Handbook

VISION

With the Meade County School District, Flaherty Primary School will be recognized for EXCELLENCE and improvement in all areas of student performance. We aspire for every child to be proficient and prepared for success after graduation.

(As a team and family, Flaherty Primary School is “rowing” forward towards EXCELLENCE.)

MISSION

The mission of our school is to assist students in developing the skills necessary to become life-long learners. We strive for all students to reach a high level of academic performance as they prepare to become productive members of society.

ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES

Daily attendance is essential to student success. It is the responsibility of all students and parents to ensure good school attendance. There is a high correlation between successful academic performance and good daily attendance. All students are eligible for the perfect attendance awards. In order for the student to have perfect attendance, he/she must have zero absences, zero tardies, and zero early dismissals.

A student must have either a parent note or a doctor’s statement in order for the absence to be categorized as excused. A maximum of three parent notes are allowed per semester.

Students, who need to miss school due to educational reasons, must complete an EHO form signed by both the principal and the parents. These absences must be approved by the building principal ahead of the absence.

At three unexcused absences the student is considered truant. At six unexcused absences the student is categorized as habitually truant. Court intervention may take place at 3 or more unexcused absences and will take place at six or more unexcused absences. Doctor’s statements or statement of an immediate family death, or court order are required in order for the student to be given an excused absence. (Please read the Attendance Policy in the Green Discipline and Behavior Code.) The medical statement should:

A. State the nature of the illness

B. Verify that it was necessary to miss school (include date and appointment time)

On the day a student returns to school following an absence, the student must bring a written note to the office (from parent and/or doctor) indicating the reason for the absence. If absent for any reason, students will be allowed and expected to make up missing assignments in a timely manner.

Any student who either arrives after 8:10 AM or is absent from school 141 minutes or less is considered tardy. Anytime students are absent from school 142 to 340 minutes, then it will be considered a half day’s absence. Greater than 340 minutes is considered a whole day’s absence.

In situations other than an emergency, students being picked up prior to the end of the school day will be required to provide a parent or doctor’s note. The person picking up the student must sign them out in the office and show picture identification to verify identity. If that person is someone other than parent/guardian, his or her name must be on the student’s emergency card in the office. Also, please have both parents sign the bottom of the emergency card.

All students arriving late or leaving early MUST be signed in/out in the office by the accompanying adult.

DRESS CODE

Flaherty students should be neat and clean. Student dress and appearance should neither disrupt nor distract from the educational environment of the school.

Example of appropriate dress include:

Shorts/skirts/dresses/skorts- must be at fingertip length or longer -when wearing a skirt/dress, it is recommended to wear tights/leggings/shorts underneath since students are physically active at school daily
Tennis shoes only
Pants/jeans without holes (above the knee)
Pants worn at the hip
Natural hair color
Shirts with sleeves that fully cover the shoulder

Examples of inappropriate dress include:

Shirts showing midriff, revealing necklines, open backs, no sleeves, or cold shoulder
Shoes that are or include: wheelies, any size heel, backless shoes, flip flops, cowboy boots
Sagging pants
Clothing with offensive messages, logos, or pictures
Hats, bandannas, caps, sweatbands, sunglasses, long chains hanging from the pants pockets, and other improper items that disrupt the educational environment
Extreme hair dyes
Ripped or torn clothing (holes in jeans must be below the knee)
Pajamas and house slippers

When a student is informed of distractive or inappropriate dress, the student will be asked to make arrangements to change into appropriate clothing. A student may be placed in the office to work until appropriate clothing is obtained. If a student repeatedly disobeys dress code, disciplinary actions may result.

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CAR RIDER PICK-UP/DROP-OFF

Whether your child will be attending Flaherty Elementary School in grades 4-6 (FES) or Flaherty Primary School in grades P-3 (FPS), you will use the entrance off 144 closest to FES. The bus line will be to your left as you enter and the car line for parents and staff will be to the right. If you are dropping off or picking up a student at FES, you will need to circle around the FES parking lot and pull up to the gym end of the building. You will then make a left to go around the entire Flaherty campus and exit onto 144 near the FPS side of our campus. If you have a FPS student, you will enter the campus site the same way as FES, travel around the entire campus site to the FPS parking lot. Enter the parking lot to your left on the 144 side. FPS students will be dropped off at the front entrance. If you have students who attend both buildings, then you will need to make two drop-offs. Follow the procedures as outlined above for both schools. You cannot drop off FES and FPS students at the same location. Pick-up will follow the same procedures in the afternoon. Students may be dropped off between 7:25 and 8:00 AM. If your child is a car rider in the a.m. and will be eating breakfast, we ask that you have your child at school by 7:45 in order to get him/her to class on time. If your child is a car rider arriving after 8:00 and needs to eat breakfast, he/she will be getting a breakfast to eat in the classroom; it is very important that we get started on time with learning. Students may not be dropped off before 7:25. If you arrive early, please remain in your vehicle until a staff member starts unloading students at 7:25. You need to pick up students at 3:00 PM.

In the mornings and afternoons, we ask that you wait your turn to pick-up or drop-off students in the car rider line. This will help ensure the safety of all of our students.

SPMS, Freshman Academy, and MCHS students may not be dropped off or picked up at either Flaherty campus.

During school hours, if you need to pick up or child or have a meeting, then you will need to park in the main parking lots at either building.

The bus entrance/exit that goes in front of the schools is for buses only from 7:00-8:30 AM, and 2:30-4:00 PM. You need to use the main parking lot during these times.

If you need to call the office to make a transportation change or pick-up your child for early dismissal, please do so by 2:00.

BREAKFAST / LUNCH

Breakfast and/or lunch may be purchased either daily or in quantity at any time, i.e. weekly, monthly, etc. Students needing to "charge" their breakfast or lunch will be allowed to do so, but they must abide by the charge policy set forth by the Food Service Director.

Lunch is $2.05 (reduced $.40) and breakfast is $1.25 (reduced $ .30) for students.

SCHOOL HOURS

School Office Hours: 7:25 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

School Hours: 8:10 a.m. - 2:55 p.m.

Breakfast Served*: 7:25 a.m.

Please do not drop off your child before 7:25; supervision of students starts at this time. If your child is a car rider in the a.m. and will be eating breakfast, we ask that you have your child at school by 7:45 in order to get him/her to class on time. If your child is a car rider arriving after 8:00 and needs to eat breakfast, he/she will be getting a breakfast to eat in the classroom; it is very important that we get started on time with learning. Please pick –up your child at 3:00, if he/she is a car rider.

PARENTS/VISITORS

Parents are encouraged to visit our school at any time. All visitors must use the main entrance and check into the front office upon arrival. The person entering the building must show a photo ID in order to sign in and will be given a visitor sticker to identify him/herself to the students and faculty. When the visitor leaves the school, he/she needs to return to the office and log out of the electronic identification system. This ensures the safety of all the students.

In regards to parent/guardians, FPS’s staff realizes, we are dealing with one of the most important aspects of your life-your child. We hope, with your assistance, to develop our students scholastically, morally, and physically. We urge you to become involved in your child’s activities. You may be called on throughout the year to assist in school activities such as field trips and book fairs. Yearly background checks are required of all parents who would like to volunteer. A $10.00 processing fee will be charged to send off the background form to the state. Newsletters are sent home each week with your child. The newsletters are meant to inform you about what is being offered in our curriculum, extra-curricular activities, and various other topics.

CLASS SCHEDULE

Each grade level schedule is posted on FPS’s teacher webpages. See the website for your child’s schedule.

REPORT CARD CALENDAR 2014-2015

(Dates are tentative due to the possibility of inclement weather)

First Midterm 8/7/14-9/18/14 Sent Home 9/22

First Semester 8/7/14-10/31/14 Sent Home 11/10

Second Midterm 11/1/14- 12/12/14   Sent Home 12/15

Second Semester 11/1/14-2/6/15   Sent Home 2/17

Third Midterm 2/7/14- 3/20/14 Sent Home 3/23

Third Semester 2/7/15-5/15/15   Sent Home 5/15

Parent/teacher conferences may be scheduled at any time. Please contact your child’s teacher to set up a meeting. Progress reports and report cards are expected to be signed by a parent/guardian and returned to the school within three days. Your child’s teacher will then sign the report and send it back home for you to keep.

SCHOOL HOURS

School Office Hours: 7:30a.m-4:00p.m

School Hours: 8:10 a.m. - 2:55 p.m.

Breakfast Served*: 7:25 a.m.

*Please do not drop off your child before 7:25; supervision of students starts at this time. If your child is a car rider in the a.m. and will be eating breakfast, we ask that you have your child at school by 7:45 in order to get him/her to class on time. If your child is a car rider arriving after 8:00 and needs to eat breakfast, he/she will be getting a breakfast to eat in the classroom; it is very important that we get started on time with learning. Please pick –up your child at 3:00, if he/she is a car rider.

VISITORS

In order to maintain a safe environment for all of our students, it is required that ALL visitors, including parents and volunteers/chaperones, follow the visitor's policy:

Help us keep your children safe! All visitors, including parents and volunteers/chaperones, must report to the office when first entering the building. If a visitor needs to go to another part of the building, then he/she will be issued a visitor's pass and asked to log-in on our electronic identification system. When the visitor leaves the school, he/she needs to return to the office and log out. *NOTE- All visitors and parents must be able to show picture ID when entering the school.

Also, please remember to sign students in or out at the school office when they are arriving late or leaving early.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ENROLLMENT IN THE MEADE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

· Proof of legal custody

· Proof of residency

· Physical examination on Kentucky form

· Birth certificate

· Up-to-date Kentucky Immunization Certificate

· Copy of Social Security Card

· Withdrawal Slip from previous school with grades and attendance

SCHOOL WIDE EXPECTATIONS

It is the philosophy of Flaherty Primary School that if students are able to follow the school-wide expectations then they will be successful at FPS.

P- Put forth your best effort,

R- Respect yourself and others,

I- “I Can” attitude,

D- Do the right thing, and

E- Engage in learning

This year, FPS will continue to implement a school wide Positive Behavioral Support System. FPS will be using 1-2-3 Magic as the core behavioral program. When a staff member sees any student putting forth an exceptional effort in meeting any or all of the PRIDE guidelines, that student will be recognized for showing their Flaherty “P.R.I.D.E.”. Students will earn PRIDE slips for following the school-wide expectations.

In addition to the “P.R.I.D.E.” awards, FPS’s discipline committee created an office referral to match the schoolwide behavior guidelines toward which students are working.

For all minor infractions, a student will be given 2 chances (strikes) to correct his/her behavior before an official office referral will be given. The teacher will also be contacting you so that you will be aware of some issues that may be occurring at school. This will give you a chance to discuss these behaviors with the student and the teacher prior to any official office referral.

On major infractions (i.e. physical assault, verbal assault, law violation), the student will be sent straight to the office. No strike 1 or strike 2 will be given on these major incidents.

Please, help us at home by discussing these guidelines with your child, and talk to him/her about earning as many “PRIDE” recognitions as possible.

Possible consequences for failure to observe the above school guidelines will generally follow one or more of these steps :

1. A warning and/or non-verbal reprimand

2. Time out

3. Separation from other students

4. Parents contacted by teacher or student by note or phone

5. Parent/Teacher/Student conference

6. Referral to principal

7. Additional conference/improvement plan

8. Suspension

9. Student required to model appropriate (alternative) behavior.

** NOTE: Certain pupil behaviors may warrant immediate attention of and/or action by the principal. For additional information regarding discipline, please refer to the Meade County Schools Discipline Code.

MEDICATIONS

Meade County schools will make every effort to give medications to your child as needed during the school day. Below are the guidelines that will be followed. For safety reasons, medications may not be transported on the bus. They must be brought to school by parents. Emergency medications can be carried, if the proper forms are on file in the office.

Prescription Medications
A medication permission form must be completed by the parent/ legal guardian before medication will be given at school. If two medications are to be given, two permission forms must be completed.
All medications must be brought to school in the original prescription bottle.
Dosage, times of administration, and the name of the drug must match the information completed by the parent/legal guardian on the permission form.
At any time the dosage is changed, a new permission form must be completed.
The initial dose of any medication must be given at home.
Parents will be notified when a refill is needed. Please send a one month supply of any prescription.
Inhalers and Epi-pens may be carried by the student if an authorization form has been completed by the prescribing physician and the parent/guardian.
At the end of the year, parents will be notified to pick up any unused medications. If, after two calls, the medication is not picked up, it will be destroyed by the school.
Refrigeration is available if needed.
Over-the-counter Medications
Over the counter medications, (ie. Tylenol, cough drops, ointments, etc.) will be given at school when they are in the original packaging and a permission form is completed by the parent/legal guardian. This form must have the child’s full name, medication name, dosage instructions, specific dosage times, and any other necessary instructions. Parents must drop off the medication to the school; students cannot transport medicine.
Over the counter medications will be given for three days and then will be returned to the parent unless there are special circumstances.
Medication forms may be picked up at the school office or may be printed from the Meade County Schools district website.

KINDERGARTEN

Children entering Kindergarten are required to be five years old on or before October 1 of the school year for which they are enrolling. Pre-registration takes place in the spring of the previous school year. Parents need to bring a certified copy of the child's birth certificate, the child's Social Security Card (optional), a current medical exam, an eye exam given by an optometrist, a dental exam, proof of residency, and a current KY immunization certificate in order to complete the enrollment process.

The following are some guidelines for Kindergarten bus riders at Flaherty Primary School:

* The parents, guardians or persons authorized by the parent of a kindergarten child will meet the bus driver at the designated school bus stop or be in clear view of the bus driver.

* No kindergarten child shall be left unattended at the time of delivery.

* If the parent, guardian, or a person authorized by the parent to accept the child is not present upon delivery, the child will be taken back to the school. If your child has to be taken back to school three times (3), your child may be removed from the bus. You would then be responsible for providing transportation to and from school for up to 10 school days. If the child is brought back a fourth time, a decision may be made to revoke the student's bus privilege for 30 days or more.

* If anyone other than the authorized person is to receive the child, such arrangements shall be made by the parent or guardian by prior written permission and approval by the school office. The bus driver should be made aware as well.

*If the parent or guardian wants an older sibling to be responsible for the child, such arrangements shall be made by the parent or guardian by prior written permission and approval by the director or assistant director of transportation. (Older siblings must be middle or high school-aged in order to be the designated pick-up person).

* Your child will be expected to follow the rules and regulations for riding the school bus.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

In case of emergency each student is required to have on file at the school office the following information:

1. Parent(s) or guardian(s) name(s)

2. Complete current address

3. Home phone number and work phone number

4. Emergency phone number of friend or relative

5. Medical alert information

6. Related information as requested on the Emergency Data Card

This information is provided to the school by the parent/guardian at the beginning of each school year, as well as any time this information changes

NON-CUSTODIAL PARENT

The Meade County School Board Policy #09.12311 states:

"The Board shall release the student or information concerning the student to a parent, guardian, or individual acting as a parent of a student in the absence of a parent or guardian unless the school has been provided with evidence that there is a state law or court order governing such matters as divorce, separation or custody, or a legally binding document which provides instruction to the contrary.

Release of the student or information concerning the student coming from a single parent or a divorced/separated parent will be accomplished according to the following procedures:

Unless the school has been informed and given evidence of state law or court order concerning the status of a student:

1. Both parents shall have equal access to any information concerning the student.

2. Both parents shall have the right to release of the student under their care."

FOOD BROUGHT TO SCHOOL FOR SNACKS, PARTIES, ETC.

FPS is committed to insure that foods served to children are safe, healthy, and sanitary. In order to assist with this, especially for students who require certain diets due to medical needs and allergies, foods need to have a nutritional guide. Therefore, we request that food and drink items served in the classroom be purchased, rather than homemade. We find that students really enjoy healthy snacks—vegetable & fruit trays, juice, cheese sticks, pretzels, etc. While these snacks can be more costly, we cannot overemphasize the health of our students. You may also consider purchasing non-food items (pencils, erasers, stickers, etc.) for class parties, birthdays, and special occasions. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

Volunteers

In regards to parent/guardians, FPS’s staff realizes, we are dealing with one of the most important aspects of your life-your child. We hope, with your assistance, to develop our students scholastically, morally, and physically. We urge you to become involved in your child’s activities. You may be called on throughout the year to assist in school activities such as field trips and book fairs. Yearly background checks are required of all parents who would like to volunteer. A $10.00 processing fee will be charged to send off the background form to the state. Newsletters are sent home each week with your child. The newsletters are meant to inform you about what is being offered in our curriculum,extra-curricular activities, and various other topics.

MATH FACTS IN A FLASH

Math Facts in a Flash is a wonderful computer program for students to practice and complete tests on basic fact (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division etc.) fluency and accuracy daily. Individual and grade level student goals will be set. Students that complete the entire program will have their time reset for a lower time to complete the program again. Improving math fact fluency and accuracy is the goal for this program. Each homeroom teacher will be responsible for displaying a Math Fact chart. The chart will be updated weekly in the classroom. Each teacher will also have a designated area to identify the individual student for mastering the most facts for the week. Each grade-level will have a designated time during the school day for Math Facts in a Flash. There will be a staff member in the computer lab starting at 7:30 daily for students who want to complete additional math fact practice and tests. Late bus riders at the end of the day are also encouraged to take Math Facts before bus dismissal (in the classroom). Math Facts will only be taken at school from 7:30-3:10 daily unless it is part of an after school program. This equalizes the time spent on the computers for all students.

ACCELERATED READER PROGRAM

Accelerated Reader is a fantastic computer program for students to complete comprehension tests on daily. The AR program will be implemented school-wide. As a school, FPS will set school-wide and grade level goals this year. This year, FPS will continue to not only focus on quantity by quality as well. In order to ensure this, we are asking that no book be deleted from a child’s record until mid-term or report card time (after the student’s report has been run). This will help make the students more responsible for their book choices and tests. Parents will be made aware when a child chooses to take tests on books that they have not read or that are above their level, they can retest on those books only after the book has been deleted from their record. This will also help teachers guide their students about making better choices. There are exceptions to delete a test, for example; if a child accidentally picks the wrong test.AR tests will only be taken at school from 7:30-3:10 daily unless it is part of an after school program. This equalizes the time spent on the computers for all students.

Students will receive beads for earning AR points this year. The beads will be displayed on a necklace. If students lose their necklace after searching for it with the help of their parents/guardians and teachers, the student will be given another necklace with the approval from a parent by way of a note. Student pictures for the 25 point club will be taken by office staff. Student pictures will be placed into a flower pot that will move on the shelves in the school displays for every 25 points earned.

The top three earning students at each grade level will receive a reward at the end of the year. A trophy will be rewarded to the overall earning point club student during the school year. The class with the most AR points will also be rewarded at the end of the school year.

Each homeroom teacher will be responsible for displaying an AR point club chart. The chart will be updated weekly in the classroom. Each teacher will have a designated area to identify the individual top point earners with 85% comprehension average or higher. Teachers will also recognize the individual top level earners for the week.

Each grade-level will have a designated time during the school day for AR. Students in the gym from 7:25-8:00 am and in the cafeteria from 3:10-3:40 pm are expected to read. All students should have a book in their backpacks at all times. Books will also be available in baskets in designated areas. In the mornings, students can go to the computer lab to take AR tests. There will be a staff member in the computer lab starting at 7:30 daily. Late bus riders at the end of the day are also encouraged to take AR tests before bus dismissal at 3:10.

SCHOOL BOOKS

Classroom books, textbooks, and library books are given to students free of charge on a loan basis. If a book, or other item belonging to the school, is lost, misused, or damaged, it is the responsibility of the parents/guardians to pay the appropriate cost of repair or replacement.

All students will check out two library books with the Library Media Specialist every other week. Second and third grade students will check out one AR book and one book of choice. All second and third grade students are expected to take a test on their AR book. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, students will be provided the opportunity to check out a new book from 7:45-8:00 (students will not come to the library in the morning on their scheduled library check-out day).

ELECTRONIC / GAMING / COMMUNICATION DEVICES

While on school property or while attending school-sponsored or school- related activities, whether on or off school property, students shall be permitted to possess electronic and telecommunications devices, including cell phones, pagers, iPods, game systems, Kendal and other related electronics devices, provided they observe the following conditions:

- All such devices shall not be used for any reason during the school day or while attending any school sponsored activity such as field trips, bus loading times and zones, etc. They should be turned off before entering the building and remain off during the course of the school day. Any exceptions during the regular school day must be approved by an administrator or staff on duty and the device may only be used for the approved purpose. Any exceptions while at a school-sponsored activity must be approved by the coach, director, or sponsor and the device may only be used in the presence of the individual granting permission.

- Students are responsible for keeping up with devices if they choose to bring them to school. The district and school shall not be responsible for loss, theft, or destruction of devices brought onto school property.

- Students shall comply with any additional rules developed by the school concerning appropriate use of telecommunication or other electronic devices.

1st offense: Confiscated and returned to the student at the end of the school day by the classroom teacher; parent/guardian contacted

2nd offense: Office strike; confiscated and device will be returned to parent / guardian

3rd + offense: May include, but not limited to: office strike / referral; ISS; confiscated and returned to parent / guardian

KERALOT FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER

The Family Resource Center provides services for Flaherty Primary and Elementary. The goal of the Family Resource Center is to help all students be successful. We can do this by helping children and families meet some of their basic needs. The center can assist with finding childcare for any age child, referrals to community, health and social agencies, enrichment programs for students and families and programs for families with children from birth through three years of age. The center is open during regular school hours and by appointment, if needed, for evenings or Saturdays. The center can provide information regarding housing, adult education, parenting skills, job assistance, family health, financial assistance and much, much more. The center has a limited quantity of school supplies available at the beginning of each school year to assist families. Please feel free to contact the center at any time for additional information or assistance. The center is located in the main office.

GUIDANCE PROGRAM

Mrs. Kim Cottrell is Flaherty Primary’s guidance counselor. She is available to work with students and parents. Her office hours are Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri., from 7:45 am until 3:15 pm. She will be teaching guidance and career classes to Flaherty students on Wednesdays. If possible, it is best to schedule an appointment ahead of time since she does work with students though out the school day.

SCHOOL CLOSING

When weather conditions dictate school closing, information can be found on WMMG Brandenburg radio (93.5 FM) and all Louisville radio and television stations. Information should be available at approximately 6:00 a.m.