong relationship between families and our staff is the key to student success. Our classroom teachers appreciate the help of parents in their classrooms. It takes a team, working together to raise a child. I feel very fortunate to be the principal of Tapteal. I am privileged to be working with your students and treasure the confidence and trust you place in our staff. I am passionate about supporting our students and celebrate the learning that is happening in our classrooms. My goal is to have every child leave Tapteal with a solid educational foundation, prepared to find success in the future. Please feel free to contact me. It is going to be a great year! Sincerely, Rhonda Pratt, Principal 2 RICHLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT MISSION The Richland School District’s educational excellence inspires and prepares student to become: Critical thinkers; Passionate learners; Contributing and responsible members of society; and Successful in the global community. TAPTEAL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MISSION AND VISION Mission: We empower students to be motivated life-long learners. Vision: Tapteal will create a safe, supportive community to ensure that all students strive for academic and behavioral excellence. We will use professional learning teams to implement common assessments and improve instruction. OFFICE PRINCIPAL SECRETARIES: Office Hours: Phone Number: Rhonda Pratt Amy Bock and Jonna Dearinger 7:30 am - 4:00 pm, Monday-Friday Main Line: 967-6350 Attendance: 967-6351 In order to maximize your child’s educational experience, we ask that your child come to school well rested, clean and clothed appropriately for the weather. A good breakfast is available at school. If you need to pick up your child, please come to the office and we will call your child to the office. If you want to drop off lunch, money, or homework, please bring the item(s) to the office and we will make sure your child receives them. In either case, please do not go to your child’s class. You will need to sign the office register if children are being dropped off or picked up at times other than school opening or closing times. Picture ID is required when picking up a student. If a child arrives late to school, he/she must have a tardy slip to enter class. Should you desire a conference with your child’s teacher, leave a message with one of the secretaries. The teacher will be notified and then will contact you to set up an appointment. The office phone is a business telephone and student use will be limited to emergencies as defined by office staff. SCHOOL SCHEDULE Monday – Thursday Friday’s Schedule Grades 1 – 5 8:45 – 3:15 Grades 1 - 5 8:45 – 2:15 AM Kindergarten 8:45 – 11:35 AM Kindergarten 8:45 – 11:10 PM Kindergarten 12:25 – 3:15 PM Kindergarten 11:50 – 2:15 Professional Development days TBD 3 INCLEMENT WEATHER In case of severe weather or other emergencies, a “NO SCHOOL” or “Delay” announcement will be made on the district website www.rsd.edu and over local television and radio stations, between 6:00 and 7:30 a.m., as it applies to the Richland School District. PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL. If there is a delay, for two hours, for example, the buses will arrive at your child’s bus stop two hours later than the regular schedule. All school days lost because of closure must be made up at later dates. The district now uses School Messenger which means you may receive a phone call to inform you of a school closure or delay. ALL LOCAL TV STATIONS ANNOUNCE SCHOOL CLOSURES & DELAYS. RADIO STATIONS BROADCASTING DELAYS OR CANCELLATIONS: KONA 610 AM 105.3 FM KORD 102.7 KALE 96.0 ATTENDANCE Studies have shown a direct correlation between attendance and a child’s academic achievement. The Washington State Legislature also recognized the importance of attendance by passing laws requiring regular attendance. Therefore, it is important that parents, students and the school, work together to maximize student attendance. Listed below are the Tapteal Elementary attendance procedures designed to promote regular attendance, academic achievement and safety for all Tapteal students: Tardies It is important that children come to school on time. When students arrive late, they not only interrupt the class, but they also miss ordering lunch, as well as important classroom directions and instruction. When your child arrives at school after 8:45 AM, he/she must be checked into the office. The check-in process is similar to students who must leave early. A parent must sign the child in at the front desk or send a note with them to explain the circumstances of the tardy. Excessive tardies will generate communication from the school. Excused Absences The following is a list of excused absences in the Richland School District: • • • • • Illness or health condition- must be verified by parent or guardian. In case of extended and excessive illness, the building administration may require a statement from a doctor. Pre-arranged activities- such as vacation requests, requires building administration pre-approval to be excused. School approved activities such as field trips Emergency situations- requires building administration approval to be excused. Absences resulting from disciplinary actions such as suspension from school A written or phoned excuse from the student’s parent is required within 48 hours of the student’s absence or the absence will be considered unexcused. The attendance number is 967-6351. A message can be left at any time during the day or night. Upon parent request, homework will be requested from the teacher after the second day of absence. The student is responsible for making up all work missed when absent. 4 Procedures for Unexcused Absences and Excessive Absences Step #1 • On the first unexcused absence, parents will be contacted by the school, usually in the form of a letter in the mail. Step #2 • After the second unexcused absence in one month OR 7 unexcused absences in a year OR 10 total absences in a year, parents will be contacted by the school, usually by a call from the school counselor, to discuss your child’s attendance. Step #3 • After 5 unexcused absences within a month OR 10 unexcused absences in a school year OR 15 total absences in a school year, parents will be contacted by the school, usually in the form of a letter in the mail. A conference will be scheduled with the parents to discuss and sign an attendance plan for the remainder of the school year. Step #4 • If parents fail to attend the scheduled conference OR do not comply with the attendance plan established at the conference, a BECCA Bill petition will be filed with the juvenile court of Benton County. The BECCA Bill petition is in accordance with state law requiring regular daily attendance of our students. EMERGENCY INFORMATION The school should be notified immediately of changes of address, telephone number, employer and emergency numbers so we may call you in case of emergencies. Please update your child’s emergency contact information with the office. We can only release a child from school to someone listed as an Emergency Contact. This information is needed in case of a child’s illness or any other emergency. REGISTRATION Students new to Tapteal Elementary School should come into the school office with their parent or guardian to register. Parents of students entering kindergarten need to provide a certified birth certificate at the time of registration, along with immunization records. Proof of residence is also required if this is your first child attending Tapteal Elementary. WITHDRAWAL If you are going to withdraw your child, please notify the office staff a few days ahead of your planned withdrawal date and come to the school and complete the Withdrawal Form. When you register your child at a new school, we will send his/her records when they are requested by the new school. IMMUNIZATION RECORDS A record of immunizations must be submitted to the school by the first day of attendance for all new students. Month, day, and year of each immunization will be required. VISITATIONS You are welcome at Tapteal! All visitors, however, are to sign in and out at the office and take a badge when visiting any portion of the school. Please remember that smoking is prohibited on school property. 5 If you wish to visit your child’s classroom, please contact the teacher to make arrangements prior to your visit. When you arrive at the school, sign in at the office and take a badge before going to the classroom. Enter the class as quietly as possible and find a chair in the back of the room. Please do not interrupt the class. The teacher will not be available to confer with you during instructional time. You may schedule a conference for another time if you wish. VOLUNTEERS On an annual basis, all volunteers will need to complete the Volunteer Application which includes a Washington State Patrol identification Background Search (RCW 43.43.830 through 43.43.845). A Volunteer Application was included in your student packet but if you need another copy, please pick one up from the office. If you plan to volunteer in your child’s classroom, complete the Volunteer Form in advance. Also, in order to chaperone field trip(s), attend Jog-a-Thon, or at the End-of-the-Year activities, etc., you must be on the Cleared Volunteer List a week in advance of the field trip and/or event. APPOINTMENTS All children leaving the school grounds during the school day must be checked out through the office. Please sign the register provided. PARKING LOT Student safety is our highest priority at Tapteal Elementary. To ensure student safety after school, we implement the procedures outlined below. Please review your family’s pick-up plan and school procedures with your child and those picking up your child. All students will leave the school with their classroom and teacher. students past the following zones: Teachers will walk Zone 1 – Student Pick Up: All parents and siblings picking up a Tapteal student should meet the student at the FLAG POLE. This is a central location close to the school and adult supervision. Parents and siblings should wait at the flag pole area until their student arrives. Walkers should immediately leave campus by walking through the bus line after they have picked up their student. Adults picking up students should PARK in one of the three parking lots adjacent to the school. NEVER leave your car unattended unless it is in a parking spot. All adults and family members picking up a student MUST be on that student’s approved pick up list through the office. If an adult is not on the list, please contact the office BEFORE school is dismissed. Zone 2 – Car Pick Up: Parents picking up their student by car will be in the pick up area in the staff parking lot. Parent MUST remain in their car – NO DOUBLE PARKING. Students will be crossed by a crossing guard and should immediately enter their parent’s car – there is NO playing in the parking lot. Parents who wish to pick up their student at the designated parent/sibling pick-up zone at the flag pole should PARK their car in one of the three parking lots adjacent to the school. Never leave your car unattended unless it is in a parking spot. 6 Zone 3 – Buses: Students will walk with their classroom through the bus line. Each bus will have a colored flag to identify the route. Students should immediately enter their bus and find their seat. Students should NEVER leave the bus without adult permission. Zone 4 – Walkers: Students will walk with their class through the bus line and will walk off campus once they have reached the sidewalk or are excused by their teacher. Walkers should IMMEDIATELY leave campus and walk home. Walkers will also follow basic safety rules of using crosswalks and staying on the sidewalk. (See the map at the back of this Parent Information Handbook). BREAKFAST AND HOT LUNCH We have breakfast for students in grades 1-5 and for those in the morning Kindergarten session, if needed. We also have a hot lunch program for students in grades 1-5. Free and reduced lunch is available through the federal government. A form is sent home with each student at the beginning of the school year. Breakfast is served from 8:15–8:40 am. The cost for breakfast is $1.35 for students and $2.25 for adults. The cost of a regular hot lunch is $2.50. Adult lunches are $3.50. The charge for milk is $.50. Money for lunches is to be taken to the classroom for deposit in envelopes, which are turned in to the lunchroom assistant in the morning. Credit for prepaid lunches is entered in an automated machine which deducts the cost of the lunch each day the student choses hot lunch. If the student’s account is exhausted or two prepaid lunches are remaining, the machine issues a slip to the student to take home notifying you the lunch account needs replenishing. You are encouraged to prepay for lunches as far in advance as you can. If you would like to eat lunch with your child, please make sure you or your child informs the teacher so that we have an accurate lunch count. Please do not expect teachers to “force” children to eat their lunches. MEDICATION In accordance with state law oral medication, prescriptions, or over-the-counter drugs may be made available in the school office for the student to take. A form signed by your child’s doctor must be completed before the medication (either prescription or over the counter) can be administered. To obtain these forms, please contact the school office. A form is included in this handbook on the last page. Please, if your child is too sick to go out to recess, do not send him/her to school. PROGRESS REPORTS Written progress reports will be provided a minimum of three times a year for children in grades K through 5. These reports will be distributed during parent teacher conferences or sent home in lieu of conference and will give you information regarding your child’s progress in various academic and social areas. At the end of the first and second trimester, parent-teacher conferences will be scheduled to discuss your child’s progress. We encourage informal conferences with your child’s teacher at any time. 7 SPECIAL SERVICES The Richland School District provides services to students who need special assistance. We have several staff members who provide services through our Special Education, Learning Assistance and Title I programs. Please contact our Counselor, Kim Tran, if you have reason to believe your child is in need of special help. EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AT TAPTEAL Title/LAP Title 1 is a federally funded program which gives additional instruction to students who are performing below grade level. The Learning Assistance Program (LAP) is similar to Title 1, but it is funded by Washington State. Students are assisted by these programs in most schools throughout the Richland School District. Instruction may include reading, math or written language with service in the classroom or in another location in the school. Parents of students in a Title I school, can let us know if they have any questions about the professional qualifications of our teachers. The primary goal of Title/LAP is successful achievement in the regular classroom. Special Education Tapteal also has a special education program. Students receive instruction in identified areas. The primary goal of the special education program is to assist students by utilizing instruction geared to their individual needs and ability levels. All students in our special education program have an Individual Education Plan. Pre-School Our pre-school provides learning opportunities for pre-school age children who qualify for this program. Our pre-school students receive instruction to help them develop social skills, academics, and motor skills. We have both morning and afternoon pre-school sessions. If you are interested in applying for this program, please pick up an application in the main office. INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT TEAM We strive each day to help each of our students find success. To address special concerns, we have organized a Instructional Support Team (IST). This team is comprised of the School Counselor, Psychologist, Instructional Specialist, Classroom Teachers, Speech Specialist and the School Principal. Our “IST” meetings are scheduled as needed throughout the school year. BRINGING TOYS, OTHER ITEMS TO SCHOOL Please! Students should keep their toys and playthings at home. Only articles for which the teacher has given permission are to be brought to school. We cannot be responsible for the safekeeping of these items. Cell phones should not be used at school. If the student needs to use a phone before or after school for special needs, the cell phone should remain in the student’s backpack, turned off. 8 CLASSROOM DELIVERIES Balloon and flower deliveries for birthdays / holidays are discouraged. They are a classroom distraction and many bus drivers will not allow students to take them on the school bus. Thank you for your understanding. LOST AND FOUND If your child has lost an item of clothing, please look in the lost and found as there are many types of clothing articles, which are turned in. Please write your child’s name inside the article of clothing with a permanent marker. PERMISSION FOR CHANGE OF TRANSPORTATION If a student wishes to change his/her regular bus transportation or chooses to walk, a note of approval from his/her parents must be brought to the office. The note must describe the change and be signed and dated. The detailed note will be approved in the office. Students will not be allowed to call home during the school day to change transportation arrangements. NO WEAPONS POLICY The Richland School District will not tolerate weapons of any sort to be brought to the school. Bringing weapons to the school will result in immediate disciplinary action which may include suspension and/or expulsion of the student. DRESS CODE GUIDELINES (Richland School District) It is the goal of the Richland School District to establish and maintain a quality-learning environment for all students and staff. To that end, we expect all students to dress in a manner that provides for adequate safety while on any school campus. Further, we hope to instill the understanding of, and adherence to, appropriate dress for a work environment as we prepare students for their future career. It is also the responsibility of the school administrators to take reasonable steps to ensure a learning environment free from sexual harassment. Students wearing clothing that is disruptive to the learning environment or hampers the safety of themselves or others as determined by the school will be asked to change clothing and may be subject to school discipline should they refuse to do so. These guidelines are not intended to be all-inclusive. The principal has the authority to determine if clothing is disruptive to learning or impacts student safety. 9 In order to maintain adherence to this dress code policy, students may not wear the following: • • • • • • • Clothing that disrupts the educational process. Shorts and skirts shorter than mid-thigh in length. Clothing that reveals the back or midriff, or through which skin and/or undergarment is visible, or when arms are raised becomes visible. These include but are not limited to: o Boxers o Sheer tops or mesh tops o Hats inside the school building o Overly large openings at the neck or arms o Off the shoulder tops or spaghetti straps o Flip flops/Thongs (due to injuries) o Halter tops or tube tops o Wheelies/Heelies (roller skate shoes) o Swim tops o Clothing that exposes the midriff Clothing or accessories with offensive pictures, symbols or sayings. These include but are not limited to: o Demeaning statements o Violent statements o Sexual statements o Racial statements Clothing that advertises or promotes tobacco, alcohol or other drugs. Jewelry or accessories that could be used to cause harm or injury. Any gang affiliated clothing. A good general policy regarding the dress code is: If there is ANY QUESTION about an item being inappropriate, DO NOT WEAR IT. DISCIPLINE “Time to Teach” This program involves teaching expected behaviors to students. Encouragement, Empowerment and Excellence in every classroom. It promotes Time to Teach is a school wide program: • Expectations/guidelines are the same for all classrooms and shared areas • Students only have to learn one set of behaviors Goals of the program: • To provide a safe and orderly learning environment • To help students cooperate with others • To help students manage one’s self • To help students learn to respect the rights and property of others Low-level behaviors: • Refocus: Students are asked to go to a REFOCUS desk to think about what is getting in the way of their learning and make a plan to change what is getting in the way. • Thursday After School Academy: If students visit the REFOCUS desk 3 or more times in one week, they will make up the learning they have missed after school on Thursday. 10 Behaviors requiring immediate, more severe intervention: ABSOLUTES No Drugs No Violence No Serious Disrespect No Weapons No Harassment or Threats No Stealing BULLYING/HARASSMENT POLICY (HB 1444) The Richland School District policy 3207 addresses Bullying, Harassment, Intimidation and Cyber-Bullying. The Policy defines harassment, intimidation, and bullying as, “any intentional written, verbal, or physical act, including but not limited to one shown to be motivated by any characteristic in RCW 9A.36.080 (3), or other distinguishing characteristics, when the act or acts: (a) Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property; or (b) Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education; or (c) Is so severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or (d) Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school. This policy also: • Requires all staff and students to report any incident of bullying or harassment to an appropriate school official. • Establishes an informal and formal process for filing complaints, including a district complaint form. • Protects the reporting person from reprisal, retaliation or false accusation against a victim or witness. • Addresses bullying and cyber bullying conducted via electronic means by student(s) while on school grounds and during the school day. GUIDELINES FOR PLAYGROUND The playground guidelines for Tapteal Elementary are based on the safety of the students; therefore, each student must show a concern for every other student. All playground behavior is an extension of the school-wide discipline program. The behaviors and expectations are consistent anywhere upon our campus. Children should not be on the playground prior to 8:30 A.M. Our playground is only supervised during the time school is in session. Accidents do happen. We give first aid only and contact parents immediately in serious cases. Be sure that we have an alternate telephone number so that we can reach you in case of an emergency. 11 BICYCLES/SCOOTERS/ROLLER BLADES/SKATEBOARDS GUIDELINES 1. Students should not use BICYCLES/ SCOOTERS/ ROLLER BLADES/ WHEELED SHOES/SKATEBOARDS on school grounds. 2. These items must be stored in assigned areas. 3. We encourage parents to engrave the student’s name on the equipment or provide a lock when storing on the bike rack. We will not be responsible for any damage or loss of personal transportation equipment. 3. Please advise your child to be very careful in riding to and from school. Helmets are required by law. 4. None of the above personal transportation equipment items will be allowed on Richland School District busses. 5. Breaking these guidelines will result in a student not being allowed to bring personal transportation equipment on the school grounds. GOOD HAWK AND SUPER HAWK AWARDS Good Hawk Coupons recognize positive behaviors and good citizenship. Students receive a certificate when they “are caught” following the rules below. Students are recognized for following “Big 3” Tapteal School Rules and monthly character traits. Another positive behavior tradition at Tapteal is the Super Hawk Awards. T-shirts are awarded to students for outstanding work or behavior with emphasis placed on the monthly character traits. The T-shirts are given at the discretion of the classroom teacher. One shirt per class is given each month at the awards assembly. Big “3” Personal Standards Show Respect Solve Problems Make Good Decisions Monthly Character Traits September October November December January February March April May/June ---------- Respect Cooperation Acceptance Kindness Perseverance Honesty Fairness Responsible Self Control ADDRESSING BEHAVIORAL/ACADEMIC CONCERNS The staff at Tapteal work very closely with parents to help students find success in academics and behavior. We appreciate your support and cooperation. The staff stresses self-responsibility on the part of the children. We try to be fair and work to remove the cause of any problems that may arise. We must insist, however, that every child behave in a manner that is conducive to learning. 12 The teacher will handle small behavioral infractions by using our school-wide discipline plan. Children who repeatedly break rules, continually fail to complete assigned work or appear to be unhappy in school, require and receive extra help. If behavioral problems develop, students are referred to the school counselor or the principal for intervention strategies. Parents will be notified and we will work collaboratively to help your child. This is a positive program and should not be considered a punishment by the teacher or parent. When you receive a call in regards to your child’s behavior, remember that we are asking for your help and suggestions. SCHOOL BUS With safety being a priority consideration, bus stops are located as conveniently as possible for those using the bus. Children should not be at the scheduled bus stop more than ten (10) minutes before bus arrival. If a child misses the bus, parents are responsible for getting the child to school. If you have any problems, call the bus transportation supervisor at 967-6150 or Tapteal’s office at 967-6350 or 967-6351. Buses will be carrying capacity loads; therefore, we discourage additional passengers. If a child wishes to ride another bus, (other than the one he/she is assigned to) we must have a written note from home which must also be endorsed by the school office. Appropriate behavior at bus stops and on the bus is expected of all students who ride the bus. The bus driver has the right to deny bus-riding privileges to any student who does not follow these rules: Students should: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Line up and be orderly while waiting at the bus stop. Arrive on time at the bus stop. Arrive at the bus stop no more than 10 minutes before the bus arrives. Be courteous to the bus driver and fellow students. Comply promptly with all requests of the bus driver. Remain seated while the bus is moving. Not do any physical damage to the bus. FINES AND FEES It is our school policy to hold report cards at the end of the year if students have unpaid fines or fees. Report cards are also held if checks are returned due to insufficient funds. If your child has an outstanding fine, his/her report card will be released as soon as payment is received. If we have received an NSF check, cash is the required means of payment. Students are responsible for all school materials and textbooks checked out to them. Fines are assessed when library books, textbooks or classroom materials have been damaged or lost. 13 TAPTEAL STUDENT/PARENT ACTIVITIES Field Day and Apollo Family Math & Science Night Open House Kid Calypso Violin Choir Choir Circus Club Intramurals Student Leadership Gymnastics Club Junior Joggers Read Across America Family Reading Night TAPTEAL SPECIAL ASSEMBLIES Monthly Award Veteran’s Day Guest Speakers and Authors LIBRARY POLICY CHECK OUT: Grades K-1, check out one book per week Grades 2-5, check out two books per week unless special circumstances allow additional books arranged with the librarian. FINES: There are no fines for overdue materials. Fines are assessed for damaged books and magazines. However, if library materials are lost, the student is required to pay a replacement cost (the price of the book or magazine). Lost or damaged materials must be paid before a student is allowed to check out any other library material. If a lost item is found and returned to the library or office, a refund check for fines greater than $5.00 will be issued to the parent of the student. All lost or damaged materials must be paid for prior to the issuance of a student’s report card at year’s end. 14 SAFETY The safety of your children is our top priority. A partnership between the home and the school is important if we are to build the following safety habits: 1. STUDENTS SHOULD NOT ARRIVE BEFORE 8:30 A.M. as we do not have staff on duty before this time. Exceptions are for those children who eat breakfast at school and those children who are participating in before school instruction, clubs or music programs. 2. Cross only at crosswalks. 3. Refuse to enter or approach strange automobiles. 4. Proceed directly home after school. 5. Be considerate of small children. 6. Stay out of the street while waiting for the bus. 7. Wait for the bus at your bus stop unless other arrangements have been made with transportation. 8. Students using the crosswalk must wait at the designated spot until signaled to proceed, then cross when directed. All walkers must walk directly home and avoid playing on the playground or in the street. 9. OBEY SCHOOL SAFETY RULES AT ALL TIMES. 15 Tapteal Elementary School Parent Volunteer Guidelines In order to maintain a safe environment, volunteers at Tapteal Elementary agree to …. • Complete volunteer application and background check form prior to volunteering • Arrive and depart according to assigned volunteer times • Sign in and out at the main office • Wear a Tapteal badge at all times • Remain in area indicated on sign in sheet at the main office • Honor the “No kid” zones which include the staff lounge and the work room • Follow safety procedures at all times • Closely supervise siblings and ensure they are acting safely at all times • Follow instructions from assigned staff members • Leave campus immediately after checking out at the office and/or picking up children In order to ensure our school is conducive to teaching and learning at all times, volunteers at Tapteal Elementary agree to …. • Pre-arrange all volunteer hours with classroom teacher • Allow school staff first right in workroom including copy machines • Access workroom only at times designated by assigned teacher • Monitor my own language and attire as to be a good role model to students • Closely supervise siblings and ensure they are not disrupting teaching and learning • Allow Tapteal staff to redirect students as they determine is appropriate 16 In order to maintain confidentiality, volunteers at Tapteal Elementary agree to …. • Only work on assigned projects which don’t involve student scores or other private information • Discuss students only with staff members, not other parents • Report student concerns to teacher or staff member only I understand and agree to the above guidelines: ____________________________________ Volunteer signature _______________________________ Date Thank you for your willingness to volunteer at Tapteal! We appreciate your support! 2013-2014 Parent/Teacher Compact – Tapteal Elementary School Responsibilities: 1. Tapteal teachers and paraprofessionals will provide high quality curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective learning environment that enables the participating children to meet the state’s student academic achievement standards as follows: We will assess students three times a year to provide benchmarks. In addition we will “progress monitor” students receiving strategic and intensive interventions. Tapteal teachers and paraprofessionals will provide on-going support and interventions to those targeted students. Students will receive instruction to help them develop skills, depending on their needs. 2. Title 1, Part A requirements will be explained at parent teacher conferences. 3. Parents will receive parent-teacher conferences twice a year (Nov. and March). The student’s progress will be discussed and interventions will be described to move the student toward meeting benchmark for that grade. If other meetings are needed, they will be arranged by the teacher and an RTI Specialist. 17 4. Parents will receive information at conference time and also throughout the year when appropriate. 5. Parents will be able to conference with their child’s teacher at conference time and also at strategic moments during the year as needed. Parents will be provided information about the Title 1 Part A program at conferences. 6. Parents are welcome at Tapteal to volunteer in the classroom following the district volunteer approval process. Parent Responsibilities: • • • • • • • Parents will make sure their child attends school on time and on a regular basis. Parents will make sure homework is complete and check their child’s planner in 4th and 5th grade. Parents will monitor TV and/or video games in order to provide sufficient homework time Parents will set an appropriate bedtime to ensure students are rested and ready to learn at school Parents will participate in decisions about their child. Parents will promote positive use of their child’s time. Parents will respond to school communications about their child’s progress. Parent Participation: Parents will be informed about interventions for their child. Parents can always request meetings and participate in decisions related to their child’s education. Teachers, paraprofessionals and an RTI Specialist will respond to requests and suggestions through meetings and phone calls. Parents are invited to work with the teacher and an RTI Specialist to develop the school/parent compact. Parents are invited to attend a variety of events throughout the year. Parents are encouraged to bring their students to a “Meet and Greet” on an evening before school starts. This is an opportunity to meet the teacher, see the classroom and drop off school supplies. Open house is usually scheduled a few weeks after school begins. This is a time for students to show their parents around their new classroom and talk to them about the learning that happens at school. 18 Parents and students are encouraged to attend a Literacy Night where they will participate in activities focused on the five components of reading: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. Parents who participate in these activities with their children and will be eligible for take home books. Marty Campbell Dec 8, '10, 8:16 AM Added: Space Parents and students are invited to “Tapteal Family Night” where they will participate in math and science activities designed around the district adopted curriculum. Kindergarten and pre-school readiness information is also a focus of this event. Participants in the “Tapteal Family Night” will be eligible for math prizes. The PTA also puts on events throughout the year. Parents and students can connect with Tapteal staff as well as other students and parents at these events. Parents can also participate with their child as they learn math using the Math Whizz program at home in grades 2-5. Parents will be able to access this program at home to help their child acquire and practice the targeted math skills to improve their performance at school. 19 Richland School District 615 Snow Avenue Richland, WA 99352 (509) 967-6000 Non-Discrimination Statement The Richland School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. This applies to all educational programs, extra-curricular activities, and employment. The following employee(s) has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: Title IX Officer: Tony Howard Executive Director, Human Resources Section 504 Coordinators: Personnel Tony Howard Executive Director, Human Resources Facilities Mark Panther Executive Director, Support Services Student Services Mike Hansen Assistant Superintendent 20