Clearfield Elementary
2014-2015
Parent/Student
Handbook
Connecting with Clearfield
Home of the “Cougars”
TABLE OF CONTENTS
................................................................ Page Number
Welcome back letter............................................................................ 4
Mission, Vision, Values ........................................................................ 4
Accreditation ...................................................................................... 5
Administering Medication ..................................................................... 5
Assignment of Students to Classes ....................................................... 5
Attendance, Tardiness and Truancy ..................................................... 5
Awards Day/Promotion Ceremony………………………………………………………7
Back Door Pick Up ............................................................................... 7
Backpacks with Wheels ....................................................................... 7
Breakfast and Lunch ........................................................................... 8
Bus Evacuation Practices ..................................................................... 8
Bus Safety .......................................................................................... 8
Calendar for the School Year ............................................................... 8
Checking In/Out during the School Day ................................................ 9
Conduct and Discipline ...................................................................... 10
Dress Code ....................................................................................... 10
E-mail .............................................................................................. 10
Emergency Closings .......................................................................... 10
Emergency Drills ............................................................................... 10
Enrollment ........................................................................................ 11
Extra Curricular Activities…………………………………………………………………11
Family Resource Center ..................................................................... 11
Field Trips ........................................................................................ 11
Fry Words......................................................................................... 12
Gifted Services .................................................................................. 12
Grades ............................................................................................. 12
Grading Periods ……………………………………………………………………………..12
Guidance .......................................................................................... 13
Handicapped Parking......................................................................... 13
Health and Safety ............................................................................. 13
Health Unit ....................................................................................... 13
Homework ........................................................................................ 13
Length of School Day ........................................................................ 14
Library Services ................................................................................ 14
Lost and Found ................................................................................. 14
Make Up Work Policy ……………………………………………………………………..15
Newsletter ........................................................................................ 15
Non-resident Students ....................................................................... 15
Parent Observations Policy ................................................................ 15
Parent-Teacher Organization ............................................................. 15
Parties Policy………………………………………………………………………………….15
Psychological Services ....................................................................... 15
Reading Levels.................................................................................. 16
Recycle and Reuse ............................................................................ 16
RTI—Response to Intervention .......................................................... 16
SBDM Council…………………………………………………………………………………16
School Assignment ............................................................................ 16
Security ............................................................................................ 16
Shoes with Wheels ............................................................................ 16
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Snow Days and Bad Weather ............................................................. 17
Special Education .............................................................................. 18
Speech and Language Therapy .......................................................... 18
Student Drop Off Area/Parent Parking ................................................ 18
Student Placement/Parent Requests Policy………………………………………..18
Student Records ............................................................................... 18
Successful Completion of Primary Policy……………………………………………19
Telephone Usage .............................................................................. 20
Title I Parent Involvement Policy ........................................................ 20
Title I Parent-School Learning Compact .............................................. 21
Tobacco Products.............................................................................. 22
Toys, Video Game Devices, CD Players, Trading Cards, Etc. ................. 22
Transportation .................................................................................. 23
Vision and Hearing Screenings ........................................................... 23
Visitors ............................................................................................. 23
Visual and Hearing Impairments ........................................................ 23
Volunteers ........................................................................................ 23
Weapons .......................................................................................... 24
Webpage .......................................................................................... 24
Wellness Policy……………………………………………………………………………….24
Withdrawals……………………………………………………………………………………25
3
August, 2014
Dear Parents and Students:
Welcome to the 2014-15 school year! We have some new staff members this year. They are
Debbie Moore—Nurse, Julia Hargis—Music, Cathy Riley—Special Education, Whitney Bailey--Aide
and Velda Kissick--Aide. We are excited to have them join the Clearfield family.
This handbook has been prepared to help answer many of the questions, which may arise
and help clarify the rules and procedures necessary to make this a successful school year. We
hope each parent and child will discuss the contents of this handbook to ensure that parents,
students, and teachers know what to expect from each other. If you have any questions, please
don’t hesitate to ask. I will be glad to provide further assistance to you and your children as they
begin a new school year with us.
Security of all children continues to be a top priority at Clearfield. If you have any concerns,
please bring them to my direct attention or utilize the Safe Schools Helpline (1-800-4186423, Extension 359).
We hope to see more parents involved in our school this year. Let the teachers know that
you want to be a part of your child’s education and let them know what skills you have to offer
the students. Please join us for school council meetings, parent conferences, PTC meetings, and
any other special activities. More importantly, please become a volunteer in our school. It takes
total cooperation between the school community and our parents for children to be happy and
successful.
Sincerely,
Tamela Buttry, Principal
CLEARFIELD SCHOOL MISSION, VISION and VALUES
MISSION
Clearfield Elementary School provides an environment that focuses on positive I.D.E.A.S through
Instruction, Differentiation, Encouragement, Assessment, and Support in order to achieve
Proficiency in the Kentucky Program of Studies.
VISION
Our vision is to create an elementary school that is highly regarded for its academic excellence,
its compassion for the families and students who attend, and for its contribution to the
community in which it operates. We believe that the most promising strategy for achieving the
mission is to develop our capacity to function as a professional learning community.
We will:
VALUES
C –create an environment conducive to learning
O –open the doors to teamwork among staff, students, parents and community
U –unite to achieve a common purpose, and establish clear goals with high expectations
G –give common assessments
A –actively monitor student achievement to close the gaps
R –respect all colleagues, students, parents and community members
S –seek effective strategies
We are COUGARS!
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ACCREDITATION
Clearfield Elementary is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
ADMINISTERING MEDICATION
The administering medication form should be completed for any medication that
needs to be administered to children during school. Medicines prescribed by a physician can be
given by the school nurse. The medication should be in the original container with the following:
name of the student, name of the medication, time and amount of medication to be given and
name of prescribing physician. Medications that need to be given for more than one day can
NOT be transported on the bus. Medication for continued use should be transported to school by
the parent. We have a refrigerator for medications requiring refrigeration.
ASSIGNMENT OF STUDENTS TO CLASSES
Parent/guardian requests for student placement must be submitted on an official form and
submitted to the school principal between April 15th and May 1st. Justifiable requests will be
considered provided such placement will not cause imbalances (discipline, gender, class size,
heterogeneous grouping, and special needs) in classroom assignments. Class lists will be
posted by August 1 of each school year.
ATTENDANCE, TARDINESS, AND TRUANCY
Prompt and regular attendance is one of the most significant factors in a child's learning. It is
the policy of the Rowan County Board of Education has ordered the Director of Pupil Personnel to
enforce the definition of habitual truancy as found in the Unified Juvenile Code.
Excused absences:
A maximum of four (4) accumulated day’s absences for the year may be excused by a note
from the student’s parent/guardian. A student MUST bring in a parent note with the date
the student was absent from school. Parent and medical notes must be brought in to
the attendance clerk within five (5) school days of the absence or it will be
counted as an unexcused absence. After (5) school days from date of absence, if
student/parent does not submit “parent note”, attendance clerk will mark “excused-parent
note” until all (4) parent notes are used. When each student uses their allotted four (4)
parent notes per year, all excused absences (either full or partial day) will require a medical
excuse, court excuse or must be approved by the principal/designee. Please be aware
that the Principal does have the right to approve or deny any request.
Absences exceeding four (4) days per year may be excused by a physician’s statement.
However, if a student is absent from school for a consecutive five (5) day period or longer
with a doctor’s note, parents of such students should contact Carol Blair, Director of
Pupil Personnel at 784-8928 for consideration for Home/Hospital Instruction.
Listed below are the only reasons accepted for excused absences or tardies with a parent
note:
 Death in the pupil’s immediate family, including brothers, sisters, parents, grandparents,
aunts, uncles, and cousins.
 Illness of the student ONLY.
 School-related or other educational activities with prior approval from the Principal.
 One (1) day attendance at the Kentucky State Fair with verification for the fair.
 Other valid reasons PRE-APPROVED by the Principal.
 Student court appearance (only for the student summoned and for the portion of the day
required). Documentation from the court must be presented to the school’s attendance
clerk.
 Student doctor or dentist appointment (only for the portion of the day required and with
documentation from the physician, dentist, or other appropriate health official).
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 Student driver’s permit or license tests (only for the portion of the day required and with
documentation from the examiner).
 Health services (such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, counseling etc.) that are
not available after the school day. Documentation must be presented to the school’s
attendance clerk.
 Treatment for lice – See Lice/Nits Policy in Section VI
 Religious holidays and practices as pre-arranged with the Principal.
 If the principal, school nurse, or designee sends the student home, the student will be
excused for that day only.
 Documented Military Leave (1 day prior to departure of parent/guardian called to active
duty and 1 day granted upon return from duty).
 Visitation for up to ten (10) days with the student’s parent, defacto custodian, or person
with legal custody who, while on active military duty stationed outside of the country, is
granted rest and recuperation leave.
 Seniors may use a maximum of 3 days for college visits. Students MUST pick up a
college visit form from the guidance office. This form must be completed by the
university and returned to the attendance clerk within 5 school days of the visit.
Tardies:
Tardies accumulate for both late entry and early sign-outs from school. Students will be given
four (4) parent notes per year to use for late entry or early sign outs. Listed in the excused
absence section are the reasons for excused parent notes for tardies. After (5) school days
from date of tardy, if student/parent does not submit “parent tardy note”, attendance clerk
will mark “excused-tardy parent note” until all (4) parent tardy parent notes have been used.
Everything else will be considered an unexcused tardy unless a doctor’s note is presented to
the attendance clerk or the tardy has been pre-approved by the principal. Start times vary at
each school. Make sure you check the school for the particular start and end time.
Please be aware that a referral to the courts may be made after six (6) unexcused
tardies per year.
Educational Enhancement:
A student may be approved for up to ten (10) days of absences per year for the purpose of
education enhancement. The principal will use his/her good judgment to determine if the
activity meets guidelines. The proposed activity must have significant educational value and
be composed of an intensive program related to the core curriculum (e.g., art programs,
dance programs, state fair activities, workshops that are educational in nature, college visits,
etc.) To request an absence to attend or participate in an education activity, the
educational enhancement opportunity request form must be completed and returned to your
school principal at least five (5) days prior to the absence. Such an absence as requested
by the signed application and approved by the school principal, will be considered an
excused absence. Students who are granted an absence under this law will be allowed to
make up all school work. It is the student’s responsibility to make up missed class work
according to school policy. The principal has the right to deny any request made. Decisions
may be appealed to the Superintendent and then to the Board of Education.
Perfect Attendance:
District-wide Perfect Attendance will be determined based upon zero absences/events (not
including Educational Enhancement Opportunities and field trips) and excluding “principal
excused” tardies.
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Punctual and Regular Attendance (Near Perfect):
District-wide Punctual and Regular Attendance (Near Perfect) will be determined based upon
a student not having more 3 (three) total excused tardies, excused full days or excused
events (excluding Educational Enhancement Opportunities and field trips). When it is
necessary for a child to be absent from school, a parent should send a written excuse on the
child’s return to school. This written notice should contain the date of absence and reason
for the absence. Attendance is kept in the school office as well as in each classroom.
Student sign-in and sign-outs will be recorded at the end of each school day.
AWARDS DAY/PROMOTION CEREMONY
At the end of the school year, all fifth grade students are recognized during the promotion
ceremony for completing elementary school. However, we do not have a Kindergarten
graduation. Parents of students K-5 that will be receiving an award will get a letter so they can
make arrangements to attend the program. Not every student in the school receives an award.
BACK DOOR PICK UP—Car Riders
CES will offer back door pick up for car riders at the end of the day again this year. Mrs. Murisa
can assist you with any questions you have about back door pick up. Any families who
participated last year, will only need to send a note to the office stating when you will begin
using this service. Anyone who is picking up your child will need to have their driver’s license
scanned in the office. These will be placed in a notebook so the staff member on duty can match
faces to license pictures. Students will not be released to anyone who does not have their ID
scanned. If your license has already been scanned, we have that information in the office.
Parents will need to register for a pick up tags in the school office. These tags must be displayed
on the car’s rearview mirror when picking up your child. Your child will be assigned a number.
When picking up students, parents must enter the parking lot off of Partin Street. This is the
same flow of traffic that is followed in the morning for drop offs. Car rider traffic cannot interrupt
normal traffic flow of buses. Parents in line must remain in their cars. All students that are
going to be picked up must have a Car Rider Number. There are no exceptions to this
procedure. If the school staff member does not see a hanging tag number or you have not
registered for a number, you will be asked to drive to the front parking lot and enter the front
entrance of the school to sign out your child. When you want your child to begin being a Car
Rider, you will need to send a note to the school office stating your request. However, you need
to register in the office before this can begin. If your child is going to be a permanent Car Rider,
please indicate that in your note. Once you establish that your child is a permanent Car Rider,
you will not need to write another note unless a different type of transportation needs to occur.
As with other transportation changes, Car Rider changes will not be taken over the
phone. You must send in a note, email Ms. Stacy (stacy.lewis@rowan.kyschools.us) or
Mrs. Malesa (malesa.jones@rowan.kyschools.us), or fax a note to the school @ 783-0557 before
2:45 p.m. Parents will need to choose from one of two time frames for picking up your child.
When registering please choose from 3:00-3:15 or 3:15-3:30. By staggering the times, we will
have less traffic congestion. All Car Riders must be picked up by 3:30 p.m. Any car riders not
picked up by 3:30 p.m. will be taken back to the school office.
BACKPACK POLICY
Clearfield Elementary students will not be permitted to bring backpacks with wheels to school.
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BREAKFAST AND LUNCH
Nutritious meals are served at Clearfield for breakfast and lunch. All elementary students will
receive free breakfast and lunch this year. Students preferring to bring their lunch may purchase
milk at school. Menus for both meals will be published at the first of each calendar month in the
school's monthly newsletter. They are also posted in each classroom and on the wall outside the
office door. Students can purchase extra food or snacks, but these cannot be charged. Extra
milk is always $. 30. When school is on a one-hour delay, a limited breakfast will be served.
When school is on a two-hour delay, no breakfast will be served.
REMEMBER: In order to avoid loss of instructional time, parents who bring
children to school should have them at school by 7:40 a.m. if they are to eat
breakfast at school.
Students Bringing Food in the Cafeteria from Restaurants and Delis Policy:
Students not eating breakfast or lunch from the food service program (cafeteria) may not
bring or have brought to them food from restaurants or delis. Breakfast and lunches
may be prepared and brought from home.
BUS EVACUATION PRACTICES
Bus evacuation practices will be conducted several times throughout the year. Students are
timed evacuating from the front, back, and side bus exit doors. Each bus is required by law to
have four practices per year.
BUS SAFETY
All school buses will be monitored by audio and video cameras. Students must obey the school
bus personnel’s instructions. The bus driver shall be responsible for the orderly conduct of the
children on the school bus. While on the bus, the students are under the authority of the bus
driver. Students must bear their share of responsibility for safety while passengers on buses.
The privilege of any student to ride a bus is conditioned upon their good behavior and
observance of rules and regulations set forth by the local board of education as outlined in the
District Discipline/Attendance Code Book. All students shall conduct themselves in a manner
conducive to the safe transportation of all.
CALENDAR for the 2014-2015 School Year
August 7
September 1
October 6-10
November 4
November 26-28
December 22-Jan. 2
January 5
January 19
February 16
April 1-3
April 18
May 11
May 13-June 12
First day for students
No School—Labor Day
No School--Fall Break
No School—Election Day
No School--Thanksgiving Break
No School—Christmas Break
School resumes
No School—Martin Luther King Day
No School—Teacher Work Day
No School—Spring Break
No School—Teacher Work Day
Last day for students—This could change due to weather.
Snow make up days—As needed
State testing will be conducted within the last 14 instructional days of school.
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CHECKING IN AND CHECKING OUT DURING THE SCHOOL DAY
Students checking in and/or out during the school day shall do so in the school office. Parents
need to observe the following procedures when a child arrives late to school or it is necessary to
take a child from school during the day. When a child is picked up at school, the parent (or
parent designee) must check in at the school office. The child will be called to the office to meet
the parent. If it's necessary to sign in and out during the day or sign a child out early at the end
of the day, the parent/designee should report to the office and sign the child out. Do not go to
the child's classroom. If children are checked in and out through the office, we have a record
of who has left the building and with whom. This way, we won't have to locate school personnel
who have already left the building when there is a question about one of our students after
hours.
Please review the following rules for "Release of Students to Parents and Others." Keep these
rules in mind when you send other people to pick up your child(ren):
1. Students may be picked up by either parent by checking the
student out through the school office. We encourage parents
to leave students the entire school day (3:00 p.m.).
2. In the case of divorced parents, unless the school has been
given evidence of state law or of court order, the child may be
released to either parent.
3. In the case of limited visitation, the school will follow the
regulations of the court order on visitation and no exception will
be made without written consent of the custodial parent.
4. When picking students up after school, parents should remain
in the upstairs lobby and school personnel will call for students.
5. If parents are in the school to help with parties and other
activities and wish to take the child as they leave (instead
of having them ride the bus) they must notify both the teacher
and the office that they are taking the child. Remember that
students leaving before 3:00 p.m. will be counted as an unexcused tardy
and parents must sign them out when they leave.
6. A student will be permitted to leave only with a parent or
person designated in writing by the custodial parent. If a
person is not recognized by the staff, identification will be
required and the driver's license may be copied.
All children will be sent home by the method indicated on the registration UNLESS the parent
sends WRITTEN permission to change the regular means of transportation. Children will be
allowed to leave the building ONLY with those persons authorized by the parents. Identification
may be required. We cannot recognize voices; therefore, phone calls WILL NOT be accepted as
a means of changing transportation. Bus drivers must have written notes with parent
signature and principal authorization before they will allow children other than their regular
passengers to ride the bus. Students must also have a note to be let off the bus at a
location different from that specified on their registration form.
At the end of the day, parents should come into the lobby to pick up a child. No child will be
permitted to go to meet vehicles of people making pickups. There is too much activity and traffic
around the building at that time of the day for us to see that each child gets to the proper
vehicle. Your children will be in their classrooms by 2:45 p.m. daily to facilitate pickup and
transportation changes. When arriving at school at a time when your child is on the playground,
do not call your child from the playground. Report to the office and check your child (ren) out
and we will send for your child (ren). We make every effort to insure the safety of all children.
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CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE
Clearfield Elementary School follows the Student Discipline Code of the Rowan County School
System. This code states specific rules and regulations for the purpose of maintaining discipline
and creating a positive and orderly learning environment both on the school grounds as well as
on school buses. If a student violates the rules of good conduct, he/she will be held accountable
by teachers and other school officials. All certified personnel at Clearfield Elementary shall
administer the student discipline code.
Clearfield Elementary School follows the disciplinary response procedures outlined in this code for
Level II and Level III misconduct. However, Clearfield teachers utilize assertive discipline for
classroom level (Level I) behavior. Each teacher sets his/her own classroom rules and
consequences of misbehavior which are posted in the classroom. Printed copies are provided for
each parent. Parents are asked to return written verification after receipt of classroom rules.
COMMON AREA RULES
Students will be expected to follow the rules of the Common Areas of the school which are:
playground, hallways, assemblies, library, cafeteria, stairways, early duty,
late duty, cafeteria, restroom, and during safety drills.
DRESS CODE
The district dress code is outlined in the District Discipline/Attendance Code Book. Clearfield
abides by these guidelines. Students must cover or replace inappropriate clothing. Parents will
be notified to bring proper clothing if necessary. Students may be assigned to In-school
Supervised Study until inappropriate clothing is replaced. Caps will be confiscated and returned
at the end of the day. All violations will be at the discretion of the Principal/Designee.
E-mail
All administrators, teachers and staff can be contacted by email. Our email addresses are all the
same except for our names. The format is: firstname.lastname@rowan.kyschools.us.
For example: tamela.buttry@rowan.kyschools.us If you would like to receive school information
via email, please provide Mrs. Buttry your email address.
EMERGENCY CLOSINGS
Efforts are made to have school closings announced by 6:30 a.m. on days schools are to be
closed. Announcements will be made on local radio and TV stations as well as placed on an
answering machine at the central office. Parents can secure information about school closings by
calling 784-8928. The district’s messaging system will be used to call students’ homes to notify
parents of closings. It is very important that you keep your phone number up to date with the
school office. A bus driver has the authority and responsibility to delete any portions of his route
if he/she feels it is unsafe due to inclement weather.
EMERGENCY DRILLS
Special drills will be held at least once a month to assure orderly movement and placement of
students in the safest available area under emergency conditions. The safest areas are marked
on school blueprints and are available in each classroom. Kentucky School Fire Drill Regulations
require each school to complete ten (10) fire drills each year with at least two (2) held during the
first two weeks of the school term. In addition, we will have two earthquakes, two tornado drills
each year and one CODE RED. In emergencies where less than one hour of warning time is
known, children and faculty will remain on the school grounds. However, children may be picked
up at the school by their parents.
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ENROLLMENT
To be admitted to kindergarten, a child must be five (5) years of age on or before the first day of
October. To be admitted to the first grade, a child must be six (6) years of age on or before the
first day of October. A child must have attended kindergarten before he or she will be admitted
to the first grade.
All students enrolling for the first time at Clearfield Elementary must provide a certified copy of
their birth certificate, Kentucky immunization certificate (not a copy of health record), a physical
exam (within 1 year prior to enrollment), verification of chicken pox or chicken pox vaccine, an
eye examination conducted by an eye doctor and a dental exam.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES POLICY
By the regular August monthly meeting, the Curriculum and Instruction Committee, in
collaboration with the principal, will prepare a list of extracurricular programs to be implemented
in the school for the council’s approval. Additional extracurricular programs to be implemented
will be presented by the principal to the council for approval prior to their implementation. The
chief extracurricular sponsor will determine student participation standards to be consistent with
any criteria set by the state or national sponsor of the program, consistent with state and federal
statutes and regulations, consistent with Rowan County School Board policy and consistent with
Clearfield Elementary rules and policies.
FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER
The Family Resource Centers are part of the Kentucky Education Reform Act. At the Project
Reach Center, we believe that it is extremely difficult for children to do well in school when faced
with the problems of society. In our center, we help our children and families by building a
relationship with them. We build on our level of trust to bridge the gap between family and
community agencies. The center is available to all children, parents, and families at the
Clearfield Elementary and McBrayer Elementary Schools and is staffed by two full-time employees
who oversee the center's daily activities. The services we offer are many and varied.
Examples: assistance for obtaining a GED, referrals for before-and-after-school child care,
parenting programs, information on financial assistance, family counseling, family health,
housing, AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!
The Family Resource Center at Clearfield Elementary is located in classroom E-08. Personnel in
the centers can be reached by either going to the school's main office or calling either center.
The center hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by special
appointment by calling the Clearfield Elementary FRC at (606) 784-2653.
FIELD TRIPS
During field trips, students will be under supervision of school personnel. Advance notice will be
sent to parents designating location and nature of the trip. The general permission slip signed by
parents on the registration will be sufficient for local trips. Special forms will be sent home for
out-of-county trips or local trips to Cave Run Lake and other potentially dangerous locations.
Permission slips must be returned by the time designated on the permission form in order that
transportation arrangements can be made and insurance can be purchased. Students not
attending field trips will be placed in age-equivalent classrooms. Students are required to ride
the bus with their class to the field trip. However, parents may bring their child home if they
have written a note in advance to the principal. If the principal grants the child permission to
ride home with his/her parent, the parent will need to sign the student out with the teacher.
Students are not allowed to go with their siblings on other grade level trips. Each
grade level has a set of field trips that are aligned to the curriculum taught at that
grade. Students will have the opportunity to take these trips when they are in those
grades.
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FRY WORDS
Students are assessed on the number of high frequency words (Fry words) they can read. Each
grade (Kindergarten-fifth) has a specific list of words that students are expected to be able to
read by the end of that grade. These can be picked up at school and are available on the school
webpage.
K—100 picture nouns and word 1-100
1st—Continue 100 picture nouns and words 101-200
2nd—words 201-300
3rd—words 301-400
4th—words 401-700
5th—words 701-1000
GIFTED SERVICES
The gifted teacher is at Clearfield one day a week for gifted services. The school is looking for
students who display gifted behaviors in one or more of the following five areas: intellectual,
specific academic aptitude, creative or divergent thinking, psychosocial or leadership skills, and
visual or performing arts
Primary students will be identified informally (not by formal testing) by either teachers and/or
parents and placed in a talent pool, and services will be provided to address their special needs.
When primary students are nominated by teachers as gifted, the parents will be asked to
complete a Parent Inventory and Parent Questionnaire. However, parents who feel their child
exhibits gifted behaviors in at least one of the five areas of giftedness, may also nominate the
child by completing certain forms (available upon request by the parents) from the school.
Transfer students may have their child considered for the talent pool when they are enrolled for
the first time in the primary program.
After primary, students (4th & 5th graders) must qualify for services through a valid and reliable
combination of formal and informal measures which identify strengths and gifted behaviors. At
least three (3) of the following recognized acceptable assessment options for identification and
diagnosis must be completed:
a. a collection of evidence from portfolios demonstrating student performance;
b. teacher behavior checklist;
c. continuous progress data;
d. anecdotal records;
e. peer nominations;
f. formal testing data;
g. parent questionnaire or interview;
h. primary review committee recommendation;
i. self-nomination or petition system; and
j. other valid and reliable documentation.
GRADES
Student work that is being taken for a grade (summative assessment) will be scored in purple
ink. Student work that is checking for student understanding (formative assessment) to guide
instruction will be scored in any other color ink besides purple.
GRADING PERIODS
August 7, 2014
to
October 13, 2014
to
December 22, 2014
to
March 30, 2015
to
October 10, 2014
December 19, 2014
March 27, 2015
May 11, 2015
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GUIDANCE
We are pleased to have a full-time guidance counselor, Mrs. April Ratliff. The counseling
program is designed to help students develop a positive school experience and help eliminate
barriers that may hinder their academic process. The guidance program provides individual
student counseling, student group counseling, classroom guidance lessons, student testing,
informational resource services, referral assistance to other programs and services in the
community, teacher consultation, and parent consultation. The counselor's office is located in
the school office area and appointments can be scheduled by calling the school.
HANDICAPPED PARKING
Please observe our handicapped parking in front of the school. When dropping children off in the
morning and picking them up at the end of the day, please do not park in these areas. We need
them both in the morning and afternoon for persons with handicaps.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
State law (KRS 188.035) mandates that certain health information be provided to the school for
enrollment. This includes:
 KY Immunization Certificate (not a copy of health record)
 Physical exam (within 1 year prior to enrollment)
 Chicken Pox vaccine or signed waiver (parent verification of chicken pox)
 An original birth certificate (not the one from the hospital)
 An eye examination by an optometrist for 5 and 6 year olds
 A dental examination for 5 and 6 year olds
If your child has a serious illness, have your physician send needed medical information to school
(allergies included). Many communicable diseases are infectious at the onset. Your child may be
sent home during this time. The school will inform parents of the occurrence of communicable
disease in school if preventive measures need to be implemented.
HEALTH UNIT
Our nurse can provide health services to all students. However, each parent must sign an
Informed Consent at the beginning of each year before a child can be served. Our nurse can
check for illness and minor complaints and provide first aid. She can also administer
medications.
HOMEWORK POLICY
Purpose of Homework: Homework will reinforce or enrich skills previously taught in class.
Meaningful homework helps develop study skills, responsibility, and independence.
Guidelines for Teachers When Assigning Homework:
1. The time it takes for a child to complete all their homework, including nightly reading
assignments, will not exceed the following time allotments:
Kindergarten-1st Grade
10-15 minutes per night
2nd Grade
20 minutes per night
3rd Grade
30 minutes per night
4th Grade
40 minutes per night
5th Grade
50 minutes per night
These times are approximate. Individual student needs and circumstances will be taken
into consideration.
2. Homework will cover material and skills previously covered in class.
3. Teachers will provide students with feedback about their completed homework.
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4. Homework will be graded only for the purpose of formative assessment and to provide
feedback to students about the assignment. Grades for homework assignments will not
count towards students’ midterm or nine weeks averages.
5. Assignments that are intended to be given a grade that will count towards the students’
midterm and nine weeks average will not be sent home to be completed.
6. Consequences for not completing homework will be determined by the classroom
teacher, but may not include loss of recess or Fun Friday activities. Consequences may
not be given for not having assignment books signed, reading log signed and/or
homework folders signed. Teachers are encouraged to provide reward incentives to
students when they complete their homework.
7. Students will be given the opportunity to complete homework before school. Teachers
will also be available after school to assist students who need help with homework.
Guidelines for Students When Completing Homework:
1. Students are responsible for knowing what their homework assignments are.
2. Students will inform their teacher when they do not understand an assignment or will
have difficulty completing it on time.
3. Students will complete homework assignments and complete them on time to the best of
their ability.
Guidelines for Parents When Your Child has Homework:
1. Find a quiet place for your child to complete their homework.
2. Encourage and support your child’s efforts by being available for questions.
3. Communicate to your child’s teacher whenever your child has consistent difficultly with
homework assignments.
4. Encourage your child to return assignments on time.
LENGTH OF SCHOOL DAY
The school day begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. The breakfast program will begin at
7:15 a.m. If students are to eat breakfast at school and are transported by parents,
they need to arrive no later than 7:40 a.m. The school building opens officially at
7:15 a.m. for parents to drop students at school. We do not have personnel on duty
in the building until then. Students should be dropped off from 7:15-7:55 a.m. at the
back entrance of our school on Partin Street. This is an unloading zone only. The
back parking area is reserved for staff.
LIBRARY SERVICES
It is the goal of the library to never let a student or teacher walk out of our door without having
had his/her needs met.
Check out and return of library materials by students: The loan period is one week. Overdue
books must be returned or paid for before check-out privileges are restored.
Use of the library: The library is flexibly scheduled in order to meet the needs of all students
and teachers. The librarian will have class sessions every other week for each class. The
classroom teacher as needed will schedule other reference/research work. Students may come
to the library to browse, check out, or do reference work throughout the day.
LOST AND FOUND
Parents need to check our lost-and-found rack on a regular basis. The rack is located in the
cafeteria. Coats, sweaters and jackets accumulate on a daily basis. Small items that are found
are kept by the school secretary.
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MAKEUP WORK FOR SCHOOL ABSENSES POLICY
Upon returning to school following any absence, students will be granted two school days for
each absence during which to make up missed assignments. Students who are suspended from
school will complete the make up work but will not receive credit.
NEWSLETTER
We'll keep you informed. From now to the time your child leaves this school . . . we'll have
written reports, parent/teacher conferences, meetings—whatever is necessary to keep you aware
of how your child is doing at school. If you have any questions or concerns, or if you want to
discuss something in detail, feel free to call the school or schedule an appointment.
Teachers will be sending classroom newsletters on a regular basis. A school newsletter will be
sent home at the first of every month with school menus, calendars of events, class activities,
recognitions, PTC notes, Family Resource Center news, notes from our health unit and many
special features as well as community activities that affect our children. We try to keep parents
well informed so they can be a part of our school. Please be sure to check your child's book
bag on a regular basis for these items.
NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS
Students who reside in counties outside the Rowan County School District and whose home
district refuses to sign a contract of exchange with the Rowan County Board of Education may
attend school in the Rowan County School System by paying of tuition and/or transfer of the
pupil's average daily attendance as defined under Kentucky's public school fund.
PARENT OBSERVATIONS POLICY
Parents are encouraged and welcome to observe in their child (ren)'s classroom. In order to
avoid interruption to the instructional process, we ask that parents call the school and schedule
the visit with the classroom teacher. On the day of the visit, the parent should report to the
school office with their driver’s license to obtain a visitor's pass and sign a confidentiality
statement. If requested, a follow-up conference can be scheduled.
PARENT-TEACHER ORGANIZATION
Parents are encouraged to join Parents and Teachers for Clearfield (PTC).
The PTC meets
monthly in the school library. Meeting dates and PTC activities will be published in the school's
monthly newsletter. The PTC will sponsor many activities and fundraising activities. PTC
information will be communicated through the school newsletter. The PTC meets on the first
Thursday of each month at 4:00 p.m. in the school library. The Officers are: President—Joni
Stewart, Vice President—Amanda Ashley, Secretary—Melissa McCarty, Treasurer—Vacant.
PARTIES POLICY
Clearfield Elementary students will have four (4) seasonal parties per year that are tied to
instruction.
PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES
Two school psychologist are employed by the Rowan County Board of Education to provide
psychological services to Clearfield students. They are Dawn Christie and Karen Tuerk. These
services include, but are not limited to, assessment of students referred for possible special
educational services, consultation with teachers and parents, individual and group counseling
with students, and conducting other individual tests as needed (advanced placement, etc.).
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READING LEVELS
Students will be placed in small groups for reading instruction on their level based on reading
assessments. The list below indicates the level that is expected at the start and by the end of
each grade level.
Kindergarten: A, B, C
First grade: B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I
Second grade: H, I, J, K, L, M
Third grade: L, M, N, O, P
Fourth grade: O, P, Q, R, S, T
Fifth grade: S, T, U, V, W
Sixth grade: V, W, X, Y
Seventh/Eighth grade: X, Y, Z
RECYCLE AND REUSE
Clearfield Elementary students and staff are committed to environmental education and keeping
our planet clean for future generations. We work with our parent organization on countywide
recycling. Clearfield Elementary gets credit for all recycled items in the Rowan County Recycle
and Cleanup Contest.
RTI—RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION
Our teachers and aides work with students in small groups or individually if they are having
difficulties in behavior, speech, reading and/or math. This additional intervention will be
monitored to identify if students are making progress. All students receiving intervention will be
based on data from sources such as: MAP test scores, DIBELS, Fry word checks, formative
assessments, etc.
SBDM COUNCIL
The SBDM Council’s main purpose is to improvement student achievement. The Council sets
policies to help accomplish this goal. There are several policies included in this handbook. The
remainder of the policies can be reviewed in the school office. The Council meets the second
Tuesday of every month at 4:45 p.m. in the school library. All parents are invited to attend these
meetings. The current members are:
Tamela Buttry—Principal & Chairperson, Lynn Manner—Teacher Representative,
Jenny Cooper—Teacher Representative, Kim Burton—Teacher Representative & ViceChairperson, Rebecca Nelson—Parent Representative and Karla Hughes—Parent Representative.
SCHOOL ASSIGNMENT
Students should attend school in the district in which they live.
SECURITY
School doors remain locked during the school day for security reasons. Visitors should push the
button at the main entrance to activate the camera and speaker to gain access to the school. All
visitors and volunteers need to sign in at the school office. A driver’s license must be presented
to secure a visitor’s badge before entering other areas of the building. If you arrive earlier than
bell time, you may not enter the school building before 2:55 p.m. SAFE SCHOOLS HELPLINE
1-800-418-6423 Extension 359
SHOES WITH WHEELS
Tennis shoes with wheels and back packs with wheels are NOT permitted.
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SNOW DAYS AND BAD WEATHER
When school is on a one-hour delay, a limited breakfast will be served. When school is on a twohour delay, breakfast will NOT be served.
When school is dismissed early due to bad weather, we always encounter unique transportation
problems. It is not always possible for you to be available to pick up your child(ren) when school
is dismissed early. Please try to remember school rules for releasing students to persons other
than parents. Keep your list of designated pickup persons updated at school. Children will not
be released to persons who have not been authorized to pick them up—especially on bad roads.
The principal/designee will not leave school until the last child has been picked up or delivered to
you. When school is canceled early, we ask that you please be patient. We will do our best to
take care of your calls and your children under any emergency situation. Please do not instruct
your children to call home if school is dismissed early. We cannot keep phone lines open to
make all those calls in time for busing. Each family needs to develop a plan for snow days and
make sure your child(ren) understands the plan. A new messaging system called Community
Safe will be used to call students’ homes to notify parents of closings. It is very important that
you keep your phone number up to date with the school office.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Any student suspected of needing special education services should be referred by the child's
regular classroom teachers (or parents) for an individual evaluation and possible placement. A
school intervention assistance team meeting will be held to explain the procedures and get
parental permission for the testing and placement. Our special education teachers are Kim
Burton, Christi Mullen and Cathy Riley.
SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY
Students may receive the services of our speech therapist, Kelly Ward. Any student exhibiting a
speech articulation disorder or a delay in language development is eligible for speech therapy if
the problem significantly affects educational performance. Routine screening will be conducted
to identify those students needing speech services. Students may also be referred by parents or
teachers for an evaluation for individual evaluations and enrollment in a speech therapy class.
The following checklist will aid in helping parents recognize some of these problems:
• Articulation--may omit, substitute, or distort certain speech sounds
• Voice--may be hoarse, breathy, nasal; may talk too loudly or too softly
• Fluency--may stutter, repeat words, hesitate, or prolong words
• Language--may have difficulty with colors, numbers, grammar, auditory
memory, etc.; appears to function below his/her age level
STUDENT DROP OFF AREA/OPENING OF CLASSES/PARENT PARKING
Parents who drop their children off in the morning are to drop them at the back door entrance on
Partin Street. The parking in this area is for staff only. Parents are welcome to walk their child
to class. However, classrooms are not open until 7:55 a.m. Teachers who arrive before this time
are preparing their materials and classroom for the day. If you need to speak with your child’s
teacher, please make an appointment during their planning time or after school. Please observe
the staff parking signs and do not park there. Staff members need to be able to get to their
classes on time. Parents are to park in the lower lot which is designated for parents/visitors.
Parking at the front of the building is prohibited. It is for handicap access and is a fire lane.
Parking on the side of the building is prohibited because this is our bus lane.
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STUDENT PLACEMENT/PARENT REQUESTS POLICY
Homeroom teachers will complete student placement lists that identify academic level, grade
level for the next year, ethnicity, special services, personality conflicts, gifted, behavior and any
other pertinent information. These lists will be submitted to the principal. The principal and/or
counselor will assign students to homerooms for the next year based on these lists with the best
heterogeneous grouping possible. Parent requests will be honored if they are valid reasons and
do not interfere with the heterogeneous groupings. All fifth-year primary students will be equally
distributed among all P4 teachers. Class sizes will not exceed an average of 24 for primary, 28
for fourth grade, and 29 for fifth grade.
Once the homeroom lists are created, the principal and/or counselor will invite teachers to review
the lists to look for any conflicts in the heterogeneous groupings. The principal will then assign a
teacher to each homeroom. The tentative rosters will be kept confidential and will be held by the
principal. When all steps are completed, the principal will present the homeroom lists to the
Council for approval. All lists are final after Council approval, unless the principal determines a
change is necessary due to extreme circumstances. Lists will be posted by August 1 st of each
year.
Parent Requests
Parents may request a particular teacher for their child for the next school year by completing
the request form. The following criteria must be met for each request:
 Parent requests must be made on the request form.
 Parent requests must state specific and valid reasons for why a particular teacher will be
of benefit to their child.
 Parent requests must be turned in to the principal after April 15th and before May 1st.
 Fulfilling the request must not upset the heterogeneous groupings of any homerooms.
When these criteria are met, a parent request will be considered. The principal and/or counselor
will review all requests. Failing to meet one or more criteria nullifies the request. All requests
will be dated and the time of delivery will be noted.
STUDENT RECORDS
In compliance with the P.L. Family Rights and Privacy Act (section 513 and 438), the Rowan
County Board of Education will permit the following persons or organizations to review and
inspect student records without the written consent of the student's parent or the eligible
student:
1. Parents of students under 18 years of age, currently attending
Rowan County Schools
2. Parents of students under 18 years of age who have previously
attended Rowan County Schools
3. A current or former student who is 18 years of age or older
4. Any school official, including teachers within the district, who
has been determined by the superintendent or principal to have
a legitimate educational interest
5. Approved officials of another school or school system in which
the student seeks or intends to enroll
6. Any governmental official of another school or school system in
which the student seeks or intends to enroll
7. Accrediting organization in order to carry out their accrediting
function: --to comply with a judicial order to lawfully issued subpoena
--to appropriate parties in a healthy or safety emergency as
determined by the superintendent or principal
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SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF PRIMARY (K-3rd) POLICY
Appropriate reading and math assessments will be given at least three times a year(as outlined in
the Assessment Policy 06.10) to all students to identify student strengths and weaknesses and
plan instructional strategies. This data will be used to identify students for intervention
strategies.
The K-3rd learning environment will be organized around the critical attributes in order to help all
students succeed and be prepared for the future:
1. Developmentally appropriate practices—Instructional practices will address the physical,
aesthetic, cognitive, emotional and social domains of young children and permit them to
progress according to their unique learning needs. Highly effective instructional practices
will be research-based, aligned to state standards, accessible to all students and will be
supplemented with interventions in order to close achievement gaps and increase
achievement for all students. The principal/designee will use an RTI process for
evaluating student need for formal instructional intervention.
2. Authentic assessment—Assessments will occur continually and reflect actual learning
experiences that can be documented through observation, anecdotal records, journals,
logs, actual work samples, conferences and other methods. Teachers will embed
formative and summative assessments in instruction as outlined in the Assessment Policy
06.10, to monitor progress and guide instruction. Progress monitoring data for RTI plans
and IEPs, as well as common grade level assessment data will be used to provide
information about individual student learning needs and instruction will be adjusted
based on that data.
3. Multiage and multiability classrooms—Flexible grouping and regrouping of children of
different age and ability will be used in order to meet their learning needs. Students will
be placed with instructional groups based on learning needs and will not be limited to
working with students in their own grade level. Groupings will be flexible and will be
reevaluated regularly and adjusted to meet student needs
4. Continuous progress—Students will progress through the primary school program at their
own rate. The Successful Completion of Primary Committee can determine at any level
(Kindergarten-third grade) that a child should spend a fifth year in primary. The Primary
(Kindergarten-third grade) is a five-year program that most children complete in four
years. We believe many factors influence and affect a student’s continuous progress.
These include: achievement of required curriculum as indicated on progress reports,
data from school/district assessments, RTI and progress data if applicable, numerous
Special Education meetings to address changes needed on the IEP, home-school
communication, attendance and being on time, behavior, child maturation, and parent
involvement. It will be the responsibility of the child’s teacher (Kindergarten-third grade)
to make the recommendation, complete the necessary documentation, make contact
with the parents, keep the parents informed, and set up the committee meetings to
finalize the decision. All teachers Kindergarten-fifth grade will send home data sheets
three times a year following school/district assessments. Teachers will need to have
conferences with parents of students being considered for an extra year of primary either
in person or by phone at least once during the school year to discuss progress. Parents
will be notified of the committee meeting date and time. After three attempts and NO
response from the parents in regards to attendance, a final letter will be sent to inform
the parents of the date and time the committee is meeting to determine the child’s
placement for the next school year. All committee meetings will be completed prior to
the end of the school year. Per the Board of Education’s policy 08.22 Promotion and
Retention: “Parents shall be notified when their child is performing below expectations
and/or achieving below expected outcomes. In the event the student’s parent/guardian
disagrees with the District’s decision to retain the student, the District’s decision shall be
final.” The Successful Completion of Primary Committee for each child will consist of the
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primary teacher, Title I and/or Special Education collaborating teacher if applicable,
counselor and/or assistant principal, principal and parent representative.
5. Qualitative reporting methods—Growth and development of the child will be
communicated through a variety of home-school communications which shares student
progress through the years in the primary program.
6. Professional teamwork—The professional staff will communicate, plan together and use a
variety of instructional approaches. The RTI team members will meet to discuss
academic and behavioral needs of students and work together to adequately address
those needs.
7. Positive parent involvement—Productive relationships will be created between the school
and home to enhance communication, promote understanding and increase opportunities
for children to be successful.
The principal/designee will monitor the use of the critical attributes in primary classrooms and
provide feedback. The principal/designee will provide K-3rd grade teachers access to jobembedded professional development that supports research-based K-3 practices. The SBDM
Council will evaluate the effectiveness of this policy through the School Improvement Planning
Process.
TELEPHONE USAGE
In order to avoid interruptions to instruction, students will not be called to the telephone during
school hours. Students will be given messages. In emergencies, students needing to contact
parents will secure a written note from his/her teacher and report to the school office. The office
staff will place "necessary" calls for the child. Parents needing to speak with school personnel,
should leave a message with the office staff who will forward the message to the appropriate
person. We do not put calls through to classrooms during instruction time.
TITLE I PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY
The Clearfield Elementary School Parent Involvement Policy is developed in agreement with
parents of students in the school-wide Title I program. This plan will be distributed to all Title I
parents and will be implemented during the school year.
Comments indicating parents’ concerns with the Clearfield Title I plan will be collected and
addressed through the comprehensive plan process.
Parents will be informed of:
 School performance profiles and their child’s individual KEAP assessment results
(including interpretation of results)
 A description and explanation of the school curriculum, assessment and proficiency levels
 A timely response to any parent suggestions
 Timely information and opportunities to attend regular meetings
 Incorporation of community organizations and businesses in parent involvement activities
Clearfield Elementary School will offer informative and interactive meetings to parents and may
provide transportation and child care.
Parents will be involved in an organized, on-going and timely review of Title I planning and
improvement of programs (including the development of the school parent involvement policy).
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Shared Responsibility for High Student Performance
MISSION
Clearfield Elementary School provides an environment that focuses on positive I.D.E.A.S through
Instruction, Differentiation, Encouragement, Assessment, and Support in order to achieve
Proficiency in the Kentucky Program of Studies.
VISION
Our vision is to create an elementary school that is highly regarded for its academic excellence,
its compassion for the families and students who attend, and for its contribution to the
community in which it operates. We believe that the most promising strategy for achieving the
mission is to develop our capacity to function as a professional learning community.
The Clearfield Title I staff encourages parents to be responsible for supporting his/her child’s
learning at Clearfield Elementary School.
The Clearfield Title I staff will coordinate and integrate, as appropriate, parent involvement
programs/activities with Title I, the PTC, Family Resource Center, SBDM Council, school-wide
committees, parent/teacher conferences, and collaborate with classroom teachers on progress
reports.
The Clearfield Family Resource Center will provide free special interest pamphlets for parents at
the FRC.
Building Capacity for Involvement
Clearfield Elementary will build the capacity for strong parent involvement by:
 Providing assistance to participating parents in understanding the goals,
standards and assessments, Title I, and how to monitor their child’s performance
as well as information on how parents can participate in the education of their
child
 Providing materials and training to parents to help parents improve their child’s
achievement (ex. Give materials to students and parents on family nights.)
 Providing materials to school staff and parents in communications and working
as equal partners
 Ensuring to the extent possible, information sent home is in a language and form
parents can understand (for parents whose second language is English, provide
information in their primary language and for parents who are visually impaired,
provide information in Braille or in large print)
 Providing other assistance, as appropriate, such as resource centers where
parents can learn about child development and reading from birth (designed to
help parents become full partners in education of their child)
 Developing appropriate roles for community-based organizations and businesses
and encouraging partnerships with elementary, middle and secondary schools
 Supporting parents and enhancing involvement of other parents where
appropriate
TITLE I PARENT-SCHOOL LEARNING COMPACT
Effective schools are a result of families and schools staff working together to ensure that
children are successful in school. A learning compact is an agreement among groups that firmly
unites them. This is an invitation to be involved in a partnership with your child’s school.
Parents, please take a few minutes to read and discuss this compact with your child. There is a
place for you and your child to sign the compact on the next page.
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PARENT/GUARDIAN
I want my child to achieve; therefore, I will encourage my child by doing the following:
 See that my child attends school regularly and is on time
 Support school staff in maintaining proper discipline
 Set aside a specific time for homework and review it daily
 Provide a quiet, well-lighted place for study
 Encourage my child’s efforts and be available for questions
 Stay interested in and aware of what my child is learning
 Read with my child and let my child see me read regularly
 Communicate with my child’s teacher on a regular basis
STUDENT
It is important that I work to the best of my ability; therefore, I will strive to do the following:
 Attend school regularly
 Be prepared for school each day with completed assignments and supplies
 Work cooperatively with classmates
 Respect myself, my school, and other people
 Follow rules of student conduct
TEACHERS
It is important that students achieve; therefore, we will:
C –create an environment conducive to learning
O –open the doors to teamwork among staff, students, parents and community
U –unite to achieve a common purpose, and establish clear goals with high expectations
G –give common assessments
A –actively monitor student achievement to close the gaps
R –respect all colleagues, students, parents and community members
S –seek effective strategies
We are COUGARS!
PRINCIPAL
I support this compact for parent involvement; therefore I will strive to do the following:
 Provide an environment that allows for positive communication between the teacher,
parent and student
 Encourage teachers to regularly provide homework assignments that will reinforce
classroom instruction
 Encourage teachers to carry out the COUGARS Values as outlined above
TOBACCO PRODUCTS
Use of tobacco and tobacco products in school buildings is prohibited by federal regulation and
violation is punishable by a $1,000 fine.
TOYS, VIDEO GAME DEVICES, CD PLAYERS, TRADING CARDS, ETC.
Clearfield does not allow any of these items to be brought to school. Teachers may request
items for show and tell or allow students to bring them on field trips. If permission is not
granted by the teacher, these items will be confiscated and held in the office. Parents will not be
notified that they have been confiscated. It will be the child’s responsibility to inform their
parents to come to school to claim them.
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TRANSPORTATION
Transportation is provided for eligible students based upon safety and efficiency. The
transportation director is available at the school bus garage to answer any specific questions
parents may have regarding transportation. Transportation changes will not be taken over the
phone.
VISION AND HEARING SCREENINGS
The school nurse will conduct regular screening tests of children for vision and hearing.
VISITORS
All visitors to the school are to check in and out through the school office. Visitors must present
their driver’s license to obtain a visitor’s badge. The V-Soft Program scans the driver’s license to
check for sex offenders. Persons observing in classrooms should wear their V-Soft badge and
sign confidentiality statements. In order to avoid interruption to instruction, we ask that parents
schedule conferences with their child's teacher during the teacher's planning period.
We do not want to discourage parents from visiting the classroom, school, or teacher. However,
the teacher is busy with classroom activities and we want to make every effort to avoid
distractions and interruptions to instruction. Moreover, his/her obligation to the students in class
does not end until 3:05 p.m. (3:30 p.m. on late duty days). Visitors are welcome to visit with
their child's teacher before school, after 3:05 p.m. daily (if the teacher is not on late duty), or
they can call anytime and set up an appointment during the teacher's planning time. When
observing in the classroom, we ask that you go at the beginning of a class or lesson and stay
until there is a transition.
VISUAL AND HEARING IMPAIRMENTS
Itinerant teachers of the visually and hearing impaired will provide services to students having
special needs due to blindness or partial sightedness and impairments to hearing.
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers need to complete a records check at the central office; attend an
orientation session with the principal or designee; sign in through the school office;
and wear a volunteer badge or name tag provided by each school for identification.
You have all heard, "parents need to get involved." But what does 'being involved" really
mean? Teachers would like parents to introduce themselves early in the year and ask questions
about any teaching methods or classroom issues you or your children don't understand.
Teachers also want parents to:
• Always be aware. If you notice your child struggling in school or if he/she is bothered by
other students (or the teacher), contact the teacher right away to set up an
appointment. The sooner problems are resolved; the quicker things can be set right.
• Attend school events. Children are proud of their parents and are excited about having
them participate in activities.
• Help out. If your child or the teacher mentions an area that needs work, be sure to give
(or get) the extra help he/she needs to improve. Volunteer in school if you can. Handson activities take a lot of planning and the teacher will value your help. If you are not
sure how to help, the teacher will explain before class. You will have fun rediscovering
things you learned in school. Help set up special projects, pick up materials, take care of
class pets during vacations, prepare food from a country the class is studying, recruit
other parents to volunteer, tape record a book, enlist businesses to donate to a school
fund-raiser, become active in the PTC, or suggest an ideal class speaker. You have
valuable community contacts that we may not have. You have many valuable talents
and resources that you can share with our school.
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•
Keep up with class activities. Read regular updates from the classroom and from the
school. Ask your child, "What are you working on now?" Look at your child's books and
see what topics the class is studying. Visit the class to see firsthand what's going on.
Perhaps you can't come to school to volunteer during the day or your job makes it difficult to
attend evening meetings. There are still ways you can cooperate with Clearfield Elementary:
• Be sure to notify the school if your child is absent. If your child will be out of school for
several days, ask if you can pick up assignments.
• Don't criticize school personnel in front of your child. Try to work out differences on an
adult-to-adult level.
• Make sure the school knows your current address and phone number so we can find you
if there is an emergency. Keep your list of emergency pickup personnel updated
at school.
• Set priorities so your child knows that schoolwork is more important than TV or playtime.
WEAPONS
Unlawful possession of a weapon on school property in Kentucky is a felony punishable by a
maximum of five (5) years in prison and a ten thousand dollar ($10,000) fine. Students shall not
carry on their person or cause to be brought to school firearms, illegal knives, explosives, or any
other object that can be classified as a dangerous instrument. Violation shall constitute reason
for suspension or expulsion.
WEBPAGE
The District webpage, teachers’ web pages, and the school’s webpage can be accessed by
visiting www.rowan.kyschools.us on the Internet.
WELLNESS POLICY
All students will participate in moderate to vigorous physical activity each day as follows:
 Students will participate in 45 minutes of Physical Education class two or three times per
week.
 The Physical Education teacher will administer the Presidential Physical Fitness test two
times per year (Fall & Spring) at all grade levels. The Body Mass Index for every student
will be included. The principal/designee will report the results of this assessment to the
council annually. The council will discuss the results of the report and decide if wellness
goals need to be added or revised in the School Improvement Plan.
 Students will engage in 15 minutes of supervised recess daily.
 Appropriate accommodations will be made for students with special needs, as required
by law and sound professional judgment.
 Students will not be deprived of P.E. as a consequence for behavior or academic
performance.
 On days of inclement weather, or if recess privileges are taken away, the teacher will
provide 15 minutes of planned moderate to vigorous physical activity. Examples
include: use of cafeteria, gym or bus canopy when available, music/dance CDs,
exercises, etc. This will apply ONLY on days when regular P.E. classes are not provided.
Our school shall encourage healthy choices among students using the following methods:
 The food program will implement the nutritional standards required by federal and state
laws and regulations.
 The rest of our curriculum will reflect an integrated concern for wellness, including
connections to science, social studies, and other subjects.
 Our practical living curriculum will address the full Core Content, including health,
consumerism, career studies and physical education.
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
A Coordinated School Health Committee (CSHC) will provide assistance on the integration
of health education and physical education instruction throughout the school
environment.
 The CSHC will meet set up a schedule at its first meeting of the year to meet a minimum
of twice per year to review PL/CS instruction.
The CSHC will collect and analyze data in order to recommend adjustments to the wellness
policy.
The council will annually evaluate the effectiveness of this policy based on the feedback from the
CSHC and through our annual School Improvement Planning Process.
The provisions of this policy will be implemented to comply with provisions required by federal
law, state law, or local board policy. If any specific requirement above does not fit with those
rules, the principal will notify the council so that the policy can be amended to fit. The principal
will share this policy with the Kentucky Department of Education when KDE asks for this
information.
WITHDRAWALS
Parents should give notice to the principal when their child withdraws from school or moves to
another district. In order to have student records transferred, the parents are required to furnish
the name and address of the school the student will attend.
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