Metro Elementary School of Design 2016-2017 Student Handbook

1707 Ayers St. Corpus Christi, Texas 78404 Telephone: (361) 878-2780 Fax: (361) 886-9892 metroe.ccisd.us Dr. Robin Conde Principal

Mrs. Gina Briones-Ramón Assistant Principal

Vision Statement Global Learners who lead with the passion to create, the persistence to innovate and the confidence to design new possibilities for the future. Mission Statement Nurturing creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration by design.

Office Hours School Hours  7:30 a.m.  7:45 a.m.  7:45 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.  7:45 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.  8:00 a.m.  

2:55 p.m. 3:00 p.m.

7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Campus Open for Student Arrival to gym/cafeteria Students released from gym/cafeteria to homeroom teachers Arrival in the Classrooms / Breakfast in the Classrooms Certified Teachers on Duty Tardy Bell – Classes begin. Students who arrive after 8:00 a.m. are marked tardy. Tardy arrivals after 8:00 must go by the office. Release for Students in Grades K-2 Release for Students in Grades 3-6

Address / Telephone Changes Please notify the office immediately of changes in address, phone number or place of employment. In the case of an emergency, we need to be able to notify parents promptly. Addresses must be correct for mailing purposes.

ATTENDANCE POLICIES Attendance and Accounting Procedures Refer to the CCISD Student-Parent Handbook for Attendance Policies regarding Excused/Unexcused Absences, Tardies, Partial Day Absences and Perfect Attendance. Students’ attendance accounting for state funding will be for the entire year. Attendance is defined as the actual presence of a student in the company of a teacher for the purpose of instruction. A student is either present or absent from the date of entry to the date of withdrawal. A student is not considered absent until she/he has been in attendance at least one day. According to state guidelines, students must attend school 90% of the time school is in session in order to receive credit for promotion to the next grade level. If a student is absent,

1

 

the parent/guardian must call the office at 878-2780 before 8:30 a.m. to report the reason and send a written note within 2 school days explaining the absence.

Daily Attendance and Partial Day Absences (Elementary) A student present at the time of daily attendance, but who is absent from school for part of a day (for example: tardy in the morning, or picked up early in the afternoon) for more than 15 minutes is considered missing part of a school day and will be counted as a partial day absence. Partial day absences will prevent a student from receiving Perfect Attendance recognition.

A student that has a documented appointment with a health-care professional and begins classes or returns to school on the same day of the appointment will be counted present. Students are encouraged to schedule appointments during non-school hours. (CCISD Student-Parent Handbook) With appropriate documentation for the appointment, the student will not receive a partial day absence.

As a member of a PBL collaborative group, students need to be in attendance every day in support of the work of the group. Consistent interaction with other students is a vital part of the collaborative group process. We ask that doctors’ appointments be made after school so students do not miss important instruction. Out of town trips during school hours need to be kept to a minimum and need to be cleared with the administrator(s). Family trips and/or vacations are considered “unexcused”. Excessive absences may result in retention or in truancy charges being filed with the court. Unexcused absences will result in a reduction in assignment grades. Campus Tardy Policy Students who arrive between 8:00 – 8:15 a.m. are considered tardy. Arrivals after 8:00 will need to obtain a tardy slip from the office. After 8:15, the student will receive a partial day absence. Excused tardies include illness, doctor’s appointment, severe weather, and late bus. Missing the bus is not considered an excused tardy, nor is traffic or car trouble. Office staff will determine whether the tardy is excused or not based on the above guidelines. Students that have no tardies will be eligible throughout the year for campus recognition. Creative Arts and Design Tardies: Students are expected to transfer directly to and from arts and design classes when dismissed. Students that are persistently tardy to arts classes may receive consequences through the office. Perfect Attendance Recognition  Check report cards each six weeks to monitor absences. Notify the office for questions.  Partial day absences will prevent a student from receiving perfect attendance.  Six weeks awards for perfect attendance will be given to students with no absences, and no more than 1 tardy.  Semester awards for perfect attendance will be given to students with no absences, and no more than 3 tardies.  Year awards will be given to students with no absences and no more than 6 tardies for the entire school year (3 per semester). Arrival Procedures  Campus opens at 7:30 a.m. Adult supervision is not provided on campus until 7:30 a.m.; therefore, no students should be dropped off at the campus prior to 7:30 a.m.  From 7:30 – 7:45, students will be in the Gymnasium (K-1) or the Cafeteria (2-6). Teachers will be in homerooms ready to receive students at 7:45.  Parent drop-off is at the front of the campus on Metro E Drive. Please do not drop off in the faculty parking lot. This area is reserved for staff.  Handicap parking spaces are for parents that need to park and enter the building. All drop off is at the front of the campus.  Buses will drop off students on Buckaroo Street by the cafeteria. This lane is reserved for buses only in the morning.  Parents may park along 15th Street and walk students to the cafeteria (7:30 – 7:45) or classrooms (7:45 – 8:00).  Breakfast is served from 7:45 – 8:00. Third grade students will eat breakfast in the cafeteria. Students that are dropped off by parents in the morning and who plan to eat breakfast must arrive in time to eat by 8:00. Breakfast will not be served after 8:05 except to students arriving late on CCISD buses.

2

Student Safety For the safety of students and adults, please  Avoid dropping off students in the middle of 15th Street. There is no adult supervision in this area. Use the front drop off area.  Avoid turning right from the middle lane of Ayers Street to 15th Street.  Avoid driving through the crossing guard area when students or staff members are crossing Ayers Street.  Avoid using the faculty parking lot for drop off or pick up. There is no adult supervision in this area. Buses: Metro E buses will operate routes as determined by the Office of Transportation. Buses will arrive on campus between 7:30 – 7:45 a.m. Afternoon bus routes will run at 3:00 p.m. Students are to go directly to the buses (on Buckaroo Street) as school is dismissed. If a child needs to ride a different bus home rather than the assigned bus, an administrator must sign a permission note from the parent/guardian before the child loads the bus. Dismissal Procedures  Dismissal of Kinder-2nd grade students will begin at 2:55 p.m.  Dismissal of Grade 3-6 students will begin at 3:00 p.m.  Students may be released to (1) Parent Pick-Up on Metro E Drive at the front of the building (2) LatchkeyCafeteria, or (3) Buses on Buckaroo Street.  If parents will be picking up students, we ask that they wait outside the front doors of the school until students are walked to the front in order to avoid disrupting the classroom.  Children will not be allowed to walk in the parking lot unless they are escorted by their parent/guardian. Children waiting for a parent pick-up will only be allowed at the front of the school; students are not to be in unsupervised areas to await parent arrivals. Students should not be told to go to 15th Street to wait to be picked up in the afternoon.  The Faculty Parking Lot is not a designated area for student pick-up or drop off.  Latchkey students will be released to the cafeteria. Parents must make arrangements for Latchkey through CC Parks and Recreation. Latchkey is available from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.  All students not going to Latchkey should be picked up by 3:15 p.m.  Students not picked up by 3:15 must be picked up through the front office. Dismissal Reminders:  Please ensure that teachers always know how students are to be dismissed. Parents are to provide written documentation to the teacher or the office to indicate how students are to be dismissed.  Students will not be placed on a school bus without written documentation from the parents/guardians.  Changes to a student’s dismissal plan must be provided in writing to the teacher or to the office. Phone calls to change a student’s dismissal plan will not be accepted.  In the case of an emergency, parents making changes to their child’s after school transportation should notify the office/teacher no later than 2:00 p.m. Changes after 2:30 p.m. will not be accepted.  Students are not permitted to be in any area of the campus after grade level dismissal without designated adult supervision.  Under no circumstances will a child be released from the office to someone other than those designated on the emergency card. Parking Lot  When driving on campus, parents are asked to observe a 5 mph speed limit to ensure student safety.  Please observe all posted street signs.  Parents are to avoid driving through the faculty parking areas to drop off or pick up students. Please use the designated areas for drop-off and pick-up.  Morning drop-off and Afternoon parent pick-up is intended to be a continuously moving line. Please do not park in these areas and leave cars unattended.  Cars may not drop off or pick up in the Bus Only Lanes during times designated for loading and unloading.

HOME-SCHOOL COMMUNICATION Newsletters / Thursday Folders Campus Newsletters will be posted to the campus website every two weeks on Thursdays with important information for parents. Hard copies will be available in the office. Students will maintain a weekly Thursday Take Home Folder.

3

Parents are expected to check the Take Home Folders weekly for graded papers, documents, notes from teachers, newsletters, and special notices from the office. Website Information regarding student grades, attendance, grade level and campus policies, practices, calendar events and general information can be found at the campus website: metroe.ccisd.us School Messenger For School Messenger cell phone messages, only the first number in the computer system will be called. If you need to change that number, please contact the school office to make a change. Remind To receive messages from the school directly to your cell phone, please enroll in Remind. To join, text to 361-7264648 with the message @metroec Parent Access Center Parents that wish to access information about their student at the campus website will need to sign in and create a password at the Parent Access Center. The PASS link is located at the campus website. Planners Each child in grades 1-4 will be provided a daily planner as a means to record homework and other assignments. Planners will be used to convey messages between the teacher(s) and parents as a key component of our communication efforts. Parents are strongly encouraged to check their child’s planner on a daily basis. Students in Kinder will use a communication log between school and home. Students in grades 5-6 will use Google Applications to communicate between school and home. Facebook Each grade level maintains a Facebook page with information for parents. Information is also shared through the Metro E PTA Facebook site.

STUDENT DRESS CODE Metro E believes that students’ attire should portray a positive image of themselves and the school. It is also our belief that students’ attire can be an expression of their personal identity. Our goal is to enable students to express their individuality and creativity while also maintaining a standard of dress that is appropriate to an educational setting. Students and parents are expected to fully support the Dress Code and make all necessary arrangements to follow the guidelines stated below: SHIRTS:  Shirt Options: o Metro E shirts purchased from the campus store through the front office or the website. o Uniform polo in a solid color of purple, black, gray or white. No design required. Uniform polo shirts are solid color with no identifiable branding or company logo larger than 2” square. o Commercially screen printed or embroidered t-shirt, polo shirt, or sweatshirt with Metro E clearly identified. Shirts must be in one of the four school colors: purple, black, gray or white.  Shirts decorated with iron-ons, sharpie/shirt markers, t-shirt paint or similar items are not permitted.  Shirts that use the school logo may not change the logo from its original design.  Shirts may include t-shirts, long-sleeve t-shirts, sweatshirts, and polo shirts.  Shirts must fit appropriately and not be excessively tight–fitting, baggy, or contain holes.  Students will be asked to tuck in shirts that are baggy and/or extend beyond the fingertips when standing.  Shirts must have a sleeve.  Shirts must adequately cover the midriff.  Shirts must convey a positive message about Metro E.  Shirts may not display inappropriate images including violence, weapons, illegal substances, alcohol, drugs, blood, nudity, death, gang affiliation, occult worship or offensive language.

4

PANTS / SKIRTS / SHORTS / JUMPERS  Students may wear jeans, pants, Capris, shorts, skorts, skirts, or jumpers in any solid color or multi-colored pattern.  All styles must fit appropriately and not be baggy or tight-fitting.  Low-rise styles are not allowed.  All styles must be free of holes and tears.  *All skirts, skorts and shorts must be of an appropriate length. Hems for grades Kinder, 1 and 2 should be no shorter than mid-thigh when standing. Hems must only be a dollar bill width above the knees for 3 rd – 6th grades as designated by CCISD policy.  Kinder-1st: Students may wear leggings with an appropriate length t-shirt. Shirts should be no shorter than the palm of the hand when the arms are at their sides.  Grades 2-6: Leggings may only be worn under a skirt, tutu, shorts or skort. Length must meet requirements as designated above.*  The following styles will not be allowed: nylon (basketball) shorts, spandex, stretch pants, knit pants, exercise wear, sweat pants, pajama pants, jogging style pants, , or bicycle shorts. BELTS (optional):   

Belts may have designs as long as they do not display violence or other inappropriate images. Belts may not be more than one size larger than students’ true waist size. Belts are to be worn with pants that are too loose to remain at the natural waist.

SHOES:     

All shoes must have a backing. Open toe shoes, thong sandals, and “flip flops” are not allowed. Students are to wear appropriate shoes for PE classes. Students may be restricted from PE activities if they are not wearing appropriate shoes. Athletic shoes must be laced completely, and tied appropriately with same color laces. Shoes with wheels are not allowed. Shoes that are designed with audible noises are not allowed.

HAIR:   

Hair must be well kept and must not distract from the learning environment. Hair coloring / highlighting must be in natural shades. Hair may not contain any designs.

HATS:  

During inclement weather, hats may be worn to and from school and when outside. Hats/ Caps / Hoods may not be worn on the head during the school day.

COLD WEATHER ATTIRE:  Coats and jackets are to be worn during inclement weather and must have buttons, snaps, or a zipper down the entire front in order to be removable. Pullover sweatshirts with designs are not considered jackets.  Solid pullover sweatshirts in a school color (purple, black, gray or white) are acceptable.    

Coats and jackets are to display images and symbols that are appropriate for elementary students. Coats and jackets may not be tied around the waist and should be left in homerooms if not needed. For health and safety, jackets should not be worn outside/to PE when temperatures are above 80 degrees. Hoods may not be worn on the head during the school day.

ACCESSORIES:     

Any manner of dress or accessory should not distract from the learning environment. Jewelry and accessories are to display images and symbols that are appropriate for elementary students. Dangling or hoop style earrings as well as large studs may pose a potential risk at PE and are not permitted. Moderate make-up and fingernail polish are permitted. Body/hair glitter, body markings, tattoos of any kind, and body piercing other than earlobes are not permitted.

FREE DRESS DAY ATTIRE:

Certain days throughout the year will be designated as Free Dress days. Clothing worn during Free Dress days must still adhere to CCISD Board approved standards (please refer to CCISD Board policy FNCA Local).

5

   

Clothing must still meet standards regarding length, fit and appropriateness. Shirts should ensure that midriffs and shoulders are appropriately covered. Wear shoes that are appropriate for PE activities. Clothing that depicts obscenities, suggestive or inappropriate slogans, nudity, crime, violence, gang affiliation, death, occult worship, drugs, or alcoholic designs are prohibited.

Enforcement It will be the responsibility of all staff to consistently enforce the dress code. All manner of dress and appearance that disrupt the learning environment and/or promote inappropriate messages are prohibited. Administration maintains the authority to make final decisions regarding students’ dress. Students who are in noncompliance with the dress code will receive written notification.  Students who receive three (3) dress code violation notices in a six weeks grading period will be assigned detention.  Any subsequent dress code violations during that six weeks period will also result in detention.  Students out of dress code will contact parents so that appropriate clothing can be brought to them.  Detention will be on Wednesdays from 3:05 – 4:00.

GRADING GUIDELINES Metro E adheres to the District Grading Guidelines for CCISD. Refer to the CCISD Student-Parent Handbook for District Grading Guidelines. Grading Guidelines will also be available to parents in the front office at the campus. Metro E Campus Grading Guidelines Projects Students will engage in Project Based Learning throughout the school year. Projects will be related to the progress towards or achievement of the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills), as well as students’ progress toward the achievement of the Soft Skills. Students will use a variety of technology tools within the group projects. Students will work on these projects at school; however, elements of the project may be worked on at home at the discretion of the teacher. Project teams are responsible for submitting the assignment on the specified due date. Soft Skills Students will also be assessed each six weeks for the following soft skills: Professional Ethics, Communication, Collaboration, Creativity and Critical Thinking. Soft skills reflect students’ abilities to apply and manage TEKS / Content skills in authentic learning experiences. Soft skills will be assessed using a rubric checklist of progress each six weeks. As a component of the checklist, students will select at least 1 soft skill improvement goal for each six weeks. Parents will be asked to review the checklist along with the report card at the end of the six weeks. Grades Students will be required to complete both team and independent activities to show progress toward the state standards. A minimum of 8 grades that report progress toward and/or achievement of the TEKS will be recorded in the areas of Reading, Language Arts, and Math. A minimum of 6 grades that report progress toward and/or achievement of the TEKS will be recorded in the areas of Science and Social Studies. All grades will be weighted equally in the grade book. Teachers will record all grades based on the actual performance of the students. However, teachers may choose to record averages that are less than 49 as a 50 on the final six weeks report. Assignments that receive a numerical grade from the teacher will denote a grade that has been placed in the grade book. Student academic grades will not be reduced because of conduct. Grades will be entered weekly in the grade book. Parents are asked to register for the parent access accounts (PASS) at the campus website throughout the year to monitor students’ six weeks grades: metroe.ccisd.us

6

Report Cards Report cards will be given to students following the end of each six-week period. Conferences with parents are encouraged prior to this time in cases when the student’s performance shows drastic change from the previous reporting periods or if failing grades are to be given. Parents are to review the report cards each six weeks and report any discrepancies to the office as soon as possible. Progress Reports Progress reports will be sent home at the three-week period of each six weeks for all core subject areas. Progress reports distribution dates are noted on the campus calendar. Reports are to be signed by the parents, returned and kept on file by the teacher. Late Work Procedures Late work does not demonstrate a professional work ethic from the students; therefore, the following consequences will be applied to late work. Grades    

1-2 Students are allowed three (3) days past the due date to submit work. Work submitted on Day 4 will receive a five point deduction (-5). Work submitted on Day 5 will receive a 10 point deduction (-10). Work will not be accepted after the fifth day.

Grades    

3-4 Students are allowed two (2) days past the due date to submit work. Work submitted on Day 3 will receive a five point deduction (-5). Work submitted on Day 4 will receive a 10 point deduction (-10). Work will not be accepted after the fourth day.

Grades     

5-6 Students are to submit their work to the teacher on the designated due date. At the discretion of the grade level, students may be allowed one (1) day past the due date to submit work. Work submitted on Day 2 will receive a five point deduction (-5). Work submitted on Day 3 will receive a 10 point deduction (-10). Work will not be accepted after the third day.

Fine Arts Fine Arts courses in grades 5-6 will receive a numeric grade on the district report card. Fine arts courses in grades 1st-4th will be reported on the district report card using a letter code. After school performances, which are considered curricular (e.g. PTA, Open House, Strings Festival, Fine Arts Festival), will be considered in the students’ six weeks grades. If a student misses a curricular performance, an opportunity shall be provided for that child to complete an alternate assignment, which would be considered as part of the six weeks report. Extensions Below are the guidelines for Extensions. Extensions include study and practice beyond the classroom and at home.  Extension is the practice of skills for the current six weeks and prior learning to reinforce students’ independent learning levels.  Students will have resources / activities in the classroom that link to grade level skills and ongoing projects. Extensions may be taken home at any time for additional practice.  Students may request additional practice from the teachers.  Teachers may request that students complete extension activities at home to reinforce grade level skills and project requirements.  Extensions will not be recorded as grades in the grade book.  Incentives for the consistent completion of extension activities will be provided by the grade level teachers. Planners (Grades 1-4)  Students are expected to have their campus planners in class daily and will record assignments in the planners. Replacement planners will cost $3.00 while additional planners are available.  Students will use the planners to help manage their time in group projects.  Planners serve as a communication tool for parents and teachers.

7

          

Positive comments / praise, stickers, and/or stamps will be included in the planners. Behavior concerns will be noted in the students’ planner. Notations will be recorded to monitor students’ citizenship progress. Teachers are to provide time daily for students to record assignments / extensions / reminders / announcements in the planner. Parents may be asked to sign the planner daily or weekly (decided by the grade level). Missing or late work should be noted in the planner. Misbehaviors are to be noted in the planner: talking, throwing objects, out of seat, playing during instructional time, off-task, etc. Fine arts, PE and cafeteria misbehaviors will be noted on a separate NCR form and stapled in the planner. The original copy shall be kept by the homeroom teacher. Misbehaviors that apply to a student’s Citizenship grade should be noted with a consecutive number that is circled and initialed. Place an X___________ to request parent signature. Three (3) misbehaviors in a single day will result in an office referral. Three (3) misbehaviors in a week will result in a parent conference/phone call and detention. Students that have a planner missing for more than 2 consecutive days will receive a U in citizenship for that six weeks period.

Unfinished Class Work Students may occasionally need additional time to complete a class assignment. At the teacher’s discretion, students can complete the assignment at home and return it for a grade on the following day. Extra Credit Projects At teachers’ discretion, students may be assigned, as a class, an optional activity that is work above and beyond the required assignments. Students that choose to complete the project satisfactorily within the given timeline may receive an additional grade for that six weeks. Make Up Work If a child is ill and has been absent for more than two days, he or she should contact the teacher and arrange for make-up assignments. The assignments may be picked up at the end of the day from the teacher. Upon returning to school, a student will have one day to make-up class work for each day he/she was absent (e.g. a child absent three days would have three days to complete all missed assignments.) Absences for religious holidays are not counted and no penalty will be attached to make up work. Unexcused absences, by District policy, allow up to a 20% grade deduction for that assignment(s). Corrected Assignments Students will be allowed the opportunity to correct teacher-designated daily assessments that show progress toward the attainment of the TEKS on no more than 50% of the graded content assignments. Students have one day to correct and return the assignment. The corrected assignment will be recorded as no higher than a 70 in the grade book. Assignments that are not corrected and returned will remain as the original grade. Independent assessments of TEKS skills may not be redone to ensure grades reflect students’ current proficiency levels. Work that is to be corrected and returned the following day will receive a pink sticker that requires a parent signature. A green sticker will indicate an assignment that was not corrected and returned, stating the grade remains. Citizenship The learner’s Citizenship grade will be based on the number of documented entries for inappropriate behavior in a six weeks period. 0-4 entries = “S”; 5-8 = “I”; 9 or more entries = “U”. One referral to the office will result in an automatic “U” in citizenship.

CAMPUS PROCEDURES Awards Assemblies / Student Recognition There will be two awards assemblies, one at the end of each semester. Categories to be recognized include, but are not limited to, Honor Roll (A, A/B, B), Leadership, Perfect Attendance, and Fine Arts (second semester only). 6 th Grade students will receive awards for 6 year Honor Roll and 6 year Perfect Attendance. Students who have achieved these awards will be recognized at the assemblies.

8

   

Perfect Attendance Recognition Six weeks awards for perfect attendance will be given to students with no absences, and no more than 1 tardy. Semester awards for perfect attendance will be given to students with no absences, and no more than 3 tardies. Year awards will be given to students with no absences and no more than 6 tardies for the entire school year (3 per semester). Partial day absences will prevent a student from receiving Perfect Attendance recognition.

Cafeteria Procedures  Breakfast is served in the classrooms from 7:45 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Breakfast will not be served after 8:05 a.m. except to students that arrive late on a CCISD bus. Students may bring a breakfast to the classroom but must eat prior to 8:05.  Students may be encouraged, but will not be made to eat any food on their plate or brought from home.  In compliance with federal guidelines, students may not bring other food items into the cafeteria if ordering a lunch tray.  Students that bring a lunch box to the cafeteria should include single servings only.  Food may not be shared among students.  Lunch tickets may be bought any day in the cafeteria. Parents may want to enroll their child at the following website to purchase lunch tickets online and to monitor their account balance: https://www.mylunchmoney.com  The cafeteria will “loan” no student money more than two times. Debts will have to be repaid before any other “loans” occur. Cafeteria Guidelines:  Parents/grandparents/legal guardians may choose to eat with their child only at the designated tables. Parents may not include other children at the tables. Food may not be provided to students other than their child.  Parents must come through the front office and wear a visitor’s sticker on their shirt.  Parents are asked to leave from the cafeteria at the end of lunch and not go to the classrooms with the students.  Parents are invited to eat with their child on any day except STAAR testing days.  Students waiting for parents will be required to purchase a lunch tray if the parent has not arrived within the first five minutes.  Parents may eat in the cafeteria or courtyard only. Campus Visitation These guidelines are to be followed when visiting the campus to maintain security and minimize class disruptions:  All visitors to the campus must first come by the front office to receive a Visitor’s Badge. Lunch visitors may not enter through the gate on Buckaroo Street.  Make arrangements with the appropriate teacher prior to any classroom visits during the instructional day.  Visitors to the cafeteria are not permitted in the classrooms during or after lunch without checking through the office.  Any student items (i.e. lunch, snacks, money, homework, etc.) brought to the campus during the day should be taken to the front office so as to not disrupt instruction.  Parents needing to conference with a teacher should contact the teacher to schedule an appointment during the teacher’s conference period. Campus Volunteers Parents/grandparents are invited to become a campus volunteer by completing the District Volunteer application process. Campus volunteers assist with numerous students in classrooms as well as on field trips and through school organizations. Volunteers will be required to complete the district application form that includes a criminal history check by district personnel. Volunteers are responsible for providing the campus with a copy of the approval letter when it is received. Cell Phones  Cell phones used by students while on campus will be at the discretion of the teacher/staff. Cell phones that are used at inappropriate times or for non-instructional purposes will be picked up and turned in to the office.  A $15.00 fee will be charged for the release of the item. Any items not picked up within 30 days will be forwarded to the District police who will properly dispose of the device.  Students that choose to bring a cell phone to campus accept responsibility for the phone.

9

  

All phones must remain turned off during the school day and placed in backpacks unless use is approved by the teacher. Phones will be confiscated if students are using the phone inappropriately and if the phone disrupts the class/campus environment. To best provide for a safe dismissal, students may not use cell phones during the afternoon dismissal period, including calls to change dismissal plans. Any changes to dismissal must be submitted by the parent in writing to the office/teacher. Copies of the Board Policy FNCE may be obtained in the front office. The Board Policy is also online at http://echalkweb.ccisd.us/home.aspx

Class Assignments Class assignments to homeroom teachers are based on a balance of academic levels, ethnicity, gender and special programs. Occasionally, students may be reassigned during the school year based on academic and/or behavioral needs. Students may also be regrouped during periods of the day to meet instructional needs. Parent requests to move a child must be submitted in writing to the principal and will be considered using the following criteria: (1) established academic need, (2) interventions attempted in the classroom, and (3) availability in other classrooms. Class/ Birthday / Holiday Parties  By District regulations, classroom parties are limited to two (2) during the school year (Christmas / End of Year). Please do not send or bring refreshments unless asked to by the teacher/room mother or unless arrangements have been made with the teacher.  Gifts, flowers, balloon bouquets and other celebration items will not be delivered to students to avoid classroom disruptions. Items will not be accepted in the office for delivery at the end of the school day.  Gifts or party invitations should not be exchanged at school unless every child in the classroom is to receive one. With teacher consent, girls may give invitations to all girls in a classroom, or boys may give invitations to all boys in a classroom.  Only one snack may be provided for birthday celebrations; items are to be in individual servings (i.e. cupcakes, cookies, doughnuts). Whole cakes or cookie cakes may not be provided. Only kinder parents may accompany the items to the classroom at the end of the day.  Due to traffic concerns, limousines are not permitted at the campus. Deliveries for Students Items delivered to students at the campus are to be dropped off in the office. Only items needed for instructional purposes will be delivered. Gifts, flowers, balloon bouquets and other celebration items will not be delivered or provided to students to avoid classroom disruptions. Health Matters  The teacher, or nurse, in the event of student illness or significant injury, will notify Parents/ Guardians. Any head injury must be reported to the office immediately. A student that has a fever of 100 o or higher should not be sent to school at risk of further illness for the student and to prevent the spread of an illness to other students. Parents will be contacted to pick up students that are running fever.  Parents must provide a phone number where they can be reached in case of an emergency.  Medication must be given to the school nurse with a prescription authorizing the dosage and time to be given. Medication will be administered to students by authorized school personnel only. Medication must be in the original container (prescription or over the counter) and properly labeled. Students are not to carry medication, including cough drops, on their person on in a backpack without notification to the teacher and campus nurse. Lost and Found A lost and found box will be maintained in the cafeteria. Parents and students are welcome to look for lost items throughout the year in this box. Please label your student’s items to avoid having it end up in the lost and found box. The box may be emptied during the year when it becomes too full. Markers Markers are to only be used/kept in the classrooms. Students are not permitted to be in possession of markers outside the classrooms. Markers that are found will be taken up by the staff. Messages for Students Front office staff will make every effort to ensure that important messages are delivered to students. State law prohibits interruptions of instructional classroom for non-emergency messages. All non-emergency messages will be forwarded to the teachers’ voicemail, placed in the teachers’ boxes or sent via email. Voicemail, boxes and email are

10

usually checked during planning times and lunch. Messages to change after school transportation (i.e. whether to take the bus or not) must be provided in writing by 2:30 p.m. Personal Property  It is important that unnecessary items (Personal listening devices, expensive headphones, toys, trading cards, handheld games, personal music players, etc.) stay at home.  Students should not bring excessive or expensive jewelry, cologne or other items to campus.  Deodorant sprays should be used at home to avoid breathing concerns for other students. Students spraying deodorant sprays at the campus will have the spray confiscated.  Purses should only contain needed items to avoid creating a disruption in the classroom.  Inappropriate items, if brought to school, will be confiscated, turned in to the office and returned only to parents. Some items may be held in the office until the end of the school year. Each student is 100% responsible for his or her own property. Physical Education State law requires that all students have 135 minutes of P.E. weekly. Students are scheduled for five 45-minute classes each week. Students are required to attend P.E. and perform all activities, including daily exercises, unless they bring a written excuse. Any circumstance requiring more than 2 days of no P.E. will require a note from a doctor. Students who cannot attend P.E. may be asked to report to the nurse during P.E. During inclement weather, alternative guidelines, which have been established by the coaches and approved by the principal, will be in effect. Special Education Services: Special education services are available for students who meet the district criteria. For additional information regarding students who are in the special education program or who are being considered for programs, please contact the counselor at 878-2780. Telephone Use by Students Students will only be allowed to use the school phones for extenuating circumstances. The teacher may determine if the student has a genuine need to use the phone. Cell phones are not to be used to call home unless approved by the teacher/staff. Students are not to receive calls on their cell phones while on campus. Textbooks/ Library Books Textbooks are furnished by the State and supplied to students without charge. Books are charged to the school and must be paid for by the parents if damaged or lost. Lost or damaged library books must also be paid for to compensate the campus for the loss. Please encourage students to take care of all textbooks and library books.

DISCIPLINE PLAN We utilize a positive discipline plan at Metro E. Our school policy is to establish meaningful rules that focus on respect for other people, respect for property, responsible behavior and safety for all. Behavior Expectations will be strictly enforced at all times and positive reinforcement will be given to students exhibiting appropriate classroom and campus behavior. Teachers will communicate through the use of phone calls, emails, agenda planners, notes, and conferences concerning each child’s behavior. Parents are encouraged to discuss any concerns with the teacher first. Administrators are also available and will certainly investigate all sides involved in every situation. Behavior Expectations Behavior is directly related to teacher expectations and parental support. Metro E staff is committed to high expectations, positive attitudes for all, and reinforcement of appropriate behavior. Students will be verbally praised, complimented, and expected to have appropriate and polite behavior at all times. Teachers will instruct learners of expectations utilizing positive phrasing techniques. Learners will be able to explain expected behavior. Parents are expected to support our discipline procedures. Note: Parents are encouraged to read the pages on Discipline and Student Code of Conduct in the CCISD Handbook. This policy is very clear and well defined. Minimum penalties are set for profanity (inappropriate, vulgar, and/or obscene language or gestures), verbal abuse (any disrespectful act or communication, oral or written, directed towards another person that is threatening in nature), hate

11

related incidents, and offensive physical contact. Students and parents can report dangerous situations, threats of violence, acts of vandalism, and gang activity 24 hours a day by dialing 884-0400.     

            

Appropriate Campus Wide Behaviors Treat others as you would like to be treated.  Show Kindness and Care for others. Keep the campus a bully-free zone.  Be respectful of others throughout the campus. Use appropriate tone of voice.  Stay on sidewalks when traveling on campus. Be Avoid being in areas of the campus without aware of other students. permission.  Avoid teasing or using unkind words. Keep hands, feet, and other objects to yourself.  Avoid any use of profanity or derogatory comments. Expectations for Appropriate Classroom Behavior Raise your hand and wait for permission to speak.  Follow all directions of the teacher (or staff) the first Sit in your seat unless you have permission. time given. Safeguard the well being of others and their  Work respectfully with all team members. property by keeping hands, feet, and other objects  Use appropriate language at all times. to yourself.  Follow rules in all Fine Arts Classrooms. Manage all technology equipment with appropriate  Follow rules while in library, P.E., clinic, or any other care. campus setting. Maintain safety when using class materials.  Keep classroom and campus neat and clean. Expectations for Professional Work Ethic Work when you are instructed to work.  Manage all technology equipment with appropriate Complete or finish all assigned work on time. care. Use complete heading at all times.  Use Digital Citizenship practices when using Follow teachers’ directions when doing work. technology.  Always produce your best work. Use legible and neat writing and clean paper for all schoolwork.  Keep work area organized and clean, inside and out. Come to school on time.  Keep textbooks, technology devices, binders, school Have all materials (paper, books, project materials, boxes and other materials off the floor. pencils, pens, crayons, etc.) ready for class.  Keep the floor around your area clear and clean.  Maintain a positive attitude. Work as a team member to complete collaborative projects.

   

Recognition for Appropriate Behavior Praise - verbal positive reinforcement.  Coupons Positive notes home in planners and or other means.  Grade level recognition. Recognition during announcements.  Free Dress Days Class incentives as determined by the teacher.  Stickers, treats, etc. as determined by the teacher.

  

Classroom Consequences for Inappropriate Behavior Verbal warning by teacher / staff  Time Out Notification of parents  Detention Loss of privileges  Office referral

A student sent to the office on a referral will be subject to any of the dependent on the offense:  Verbal correction  Temporary reassignment   Student conference  Counseling sessions   Parent conference  Loss of privileges  Cooling off period  Suspension   Removal from class  Temporary /permanent   Behavior contracts confiscation of items  Restitution  Suspension of extracurricular activities  Detention

12

following disciplinary actions, Expulsion Removal to an Alternative Education Program Involvement and contact of Law Enforcement Probation

  

Cafeteria Behavior Expectations  Remain seated until directions are given otherwise  Chew food with mouth closed  Eat food appropriately without playing  Keep your table, area, and floor clean



 

Use orderly line up procedures Walk in a straight line Keep hands, feet, and other objects to yourself Use a whisper voice Use appropriate table manners

  

Consequences for Inappropriate Cafeteria Behavior Separated seating  Parent notification Loss of recess or campus privileges  Office referral Behavioral notice in planner

   

Bus Behavior Expectations Remain seated while the bus is in motion. Avoid games, loud activities, abusive language, name-calling, scuffling or other disruptive behaviors. Keep hands and feet and objects to yourself. Follow the bus driver’s directions.

 

Talk only to those seated at your table Make all requests properly by raising your hand Be respectful to all adults

Students that do not observe safety procedures on the bus may be referred to the office. Students may be suspended from the bus for a period of time. Severity Clause Learners will be sent to the office immediately for the following behaviors:  Physical or verbal aggression  Bullying / Harassment  Fighting, or threatening to fight  Possession of any dangerous instrument, weapon or  Profanity / obscene gestures or writing drug  Destruction or attempted destruction of school  Racial slurs; hate crime  Disrespect to adults property  Classroom disruption / Noncompliance  Other as deemed by CCISD Discipline policy Students who choose any of the above behaviors may be suspended for up to three (3) days. Students suspended twice or more may be recommended for placement in the Student Support Center (SSC). Specific offenses may require an automatic referral to SSC. Rules, Respect, and Responsibility Metro E supports a 3-R Discipline Program, which commits to ensuring that district campuses are safe, secure, and violencefree places where students can learn and achieve to their fullest potential. The 3-R Discipline Program incorporates these three basic beliefs: 1. All students and adults will follow the discipline safety RULES. 2. All students and adults will show RESPECT for self and others. 3. All students and adults will assume RESPONSIBILITY for making the campus safe, secure, and a drug free environment. Board Policy FO-Local outlines standards of conduct and sets parameters for students and adults to follow. CREATIVE ARTS AND DESIGN PROGRAM Program Philosophies: Through the Metro E Creative Arts and Design Program, all students will:  gain a basic understanding of skills related to creativity, innovation and design.  experience the correlation of creative arts and design with aspects of the Metro programs of study.  develop their ability to articulate about the arts disciplines and technology.  foster their creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration through artistic and design endeavors.  engage in innovative and technological experiences linked to core 21 st century skills.  participate in performances/presentations during the school year.  acquire artistic sensitivity and an aesthetic appreciation.  develop an understanding of the discipline of the fine arts, including the culture and etiquette of those arts.  have the opportunity to specialize in varied arts and design courses.

13

Kinder: Metro E students will participate in 30 minutes of daily creativity and design instruction with the fine arts and classroom teachers. Students will rotate through the six core fine arts and technology disciplines on a six week rotation schedule. Grades 1-2: Metro E students are afforded daily opportunities to participate in a wide variety of creative arts and design classes. First and second grade students receive 40 minutes of arts and design instruction daily, provided through one daily class that is offered in six weeks rotations. Grades 3: Third grade students receive 45 minutes of creative arts and design classes daily, provided through two classes on an A/B day schedule. One course is a specialization course that is a year-long intensive study. The second course is a rotation course that allows students to experience instruction in other creative disciplines. Grade 4: Fourth grade students receive 50 minutes of creative arts and design instruction daily provided through two classes on an A/B day schedule. Both courses are selected by the student for year-long intensive study. Grades 5-6: Fifth and sixth grade students receive 55 minutes of creative arts and design instruction daily provided through two classes on an A/B day schedule. Both courses are selected by the student for year-long intensive study.

Performances:  Metro E will host Fall and Spring Showcases for the selected classes in grades 3-6.  Campus or class performances may be held at other times throughout the school year.  Specialization classes in grades 3-6 may also participate in district or citywide events.  All performances, including evening performances, that are designated as curricular may be considered for the six weeks report card. Guidelines for Course Participation:  Instruments are provided by the campus but are the responsibilities of the student while in his/her care.  In the event that more students select a course than there are available spaces, students will be randomly chosen. At parent request, students that are not selected will be placed on a waiting list for the first 30 calendar days of the school year should a spot become available during that time. The administrator will only authorize class changes after that time with teacher recommendation at the time that a space becomes available.  Some classes may require the purchase of performance attire.  Some courses may require a fee for the purchase of consumable supplies.  Students requesting an experienced level class should have previously attained identified required skills in a beginning level course.  Students are expected to transfer directly to and from fine arts classes when dismissed. Students that are persistently tardy to fine arts classes may receive consequences through the office.

14