Absences/Tardies

SCHOOL HOURS

Office 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Grades K-5 8:36 a.m. to 3:13 p.m.


First Bell 8:31 a.m.


Supervision will be provided for all students in attendance while school is in session, during school-sponsored activities, and on the playground during noon hour and recess periods. Supervision begins 15 minutes before school starts in the morning; therefore, children should not arrive prior to 8:20 a.m.unless they need to eat breakfast. The school assumes responsibility only during those times when students are under the direct supervision of school personnel.

ABSENCES/TARDIES

AFTER-SCHOOL PROCEDURES

BICYCLE GUIDELINES

ABSENCES/TARDIES

Attendance Improvement Plan

Tardies of five or more constitute a school concern for academic progress and student performance. Upon five tardies, whether excused or unexcused, parents will be contacted by telephone or letter to work together with school staff to ensure consistent school attendance. At 10 unexcused/excused absences, each individual student will be reviewed to determine how absences have impacted their academic learning standing. Letters will be sent to those students who have been negatively impacted indicating their status. At 12 unexcused/excused absences, those students identified through the previous steps will be required, along with their parent/guardian, to take part in a building attendance hearing between the student, parent/guardian and administrator. At 12 or more unexcused/excused absences, those students identified through the previous steps will be required, along with their parent/guardian, to take part in a district attendance hearing between the student, parent/guardian and administrator and district personnel. At the conclusion of this meeting, the district will determine if the student will be required to appear in court. Throughout this process the parent/guardian will be invited and encouraged to attend school with their student.
State law requires student attendance each day school is in session, with exceptions for student illness, religious observances, death in the immediate family, and circumstances of an emergency nature. Parents are requested to call the school attendance line, 734-3105, on the day of the absence or in advance when appropriate.


Attendance is vital to the ongoing continuity of an educational program. Makeup work never compensates for school attendance. Failure to improve attendance and tardiness may result in a referral to the district's Student Attendance Review Board (SARB) or Arapahoe County District Truancy Court.



AFTER-SCHOOL PROCEDURES

Children are to go directly home after dismissal from school. No one will be allowed to remain on school grounds unless supervised. If a teacher retains a child after school, the teacher will notify the parents.




BICYCLE GUIDELINES

Bicycles should not be ridden to school until the beginning of the third grade. Bicycle racks are provided. The bike rack area is considered off limits to all students during the school day. Any student riding a bicycle to school should provide a note from his/her parent at the beginning of the year giving permission to ride the bike and a lock for security. The school does not assume responsibility for bicycles. Bicycles should be walked when on the school grounds. It is extremely important for children to wear helmets when riding their bike.


BREAKFAST/LUNCH PROCEDURES

The breakfast/lunch program is computerized. Students may:

Pay cash each day by giving money to the cashier at the time of purchase or
Prepay- bring payment to the kitchen before school and the money will be credited to the student's account or
If approved for free or reduced meals-tell the cashier your name or lunch number when in the breakfast or lunch line.
Please mark your child's name on the inside cover of his/her lunch box as there are many of the same design and color. Lunch/breakfast menu items are published monthly.

Charge procedures are to be worked out with the Food Services manager, in our kitchen.

Students accumulating $10.00 or more in breakfast/lunch charges may receive an alternative lunch consisting of crackers/cheese and milk, until the account is brought up to date.


DRESS

We believe the way we dress has an effect on behavior, on learning and on the reputation of our school. Our dress code is designed to help students feel better about themselves as individuals which will help them do the best possible job in the classroom. Your judgment about your child's dress should be based on the following values.

School is a place for learning. A child's dress affects his/her actions and behavior which in turn affects how much he or she learns. Therefore, dress should be that which contributes to learning. It must not interfere with or disrupt the learning process.
The school has a responsibility to protect the health and safety of students and staff. Therefore, dress should be that which contributes to the health and safety of students and staff.
Dress should be that which meets accepted standards of cleanliness and decency and should be in good taste and in good repair. Specific points to remember are:
Shoes must be worn at all times.
Hats, head coverings, sunglasses and other outside apparel are not to be worn in the building.
Transparent, revealing or too bare clothing should not be worn; for example, bare midriff.
Clothing with obscene or questionable language, design or message should not be worn.
Coats and jackets are not to be worn in the classroom.
Clothing that advertises drugs, alcohol or tobacco is not to be worn.
Gang-related clothing or items are prohibited. No "sagging" of pants.
Shirts hanging below mid-thigh length are unacceptable.
If a student is dressed inappropriately, the student will be referred to the office and will need a change of clothes.



EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING

School is closed only in the event of extreme inclement weather or emergency. Should this be necessary, please listen to the following radio and/or television stations for closing notices:

AM RADIO
KHOW(630)
KTLK(760)
KOA(850)
KYGO(950)
KBCO(1190)
KXKL(1280)
KEZW(1430)
KWMX(1600)

FM RADIO
KCFR(90.1)
KWBI(91.1)
KBCO(97.3)
KYGO(98.5)
KRFX(103.5)
KOSI(101.1)
KXKL(105.1)
KBPI(106.7)
KWMX(107.5)

TELEVISION
Channel 2
Channel 4
Channel 7
Channel 9

Emergency school closures during the school day are often difficult for children. Emergency school closure cards will be sent home at the beginning of the school year for parents to indicate where children are to go after school closure. Please be aware that in an emergency situation phone service may be curtailed. For this reason, it is imperative that your child knows what to do. In the event of a tornado, students will be kept at the school until the warning is lifted.



FIELD TRIPS

A parent or guardian permission slip must be signed in advance. Students may be left at school, under supervision with alternative written work, at the discretion of the teacher for not returning his/her permission slip. Students may also stay behind if there has been a discipline problem or failure to complete a classroom assignment.
The cost of the field trip will vary upon the number of students going, the length of the field trip and any admission charges.



HEALTH

Each student must have current emergency information on file in the school office. This permits parents to designate a responsible person to contact in case of an emergency if the parents cannot be reached. Information must be accurate and kept current.

If a student becomes ill or is injured at school, the parents will be called. If the parents are unavailable, a call will be made to the person named on the emergency card. Parents are asked to notify the school of any communicable diseases the child has at the earliest possible date. State law requires that each student have on file a record of dates of immunizations. If the student's certificate of immunization is not up to date, you will be given 14 days to show documentation that the next required immunization has been given plus complete a written plan for completion of all required immunizations. Children may be suspended from school if this report is not on file after that time.

Please keep the school informed of your most recent home and/or work telephone numbers.



HOMEWORK

Homework is an important part of education. It is critical that children develop good study habits at an early age. Work not completed at school will be considered homework. Students may also be given longer assignments with several days or weeks to complete it at home. Homework is given as independent practice, not as new learning. All students are encouraged to read or be read to daily for a minimum of 20 minutes. This is a basic Intensive Guided Reading (IGR) expectation throughout the building.



INSURANCE

School insurance is available to all students. A packet will be available to each student on the first day of classes. Purchase of this program is optional. The plan is administered totally by an outside insurance agency. The district does not assume any responsibility regarding service, claims or other matters relating to the insurance program.


LOST AND FOUND

East Elementary is not responsible for lost or stolen items brought to school.

Labeling of your child's clothes and lunch box will greatly reduce the number of "lost and found" articles. Items found in and around school grounds should be turned in to the main office. Small items are kept in the office. Clothing is kept in the lost and found box in the cafeteria. Owners may claim their property by identifying it. All items not claimed will be donated to charity periodically throughout the school year.



MAKEUP WORK

Students who are absent from school will make up the work on the basis of "one day for each day of excused absence." For example, if a child is ill on Monday and returns on Tuesday, makeup work will be completed by the close of school on Wednesday.

If your child is absent from school for any period of time, makeup work should be picked up from the teacher. Parents must notify the office by 9:30 a.m. Teachers will have homework in the office by 3:10 p.m. on the same day for pick up. Teachers are not required to provide work in advance of a planned absence. Please talk with your child's teacher directly if you have any questions regarding make-up work.



MEDICATION

Per district policy--If your child requires medication of any kind (including aspirin and cough drops), the following procedure is to be used: Complete district medication form, and have the prescribing doctor complete a form also. These forms are provided by the school office. These forms MUST BE completed by the parent(s) and doctor before medication can be given. If changes occur in the dosage, new forms must be completed to note these changes.

Parents should not send medication with the child to school.
Parents should bring the medication to the school office with complete written instructions. The medication form and container must include: student's name, name of drug, dosage, purpose of medication, time of day medication is to be given, anticipated number of days it needs to be given at school, possible side effects and special instructions for administering medication and storage.

All medication will be kept in the school office. Responsibility for going to the office to take the medication lies with the student.



PARENT PICK UP AND DROP OFF

If you are planning to move, please notify the main office of the date and new address (if known) so information can be updated. This new information will be communicated to your child's teacher through the main office. School records will be sent upon request from the new school your child is entering.



PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY COMMITTEE

The PTO is designed to increase parent and community communications, support and involvement in our school. The PTO is also actively involved in fundraisers with proceeds providing direct benefits to your children. Another function is to support a positive school climate. Meeting times occur each month on the last Tuesday of the month--unless otherwise notified. Please consider volunteering for an officer position like: President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, or VIPS Coordinator.

The East Elementary Accountability Committee is designed to serve as a liaison between the school and community to ensure that our school is meeting the academic and social development of each child. It is a planning, advisory, decision-making and accountability committee comprised of staff, parents and community members. The committee meets once a month on the second Friday at 7:30 a.m. If you are interested in being a member, please call the school office (303-347-4450) for an application form.



PARTIES

East Elementary typically holds parties for Halloween and Valentines Day. These are school wide parties that include activities for all students. Kindergarten classrooms plan and celebrate their parties individually.

Individual classroom teachers may schedule parties based on special occasions or reward students for their hard work.

In some cases, parents will be contacted to arrange treats for classroom parties. Parents may arrange birthday treats at the discretion of the classroom teacher. Invitations to home parties may not be passed out at school. This serves as a common courtesy among all classmates.



RECESS

Unless the weather is extremely cold (20 degrees or below), children will go outdoors for recess. For this reason, please see that your child is adequately dressed for cold weather. If a child must remain indoors, a written note explaining the reason must be sent to the teacher. Children who are ill and cannot participate in outside activities should be kept home unless the illness is chronic. Children having chronic illness should submit a doctor's statement to the main office stating the type of illness.
Kindergarten takes recess in the morning and afternoon.

First through fifth graders take recess in the afternoon.

All students particpate in lunch recess.



RELEASE FROM SCHOOL

Before a student is permitted to go home during the day, he/she must secure permission from the office. Please send a signed, written excuse stating the time and reason for release to the homeroom teacher. The teacher will forward the note to the main office.

The student will be released to the parent, guardian or other authorized person at the main office only after the child has been signed out. Under no circumstances are students to be excused from their rooms to go home.



REPORT CARDS, CONFERENCES

Report cards are distributed every twelve weeks: November, February and May. Report cards and parental contact are used to indicate achievement and effort. Official parent/teacher/student conferences are scheduled two times - in the fall (October) and in the spring (March). In some cases students would attend a fall or spring conference.

Additional or alternative times for conferences are welcome at the mutual convenience of parents and staff throughout the school year.

The grading system is as follows:

Kindergarten and Grade 1

(+) Excellent
(check) Progressing satisfactorily
I Inconsistent/Practice needed
NA Not assessed at this time

Grade 2-3

E Excellent
S Satisfactory
I Inconsistent
U Unsatisfactory

Grade 4-5

A Exceptional- Superior
B Above average
C Average
D Inconsistent/Needs improvement
U Unsatisfactory

In addition, teachers will share anecdotal records, progress toward student goals and samples of student work in portfolios to illustrate individual progress.



SKATEBOARDS AND ROLLERBLADES

Due to safety concerns and liability issues, skateboards are not permitted on school grounds at any time. Rollerblades are not permitted for use inside the building or on the playground. If students choose to rollerblade to and from school, we request that parents review safety rules, provide a change of shoes for use at school (inside and on the playground). Students are asked to use caution and respect the rights of others on sidewalks and at entrance areas.



STUDENT ACTIVITIES

We have many great programs at East some during school and others before or after school. Some of these programs are serviced through staff members others are possible only through the dedication of our volunteers.

The Extended Day program provides childcare before and after school as well as non-student days. Please call 303-347-4455 to talk with our Manager, Dee Tollinchi, for more information.

We offer Math Olympiad to children in grades 3-5 with an increased aptitude in math. It is an opportunity to use math in higher learning questions and discussions.

The G/T program provides at level learning to enhance children tested above the grade level they are in. Gifted and Talented services are provided for children who have demonstrated at least three of the following six attributes: outstanding achievement on standardized tests, exemplary classroom performance, exceptional motivation to learn, high mental aptitude, behavioral characteristics of giftedness or academic talents, and/or intense interest in a particular subject.

Speech/Language support is provided for identified East children who need to work on their sounds, sentences, grammar, vocabulary, listening, voice, or fluent speaking.

Special Education services at East Elementary are determined by the child's individual needs. The resource program is an elementary program for students functioning one to two years behind expected level of performance in the cognitive and/or academic areas.

The Self-Contained Individualized Learning (S.C.I.L.) program is for students functioning two to three years behind expected level of performance in the cognitive, affective, language, motor and/or academic areas.

Title Reading and Math provide additional assistance in the classroom with small groups of children to increase comprehension. Title I is a federally funded program which provides extra help to children in kindergarten through third grade, for math and reading. Children are screened at the beginning and throughout the year and then selected for extra help in the classroom, in a small group or one-on-one help.

The East Student Leadership Council is designed to provide students with an opportunity for developing student leadership skills and creating school pride. Representatives are selected by participating classrooms on the basis of outstanding citizenship and leadership qualities. Representatives rotate from each classroom and share various leadership roles and responsibilities throughout the year. A core group organizes all school student activities and events such as: movie nights, school store, food drives, and various other activities.



STUDENT BEHAVIOR

Maintenance of good discipline is essential to the educational process and is the responsibility of both home and school. Cooperation among teachers, administrators and parents is necessary to encourage acceptable student behavior. All available resources, talents and techniques will be utilized to achieve good behavior.

School-Wide Discipline Plan: Our classroom teachers utilize a color card system to help students monitor their behavior in the classroom.


GENERAL SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS

Be prepared and ready to learn.
Respect the rights of others to listen, learn, work and play.
Treat myself and others with kindness and respect.
Be responsible for keeping East a safe and pleasant place to learn.



LUNCHROOM EXPECTATIONS

Use inside voices.
Model appropriate table manners.
Clean area before leaving the lunchroom.



PLAYGROUND EXPECTATIONS

Demonstrate respectful and responsible behavior.
Follow the safety rules and avoid rough play. Good Touch vs. Bad Touch.
Do not chew gum or take food onto the playground.
Follow the directives of the playground supervisor at all times.
Line up immediately when the bell rings.
Students should not pick up and throw snow, rocks, sticks, sand or any other inappropriate objects.
When eating lunch outside students should always clean-up completely after themselves.



BUILDING EXPECTATIONS

Demonstrate respectful and responsible behavior.
Use appropriate hall passes.
Use quiet and respectful voices.
Walk in an orderly manner, keeping hands and feet to themselves. *Exit through designated doors.
Promote a positive learning environment.
Do not bring toys (i.e. dolls, Pokemon Cards, CD Players, Game Boys, Ipods, lazer pointers, etc.) to school.
Do not wear hats in the building.
The use of cell phones and other electronic devices are prohibited during school hours. Please do not allow your child to bring these types of items to school. East Elemenatry is not responsible for lost or stolen items.


BUS REGULATIONS

Students who come to school on the bus should return home on the bus unless otherwise noted by the parent.
Riding the school bus is a privilege. Improper conduct on the bus or at the bus stop will result in that privilege being denied.
Only regularly scheduled bus students are to ride the school bus.
Bus students are to go immediately to the buses as soon as they are dismissed in the afternoon.
There should always be adequate adult supervision when students are dropped off at their home.



DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

A copy of the Littleton Public Schools' drug and substance abuse policy (JFCI) may be obtained from the school office. We encourage you to be familiar with the contents of this policy.



SYSTEM FOR ADDRESSING STUDENT BEHAVIOR AND CONCERNS

In the normal course of a day, students may encounter difficulty in meeting behavioral expectations. At school, teachers and staff are here to assist children in learning how to behave appropriately and to understand the importance of treating others with kindness and respect.

When behavioral problems occur, staff will intervene and provide guidance and assistance. The ultimate goal is to help students change their behavior so that mistakes or problems will not occur again.

Every classroom uses a color card system. Students begin each day on green. If students do not adhere to one of the school behavioral expectations, a child may be asked to move their clip to a yellow caution sign. This is a visual reminder that the student needs to slow down and think about their behavior. Additionally, teachers and staff members will talk to the child. A reminder about school expectations will be given. The child may be asked to write down the nature of the problem or talk with another child if the problem involved two students.

If the problem is more serious or if the child has been warned before during the day, then the child will be asked to move their clip to red and to stay in at recess. Examples of these situations include unsportsmanlike conduct, name calling, inappropriate lunchroom behavior, or disrespectful behavior to others. A behavioral note will be sent home to parents. This communication lets the parent know what happened and informs them of more serious or frequent problems. The parent is expected to sign the note and return it the next day with the child.

Extreme situations warrant the involvement of the principal. Examples of these situations are described in the Student Code of Conduct Policy Summary. They would include incidents involving drugs, alcohol, tobacco, weapons, serious disrespect for authority, vandalism, fighting, sexual or foul language, or an accumulation of three behavioral notes in one month. When this happens, the referring staff member completes an administrative referral and the child explains what he/she did, why, and how he/she will act in the future. The child will bring home the referral, and the parent may be called. A consequence will be applied for the infraction, and the parent is notified of the action to be taken. In very serious situations, the child may be suspended for up to five days, and state law prescribes specific requirements for expelling students.

Sometimes, the staff may not be aware of a problem your child is experiencing. It is important that we work together as parents and staff members. If your child is experiencing a problem at school or if you have any concerns, please contact your child's teacher by phone or in person. If this does not resolve your concern, please feel free to contact the principal.

In an effort to upgrade our skills, the staff will receive training on a variety of strategies and new material that will develop student social skills. These materials will emphasize ways for students to deal with anger, peer relationships, and how to handle a variety of difficult situations. These materials will be shared with parents this fall.



STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT POLICIES SUMMARY

All students in Littleton Public Schools are issued a copy of the conduct code.

Some of the highlights of the policy are as follows:

Disruptive students: Students who are "habitually disruptive" are subject to mandatory expulsion under certain circumstances. If a student initiates conduct in the classroom, on school grounds, on school vehicles, or at school activities/events which is willfully and overtly disruptive for which they have been suspended three times during the school year, he or she will be expelled. If a student is suspended and considered to be habitually disruptive, the student, his/her parents and the administration will meet to draw up a discipline plan to help the student control his/her behavior.
Students expelled from another school district will not be accepted by Littleton Public Schools if they seek to enroll here. School registration forms for admission now reflect this change in the law.

Truant students: Students who are truant more than five times from school in any given month, or ten times in a year, are subject to penalties under the law.

Crimes of violence: If a student is charged with the commission of a crime of violence, the juvenile courts are required to notify the school board. If the board determines, in executive session, that the student is a threat to the safety or education of the other students in the school, it can start expulsion proceedings. The board may also await the outcome of the juvenile court proceedings and provide an alternate educational program to the student (not in the home school) until a judgment is reached.

Weapons, drugs and violent acts: Expulsion is mandatory for carrying, bringing or possessing a deadly weapon (including a facsimile in some cases); selling controlled substances; or committing a violent act which would be a crime if committed by an adult.

Suspension: Students who are suspended from school are required to leave the school grounds immediately. A determination will be made by the school officials and the parent of the best method of transferring custody of the student to the parents. Suspended students may not attend any school activities.

As an alternative to suspensions of more than two school days, parents may be allowed to come to school with the student - if the administration and the student's teachers are willing. If, for instance, a student is suspended for five days, the suspension can be reduced to two days if the parents are willing to come to school with the student and attend classes for the remaining three days.

Special Services students: Special Services students are subject to the above laws, with some exceptions, if a staffing team determines that their handicapping condition is not related to their misbehavior.



TELEPHONE

Students may use the telephone in the main office if they have a legitimate need and have permission from their teacher. The teacher will give the child a phone pass which he/she must show to the school secretary before using the phone. Students are not called to the phone during the school day unless it is an emergency. The secretary will get a message to your child if you request. Students should make advance arrangements to play at a friend's house or secure a ride home.



VISITORS

Parents, grandparents, or legal guardians are always welcome at East Elementary. Please notify your child's teacher when planning a visit to their classroom. If a follow-up visit is necessary with the teacher, please call the teacher directly to schedule one at a later time. Visitors must check in at the office and give identification if necessary. This is for the protection of our students and staff. Student guests are NOT permitted to visit during school hours.



VOLUNTEERS

Do you have one to two hours to give per month? We could certainly use your help! We continue to try and build a Parent Teacher Organization here at East. PTO Family Nights are held the last Tuesday of each month--unless otherwise notified. We try to have a focus for the kids like reading or math. A snack and drink is served between 6:30-7:30 PM, with our PTO meeting beginning at 6:30 PM. At 6:30 PM children attending with their parents move into fun activities provided by various volunteers and the East Staff.