Johnson Elementary School
Handbook
2014-2015
Derick Edwards, Principal
2S700 Continental Drive
Warrenville, IL 60555
630-393-1787
STUDENT SAFETY INFORMATION
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EMERGENCY INFORMATION
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It is absolutely imperative for the safety
and security of your child that you
inform the school office immediately if
there are any changes in phone numbers,
addresses, emergency numbers or child
care providers.
Cars are not to be left unattended in the drop-off
zone during school hours.
Students may only enter and exit cars parked at
the curb.
Children should be seated and wearing their seat
belts whenever the car is in motion. Children
weighing less than 80 pounds should be in a car
seat or a booster seat.
BIKE RULES
“Walkers” in grades three through
five may ride their bikes to school.
(We strongly encourage all bike
riders to wear helmets.)
We expect your child to use his/her usual means of
transportation (walking, busing, and riding in car
with parent or neighbor) unless you notify us in
writing of a change. If you find it necessary to
change the manner in which your child goes home
after school (i.e., you will drive him instead of
having him/her ride the bus), we require you, the
parent, to notify the teacher or office staff by
written note.
1. Ride single file on the edge of the
street with traffic.
2. Use proper hand signals.
3. Ride directly to the crossing guard, dismount,
and wait there at the corner for permission to
walk bikes across the street.
4. Walk the bicycle to the nearest bicycle rack.
Lock your bike and leave it there until the end of
the school day.
RULES FOR WALKERS
 Use sidewalks wherever
provided.
 Walk with others. There is
safety in numbers.
 Cross only at crosswalks or corners.
 Cross Continental Drive and Batavia Road with
the crossing guard’s assistance.
 Follow the directions of the Student Safety
Patrol.
 Stay on the sidewalk when going to the car.
 Never walk between parked cars.
 NEVER take a shortcut across the lake.
CROSSING GUARD SCHEDULES
Batavia Road & Continental Drive
8:45 am - 9:15 am
3:45 pm - 4:00 pm
Batavia Road & Shaw Drive
8:45 am - 9:15 am
3:45 pm - 4:00 pm
Continental Drive & Shaw Drive
8:50 am - 9:25 am
11:40 am -1:05 PM
3:30 pm - 3:50 pm
“FLOW ZONE” CAR RIDER RULES
The drop off/pick up in back of the
building is designed to be a “flow
zone”. If you need to come into the
building, please park in the
appropriate parking space.
Continental Drive & Harvard
8:50 am - 9:20 am
3:20 pm- 3:50 pm
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SCHOOL ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL
Punctuality is an important part of the child’s
development. Parents will be notified in case of
excessive tardiness on the part of the student.
SCHOOL DAY HOURS
9:05 am
9:10 am
9:15 am
3:30 pm
First Bell – Students allowed on campus
Students enter building
Tardy Bell - Students in class
Student released for day
SCHOOL DISMISSAL
Students will leave the school by their assigned
doors. If children are meeting siblings or friends,
they are to meet at the designated dismissal areas.
Bus students will leave by their assigned doors and
proceed to their bus route. All children are asked to
clear the halls and leave the building and grounds by
3:45 pm. unless they have received teacher
permission to stay for after-school activities.
Kindergarten AM 9:15 am – 11:45 am
Kindergarten PM 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm
NORMAL SCHEDULED DISMISSAL
Parents need to make arrangements to meet their
children at designated areas outside the school
building.
STUDENT DROP OFF/PICK UP AREAS
Parents may DROP OFF OR PICK UP students at
school in one place:

STUDENT ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL
Students may NOT arrive on the school grounds
before 9:05 am unless participating in the breakfast
program because outside door supervision is not
available until then. Once on the grounds, students
should wait at their appropriate entrances. If your
child’s teacher requests attendance at an earlier hour
than indicated, students will be given a pass to enter
the building by the teacher.
Next to the curb in the back of school SEE
DIAGRAM NEXT PAGE. DO NOT LEAVE
YOUR VEHICLE UNATTENDED. Park in
designated parking spaces or along the street if
you need to enter the school;
OR

Students must be in their rooms and ready to begin
instruction when the bell rings at 9:15 am. If a
student is tardy for school for any reason, he/she
must first report to the office for a “Tardy Pass.”
If you are dropping a student(s) off after the 9:15
am bell, please drop that student(s) off in the
front of the building. After 9:15 am, there will
no longer be adult supervision in the back of the
building.
WALKING
Parents who walk with their children to school
should say good-bye at the entrance to the building.
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SCHOOL ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL
CONTINENTAL DRIVE
EXIT TO CONTINENTAL
ENTRANCE TO DROP OFF AREA
CIRCLE DRIVE (buses
))))only)
DROP OFF AREA
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BUS STOP AND BUS RIDING EXPECTATIONS
BUS STOPS
Student conduct at the bus stop is primarily the
responsibility of the students and the parents in
cooperation with the school. The school will
work with parents to maintain order at
the bus stops. We are requesting
parent support in implementing the
following guidelines:
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Show respect for property. Please wait on the
sidewalk or parkway area. Climbing on trees or
running through bushes is not allowed.
Do not throw objects. Objects might include
snowballs, baseballs, etc. If children are playing
ball at the bus stop, that is a certain sign they are
arriving too early.
Arrive at the bus stop no more than five
minutes before the bus is scheduled to depart.
Ten minutes may be necessary during the first
two weeks, but after that, five minutes is
adequate.
Stand in line patiently and board safely
without pushing or shoving. Books or bags
don’t hold places. People do.
Do not step into the street or attempt to
retrieve an object that falls under a bus.
Alerting the bus driver to what is missing and
where it fell is the appropriate course of action.
Respect each other. The bus stop is not a place
for rough play, bad language or name-calling.

Students who do not follow these rules will face the
following consequences in an effort to gain their
compliance:
1st reported offense:
 Conference with Principal and/or Assistant
principal
 Copy of Passenger Behavior Report sent home.
2nd reported offense:
 Conference with Principal and/or Assistant
Principal
 Copy of Passenger Behavior Report sent home.
 Phone conference with parent(s)
3rd reported offense:
 All of above
 Suspension from the bus not to exceed ten
school days
 Parent(s) will be asked to come in for a
conference with the Principal and/or Assistant
Principal and the student
BUS RIDERSHIP
The school and the bus company work together to
make the student’s bus ride safe. Students are to
observe the following rules to maintain an orderly
atmosphere of the bus:
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Use polite language to other students and adults.
Talk quietly so the bus driver is not distracted
and refrain from yelling out the window.
Students must keep their head, arms, feet and
personal items inside the bus. Windows must not
be lower than the line marking their opening. No
items are to be thrown out the window.
Food, chewing gum or drink is not allowed on
the bus.
Refrain from bringing toys or electronic devices
onto the bus.
The same general rules of conduct for the school
are also in effect while students ride the bus.
The driver is in charge while students are on the
bus. Follow the driver’s requests and
instructions.
Get on and off the bus at the assigned bus stop.
Changes in bus stops may be granted only if the
request is in writing.
Students must remain seated while on the bus.
Some students and/or the entire bus may have
assigned seats. If so, students are to remain in
their seats.
4th reported offense:
All of the above and the student may be referred to
the Board of Education for additional consequences.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE
SERIOUSNESS OF THE OFFENSE MAY
NECESSITATE A MORE SEVERE
CONSEQUENCE.
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GENERAL INFORMATION AND POLICIES
The amount of homework should be appropriate for
the individual student and, whenever possible,
scheduled to avoid unreasonable expectations.
STUDENT ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCES
Since there is a positive relationship between
attendance and academic success, it is of the utmost
importance that students are in class. Regular
attendance and punctuality are essential if students
are to make use of the educational opportunities that
school offers.
LUNCHTIME/PLAYGROUND SUPERVISORS
Johnson School seeks the assistance of lunch/recess
supervisors each year. These individuals play an
important role during the school year. Supervisors
are paid employees of the school district. Their
primary role is to provide supervision for students
during the noon hour. All students are expected to
treat lunch/recess supervisors as any other Johnson
staff member.
To report a student absence, please call
the Johnson School attendance phone line
between the hours of 4:30 pm and 9:30
am. The attendance phone number is 393-7850.
Please provide the following information: Student’s
Name, Grade/Teacher, and Homework Requests.
LUNCH AND RECESS RULES
We want our lunchroom to be a
place where everyone can
peacefully eat his or her lunch.
Control of noise levels and
limiting the amount of movement
will create healthy and safe
conditions for all students and staff members.
If we are not notified of an absence, the attendance
office will make every effort to contact the parents.
This communication is important to verify each
student's security and safe arrival at school.
Please refer to the white pages under “School
Attendance and Absences” for more complete
information in this area.
Please leave a message for your child’s teacher if
you wish to request homework during your
child’s absence.
Our 3 school rules apply to everything we do at
Johnson School. We expect students to demonstrate
respect, responsibility, and kindness during recess
as well as every other part of the school day. Please
refer to our school behavior policy below.
ABSENCE DUE TO REASONS OTHER THAN
ILLNESS
Parents are expected to plan vacations in accordance
with the school district’s calendar. A prearranged
absence is to be made by written parental request at
least five days in advance. At the discretion of the
classroom teacher, homework may be assigned
before or after the absence. Students may have up to
1 day for each day absent to make-up their work.
JOHNSON SCHOOL BEHAVIOR POLICY
Students and parents are expected to sign and follow
the Johnson School Behavior Policy. This policy
lists our three school and classroom rules and
dictates the procedures we follow if students break
those rules. Parents and students should keep a copy
of the policy at home.
Our policy focuses on three principles that we
believe encompasses everything needed to ensure a
happy, secure, and structured learning environment.
Those three principles are
HOMEWORK The assignment
of homework begins early in the
student’s
elementary
school
experience and is the logical extension of the regular
schoolwork. Homework is defined as independent
KINDNESS, RESPECT,
AND RESPONSIBILITY
Homework is defined as independent practice of
skills learned in the classroom. Other types of
homework assignments may be designed to
supplement or enrich the regular school curriculum.
We appreciate your support in promoting these
characteristics along with us as we work together to
make sure that Johnson School is a great place to
learn.
Assigned homework should be considered as an
integral and ongoing component of the curriculum.
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GENERAL INFORMATION AND POLICIES
PTA volunteers work with classroom teachers to
plan three class parties a year. The PTA collects
party money at registration.
POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT
We, the staff at Johnson School, strive to “catch kids
being good”. We know that positive reinforcement
can lead students toward continued success. When
students are “caught” showing
SNACK TIME
Depending on schedules, some classroom teachers
find snack time beneficial. Parents are requested to
send individually wrapped nutritious/healthy snacks.
KINDNESS, RESPECT,
AND RESPONSIBILITY
they are rewarded with an incentive that can lead to
a special prize from the office.
PARENT VOLUNTEERS
Active parent involvement is highly valued and
encouraged at Johnson School. Parents that are
willing and able to volunteer to work with students
should contact their child’s teacher, PTA President,
Parent Liaison or school administrators.
VIOLATION OF SCHOOL RULES
When students break one of
our three school rules there are
negative
consequences.
Students will be given a
Reflection form. This form
will be filled out by a the
student and a Johnson School
staff member, sent home for
parent signature, and is expected to be returned to
school the following day. We believe that in many
cases this parent notification is punishment enough,
because of your follow up at home. But in some
instances an additional consequence will be given.
This will be included, in writing, on the Reflection
form.
BIRTHDAYS
Children are permitted to bring a non-edible treat to
the classroom on their birthdays. Parents are
required to contact the classroom teacher regarding
birthday treats. Invitations to birthday and other
parties may not be distributed at school.
CLUBS AND SPECIAL ACTIVITIES
Each year a variety of clubs and special activities are
offered to students at Johnson School. Check the
PTA and school newsletters for information.
SCHEDULING APPOINTMENTS WITH
TEACHERS
If you need to speak with your child’s teacher,
please call the office, leave a voicemail, or write an
email or handwritten note. The teacher will contact
you to make an appointment. Please do not try to
meet with a teacher when students are entering the
building or at dismissal time.
GUM AND CANDY
Children are prohibited from bringing gum to
school. Candy is permitted in the classroom at the
teacher’s discretion. Absolutely no gum or candy is
allowed on school buses or on the playground.
SCHOOL SAFETY PATROL
Safety Patrols are fifth grade students who help
supervise and direct student traffic at designated
locations selected by the principal, bus supervisor,
and patrol supervisor.
JOHNSON SCHOOL PTA
Johnson School has an open, friendly, and active
PTA. You are invited and we also encourage you to
become involved in Johnson School Parent Teacher
Association. PTA meetings are held monthly. The
PTA newsletter, The Johnson JOTS, is distributed
monthly. The PTA has a webpage on the Johnson
website and also a Facebook page.
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SPECIAL PROGRAMS
READING - “RtI Tier 2”
The Reading Specialist demonstrates and teaches
reading and writing strategies in the classroom. As a
member of the Problem Solving Team, she is
available as a resource to teachers and parents
concerning individual student’s reading progress.
She works with individual students and small groups
to diagnose reading progress and provide
intervention strategies, remediation or enrichment.
ESL (ENGLIGH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE)
The ESL program serves children who have a home
language other than English and who are not yet
proficient in the English language.
BILINGUAL
Bilingual education offers our English Language
Learners whole language instruction in their native
language. General goals focus on children building
strong pre-reading skills, practicing letter formation,
enhancing listening and communication skills,
getting an introduction to basic math concepts, and
acquiring an active interest in the world.
Students, who qualify for “RtI Tier 2” intervention
services receive small group or individual instruction
from highly qualified reading instructors. This is
specifically scheduled within our school day so that
students do not miss valuable classroom instruction.
BAND AND ORCHESTRA
Orchestra lessons are provided for interested fifth
grade students. Band lessons are provided for
interested fifth grade students during the school day.
Students are taken individually or in small groups
from their classes for these lessons. Students also
practice before school as well.
TITLE I
Title I services are provided in collaboration with the
classroom teacher. It is for all students who are
experiencing difficulty in reading. Standardized test
scores and teacher referral determine eligibility.
P.A.C.E.
Accelerated math and accelerated reading are
offered in grades three, four and five. The goals of
the program are to meet the unique needs of
intellectually talented and gifted students.
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