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“Home
of the Eaglets”
NICHOLS
SCHOOL
STUDENT
& PARENT HANDBOOK
*Please
retain this book for reference
while
your child attends Grades 3-5 at Nichols School.
Nichols
School • Monona Grove School District •
Ann Schroeder, Principal
100
Nichols Road, Monona, WI
53716 • Tel. (608) 221-7677 • Fax (608) 223-6514
Nichols
School
Monona
Grove School District
"Building
a Community of Learners"
SCHOOL
DAY SCHEDULE
|
Early
Childhood, Prekindergarten, and
Half Day Kindergarten
Full
Day Kindergarten
Grades 1 -
5
Grades 6 - 8
Grades 9 - 12
|
8:10
– 11:00
8:10 –
3:00
8:10 -
3:00
8:02 -
3:20
7:55 -
3:27
|
Morning
supervision begins at 7:40 a.m.
Parents:
for student safety reasons, please do not allow
children
to
come to school before supervision begins at 7:40
a.m.
WELCOME
Dear
Nichols School Students and Families:
Welcome
to the 2001-2002 school year!
The Nichols School staff is excited to work with you during
this upcoming year.
Our goal is to provide a wonderful learning experience for our
students. We hope this will be a successful and rewarding
year for you.
The
pages of our Student & Parent Handbook are
filled with information that you will find useful
about Nichols School.
It is designed to help students and families understand the
philosophies, experiences, and procedures that make
Nichols School a great place to learn.
We suggest that parents and students read the Handbook
together, and keep it handy for reference
throughout the year.
Feel free to ask me, your child’s teacher, our guidance
counselor, or the school office staff for
additional information or explanation of the
material in this handbook.
I
have always been impressed with the close
cooperation between home and school in our
community. This
cooperative effort is essential to promote the best
interests of our children.
As always, parents are encouraged to visit Nichols School and
attend conferences between parents and teachers.
By working together, we can make a difference for our
students.
Sincerely,
Ann
Schroeder
Principal
Table
of Contents
Monona
Grove School District does not discriminate against
pupils on the basis of sex,
race,
national origin,ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital
or parental status, sexual orientation,
or
physical, mental emotional orlearning disability or
handicap in its education programs or activities.
Federal
law prohibits discrimination in employment on the
basis of age, race, color, national
origin,
sex or handicap. Those with complaints should
contact
Bill
Breisch, 5301 Monona Drive, Monona, Wisconsin
53716.
MONONA
GROVE SCHOOL DISTRICT
MISSION
STATEMENT
Our
district, while serving as a partner with the home
and community, has as its mission to establish and
deliver an ever changing educational program
providing all students the opportunity to acquire
the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to
become life-long learners able to face future
challenges.
In
order to accomplish this mission, the school
district must:
provide
all students with experiences that are both
rigorous and relevant;
prepare
learners to think critically and creatively in
order to function successfully in a complex and
changing world;
provide
students with experiences that link learning with
real-life situations;
be
responsible for addressing the unique needs of all
learners;
·
engage
students actively in the learning process;
·
effectively
promote the importance of our democratic principles
which balance individual and societal rights and
responsibilities;
·
challenge
all stakeholders to be successful life-long
learners in their roles as productive workers,
responsible citizens, and active members of their
personal and extended community families;
·
provide
a safe and healthy physical and emotional learning
environment where all stakeholders in the
educational process are respected and treated with
dignity;
·
expect
students, teachers, and parents to share in the
responsibility for making the teaching and learning
process effective;
·
use
technology as a resource in the teaching and
learning process;
·
carry
out an on-going process of evaluating curriculum,
instruction, and methods of assessment used to
teach students and measure learning;
·
serve
as a focal point for engaging all stakeholders in a
dynamic learning process designed to build a
capacity for initiating and carrying out positive
change; and
·
establish
ways in which all stakeholders can work together to
develop the trust and confidence necessary to
openly communicate and focus the schools’
efforts on effectively dealing with complexity and
conflict.
“BUILDING
A COMMUNITY OF LEARNERS”
NICHOLS
SCHOOL HOURS
GRADE
HOURS
Grades 3-5
8:10 a.m. - 3:00
p.m.
LUNCH
PERIODS
3rd
11:40 a.m. -
12:20 p.m.
4th
12:00 p.m. -
12:40 p.m.
5th
12:20 p.m. -
1:00 p.m.
Early
Dismissal
The
exception to the hours above will be Early
Dismissal Days when an early release time is
scheduled at 11:00 a.m.
These days provide opportunities for staff to support
initiatives for improving student performance,
participate in teacher inservice, prepare report
cards, and receive compensatory time for
parent/teacher conferences.
See the current “Elementary Student Calendar” for
dates.
Office
Hours
The
school office is open Monday - Friday from 7:30
a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Please call (221-7677), or come to the office if you have
questions or concerns.
STUDENT
RESIDENCY
Monona
Grove School District Board Policy 501.5
(see full policy on page 24) states, “No student
shall be permitted to attend school until he/she is
actually living in the school district.”
The law requires us to charge tuition for students who attend
the Monona Grove School District if permanent
residency has not been established.
Permanent is defined as seven days a week. A copy of an official court document verifying a
joint custody arrangement with one parent residing
in Monona may be requested by the District.
ATTENDANCE
AND TARDINESS PROCEDURES
School
attendance laws of the state of Wisconsin require
that children must attend school regularly.
By state law, regular school attendance is the joint
responsibility of the parents and the school.
School authorities must enforce the law as cited in Statute
118.15. Parents,
at the same time, have the responsibility to see
that regular school attendance is maintained.
You can help by making school a top priority.
By building the habit of daily attendance, you will help your
child see that school is important.
Please
call the school office (221-7677) by 8:30 a.m. each
day if your child will not be able to attend school
or will be late.
Please give the following information:
name of student, grade, name of teacher, length of and reason
for absence. Your
call is important to help us protect the safety of
your child and to ensure accurate attendance
records. If
a student is absent and we do not receive a call
from home, we will call your home/work or emergency
contact numbers to verify the absence as part of
our safe arrival policy.
When
students are tardy, they must stop at the office
for a tardy pass before proceeding to class.
Please do not take your child directly to his/her classroom.
Parents
will be notified if their child has been absent or
tardy an excessive number of times.
Please note our School Board policy on student attendance
(page 25).
STUDENT
ATTIRE
Most
student attire is acceptable as long as it is
adequate for outside play, does not present a
health or safety problem, or cause disruption of
educational activities.
Items with obscene or inappropriate words, slogans, or
graphics shall not be worn or displayed. Cropped tops and/or spaghetti straps are strongly
discouraged. We
rely upon your discretion and good judgment as to
what your child should wear to school.
We
suggest that your child wear rubber-soled shoes,
and slacks or shorts on days with scheduled
physical education classes.
Fourth and fifth graders will be issued a gym lock and locker
and will need to bring clothes to change into for
physical education class.
Winter
Clothing
Please
be sure that your child has proper winter clothing
- hats, mittens or gloves, boots, snow pants.
We do go outside for recess unless the temperature drops below
- 20 (windchill). We
ask that you make sure your child brings the proper
clothing to school to keep him or her warm and dry.
Students need to bring a pair of shoes in addition to their
boots.
The
following guidelines are used in regard to winter
recess:
0+
Outdoors
0 to -20
Outdoors (short recess)
Below -20 Indoors
These
temperatures include windchill.
ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL
PROCEDURES
Children
who walk or are transported by parents should
arrive at school after 7:40 a.m. and before 8:10
a.m.
There is no supervision before 7:40 a.m.
Supervisors
are on duty at 7:40 a.m. in the multipurpose room.
Students should enter through the main entrance and go
directly to the multipurpose room with their coats
and backpacks.
When
driving your child to school, please use the
drop-off lane along the fence line.
Bus lanes in the circle and in front of the pupil services
entrance should not be blocked.
Bus lanes are marked with signs.
It creates a dangerous situation when children have to walk
around cars to load or unload.
All students should enter the school building through the main
entrance.
Students
must go directly home when dismissed at 3:00 p.m.
Children who are transported by parents should be picked up at
dismissal. There
is no supervision of students after 3:00 p.m.
To ensure the safety of all children, we ask that you
consistently follow these guidelines.
Excusing
Children Early
If
it is necessary for a child to leave school early,
parents or guardians need to make arrangements with
the school office for the child’s release.
The child will be sent for and excused from the office.
Students
will only be released from the office to a parent
or a person designated (in writing) by the parent.
If the adult is unknown to office staff, identification must
be presented.
Children
will never be released directly from the classroom
or allowed to wait in front of the school for pick
up.
If
your child returns from an appointment before the
end of the school day, the child should stop at the school office for a
pass before returning to class.
Snow
Days/Emergency Closings
The
decision to close school will be made by the
Superintendent of Schools. In the event that school
would be canceled, delayed, or dismissed early due
to inclement weather, please listen for the
announcement on the following radio stations:
WMAD 1190 AM
WTDY 1480 AM
WMGN 98 FM
WIBA 1310 AM
WMXF 96.3 FM
WMMM 105.5 FM
WNWC 102.5 FM
WTSO 1070 FM
WOLX 94.9 FM
WJJO 94.1 FM
WHIT 1550 AM
WWQM 106.3 FM
WYKY 100.5 FM
WMTV CHAN 15
WISC CHAN 3
WKOW CHAN 27
Information
will be available beginning at 6:00 a.m.
Parents are asked to have arrangements in place, in advance,
for the care of their children if school should be
dismissed before the end of the day.
The plan should be discussed with your child so that he or she
is prepared. Be
sure to remind your child of this plan on days when
ice or heavy snow are predicted.
The school must always have a current emergency phone number.
Student
Trips or Vacations
Should
we or shouldn’t we take a vacation while
school is in session?
While a vacation can be educationally profitable, please
seriously consider the following points when making
your decision:
·
It
is impossible to “make-up” the classroom
lessons missed.
·
Since
many assignments and follow-up practice are a part
of each day’s classes, it is not possible to
furnish all materials in advance or do so
accurately.
·
Your
child will not have the resource of teacher
direction.
·
Missed
instruction could affect grades and attitude.
Please
ask the teacher well in advance to send work with
the student.
TRANSPORTATION
Monona
Grove Bus Policies
SAFE
TRANSPORTATION OF SCHOOL CHILDREN IS A JOINT
RESPONSIBILITY.
BUS OWNERS, DRIVERS, SCHOOL AUTHORITIES, STUDENTS AND PARENTS
MUST ALL COOPERATE IN ORDER TO ASSURE SAFE,
COMFORTABLE TRANSPORTATION.
Parent
Responsibilities
A.
Parents must realize that school bus transportation is a
“privilege” not a “right.”
Pupils who misbehave may be denied the privilege of riding on
the bus since their misbehavior jeopardizes the
safety of the entire bus load and could result in
injury to others.
B.
Pupils will ride on assigned buses.
Parents must request in writing any exceptions to this rule. Such a request should be made only in case of an
emergency situation.
Telephone requests to drop off students at points other than
their established stop cannot be honored.
C.
Parents are expected to cooperate with school and/or bus
company officials relative to pupil safety
violations and/or conduct reports.
D.
Parents may request in writing, transportation to a child care
provider. Forms
are available in the school office.
Parents will assume the responsibility for the child when such
a request is made and granted.
E.
Parents should make sure elementary students are dressed
appropriately for the
weather so that they can be at the bus stop waiting for the
bus in cold and rainy conditions.
F.
Parents must observe all school property, traffic and road
regulations. Please
do not park or stop in bus loading and unloading
areas.
G.
Students in grades 3-5 may ride bicycles to school.
Bicycles should be walked from Nichols Road to the bike racks.
Pupil
Responsibilities
Students
being transported are under the authority of the
school bus driver and the Monona Grove School
District. To
promote their safety and well-being the following
rules are to be followed:
Students
shall:
- Be
on time at the bus stop.
- Stand
a safe distance back from the curb or highway
and line up single file, facing the street, when
the bus approaches.
Stay off the road at all times while waiting for the bus.
- Do
not move toward the bus or attempt to enter it
until the bus has come to a complete stop.
- When
it is necessary to cross the road to get on the
bus, or after leaving the bus, do so at least 10
feet in front of the bus, but only after
receiving a signal from the driver.
- Always
be in sight of the driver at all times.
- Always
use steps and handrails, and never crowd or push
when getting on or off the bus.
- Do
as the bus driver says and obey the driver's
instructions.
- Always
remain seated while the bus is in motion.
- Not
eat or drink anything while on the bus.
- Never
stand, except to exit the bus at their stop, and
remain seated until the bus comes to a complete
stop.
- Never
throw anything on the bus or out the bus window,
or extend hands, arms, heads, or objects through
bus window.
- Talk
in normal tones; yelling, loud noises, or other
behavior that could distract the driver is not
allowed.
- Never
use inappropriate language.
- Not
tamper with safety devices or damage the
interior or exterior of the bus. Vandalism to
the bus must be paid for by the offenders.
- Not
block aisles, entrance door, and emergency
doors.
- Sit
in seats that may be assigned by the driver
and/or a school official.
- Treat
the bus driver and fellow passengers with
respect.
Bus
Discipline Policy
Riding
a school bus is a privilege and should be treated
as such. Bus
rules are for the safety of all those who ride the
bus. Parental
assistance in discussing appropriate and safe
behavior is appreciated. Students who refuse to
obey these stated rules shall forfeit their
privilege to ride the school bus.
The
bus driver will be responsible for the safety of
the student riders and for enforcing bus rider
rules under the direction of the school
administration.
Students
experiencing a problem with another child, or aware
of any unsafe condition, should report the
complaint to the driver immediately or before
leaving the bus.
Bus
Discipline Procedure
If
there is a problem with behavior on the bus, the
bus driver will complete a “Bus Conduct
Report” at the end of the route.
The severity of the offense may cause the disciplinary
procedures to begin at Step II or Step III.
Examples would be throwing objects, unacceptable language,
fighting, vandalism, etc.
FIRST
OFFENSE - STEP 1
Upon
receipt of the “Bus Conduct Report,” the
principal will contact the parent or guardian and
the student, discuss the problem, and then
determine the appropriate action for the
misconduct. The
principal shall make the final decision relative to
the discipline assigned.
All conduct reports shall be mailed to the parent or guardian.
SECOND
OFFENSE - STEP 2
Upon
receipt of the “Bus Conduct Report,” the
principal will contact the parent or guardian and
the student to discuss the incident.
The principal shall make the final decision relative to the
discipline assigned. The discipline may include
suspension from the bus for up to three (3) days.
When a suspension from the bus occurs, the parent or guardian
is responsible to transport the child to and from
school. If
the child does not attend because of the
suspension, the child will be considered truant.
Upon
receipt of the “Bus Conduct Report,” the
principal will inform the parent or guardian and
student of the offense and a required three (3) day
bus suspension.
The
parent or guardian and student will be informed of
possible Board action of any future misconduct
reports. When
a suspension from the bus occurs, the parent or
guardian is responsible to transport the child to
and from school.
If the child does not attend because of the suspension, the
child will be considered truant.
FOURTH
OFFENSE - STEP 4
Upon
receipt of the “Bus Conduct Report,” the
school principal will inform the parent or guardian
and student of the offense and suspend the student
for up to seven (7) days and recommend to the
Director of Transportation that the student be
suspended from the bus for up to the remainder of
the school year.
When
a suspension from the bus occurs, the parent or
guardian is responsible to transport the child to
and from school.
If the child does not attend because of the suspension, the
child will be considered truant.
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