S.E.L.F. SCHOOL
PARENT
HANDBOOK
2013-2014
PORTER COUNTY EDUCATION SERVICES
750 Ransom Road, Valparaiso, Indiana 46385
Telephone: (219)464-9607 Fax: (219)462-0867
S.E.L.F. SCHOOL
TELEPH0NE (219)548-3162
Any questions pertaining to S.E.L.F. School, please call the S.E.L.F. office at:
(219)548-3162
Welcome to the Special Education Learning Facility (SELF)
Dear Parents of children receiving special education services:
This handbook has been prepared to assist you in knowing as much as possible about
the educational services provided by Porter County Education Services at SELF.
The education and welfare of your child are our most important concerns. We believe
that a child's opportunity for a happy productive future is a shared responsibility
between home, school, and community.
We look forward to your involvement, and
anticipate that together we will have an outstanding year celebrating the continued
growth and development of your child.
For the safety of our students, SELF School is a lock down facility.
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Building Programs
4
2. School Day
5
3. Appearance
5
4. Classroom Observation
5
5. Non-Custodial Parent
5
6. Picking Up Children
6
7. Transportation/Emergency Plan
6 -7
8. Attendance
7
9. Immunizations
8 -12
10. Illness
12
11. Medications
13
12. Tube Feeding/Oral Feeding Guidelines
13
13. Fees
13
14. Preschool Supply List
14
15. Kindergarten Supply List
14
16. Severe/Profound Rooms Supply List
14-15
17. Severe/Profound & ASD Supply List
15
18. Success Supply Lists
15-16
19. Food Service
16
20. Snacks
17
21. Weather Closings and Delays
17
22. Special Schedules
17
23. State and Local Agency Information
18
24. School Calendar
19
3
Building Programs
This facility houses educational programs which are jointly provided for through
interagency agreements with Porter Starke, Vocational Education, and Special
Education. Services are provided for children in Porter County from age three to age
twenty-two.
Special Education preschool services are available as well as a developmental
kindergarten program. Elementary, middle, and high school classrooms for students
with severe disabilities and emotional disabilities are also housed at SELF. Services
also are provided for preschool students with communication disorders. Related
services, occupational therapy and physical therapy are provided when needed.
Case manager services are available to link parents to community resources and
support home programs.
All Special Education services are provided through an individual education program,
commonly called an IEP.
A vocational class, Child Development, also offers Porter County high school students
an opportunity to work towards a license as a child care provider.
SELF participates in the Fuel Up to Play 60 program. This is a program founded by the
National Dairy Council and NFL, in collaboration with USDA, which empowers students
to take charge in making small, everyday changes at school. Students are encouraged
to choose good-for-you foods and get active for at least 60 minutes every day. We want
kids to make a difference not only in their lives, but also their community.
4
SCHOOL DAY
School hours are from 8:00 - 2:30 Monday through Friday. The preschool classes
operate morning sessions from 8:00 to 10:30, and afternoon classes from 12:00- 2:30.
If calling off your student, call the SELF office at 548-3162.
In order to allow your child to have an uninterrupted, educational experience, please try
to arrange doctor, dental, or eye appointments after school hours or on
Saturdays.
Due to the number of children having peanut and nut allergies, SELF School will be nut
and peanut free in the classrooms. Please do not send any snacks or lunches
containing any nut or peanut products, such as cookies with nuts, snack crackers, etc.
This includes peanut butter products also.
APPEARANCE
Students are expected to observe ordinary standards of good grooming with attire
appropriate to a working school atmosphere. Students are expected to wear their
clothing and to manage their appearance in a manner which does not disrupt the
education process or promote vulgarity. Students are not allowed to wear clothing
which advertises or promotes the usage of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, or other substances
which, if used by a minor, would be illegal. The administration reserves the right to use
its discretion in determining the type of clothing appropriate for the school setting. For
the safety of our students, no flip-flops may be worn.
SCHOOL VISITORS
For the welfare and safety of the students, all school visitors must report to the main
office.
CLASSROOM OBSERVATIONS
Parents are welcome to visit the school to observe their child’s class. Any visits during
the school day should be for that purpose only unless a conference time has been
arranged with a teacher. The parent must contact the teacher to schedule an
observation time. Permission to visit must be arranged with the teacher at least
two days ahead of time. Teachers and students work on a planned schedule and
program. Unplanned interruptions consume time and hinder the educational program.
Parents must make other arrangements for siblings during the observation time. Due to
the confidentiality of our students, no pictures are allowed during observation times.
NON-CUSTODIAL PARENTS
If one (1) parent has been awarded custody of the student by a court order, the parent
of custody shall provide to the principal of the school a copy of the custody order and
inform the school in writing of any restrictions and /or limitations in the rights of the noncustodial parent.
A non-custodial parent, unless restricted by a court order, will be given access to all
student report cards, student records, and disciplinary actions. In the absence of a
court order to the contrary, a non-custodial parent will be permitted to participate in
school conferences related to the student.
5
The non-custodial parent may not visit with the student during the school day, nor may
the student be released to the non-custodial parent unless written permission is given
by order of the court or by the custodial parent.
PICKING UP CHILDREN
For the safety and protection of your child, you must sign out your child in the SELF
School Office any time a child is taken out of the building during school hours. Only the
people on the emergency form that has been filled out by the parent can pick up the
child from school. BE PREPARED TO PROVIDE IDENTIFICATION WHEN PICKING
UP A CHILD.
School is out at 2:30 p.m. No early pick ups unless arranged 48 hours in advance for
appointments that cannot be scheduled another time. If you do not arrive on time to
pick up your student, he/she will be put on the bus.
Please notify the SELF School Office and your District Transportation Office, if your
child will be transported other than by the District Transportation System. STUDENTS
WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO RIDE A DIFFERENT BUS TO A FRIEND’S HOUSE.
STUDENTS MAY ONLY RIDE ON A BUS FROM THEIR HOME DISTRICT.
Parents are responsible for notifying their bus driver if their child will not be
riding the bus on a given day.
Referrals for discipline needs will be made by the drivers to the SELF School Principal.
TRANSPORTATION
Arrival and Dismissal for Car Riders:
There is a drop-off and pick-up procedure for parents who choose to transport their
child to SELF School. The cars will line up in a single line on the west side of the
building along the curb facing north. The cars for drop off should line up at 7:50 a.m.
for the morning session, and at 11:50 a.m. for the afternoon session. The cars for pick
up should line up at 10:20 a.m. for the morning session and at 2:20 p.m. for the
afternoon session. The paraprofessionals will come to the curb by your car to take your
child to class, and will take your child to the curb by your car at pick-up time. You must
remain in your car until a paraprofessional approaches your car. Siblings and pets are
not allowed out of the vehicles in the car lines. It will be your responsibility to remove
your child from your car at drop-off time, and your responsibility to put your child in your
car at pick-up time.
ALL students must use the bus transportation or be transported by parents. Only in
extenuating circumstances with prior approval from the SELF principal, will a student be
allowed to drive his/her own vehicle to SELF School. Transportation to SELF is the
responsibility of your home school district. Questions regarding pick up and delivery
time should be directed to the following numbers:
Duneland
983-3615
East Porter County Schools (Kouts, Morgan Twp., Washington Twp.) 766-2214
MSD/Boone Twp. (Hebron)
996-4771
Portage
763-8080
Porter Twp. (Boone Grove, Crown Point)
464-3899
Union Twp.
759-2531
Valparaiso
531-3121
6
EMERGENCY PLANS: On emergency early dismissal days it is imperative that
parents have an emergency plan for their child should they be dismissed from
school early due to inclement weather or uncontrollable circumstances. This
plan should be shared with the child’s bus driver or local transportation director.
EMERGENCY FORMS
SELF School must be notified when there is a change of address, phone number, or
emergency contact information.
Parents are required to update any information that may change during the school year.
ATTENDANCE
Your child must report to the SELF School Office upon arrival in the building if he/she is
late. The PARENT must sign the child in at this time.
Regular attendance is critical to school success. If an absence does occur, we ask that
parents do two things.

First, call the SELF School Office at 548-3162 (not the teacher) and report the
absence, and the length of time the student will be out of school. The secretary
will inform the student’s teacher and the school nurse. If a parent does not
inform the office, the school nurse will make every effort to communicate with
the parent regarding the absence.

Second, when the child returns to school, send a written note stating the reason
for the absence and/or any special instructions. When the child is sent home
because of illness, a note is not needed for that day. The nurse will document
the reason for the absence on that day.
We cannot transport sick children, nor can we keep them in school. Parents will be
contacted to pick the child up. In the event that a parent is not available, we will ask
you to designate two contacts that have agreed to accept the responsibility of caring
for your child until you can be reached. Pick up must be within one (1) hour of
contact.
After five (5) consecutive days absent for full-time students or two (2) consecutive
days for part-time students, a doctor's note is requested. A release from the
doctor for the student to return to school is needed after hospitalizations. A
release from the physician for a student to return to school may also be
necessary in other circumstances.
7
HEALTH SERVICES
Immunizations:
Indiana State Law IC 20-30-5-18 requires that school systems provide important information
to parents and guardians of all students about meningitis and the vaccines available to
prevent one type of this serious illness at the beginning of each school year.
One type of meningitis is caused by a bacterium called Neisseria meningitidis. Infections
caused by this bacterium are serious, and may lead to death. Symptoms of an infection with
Neisseria meningitidis may include a high fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, confusion and
a rash. This disease can become severe very quickly and often leads to deafness, mental
retardation, loss of arms or legs and even death. The bacteria are spread from person to
person through the exchange of nose and throat secretions, such as kissing or shared eating
or drinking utensils. The bacteria are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the
air where a person with meningitis has been.
There are several vaccines that prevent cases of this disease in teens and young adults. The
United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccination of
children with the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Menactra and Menveo) at 11 or 12 years
old, with a booster dose of the vaccine at 16 years of age. The booster dose at age 16
assures protection from the disease during a time when children are at a greater risk of
infection. Children ages 9 months -10 years old who have sickle cell anemia or problems with
their immune systems should also receive the vaccine.
One dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine is required for students in 6th grade and a
booster dose is highly recommended for students in 11th and 12th grades. The dose for 6th grade
entry is a legal requirement (Indiana Administrative Code 410 IAC 1-1-1), and it is anticipated
the booster dose will become a legal requirement for the 2014-2015 school year.
All students entering 6th grade need to have a record from the child’s doctor indicating the
vaccine was given or a record of this immunization in the state immunization registry (CHIRP)
prior to the start of the school year. Students in 11th and 12th grade should also present a
record to the school once they’ve received their booster dose of the vaccine.
Many local health departments and private healthcare providers offer this vaccine. Please
contact your health care provider for specific instructions regarding your child.
More information about meningococcal disease can be found at:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website:
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/mening/default.htm
IN State Department of Health website:
http://www.in.gov/isdh/25455.htm
8
The health of your child has much to do with successful school progress.
Therefore, Indiana Law mandates the following immunization requirements:
Grade
Minimum Immunization Requirements
 4 doses of diphtheria-tetanus acellular pertussis (DTaP), diphtheria-tetanuspertussis(DTP), pediatric diphtheria-tetanus vaccine (DT), or any
Pre-Kindergarten
combination of the three are required.
 3 doses of either oral polio(OPV) or inactivated polio (IPV) vaccine in any
combination.
 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine (3rd dose must be on or after 24 weeks of
age).
 1dose of measles (rubeola) vaccine on or after the first birthday.
 1 dose of mumps vaccine on or after the first birthday.
 1 does of rubella (German measles) vaccine on or after the first birthday.
 2 doses of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine on or after the first birthday
and
separated by 3 months of physician written documentation of history of
chickenpox disease, including month and year of disease.
Kindergarten
 5 doses of diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP), diphtheria-tetanuspertussis
(DTP), or pediatric diphtheria-tetanus vaccine (DT) (4 doses are acceptable
if the 4th
dose was administered on or after the 4th birthday and at least 6 months
after the 3rd
dose).
 4 doses of any combination of IPV or OPV. The 4th dose must be
administered on
or after the 4th birthday, and at least 6 months after the previous dose.
(3 doses of all OPV or all IPV are acceptable if the 3rd dose was
administered on or after the 4th birthday, and at least 6 months after the 2 nd
dose).
 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine (3rd dose must be given on or after 24 weeks
of age and no earlier than 16 weeks after the 1 st dose).
 2 doses of measles (rubeola) vaccine on or after the first birthday.
 2 doses of mumps vaccine on or after the first birthday.
 1 dose of rubella (German measles) vaccine on or after the first birthday.
 2 doses of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine on or after the first birthday
and
seperated by 3 months or physician written documentation of history of
chickenpox disease, including month and year of disease.
9
Grade 1
Grades 2 -5
 5 doses of diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTPaP), diphtheriatetanus-pertussis (DTP), or pediatric diphtheria-tetanus vaccine (DT) (4
doses are acceptable if the 4th dose was administered on or after the 4th
birthday and at least 6 months after the 3 rd dose).
 4 doses of any combination of IPV or OPV by age 4-6 (3 doses of all OPV or
all IPV
are acceptable if the 3rd dose was administered on or after the 4th birthday).
 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine (3rd dose must be on or after 24 weeks of
age).
 2 doses of measles (rubeola) vaccine on or after the first birthday.
 2 doses of mumps vaccine on or after the first birthday.
 1 dose of rubella (German measles) vaccine on or after the first birthday.
 1 dose of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine on or after the first birthday or
physician
written documentation of history of chickenpox disease, including
month and year of disease.
 5 doses of diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP), diphtheria-tetanuspertussis (DTP), or pediatric diphtheria-tetanus vaccine (DT) (4 doses are
acceptable
if the 4th dose was administered on or after the 4th birthday and at least 6
months after the 3rd dose).
 4 doses of any combination of IPV or OPV by age 4-6 (3 doses of all OPV or
all IPV are acceptable if the 3rd dose was administered on or after the 4th
birthday).
 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine (3rd dose must be on or after 24 weeks of
age).
 2 doses of measles (rubeola) vaccine on or after the first birthday.
 2 doses of mumps vaccine on or after the first birthday.
 1 dose of rubella (German measles) vaccine on or after the first birthday.
 1 dose of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine on or after the first birthday or
written history of disease. Parental history of chickenpox disease is
acceptable proof of immunity. A signed written statement from the
parent/guardian indicating month and year of disease is sufficient.
10
Grades 6 - 12
 5 doses of diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP), diphtheria-tetanuspertussis (DTP), or pediatric diphtheria-tetanus vaccine (DT) (4 doses are
acceptable if the 4th dose was administered on or after the 4th birthday and at
least 6 months after the 3rd dose).
 4 doses of any combination of IPV or OPV by age 4 -6 (3 doses of all OPV
or all IPV are acceptable if the 3rd dose was administered on or after the 4th
birthday).
 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine (3rd dose must be on or after 24 weeks of
age).
 2 doses of measles (rubeola) vaccine on or after the first birthday.
 2 doses of mumps vaccine on or after the first birthday.
 1 doses of rubella (German measles) vaccine on or after the first birthday.
 2 doses of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine on or after the first birthday
separated by age-appropriate interval or written history of disease.
Parental history of chickenpox disease is acceptable proof of immunity.
A signed written statement from the parent/guardian indicating month
and year of disease is sufficient.
 1 dose of tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) given
on or after 10 years of age.
 1 dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4).
Exemptions:
1. A written statement from any licensed physician that an immunization is medically
contraindicated for a specified period of time and the reasons for the medical
contraindications will exempt a student from the specific immunization requirements
for the period of time specified in the physician’s statement.
2. A student shall be exempted from mandatory immunization if the parent objects in a
written signed statement upon the grounds that the proposed immunization
interferes with the free exercise of the student’s religious rights.
3. The physician’s or parent’s statement is to be kept by the school as part of the
student’s immunization record and must be renewed ANNUALLY.
4. The local health department or a physician determines that the child’s
immunizations have been delayed due to extreme circumstances and that the
required immunizations will not be completed by the first day of school. The parent
must furnish a written statement and a time schedule approved by a physician or
health department.
11
Provisional Admission to School:
1. A student may be admitted to school on a provisional basis if a physician or
health department indicates that immunization of the student has been
initiated and that the student is in the process of complying with all
immunization requirements.
2. Such provisional admission shall be for a reasonable length of time not to
exceed (20) twenty calendar days.
Documents Accepted:
1. The following documents will be accepted as evidence of a student’s
immunization history:



An official record from any school
A record from the public health department
A certificate signed by a licensed physician
2. Documentation for immunizations requires month, day, and year.
Documentation of immunizations is requested. If you do not have a private physician,
contact the Porter County Board of Health (465-3525) for information on receiving
immunizations.
Illness:
It is SELF School policy to exclude from school any child who has:








Temperature of 100 degrees or over*
Any inflammatory eye condition
Cough associated with fever or continuous unrelieved cough
Cold symptoms associated with fever
Sore or inflamed throat with fever*
Discharge from ears
Vomiting or diarrhea**
Contagious skin conditions—impetigo, scabies, ringworm or draining skin
lesions***
 Childhood diseases (chicken pox)
 Head lice (student must be checked by nurse BEFORE classroom admission)
 Signs of possible illness such as irritability, unusual tiredness, or neediness that
requires more care from staff than they can safely provide.
*The student must be fever free (without Tylenol or Ibuprofen) for 24 hours before
returning to school.
**Students with a history of vomiting or diarrhea may return to school when tolerating
solid food.
***Students with strep infections, impetigo or other contagious skin conditions may
return to school after they have been on treatment for 24 hours minimum and are fever
free.
12
Medications:
If your child needs to take medications at school, the school nurse will administer the
medication in compliance with the following Indiana State laws, which apply to
prescription and over-the-counter medication:
MEDICATION MUST BE BROUGHT IN BY A PARENT STUDENTS MAY NOT BRING
MEDICATION IN THEMSELVES.
Send medicine in the original pharmacy or the manufacturer’s container. A written
order from your health care provider must be provided with the following information:
name of the medication, time to be given, and dosage to be given.
Medication orders need to be renewed annually.
A WRITTEN ORDER FROM YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IS ALSO NEEDED
TO ADMINISTER OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATION.
Tube Feeding/Oral Feeding Guidelines:
In regard to gastrointestinal tube feedings, your healthcare provider must provide a
written order for feedings utilizing the SELF School Medical Procedure Form. The order
must be renewed annually. Parents also complete a form with specific feeding
instructions. If your child has a gastrointestinal tube and also receives supplemental
oral feedings, your healthcare provider must complete an annual Feeding Information
Form before eating or drinking by mouth will be permitted at school.
FEES - MATERIALS - SUPPLIES
Fees:
Preschool
Developmental Kindergarten
Elementary w/disabilities
Middle School w/disabilities
High School w/disabilities
Success High School
Success Middle
Success Elementary
$55.00
$75.00
$75.00
$75.00
$100.00
$150.00
$75.00
$75.00
Children from households whose income is at or below government-designated
guidelines are eligible for free textbooks. The information provided by the household is
confidential and will be used only for the purpose of determining eligibility and verifying
data. Parents should seek further information from the Interlocal Office.
13
All Students:
NO WHEELS ON BACKPACKS. PLACE NAME OF TEACHER ON BOOK BAG.
MAKE SURE ALL ITEMS ARE LABELED WITH STUDENT’S NAME.
Preschool Supply List:
Diapers, if not toilet trained OR
Pull-ups with Velcro tabs (at least a bag of 12)
Diaper wipes (large refill pack)
Occasional snacks (teacher will notify you when
needed)
2 boxes of 5 oz plastic or paper cups
1 pkg Ziploc sandwich size bags
 2 boxes of Kleenex
 School backpack (full size 8x11, no
wheels)
 Change of clothing
 Label all clothes (coats, hats, gloves,
etc…)
Kindergarten Supply List: Mrs. Whah & Ms. Winland.
School backpack (full size 8 x 11, no wheels)
 1 pkg Ziploc gallon size bags
School box to keep supplies in
 Change of clothing (labeled)
1 box of crayons (at least 8 count)
 1 container of hand and face sanitizing
2 pencils
wipes
1 Pkg (5) glue sticks
 2 pkgs of 9 oz plastic cups
1 pkg dry erase markers
 1 bag of pretzels/goldfish crackers
2 folders (plastic)
 1 pkg napkins
Severe/Profound Supply List:
Elementary Supply List: Mrs. Montes
2 bottles Elmers washable glue
3 or 4 glue sticks
1 set of change of clothing{shirt, pants and
socks} Make sure all clothing is labeled with
child’s name
1 container of hand and face sanitizing wipes
3 boxes of Kleenex
1 bottle dish soap
2 folders with pockets
Middle School Supply List: Mrs. Friday
School bag (no wheels)
3 boxes of Kleenex
Diapers and wipes (if needed)
2 Changes of clothing (shirt, pants, socks,
underwear) labeled
Glue stick (pkg of 3 or 4)
1 bottle of Elmers glue
1 pair safety scissors
1 box of Ziploc bags (any size)
14
Towel/swimsuit labeled
Diapers and wipes if needed
Toothbrush and tooth paste
School bag (no wheels)
Lunch money (if applicable)
2 items from list:
Pkg of straws, box of Ziploc storage
bags (qrt or gal size), paper plates,
package of spoons or a package of
forks (plastic)
2 folders with pockets
Bottle of dish soap
Lunch money (if applicable)
Hand sanitizer
Package of paper plates
Comb/brush
Please label all supplies
High School Supply List: Mrs. Bergauff
Book bag (no wheels)
2 boxes of tissues
1box washable markers
1 change of clothes LABELED
(pants,shirt,underwear,socks)
1 container hand sanitizing wipes
Lunch money (if applicable)
Diapers/wipes (1 month supply sent at
beginning of each month)
Deodorant, comb/brush
Bibs (if needed) labeled
One item from list: pkg of straws,
gallon size Ziplock bags, paper plates,
plastic spoons or forks
High School Supply List: Mrs. Hunt
 Book bag (labeled) (no wheels)
 5 boxes of tissue
 2 sets of change of clothing for hot/cold weather
(shirt, pants, and underwear)
1 set of washable markers
Deodorant, comb/brush, sanitary pads
1 package wash cloths
Lunch money (if applicable)
 Diapers/wipes(one month’s supply
sent in the beginning of each month)
 Bibs (if needed) labeled
 1-12 oz bottle sanitizer
 1 container of hand sanitizing wipes
 2 bottles Elmers washable school glue
 1 pkg 100 paper plates
 1 bottle liquid dish soap
Please label ALL supplies
ASD Supply List: Mrs. Franklin & Mrs. Emerson
2 boxes of Kleenex
School backpack (no
1 school supply box
wheels on backpack)
1 extra set of clothing
1 boxes washable
with child’s name
crayons (24 count)
Toothbrush/toothpaste
6 glue sticks
Pull-ups/wipes(if
1 dozen pencils
needed)
1 spiral notebook
1 set of headphones
1 plastic pocket folder
1 calculator
1 pkg washable markers
Please label all supplies
with student’s name.
Success High School Supply List: Ms. Jorsch & Ms. Berry
2 pack of pencils (10)
Scientific Calculator
2 pack of pens (10)
1 pack of high lighters
Box of tissue
1 bottle of hand sanitizer
Please label all supplies with
student’s name
2 Spiral notebooks
4-2 pocket folders
Success Elementary Supply List: Ms. Derby
Box of 50 pencils
Two folders
Calculator
6 boxes of tissue
Box of crayons
Clorox wipes
15
1 bottle of glue or 1 pkg glue stix
1 pkg washable markers
1 set extra clothing (shirt, pants,
socks, underwear)
Please label all supplies with
student’s name.
Success Middle School Supply List: Mrs. Myers
 2 boxes of 50 pencils
 5 boxes of tissue
 2 folders
 Pencil box
 Calculator
 Clorox wipes
 3 pkgs loose leaf paper
 Hand sanitizer
 2 spiral notebooks (one subject)
Please label all supplies with student’s name.
FOOD SERVICES
Students may bring a sack lunch from home or purchase lunch at school.
The food service program at SELF is provided by the Valparaiso School Corporation Food Service
Department, who sends daily lunches and breakfasts to our cafeteria. SELF is then charged a fee
for each meal sold. Advanced order is necessary for breakfast orders. The fees are listed below.
Checks should be made payable to SELF.
Prices:
Elementary: K – 5 Secondary: 6TH & UP
 Breakfast--$.1.40 Elementary
$1.50 Secondary
 Lunches--$2.15 Elementary
$2.35 Secondary
 Milk--$0.55
Children may pay cash daily or participate in a prepayment program. This prepayment program is
highly recommended, as it reduces clerical tasks. Parents are encouraged to take advantage of
this plan.
Elementary: K – 5 Breakfast: Secondary: 6TH & Up Breakfast:
5 days @ $7.00
10 days @ $14.00
20 days @ $28.00
5 days @ $7.50
10 days @ $15.00
20 days @ $30.00
Elementary K-5 Lunch:
5 days @ $10.75
10 days @ $21.50
20 days @ $43.00
Secondary: 6TH
& Up Lunch:
5 days @ $11.75
10 days @ $23.50
20 days @ $47.00
When your child eats a school breakfast or lunch, the amount of his meal will be deducted from his
account. Students enrolled in SELF’s morning pre-kindergarten program may also participate in the
breakfast program.
Applications for free or reduced-priced meals are available from the SELF School Office. Children
from households whose income is at or below government-designated guidelines are eligible for free
or reduced meals. A new application must be filed each year. Parents should seek further
information from the S.E.L.F. Office.
Government guidelines require each meal be served with milk. If your child cannot drink milk, a
doctor’s note is required to be on file with the food service department so he/she can receive juice.
This must be renewed annually. Please turn a note into the S.E.L.F.Office as soon after school
starts as possible.
16
Snacks:
Snacks time is a significant part of the SELF curriculum. Many daily living skills can be practiced
during snack sharing. Parents are asked to provide snacks for the classrooms when requested by
teachers.
PLEASE NOTE:
SELF SCHOOL IS A PEANUT FREE / NUT FREE SCHOOL. PLEASE DO NOT SEND ANY
SNACKS THAT CONTAIN ANY PEANUTS OR PEANUT PRODUCTS.
WEATHER CLOSINGS AND DELAYS
The Special Education Learning Facility follows the recommendation of the Valparaiso Community
Schools. If Valparaiso Community Schools should be closed due to inclement
weather or on a 2-hour delay, the same schedule will apply to SELF School. The
following radio stations will broadcast school closings by 6 A.M.





WEFM/96FM - Michigan City
WLTH/1370AM - Gary
WAKE/1500AM – Valparaiso
WLJE/105.5 FM-Valparaiso
WIMS/1420AM - Michigan City
WHEN THERE IS A DELAY DUE TO WEATHER, PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE WILL BE NO A.M.
KINDERGARTEN, NO A.M. PRESCHOOL, AND NO A.M. SPEECH.
PLEASE TUNE INTO THE ABOVE RADIO STATIONS FOR UPDATES.
SELF’s WEBSITE, pces.k12.in.us, OR CANCELLATIONS.COM WILL ALSO GIVE YOU
INFORMATION REGARDING CLOSINGS OR DELAYS.
SPECIAL SCHEDULES:
Periodic changes may be made which effect school schedules. Every effort will be made to provide
enough advance notice of these changes so that arrangements for the care of your children can be
made.
A yearly calendar is included in this handbook. Please refer to it for vacations, holidays, and special
events.
17
STATE AND LOCAL AGENCY ADULT SERVICE PROVIDERS
Division of Disability, Aging & Rehabilitative
Services,
Bureau of Developmental Disability Service
110 W. Ridge Road
Gary, IN 46408
(219) 981-5313
Opportunity Enterprises
2801 Evans Ave.
Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 464-9621
O.E. assists individuals with disabilities to
become independent citizens through life training
programs
designed to meet individual needs. Employment
services help find, learn, and maintain jobs in the
community. Day Habilitation offers therapies
and skills in daily living for adults with severe or
multiple disabilities. Work Service allows
individuals to earn wages in a workshop where
jobs are subcontracted from businesses in the
community. Supported Living and adult Day
Care services are also available.
BDDS is a state supported system, which assists
individuals with disabilities in the areas of selfcare,
language, self-direction, mobility, economic selfsufficiency, independent living skills, and
learning.
Assessments are required to determine the
extent of
the disability, and its impact on the person’s
ability to
function well in society.
Family and Social Services Administration
Division of Aging and Rehabilitation Services
Vocational Rehabilitation Section
954 Eastport Centre Drive, Suite C
Valparaiso, IN 46383-5674
219-462-0521 or 219-246-6203
Porter-Starke Services
601 Wall Street
Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 531-3500
Porter-Starke is a community mental health
agency offering specialized behavioral
healthcare and wellness services to individuals.
Services include adult day treatment, residential
services, and semi-independent living programs.
Vocational Rehabilitation (Gary Office)
110 W. Ridge Road
Gary, IN 46408
219-981-5326
Social Security Administration
3810 Calumet
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Toll Free: 1-800-772-1213 or 1-888-472-6120
9:00 – 4:00 (M-F) except federal holidays
V.R. is a federal/state agency established to help
adults with disabilities enter the community labor
force. Usually services are time limited, and
individuals must apply to this agency to obtain
supported employment services.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is financial
assistance, provided by the federal government,
to eligible persons with disabilities. Adults must
document that the disability interferes with their
capacity for self-support.
Kankakee Valley Workforce
Ivy Tech community College
2600 Roosevelt Road
Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 464-4861
K.V. provides assistance to individuals in
workforce development by providing help with
resumes, interviewing skills, education and
training. Job searches and referrals are also
support services that are available.
18