GARFIELD ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
PARENT AND STUDENT
HANDBOOK
THE POWER OF “WE”
We ae committed to empowering our students, staff and parents through communication,
collaboration and celebration for their academic success.
A Message to Garfield Students and Parents/Guardians
The staff of Garfield Elementary School extends to you a warm welcome to our school
where you can make a difference! It is our primary goal to focus on student learning and
achievement.
At Garfield Elementary, we believe that the educational process is a partnership among
students, teachers and parents. We view our parents as partners in promoting academic
success for your child/children.
We believe that excellent attendance and punctuality are a vital part of student learning
and success. Our staff is focused on positive and high expectations regarding academic
performance, citizenship, and behavior for every child that attends Garfield Elementary
School. We need your assistance and support for this success to occur.
We are excited about the plans for the upcoming school year and look forward to working
with you and your child as we strive to make this academic school year a successful
experience for everyone attending Garfield Elementary School.
Sincerely,
Michelle Spotts-Hayes
Principal
General Information
Garfield Elementary School
200 West 31st Street
Lorain, Ohio 44052
(440) 246-1114
School Logo:
School Colors:
Principal:
Secretary:
Health Aide:
Custodian:
Garfield Gators
Green and Blue
Mrs. Michelle Spotts-Hayes
Mrs. Beverly Gonzales
Sonya Rosado
Mr. John Duesenberry
Daily Schedule
7:40
7:40-8:00
8:00-8:10
8:00
8:15
2:30
3:10
Staff Arrival
Staff Planning Time
Breakfast Program
Students Enter Building
Classes begin
Students are marked “Tardy”
Student Dismissal
Staff Departure
Garfield Elementary School
2014-2015 Staff Members
Michelle SpottsHayes
Amy Graves
Bev Gonzales
Sonya Rosado
Kathie Younkin
Patty Spataro
Alison Cuevas
Deb Ruiz
Cynthia Jackson
Gina Kelly
Lisa Horency
Kay Scheible
Heather Alicea
Colleen Schuenaman
Beth McKinney
Julie Malinowski
Michelle Balmert
Brenda Morgan
Judy Cummings
Vicky Brusky
Beth Deidrick
Terri Bristor
Jessica Thornton
Betty Goble
Audrey Swart
Teresa Collensenio
Denise McConville
Teresa Flores and
Pat Zvosec
Annie Santamaria
Robin Amador
Alvalys Agosto
Principal
Academic Instructional Coach
Admin Assistant
Nurse
Pre-School Teacher
Pre-School Teacher
Pre-School Teacher
MH Primary Teacher
Kindergarten/First Teacher
Kindergarten Teacher
First Grade Teacher
Computer Lab
ED Primary Teacher
Second Grade Teacher
Third Grade Teacher
Fourth Grade Teacher
Fifth Grade Teacher
Fifth/Sixth Grade Teacher
Sixth Grade Teacher
SP ED Tutor
Pre-K Itinerant
Title One Reading/Math
Speech
MH IntermediateTeacher
Pre-K Head Start
Head Start Para
Psychologist
Pam Ebersol – P.E.
MH Para
MH Para
MH Para
Pre-School Para
L. Schmeirmund
D. Matos
Pre-School Para
Kindergarten Aide
162
146
Main Office
Nurse Office
134
136
125
131
121
139
143
Computer Lab
221
214
211
219
210
216
201
204
Library
206
204
207
library
136
161
104
207
131
131
121
134
121/139
VISITORS IN THE
BUILDING
 State Law requires all visitors must report to the main office when
entering the building. For security reasons, all doors remain
locked with the exception of the main lobby.
 If a student is not picked up from school and has no transportation
home, school personnel will attempt to contact parent/guardian. If
contact cannot be made, the Lorain City Police Department will be
notified.
Staff and Student Daily Schedule

Teacher Arrival Time
7:40 AM
 Student Contact Time
(1/2 hour lunch)
8:00-2:30 PM
 Student Breakfast
8:00-8:10 AM
 Student Arrival
8:00 AM
 Tardy Bell
8:15 AM
 Early Dismissal
Any Time prior to 2:15
 Student Dismissal
 Teacher Departure
2:30PM
3:15 PM
Garfield Daily Lunch Schedule
Time
Grades
Mrs. Jackson Kdg
11:20 – 11:50
Mrs. Kelly Kdg.
Mrs. McKinney 3rd
Mrs. Balmert 5th
Mrs. Morgan 5/ 6th
Ms. Cummings 6th
Mrs. Ruiz Primary MH
Mrs. Horency – 1st
11:55 – 12:20
Mrs. Schuenaman – 2nd
Mrs. Malinowski – 4th
Mrs. Goble – MH Intermediate
Mrs. Alicea – ED Primary
Garfield Elementary
School
Building Procedures
Assignment Planner Notebook
The Garfield Assignment Planner Notebook is issued to each student in grades 26 at Garfield Elementary School. The Planner serves several important purposes.
 It serves as a place to record class work and homework assignments on a
daily basis.
 It serves as a tool to plan long-term project development.
 It provides for an effective and regular means of communication between
the home and school.
 It allows for the student, teacher and parental monitoring of academic
progress.
It is the responsibility of the student to have this Assignment Planner Notebook
in class every school day so as to record assignments as shared by the teacher. It
is also the responsibility of the student to have the Assignment Planner signed by
a parent/guardian each evening prior to returning to school the following day. A
parent/ guardian signature indicates to the classroom teacher that the
parent/guardian has verified completion of assignments and has read all written
correspondence.
Parent / Teacher Conferences
Parents/guardians wishing to schedule a conference with a teacher and/or
administrator may telephone the school office to contact the teacher or
administrator to schedule the conference. Your concerns are important to us.
Personal Property Restrictions
Any personal property that will cause a disruption to the learning environment or
will cause a safety concern (bus, cafeteria, etc.) will not be permitted on school
property. Should these items be brought to school, they will be confiscated until
the parent claims the property. The school cannot be responsible for any student
personal property. (LCS Policy)
Lost and Found Property
All lost articles will be turned into the Main School Office. Students who have
misplaced article should check with the school secretary.
Special Occasions
If you are sending special items for your child to recognize a special occasion, the
student can pick up the item from the Main School Office at the conclusion of the
school day so as not to disrupt classroom instruction.
If you wish to send in a treat (food) for a special occasion, plans must be
prearrange with the classroom teacher. Please remember all food must be store
bought and/or prepackaged.
School Telephone
Students may use the classroom or Main Office telephones with permission from
either the classroom teacher or office personnel for emergency and/or
exceptional situations only. Forgotten lunch money, homework, textbooks, gym
shoes, etc. and/or rearranging after-school plans are not considered to be
emergency situations.
Emergency Safety Drills
For the safety and protection of both the students and staff, monthly drills (fire,
tornado, lockdown and evacuation) will be conducted per designated guidelines.
Specific instructions are posted in each classroom or school area outlining
directions for each type of drill. Students are required to follow instructions,
move in an orderly and quiet manner, and refrain from all talking and/or
running. Note that a Garfield Safety/Crisis Team meets on a monthly basis to
discuss all safety issues and concerns.
Communication
School Newsletters inform students and parents of upcoming building and
classroom events, academic trends, and district information. Classroom
Newsletters are also published.
Progress Report Cards are sent home four times per school year at the conclusion
of each nine-week period. Progress Interim Reports are also sent home during
the midpoint of the quarter. Interim reports are intended to inform
parents/guardians of academic concerns.
Telephone calls will be made when a concern or recognition is in need of
mentioning. It is the intention of the Garfield School Staff to keep
parents/guardians informed of a student’s academic progress, behavioral traits
and citizenship qualities. We encourage parents/guardians to do the same.
School Absence, Tardy, Early Dismissal
Your child’s education is very important to us. Therefore it is important for
students to be in school and on time each and every day.
 If your child needs to remain at home due to illness, please call the School
Office at 246-1114 before 8:30. If your child is seen by a doctor; please
request a note from the doctor and send it when the child returns to
school.
 Any student arriving after the 8:15 bell is considered tardy.
 Please refrain from early dismissals. This is a disruption to the classroom
routine and end of the day instruction. Early dismissals are not
permitted after 2:15 . Thank you for your understanding.
Students and classrooms work toward perfect attendance awards and rewards.
Please encourage your child to strive for this achievement.
2014-2015 Garfield Elementary School Dress Code
.
Pants
 Black, khaki, gray, or navy pants are required. Denim pants, jeans, painter pants,
or athletic pants are prohibited. Pants must fit at the waist.
 Belts are optional since pants must be fitted properly. Large, oversized belt
buckles, sparkly buckles, rivets, studs, inappropriate language, or medallion type
buckles with logos/pictures are prohibited.
 Baggy, saggy pants are not permitted. Pants must be fitted and secured around
the waist area.
 Jegging pants are allowable at the Elementary grade level. They must conform to
dress code colors (Black, khaki, white, gray, navy blue) and policy.
 Middle and high school students are not permitted to wear Jegging or
Yoga/Exercise Pants.
 Skirts/Jumpers/Shorts
 Black, khaki, gray, or navy blue skirts or jumpers (knee length or longer) are
required. Skirts shall be no more than 3 inches above the knee. Slits are not
permitted above the knee.
 Students are permitted to wear (Black, khaki, gray, or navy blue) length
appropriate shorts.
 Cargo shorts are permitted.
 Shirts
 All shirts must be a solid-color of white, navy blue, gray, or black and must be
either a collared polo shirt with buttons, dress shirt or turtleneck. Tucking shirts
inside of pants is optional. Shirt shall be no more than one size above the
student’s regular or normal size. Shirt must appropriately fit student and not be
altered to form fit.
 All buttoned shirts are to be appropriately buttoned.
 Shirts can be long sleeve or short sleeve. Sleeveless is not permitted.
 Sweat outfits or t-shirts are not permitted.
 Any articles of clothing with negative or inappropriate wording, logos or graphics
are prohibited.
 Crew-neck sweatshirts, fleeces, or sweaters will be of the appropriate color:
white, navy blue, gray, or black. They may be worn over the shirt and may not
contain any writing, stripes, or designs.






Hoodies are prohibited at any time during the school day with the exception of
travel to and from school and must be stored in student’s locker.
Shoes
Sandals, flip-flops, slippers, open backed or open-toed, shoes are prohibited.
Shoes with laces must be tied at all times.
Shoes cannot have graffiti on them.
Shoes with rollerblades (Heely shoes) or any retracting device is prohibited
Gym Wear
 Students will wear proper gym attire – athletic short, shirts, gym pants, socks,
and appropriate gym shoes.
Additional Dress Code Information
 Jackets, coats, hoodies and other outerwear must be placed in student lockers or
cubicles prior to first period and remain there.
 Nylons, leggings, tights, and knee hi’s must conform to dress code colors (black,
khaki, white, gray, navy blue). These items must be worn under appropriate
clothing (skirt/ jumper).
 Head gear of any kind such as hats, caps, bandannas, visors, sunglasses, nylon
headwear, ties as well as scarves and gloves are not permitted for wear during the
school day. All head gear must be removed upon entering the building. All head
gear must be placed in student lockers prior to the first period and remain there.
 Hair clips, scrunches and plain headbands are allowable. All other head gear is
prohibited.
 Wrist sweatbands or head sweat bands are not permitted for wear during the
school day.
 Torn, ripped, or cut-off clothing is prohibited.
 Any attire, jewelry or accessories promoting or advertising drugs, alcohol, vulgar
language, sex, violence, gang paraphernalia or are otherwise offensive or
disruptive in nature are prohibited.
 Studded, spiked jewelry or chains which can become a threat to the safety of the
student are prohibited.
 Bare midriffs or bare backs are prohibited.
 All book bags, large purses, tote bags and backpack-style purses are to be placed
in student lockers or cubicles prior to the start of the first period and remain
there.
 Adequately sized purses are allowable.
 Any towels, rags or blankets are to be stored in student’s locker or cubicle and
remain there.
 An assigned LCS lap top carrying case is permitted.
 Suits, vests, sport jackets and ties are permissible but must conform to dress code
colors (black, white, navy blue).
At no point during the school day students are allowed to have inappropriately exposed
areas of the body visual, this includes undergarments.
Dress Code Policy Exceptions
Students participating in a nationally recognized, school approved organization may
wear the organizational uniform on days that the organization has a scheduled function.
School spirit wear may be worn on specific days as approved by the building principal.
Administration will make the final determination on appropriate dress attire when
needed.
Principals will have discretion to suspend the dress code regulations for school-wide
events.
Sponsors of extracurricular activities may impose further restrictions, if necessary.
Principals, in conjunction with other administrators and teachers, are responsible for
administering the LCS Dress Code. Students may apply for an exemption from this
policy if it interferes with a sincerely held religious belief.
Code of Conduct Please refer to the “Lorain City Schools Code of Conduct” handbook
Lorain City Schools
Garfield Elementary School
Professional Development Tuesdays
October 20th
February 17th
January 16th
May 11th
If you would like your child to participate in the Boys &
Girls Club after-school program, please contact the school office
at 246-1114.
Lorain City Schools
Garfield Elementary School
2014-2015
School wide Procedures
Garfield Elementary School
Before School and Entry Procedures
Prior to the start of school, students will be asked to wait outside the
building in a safe and orderly manner. Outside Garfield Students
will display and interact amongst one another with respect and
courtesy.
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS:
Our Garfield Students will be asked to…
 Not to enter the building prior to the start of school without permission from a
staff member.
 Arrive no earlier than 8:00 and no later than the 8:15 tardy bell.
 Students arriving later than 8:10 will not be served a breakfast.
 Walk and stay on the sidewalks
 Keep hands, feet, and personal belongings to themselves
 Speak pleasantly toward each other
 Wait in the designated grade level line. All students will enter through the front
doors. Fourth through Grade 6 will line up in a single file line next to the
building and extending onto the front sidewalk. Kindergarten through Grade 3
will line up next to the courtyard and extending on the sidewalk in front of the
building.
 Enter the building orderly and quietly in a straight line as directed by staff 
Report directly to the office if arriving later than 8:15 a.m.
 Students will get specific direction from staff members during inclement weather
Garfield Elementary School
Lunchroom Procedures
Garfield Elementary School will promote a safe, orderly, and
pleasant environment within the cafeteria setting.
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS:
Our Garfield Students will be asked to…
 Walk into the lunchroom to their assigned table led by their classroom teacher.
 Go directly to their assigned table unless otherwise directed.
 Wait patiently until the class is called to get their lunch.
 Follow line procedures while waiting in line to receive a lunch.
 Use good table manner when eating.
 Avoid “playing around.” when speaking, students will use appropriate
conversational voices.
 Clean up their assigned area when finished eating. Classroom helpers will assist
with emptying trays. There should not be any food or trash left on the floor and
tables in their assigned area.
 Not remove cafeteria food or opened food items from the lunchroom.
 Immediately observe a “quiet time” when given the signal.
 Remain seated until classroom teacher gives permission for dismissal.
 Listen to, follow directions, and respect all adults in the lunchroom.
 Use the restroom facilities and obtain necessary “lunch” items (bagged lunches,
lunch money) prior to entering the lunchroom.
 There is to be no sharing of food, exchanging of money, or reselling of food.
Garfield Elementary School After
School and Exit Procedures
Students will exit the building in a safe and orderly manner. Interactions with other
students will be conducted in a courteous and respectful manner. Once dismissed,
all students will immediately leave the grounds of Garfield School.
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS:
Our Garfield Students will be asked to…
 Exit the building keeping hands, feet and personal belongings to one self.
 Stay on the sidewalks, walk at all times, and avoid running, pushing, or shoving.
 Speak to others in a pleasant, respectful tone.
 Exit the building by the assigned grade level doors.
Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grade will dismiss from the main doors.
Grades 3-5 will dismiss from the main doors.
 Remain outside the building. Students are not to re-enter the building unless
permission is obtained from a Garfield staff member.
 Remain in designated areas while waiting for escort.
 Proceed to a staff member if not picked up within a reasonable amount of time.
 Follow the same procedures if participating in any after-school activities such as
After-school tutoring or clubs.
 Students will be escorted to their designated dismissal door and out of the
building.
 It is suggested that families designate a specific meeting spot to avoid congestion
around the main exit door.
 Teachers will return to the school/homeroom once students are escorted outside.
The Garfield Bus and Day Care Students will:
 Proceed to the cafeteria and sit down quietly at their assigned table. Once sitting
in their designated area, they will not leave their seat until
directed to do so by Day Care Personnel.
 Wait patiently. Avoid “playing around.” When speaking,
students will use appropriate conversational voices.
 Exit only through the designated bus doors.
Garfield Elementary School
Playground Procedures
The playgrounds at Garfield School will remain safe. It will be a pleasant place
where children can and will learn to play together with a display of courtesy and
respect toward one another.
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS:
Our Garfield Students will be asked to…
 Enter and leave the playground in an orderly manner. When lining up, always
line-up at the end of the line. Avoid “cutting” in front on any student.
 Play only in those areas designated by the supervising teachers.
 Share playground equipment with one another.
 Play fairly.
 Include any and all students who wish to participate.
 Use appropriate language at all times; avoid any name-calling, obscene or rude
language.
 Always play in a safe manner.
 Stop all activities immediately when the supervising teacher sounds the recess
whistle. Students will then wait for the teacher’s next set of directions.
 Always keep hands and feet to one’s self. Avoid grabbing, tugging, pulling,
and tackling. (Absolutely no body contact)Remain off of the “spinner” due to
safety concerns.
Garfield Elementary School
Hallway Procedures
The hallways at Garfield Elementary School will be maintained as a safe and
pleasant place where students and adults interact with a display of courtesy and
respect at all times.
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS:
Our Garfield Students will be asked to…
 Walk through hallways keeping to the right and to stay away from the walls.
 Keep hands, feet and objects to one self.
 Walk with hands to the side or behind the back.
 Keep hallways clean
 Keep walls clean by keeping hands and heels off the walls.
 Avoid touching materials or objects that are displayed in the hallways.
 Will walk with a “buddy” or in small groups when not with the class.
 Receive permission to be out of the classroom by obtaining a hall pass.
 Greet adults in a pleasant manner
 Demonstrate appropriate procedures at all times and acknowledge teacher
comments
 Use a low speaking voice when necessary
Garfield Elementary School
Restroom Procedures
A clean setting will be maintained in the restrooms at Garfield School.
Consideration and respect toward privacy will be displayed amongst one another.
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS:
Our Garfield Students will be asked to…
 Use the restroom at designated times as established by the homeroom teachers.
 Leave all personal items in the classroom.
 Wait quietly in the halls for classmates.
 Respect one another’s privacy
 Any type of “playing around” in the restroom is not permitted.
 Wash and dry hands appropriately.
 Assure that the bathroom facilities are in order for the next class. A Student
Restroom Manager will be assigned in each class and will be the first one in
the restroom and the last one out of the restroom.
Garfield Elementary School
Assembly Procedures
STUDENT EXPECATIONS:
Our Garfield Students will be asked to…
 Enter the assembly setting in a safe and orderly manner. Sit within the assigned
area.
 Remain in the assigned classroom area until notified it is time for the homeroom
to exit.
 Exhibit appropriate audience behavior.

Keep hands and feet to one self.

Avoid talking while entering or exiting the assembly.

Be courteous and avoid talking during the presentation.

Respond appropriately throughout the presentation.

Inappropriate clapping, laughing, booing and asking unsuitable and
irrelevant questions will not be tolerated.