GRANT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 2016-17 FAMILY HANDBOOK

10 E Broadway Columbia, MO 65203 573-214-3520 573-214-3521 (fax)

@GrantAllStars 1

Our Pledge As a Grant All Star, I promise to be SAFE, A TEAM PLAYER, A LEARNER, RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE, and KIND. I believe it, I’ll achieve it! All Star!

Our Song Grant School will shine today, Grant School will shine. We are the Generals, Marching through time. Grant students are the best, from east to west. Our school is great, we are first rate, Best in the state!

Our Mission In a cooperative effort with parents and our community, the mission of Grant Elementary School is to help all children reach their academic, intellectual, social, and creative potential within a safe and nurturing environment.

Our Vision At Grant Elementary School, we believe that: 

Our staff is responsible for developing curriculum, teaching effectively, and creating a climate for successful learning.

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Our students are responsible for their effort and behavior.

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Our families are responsible for actively supporting their child’s education.

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Staff, students, and families work together to uphold the rich tradition of excellence in our culturally diverse community.

Our School Colors Blue and Yellow

Our School Mascot Grant Generals

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The ABC's for a Successful Year at Grant Elementary ALL STARS

A Grant All Star is safe, a team player, a learner, respectful, and responsible. Teachers assist students in being All Stars in positive ways so that we focus on learning every day.

Arrival and Dismissal Classes begin at 8:20 a.m. each morning. Your child should arrive at school between 8:05 a.m. and 8:20 a.m. Early arrivals are greatly discouraged as supervision is not available. Children who do arrive early sit on a bench until the 8:05 bell rings and need to remain in care of their guardian until staff arrive for duty at 8:05.   

ARRIVAL 8:05 am Children may begin arriving at school. All children enter school through the GARTH GATE. Students either go to breakfast in the gym OR play outside. 8:20 am Attendance bell rings and children line up outside to wait for their teacher After 8:20 am Students should get a late pass from the office before going to class

Walkers and bike riders cross by crossing guards. 4th and 5th graders can walk and/or ride a bike without an adult. Students 3rd grade and under need to be with an adult or older sibling when arriving and leaving on foot or on bike. Car and bus riders are dropped off on Garth. Please use the crosswalks to model safe behavior for students. In inclement weather students should go directly to their before school indoor recess location or breakfast at 8:05.  

DISMISSAL 3:15 pm Bus riders and Adventure Club dismiss to designated locations 3:20 pm Walkers and car riders dismiss to the playground

Parking for parents is available on the side streets or the NORTH parking lot of the Columbia Public Library (the lot diagonal of Grant on Broadway/Garth). There is no parking for student pickup in the library’s main parking lot. Please park and pick up your child at dismissal time. If your child is ill during the day, there are two parent parking spots in the school lot on Broadway. Students may play on the playground supervised by his/her parent after school. Students who are not picked up by 3:30 pm will wait in the office for parents.

Attendance When a student is absent, parents should call the school as early in the day as possible. Absences are checked daily. Students should bring a note to the classroom teacher if he or she has an appointment to leave during school hours. All students are expected to attend school regularly and to be on time for classes in order to receive the maximum benefits from the instructional program and to develop habits of punctuality, self-discipline and responsibility. Absence from school can never be

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completely made up because the student will miss class discussion, teacher presentation, and his/her own opportunity to participate. Attendance is taken by the minute in our schools. When students are late to school or leave early, they are considered absent. Attendance minutes quickly add up into hours missed. If a student arrives at school 15 minutes or less after school has begun, that is considered a tardy, not an absence. Students may have 7 parent excused absences due to illness. Other excused absences would include a death in the immediate family, religious observances, court appearances, or other circumstances which are explained to the satisfaction of the principal.

Bicycles

Fourth and fifth graders may ride bicycles to and from school. Younger students must be accompanied by an adult for safety reasons. Students walk their bike on school sidewalks and inside the gate. Bikes are locked in the bike rack immediately upon arrival at school. Helmets are a safety requirement. Please no skateboards.

Birthday Treats Students may bring treats to celebrate a birthday. Please ask the teacher what day and time fits best into the class schedule. No party invitations should be passed out unless the student has one for everyone in the class.

Breakfast

Breakfast is served from 8:05-8:20. Menus will vary from day to day, but milk, juice, and dry cereal are available daily. The cost is $1.75, or $.30 for reduced breakfast. Students who come after 8:20 for breakfast will pick up a breakfast sack (no cereal). Breakfast closes at 8:30 unless a bus is late.

Bullying

Bullying and harassment are not allowed by CPS Board Policy. This includes intimidation, name calling, and verbal and physical aggression. These actions can result in office referrals. Buses. Student Transportation of America (214-3860) provides transportation for students who live 1 mile or more away from school. Here are the expectations for a safe bus ride to and from school: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Sit Down Face the Front Talk Nicely and Quietly Keep your Body to Yourself Follow the Directions of the Bus Driver

The Principal or Home School Communicator will make decisions about bus privileges when a child is not being safe.

Communication Please look for the monthly newsletter “Grant Dispatch” from the school office. It will include notes about school happenings and programs. Good communication is one of Grant’s goals. Please help us by making appointments when the need arises to see your child's teacher or Dr. Wingert. Teachers will also be in regular communication via newsletters, Friday folders and phone calls.

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Dress and Appearance

Children’s general style of dress and appearance should promote a learning environment. Hats and gloves (baseball caps, winter hats, do rags, sweat bands, kerchiefs, sports gloves,) are NOT to be worn by children in the building. If clothing is inappropriate (spaghetti straps, short shorts, pants or shorts that are sagging, undergarments or stomachs showing, rude words or graphics on shirts, etc.), the student will need to cover up or change clothing.

Early Student Pick up Parents should send a note to their child’s teacher if the child is leaving early for the day. This allows the child and teacher to prepare for the absence with minimal disturbance to classroom lessons (i.e., gather work, backpack, and coat). Parents must sign out their child from the office and then the secretary will call the teacher to send the child to the office. This allows children to remain in the classroom as long as possible to learn.

Emergencies In case of an emergency or accident involving your child, you will be contacted immediately. Please notify us if there are any changes on the Family Card or Health Form (phone numbers, emergency contacts, doctor and hospital information). If you have an emergency and need to get in touch with your child, please call our office at 573-214-3520. If there is a weather or community emergency, please follow the guidelines outlined below:  Know that your child will be held in a safe spot at school until the emergency is over.  Come to the office for further directions if you want to check out your child.

Family Contact Information Please fill this out and return it to school immediately. It lets us know how to contact you! Please call if your phone number or address changes throughout the year.

Field Trips and Special Events All classes go on field trips and attend special events throughout the school year. Parents will be notified of all field trips. Parent signature on the back of the Family Card gives permission for children to attend field trips.

Fighting Fighting is not allowed and may result in suspension.

Gum Gum is not to be chewed at school in order to keep the school clean.

Head Lice Students are NOT to share hats, combs, earmuffs, etc. with other students. This reduces the spread of

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head lice in our building. Parents will be notified by the nurse if their child has head lice. Upon returning to our building, the child will need to go to the health room and be rechecked.

Health

Guardians should complete the Health Summary form and return it to school. If your child should become ill while in school, you will be notified. HOW SICK IS TOO SICK TO BE AT SCHOOL? Students exhibiting the following symptoms will be sent home and/or should remain at home if they exhibit any of the following:       

temperature of 100 degrees or greater vomiting with associated signs of illness diarrhea unusual or unexplained rash persistent cough ongoing symptoms of discomfort or immobility from an injury A concerning health condition that may require further medical evaluation

Students may return to school when:   

fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication vomiting and/or diarrhea free for 24 hours other conditions (rash, injury or health concern) subside or with a provider's note

Students with a communicable disease must have a release from their healthcare provider to return to school. See Medication section for details on what and how medication is dispensed in accordance with the Missouri Safe Schools Act. SPECIAL HEALTH CONCERNS It is important for parents to inform the school nurse of special health conditions, which may be a concern or which may require emergency care. Examples of special health conditions are: a hearing loss, allergies, asthma, diabetes, and seizure disorders. IMMUNIZATIONS Immunizations are required by Missouri Law for students to be enrolled in and attend school (MO State Law 19 CSR 20-28,010; sections 167.181, 192.006.1, and 210.003) The parent or guardian of each student must furnish the school satisfactory evidence of immunization in the form of a statement, certificate, or record from a physician or other health facility or a statement of medical or religious exemption from immunizations. The nurse should be informed of immunizations a student receives after enrollment in order to maintain current and accurate information on the student’s health record as required by state law. Students who were enrolled during a previous school year will be denied attendance for the current school year if not in compliance with Missouri immunization law.

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ILLNESS AND EMERGENCY In cases of serious injury or illness, the school nurse will be notified immediately. The Emergency Medical Service (phone 911) may also be called. The nurse, designated school personnel and/or emergency medical personnel will care for the student and the parents will be contacted as soon as possible. If this proves impossible, the student will be cared for as directed by the school nurse. PARENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR NOTIFYING THE SCHOOL OF A PLACE WHERE THEY CAN BE CONTACTED IN AN EMERGENCY. For minor illness or injury, school personnel trained in first aid will care for students. To decrease the spread of potential communicable diseases, students exhibiting symptoms of impending illness will be sent home from school. The sickroom facilities at Grant are extremely limited. Therefore, you should make it a point to see that we have all pertinent information relative to sending your child home for illness and injuries. Please make sure we have your correct phone number. Vision and Hearing exams will be conducted during the school year for students:    

In kindergarten, first, third, and fifth grades New to Columbia Public Schools Referred for a vision or hearing concern Referred for special educational testing

If a vision or hearing concern is detected, the student’s parent or guardian will be notified. The exams are screening exams and are not meant to be diagnostic. If a parent/guardian suspects their child has a vision or hearing problem, a specialist should be consulted. SPINAL SCREENING Spinal screening exams will be conducted for fourth and fifth grade girls during the school year.

Hitting Hitting is not allowed and may result in suspension.

Lunch Students have 50 minutes for lunch and recess. Lunch expectations are:    

Wait quietly in lunch line. Eat only their food (no sharing). Sit at assigned table. Use an inside voice to keep noise level appropriate.

Children may purchase a hot lunch, salad bar, or sack lunch for $2.70 (or $.40 reduced). Ice cream, extra milk or juice costs extra. An automated lunch system allows parents to send a check or cash to the office to deposit money in their child’s account. Forms are available in the office. Make checks payable to Columbia Public Schools. Students use their 5 digit student number to access their account and parents can decide if their children may or may not purchase ala carte items. Families wanting to receive assistance for the lunch program may complete an application from the office or online.

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Medication

Medicine administered through the school office to students will be given by a registered professional nurse or qualified designated school personnel trained and supervised by the registered professional nurse. Staff members other than those designated by the school nurse are NOT to provide medication to students under any circumstances. Only medication prescribed by a physician or other health professional licensed by a state regulatory body as an authorized prescriber will be stored and administered through the school office. If any non-prescription/over the counter medication is to be administered through the school office, a written order by a licensed prescriber is required. The authorized prescriber must renew written individual and standing orders for medication administration, annually. The School Nurse or designated school personnel trained in medication administration are only allowed to give medication in accordance with the prescription orders. ANY Medication to be administered through the school office must be delivered to school by a parent/guardian or designated adult. One month’s supply of a student’s medication will be allowed to be stored at school. No medication will be kept in the school office unless it meets established guidelines for administering medication. Students cannot store medication in the school office or in a teacher’s desk to be taken on their own. Elementary students are NOT allowed to carry any medication. Prescription medications to be administered at school as prescribed by a physician or authorized prescriber must have a pharmaceutical label to be accepted at school. The medicine label must include: 1. The student’s name 2. Current date 3. Name of medication with specific instructions regarding administration of prescribed or over the counter medications. 4. Specific dosage and time 5. Name of physician or authorized prescriber Injectable medications will be administered by a nurse. If a nurse is not in the building the 911 Emergency Medical System will be activated. The exception to this is the use of an Epi-Pen for a severe allergic reaction resulting in anaphylaxis. In this case, a designated unlicensed personnel trained by a school nurse may administer an Epi-Pen. For each medication to be administered, parents/guardians must complete the appropriate CPS medication administration form and review the form with the school nurse. Copies of the required medication forms are available from the school nurse or the school office.

Outside Gardens Our school has several outdoor gardens. Our classes adopt ground spots to help keep our grounds looking nice. We encourage parents who enjoy working with plants to join the Landscaping committee with PTA!

Parent-Teacher Conferences Parent/Teacher conferences are held after the first and second progress reports are completed in November and in February.

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Parent Visits

Parents are welcome to visit their child's classroom. Parents should make arrangements with the classroom teacher and call ahead to the office so we can inform them of class schedules. Please sign in at the office first and get a visitor sticker. This procedure is most important for the safety of our students and insures the least amount of interruption in class.

Personal Property Personal property such as bats/balls, radios, CD players, iPods, game boys, cameras, card collections, toys, and comic books are not to be brought to school. These items distract from learning as well as become lost, broken or stolen. These items will be held by the teacher until the end of the day. If the student brings these items again, the principal will hold the items and contact the parents to pick them up. To help reduce the amount of lost property, please write your child's name with permanent ink on school supplies, on the inside of coats, hats, boots, gloves, and all other personal property. Please check the lost and found area regularly. Each trimester, unclaimed items will be given to a charitable organization.

Pets Pets are not allowed in class unless special arrangements are made with the teacher and principal. Some of our children are afraid of dogs and for safety reasons, dogs may not be in the playground area at any time when parents come for drop off and/or dismissal.

Pictures

Photos by the school photographer will be taken in the fall and spring. All children will have their photos taken, although purchasing of the photos is a family decision.

Partners in Education (P.I.E.) We are fortunate to have Boone County National Bank, Lucky’s Market, and MU Women’s Basketball Team as our Partners in Education.

Playground

Expectations are Be Safe, Be a Team Player, Be Respectful and Responsible. DO         

Solve disagreements quickly, use “Rock, Paper, Scissors”. Tell a supervisor or a teacher if there is a problem that you can’t solve. Obey all teachers and supervisors at recess. Line up in line order when the bell rings and wait for your teacher. Use a pass to come into the building during recess. Share equipment Follow school game rules Show good sportsmanship at all times Keep sticks, woodchips, rocks, snow on the ground

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DO NOT      

Bring equipment to school (skateboards, toys). Be aggressive in words or actions: Argue, yell in anger, intimidate with words or body, name call, tickle, capture, hold, chase, tag, push, scratch, grab, shove, slap, hit, punch. Throw rocks, sticks, wood chips, snow, ice, etc. Bring food, gum, candy or drinks out to recess. Stand on the picnic tables or benches. Pull leaves or limbs, climb or hang on trees.

SLIDE: Sit on the slide, feet first. BARS: Hang from your hands, not your feet BEHIND the TIRES: No playing beyond the large tires near the fence GAMES  

Basketball shooting games are allowed, no half- or full-court basketball games. Soccer and kickball games may only be played on the field. Regulation rules (as played in the P. E. class) will apply to all playground games and sports. Supervision by an adult is necessary. .

Four Square Rules     

Four players play the game while others wait in line. Squares are numbered #1, #2, #3, and #4. Server stands in #1 The first person in the waiting line is the judge and no one can argue with him/her. A playground ball is used.

PLAY          

Server puts the ball in play by dropping the ball and striking it underhanded from the bounce. This must not be a hard hit. Server must have one foot in the server’s box during the serve or the server is out. If the serve hits the line, it is out. The server can hit the ball to any three courts. The player receiving the ball must keep it in play be striking the ball after it has bounced once in his square and directing it to any other square with an underhand hit/strike. Play continues until one player fails to return the ball or commits a fault. When a player commits a fault, the player goes to the end of the waiting line. The player at the head of the waiting line moves into square 4. All other players rotate to the next square. The rhythm of the game is one bounce, underhand contact, one bounce, hand contact, etc. PLAYERS MUST USE OPEN PALM TO HIT THE BALL UNDERHAND.

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FAULTS: The player is out.       

Hitting the ball overhand. Ball lands on a line between the squares. Ball on the outside line is good except on a serve. Stepping in another square to play the ball. Catching or carrying a return volley. Allowing the ball to touch any part of the body except the hands. Server steps on serving line while serving. A player cannot spin the ball when making contact with it.

Progress Reports Progress Reports are given to students in grades K-5 in November, February, and May.

PTA PTA is a valuable part of Grant School events and a way to be involved in your child’s school! PTA holds monthly meetings as well as plans school events such as Funesta, Chili and Game Night and more! All are welcomed and encouraged to join PTA!

Questions If you have additional questions or concerns at any time, please call your child's teacher or Dr. Wingert (principal). We want to hear from you—compliments, concerns, and suggestions.

School Cancellations

When school is cancelled or the district calls for a late start, information is shared via local radio stations, local news, Channel 16 and Parentlink.

Smoking Smoking is not allowed in or around the school.

Snack Time Time for snacks is provided for children each day. Snacks should be nutritious, quick and simple, no utensils should be required. Students eat their own snack unless a class shares a group snack. If your child would like to have a snack, please send it in the backpack. This snack is meant to be a supplement, not a substitute, for breakfast or lunch. We understand that not all children will need a snack

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Staff Principal: Dr. Wingert

Secretaries: Stephony Stelzer Genalee Alexander

First Grade: Lurie Krumm Sherlyn Williams

Second Grade: Kerry Franz-Quinn Jenifer Hartz Elizabeth Cook Fifth Grade: Matt Kuensting John Nies

Fourth Grade: Jimmy McKee Jim Steelman Nurses: Shelley Soligo Shawna Volkart Art: Ashlee Christiansen Music: Pam Sisson Media Specialist: Cathy Hughes Media IA: Chris Sparkes MU Seniors: Michaela Baumgartner Jessica Evans Colleen Cantalin Amanda Miller

Custodians: Terry Dorman Steve Robinson P.E.: Lisa Wagner ELL: Katie Cook Classroom and Instructions Aides: Geoff Caldwell Julian Davis Mitzi Gribble Grant Montessori Preschool: Sue Rioux Sara Mooney

Kindergarten: Lilli Grove Sharon Leake Angela Savage Third Grade: Kristen Jacoby Ariel Schwarting Regina Rice Learning Specialists: Suzanne Bonsall Amy Neal Alexis Higbee Ellen Hummel Kitchen Staff: Carol Inskip Doris Thompson Counselor: Lena Sheets Rollins Reading: Susan Maglich Home School Communicator: Steve Godier

Paraprofessional: Janet Welch

Student Conduct Every Grant student is expected to be safe, a team player, a learner, respectful and responsible. There is a system of support and consequences in place such as:   

Safe Seat is a place in class for a student who is not making good choices. Think Plan is a plan written by the student for better behavior choices. Buddy Room is a nearby classroom where the student plans for being a learner.

OFFICE REFERRAL The principal/Home School Communicator helps the student solve the problem behavior. Consequences for the behavior are noted, parents are contacted, and a record is kept on file.  disrespectful of others or property  absolute refusals/defiant to adults  repeated problematic behavior  illegal actions  verbal threat or offensive outburst  danger to self or others  bullying or intimidation  major disruption of class

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MISSOURI SAFE SCHOOLS ACT Missouri’s Safe Schools Act means that drugs, weapons, and malicious physical contact will not be tolerated in school, on school grounds, or on school buses. If weapons are brought to school by students, mandatory suspensions and/or long-term expulsion are consequences. Specifics about this act and consequences for children are included in the district Student Handbook.

Tardiness Students begin learning in class at 8:20. Students who arrive after 8:20 are to get a late pass from the office. Tardiness interrupts the classroom lessons, so please plan ahead and arrive at school before 8:20 a.m.

Telephone Students are not to use the phone for personal calls except in an emergency and only with staff permission. Phone messages will be given to the child by the office staff.

Volunteers We welcome volunteers at Gran. Please sign in at the office. There are CPS volunteer applications to fill out for volunteers who are not parents of Grant students before volunteering may begin (see the secretary). What to bring. Student supply lists are available in the office and on Columbia Public School’s website.

X-tended Day After school and before school child care is available from Adventure Club. The program will care for children in K-5 from 6:45-8:20 a.m. and 3:20-6:00 p.m. on all days in which school is in session. Behavior expectations are the same in Adventure Club as in the rest of the school day. To enroll or for more information, call 884-2582.

You As the adult in your student’s life, you are very important to us and we want you to be as informed as possible on all aspects of your child's education. Your comments are always welcome.

ZZzzzzzs Sleep is a necessary ingredient for your child to participate fully in the day-to-day activities and lessons at school. Please help your child establish a sleep routine and ritual to be ready for school the next day.

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