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Verdi Handbook
Dear Verdi Families,
Welcome to Verdi Elementary School, where our motto is “Excellence in Education.” Our goal is to provide a safe learning environment conducive to meeting the academic, psychological, social, physical, emotional, and behavioral needs of every child. Since mastery of reading, writing, and math is essential for future success in school and life, high levels of performance will be expected of every child. Regular attendance and exemplary behavior at school are also expected.
Our staff provides a learning environment that is positive, supportive, and one that will offer every child an opportunity to succeed. In order to accomplish this, it is necessary to have standards of acceptable behavior and performance. This handbook has been designed to communicate these expectations to parents and students. By sharing our school schedule, policies, rules, rewards, and consequences with you, we feel that each child will get off to a positive start. It is hoped that when you share this handbook with your child, you will attain a better understanding of Verdi Elementary School. After you have read the handbook, please sign and return the enclosed sheet to your child’s teacher.
We strive for excellence in academic performance. To maintain this excellence, we insist on using academic time to peak performance. For this reason, we request that all parents say goodbye to their children outside the building. Teachers will be receiving students at the outside of the building at the first bell at 9:10 a.m. to enter classrooms and begin instruction by 9:15 every morning. We greatly appreciate your understanding and consideration of these requests.
If you need to see a teacher, please call or e-mail to make an appointment.
We want and need volunteers, and we love having visitors to our school. For the safety of all our children, it is imperative that we know who is on campus at all times, so we ask that all school visitors report to the office and sign in as a visitor or volunteer and wear a volunteer badge when visiting the campus ( a WCSD volunteer form is also required.) This gives all staff, students, parents, and families the assurance that the school campus is a safe and protected environment for all who enter. For the safety of all children, WCSD has a volunteer screening policy which requires that all volunteers complete a School Volunteer Application with a picture ID check (driver’s license, passport, etc.) and submit it to a background check. Some volunteer opportunities also require fingerprinting. Applications are available in the school office or on the WCSD webpage https://www.washoeschools.net/Domain/91. Most volunteers may begin volunteering 3 weeks after the volunteer application has been turned in to the school office, unless otherwise notified, and is good for a twelve (12) month period.
We are looking forward to a partnership with you in providing the very best social and academic opportunities for your child. If we can be of any assistance throughout the school year, please feel free to contact us.
Sincerely,
Mr. Yuen Fong
Phone: 345-8100 Fax: 345-7277
E-mail: yfong@washoeschools.net FACEBOOK: Verdi Elementary School PFA (please Like and page will open up)
Non-Discrimination Statement: The Washoe County School District is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin or ethnic group identification, marital status, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, religion, age, mental or physical disability, military or veteran’s status in educational programs or activities, and employment as required by applicable federal and state laws and regulations. No District employee, including, without limitation, administrators, faculty, or other staff members, nor students shall engage in acts of bullying, harassment, or discrimination on the premises of any public school, school-sponsored event, or school bus in the District. Prohibited behaviors include cyber-bullying, sexual harassment, hazing, intimidation and retaliation.
Disclaimer: This document contains references to Board Policies and other documents pertaining to the rules and regulations of the Washoe County School District. The District reserves the right to revise any of these documents during the course of the school year. For the current version of any of these documents, please check the District’s website at www.washoeschools.net/Policy.
Verdi Elementary School Daily Schedule:
Students may be on campus beginning at 8:55 a.m. when playground supervision begins. Students should be off campus by 3:30 p.m. unless they are attending an after-school program. Verdi E.S. has a before and after-school program – Boys and Girls Club of Truckee Meadows. Their phone number: 775-331-5437.
Line up first bell (outside) 9:10 a.m. (please instill good habits for your child by getting them here on time.)
Class begins 9:15 a.m.
Intermediate Lunch 12:00 – 12:35 p.m.
Primary Lunch 12:20 – 12:55 p.m.
PM Recess 2:00 – 2:15 p.m.
End of the day Bell 3:15 p.m. (Every Wednesday early release at 2:30) **
**Every Wednesday, students are released at 2:30 so staff can participate in professional development.
Delayed Start Schedule: 2 hour delay: School begins at 11:15 and ends at 3:15 No morning boys and girls club.
Please listen to the TV and radio regarding delayed starts. You will receive a Connect Ed message on your phone regarding delays. You can also visit the WCSD website at www.washoeschools.net.
BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
Birthday invitations may be passed out at school as long as your child has an invitation for everyone in their class. All children must be included in order for invitations to be distributed. Your child may also bring a non-edible item to pass out in celebration of their special day (items like bubbles, glow sticks, a new pencil, etc.). Please check with your child's teacher to see how many children are in the class, to make sure you have enough for everyone.
LUNCHROOM RULES
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Follow the directions of the lunchroom duty teacher.
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Talk softly and quietly/stay seated on your bottom, both knees under the table.
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Walk and sit in the lunchroom without disturbing others.
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Finish food and drink inside the lunchroom. NO LUNCH FOOD ALLOWED OUTSIDE
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Raise your hand and wait for the duty to dismiss you, to throw away trash, to use the restroom, cut condiments and open milk.
6. Clean your area before being dismissed.
PLAYGROUND RULES
Verdi is a “HANDS OFF SCHOOL” and students are expected to engage in playground activities that involve appropriate physical contact.
1. Play only in designated areas.
2. Stay in supervised areas at all times.
3. Listen and follow the directions of the duty teacher.
4. Rocks, dirt, sand, bark, and snow remain on the ground.
5. Soft plastic bats and whiffle balls for baseball.
6. Balls to be used appropriately and in designated areas.
7. ZERO tolerance for other hand-on-on.
8. No play fighting.
9. FOOTBALL – grades 4-5 under specific guidelines set by school personnel.
10. Tetherballs are for hitting with your hands only.
11. SWING SAFETY
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20 swings on a count – forward and back
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Swing only straight forward and backward, sitting on your bottom
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remain in the seat of the swing and stop with feet
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remain at least 10 feet away from the swing if not swinging
13. Walk all wheeled vehicles (bikes, skateboards, scooters, etc.) on school grounds.
14. Show mutual respect to others and respect others' property.
15. If unsure if a game is allowed, ask an adult for clarification. If a ball goes over the fence, see the duty teacher.
16. Snacks should be consumed on the bleachers or benches outside the classroom and the trash disposed in provided trash cans.
17. Please wear appropriate snow clothes and boots for playing in the snow and in cold windy weather.
Cell Phones
Student cell phones may not be used during school hours. Cell phones should be in the off position and be stored in the student’s school bag during school hours. Any cell phone that is seen or heard by a staff member or that causes a disruption during school hours will be taken and handed in to the principal.
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First Offence: Warning
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Second Offence: Cell phone will be taken and handed in to the principal. The student’s cell phone will be returned to the student’s parents/guardian.
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Third Offence: Continued offenses may result in student discipline and/or loss of privileges.
The school is not responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged phones.
DRESS CODE
The primary responsibility for dress and grooming rests with our students and their parents/legal guardians. However, the District does reserve the right to establish a comprehensive dress code with limitations for students, which addresses what they may wear and how they may wear that clothing. School authorities have the professional responsibility and legal sanction to encourage student dress requirements and, within this authority, the right to request that students change their attire.
As specified in Washoe County School District procedures, “the dress or grooming of all students must not present potential health or safety problems or cause distractions”. Exceptions may be considered for religious or medical reasons.
a. The dress or grooming of students must not present potential health or safety problems. Clothing should fit so that it does not create a health or safety issue.
b. Clothing shall not contain unprotected speech including, but not limited to: obscene, vulgar, or profane language or illustrations; and, nothing that promotes illegal activity, including underage drinking, illegal drug use (to include marijuana), domestic abuse, gang membership, battery, assault, or any other civil or criminal conduct which would violate state or federal law.
c. Clothing must cover the body from the chest/breasts to below the buttocks. This includes all private/intimate parts of the body, including the midriff.
i. Shirts that expose the shoulders, tank tops, and thin or “spaghetti” straps that adhere to the other provisions of this dress code are allowed.
ii. Undergarments shall not be intentionally exposed (e.g., bras, boxer shorts).
iii. Shorts, skirts, shorts, and dresses must be an appropriate length, extending to the student’s mid-thigh.
iv. Pants/bottoms with rips, tears, or mesh are acceptable but should not reveal or expose a private/intimate part of the body nor cause a safety concern (e.g., a tripping hazard because the hem of the pant leg drags on the floor).
v. Nylons/panty hose/tights may be worn as an undergarment under clothing, but not alone as pants/bottoms.
vi. Leggings, including yoga pants, are acceptable worn as pants.
d. Allowable head coverings are those which are worn for medical or religious (e.g. hijab, yarmulke, turban) reasons. Head coverings which are neither religious nor medical in nature are not permitted to be worn inside a school building during school hours (e.g., sweatshirt hoods, ball caps, cowboy hats).
e. Sunglasses may not be worn inside the building during school hours except for medical reasons, and including prescription transition lenses. f. Proper footwear must be worn at all times and should not pose a potential health or safety problem. Slippers and similar soft-soled shoes are prohibited. For safety reasons, students are encouraged to wear shoes with a strap around the back of the foot.
g. Unless an exception has been provided by the school administrator (i.e. for spirit days, etc.), wearing pajamas, lounge wear, bath robes, or blankets is prohibited.
h. The District’s dress code does not extend to hair style or hair color.
i. Jewelry and accessories with extended spikes or studs or which are of sufficient weight or length as to risk injury to the wearer or another are prohibited.
j. Gang attire and accessories. In accordance with state law, items that have been identified as gang-related are prohibited. WCSD school police, in conjunction with local law enforcement and other agencies, shall determine current prohibitions related to gang appearance, dress, accessories, and activities and shall inform school administrators as needed. Prohibited items may include but are not limited to: altered insignias or graffiti; jewelry or belt buckles symbolizing any gang; and graffiti on or on personal belongings symbolizing any identified gang activity.
k. Students are permitted to wear coats, jackets, zippered sweatshirts, and other outerwear.
Nothing in this administrative regulation shall be construed to restrict or ban a student’s wearing of religious clothing and/or accessories, with the exception of unprotected speech (see below).
a. Parents having religious-based concerns regarding the dress code or the site-based uniform policy are encouraged to discuss them with the principal. Any appeals of the principal’s decision shall follow the District’s public complaint process.
7. Violations
a. A student who is found to be in violation of the school dress code may face consequences based on the District Behavior Matrix. Potential consequences include, but are not limited to:
i. First offense – A parent/guardian shall be notified; and, the student must change clothing.
ii. Second offense – A parent/guardian shall be notified; and, the student must change clothing and may receive a loss of privilege.
iii. Third offense – A parent/guardian shall be notified; and, the student must change clothing, may receive a loss of privilege, and may receive focused detention/school beautification.
b. In all cases, a parent/guardian and student shall be informed of the consequences of subsequent violations.
As used in this regulation, the term unprotected speech may include, but is not necessarily limited to, the following: obscenity, fighting words, defamation (includes libel, slander), child pornography, perjury, blackmail, incitement to imminent lawless action, true threats, solicitations to commit crimes, and speech which is vulgar or profane. Unprotected speech may also include any article of apparel, or publication that displays obscene words, pictures, or designs; speech which has a message that is pro-alcohol, tobacco and/or controlled or illegal substances; publications, clothing, or items that symbolize gang-related behavior; speech that does not comply with the District’s policies and regulations, interferes with the educational process and/or poses a threat to the safety of students or other individuals.
Verdi Expectations for Behavior and Discipline Guidelines
Our ultimate behavioral goal is to support the development of well-educated, responsible citizens who consistently demonstrate self-control. This happens in a safe, calm environment with good protocols and procedures in place and underlies the entire educational process and safety for our students. Students must understand and consistently practice behavioral expectations while they are at school. Parents, please read, discuss and review these behavioral guidelines with your child/ren at least once each quarter.
General Guidelines
1. Students will show mutual respect to all adults and all other students.
2. We have a zero-tolerance policy towards any kind of bullying, aggression, or violence.
3. Students will use playground equipment and other school facilities in a safe, respectful and responsible manner.
4. Students will respect school property and the property of others.
5. Personal belongings that are unrelated to school should remain at home. This includes all toys, electronic games, make-up, ipods, etc. Students’ cell phones should remain off and in backpacks during the school day. Please be aware that the WCSD is not an agent for any student and is not responsible for any loss, theft or damage to any items in the student’s possession or stored/left on the school property.
6. Fighting will result in immediate disciplinary action: report to principal, tracking form, and possible suspension.
7. Students will dress in an appropriate manner (see Dress Code).
8. If a student must leave early, parents must report to the office and sign the child/ren out.
9. Students must stay in supervised areas. Students are not allowed in the building unsupervised.
10. Students will be assessed for any lost or damaged books or other school materials.
Classroom Rules
Each classroom teacher will have a set of classroom procedures, rules and consequences unique to his/her learning environment in order to ensure the safety and education of the students. These rules will be communicated to you at Back to School Night and sent home for you to review. Each classroom teacher will decide how to implement rewards and consequences according to individual classroom needs.
Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBiS)
Verdi Elementary continues to support a Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support system for students, teachers, and visitors of Verdi. The program emphasizes the following:
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Prevention (preventing problem behavior)
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Teaching (teaching appropriate behavior)
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Reinforcement (positively affirming appropriate behavior)
It is a whole group approach to developing effective strategies to deal with problem behavior. Our aim is to build an effective environment in which positive behavior is more effective than problem behavior.
Our school-wide rules are based on the following expectations…
WE ARE:
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Respectful
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Responsible
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Safe
Your child and their classroom will be receiving Super Deer (individual) and/or Herd Awards (class) in recognition of outstanding, positive behavior. Additionally, home can be a wonderful place to reinforce good behavior; remember, it does not have to cost anything. Some of the most effective rewards are the activities you do with your child. Possible rewards for being respectful, responsible, and safe are:
Color a picture with your child
Walk to the park together
Bake cookies together
Go to the library with your child
Rent a movie, have popcorn together
WARNINGS / TRACKING FORM / DETENTION
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Written tracking forms are issued to the student and sent home to be signed by the parents. Tracking forms are also meant to serve as a means of communication with home. (Parents, please always feel free to comment on tracking forms.)
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Parents are asked to sign the tracking form and the student is responsible for returning the tracking form to school the following day.
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A child who fails to show up for a consequence will report to the principal.
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During loss of recess, students will be expected to do academic work or read (teacher's decision.)
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Students receiving 3 behavioral tracking forms may be subject to one or more of the following:
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Parent-Teacher-Principal-Counselor Conference
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In-house Suspension
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Suspension
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Zero tolerance for fighting and bullying and may result in tracking form, loss of recess and or possible suspension.
CONSEQUENCES (will vary depending on the offense)
Time out – detention– principal conference with student and or parent – appropriate work assignment – restriction from school activities or equipment – in school suspension (out of classroom doing class work) – home suspension – Violence Intervention Program (VIP) – other consequences as appropriate. What is most important is that we work together as a team; school personnel, families and the community, to educate our students in a safe environment and provide them with an excellent social and academic environment. It Takes a Village!
Page BreakW.C.S.D. HOMEWORK POLICY
Purpose
The Board of Trustee of the Washoe County School District recognizes that homework can play an important role in building a student’s sense of responsibility, self-discipline, and life-long learning habits. Additionally, the Board believes that time spent on homework can directly influence a student’s ability to meet the Washoe County School District’s (“District”) academic standards. The Board maintains that conventional purposes for homework are practice, preparation, check for understanding, and development of work habits. Homework, when utilized in a school/class should be viewed as routine and an important part of students’ daily lives.
POLICY
1. Guiding Principles
a. The decision to implement a site-based homework policy is designated by the school principal.
b. Homework can be an essential component of the instructional process. When utilized, homework may provide reinforcement and extension of class instruction and serve as a basis for further study and preparation for future class assignments.
c. Homework is one of many learning activities to engage students. Homework should extend learning and/or provide practice in applying concepts initially presented in the classroom; provide opportunities for independent work; strengthen concepts and skill development; and provide opportunities for enrichment.
d. Implementation of effective homework practices throughout the District depends on the cooperation, communication and support among students, parents/guardians, teachers, and administrators.
e. Strong partnerships ensure families are welcomed as full members of the educational community and in the educational decision-making process for students.
f. Effective homework practices ensure support that is responsive to student needs and relevant to equitable access and resources available outside the school setting.
g. Homework should not create inequities or otherwise cause a disadvantage to students’ learning success due to time or resources available within the family to complete homework tasks.
2. Guiding Practices
a. Meaningful homework may be regularly assigned to meet student needs appropriate to grade level, subject area, and ability.
b. Homework should not be used as a disciplinary measure.
c. Teachers will create an effective mechanism or system to communicate homework assignments. If appropriate and applicable, homework assignments may be placed on the teacher’s website for further clarification to students.
d. To support the homework policy, schools will encourage parents/guardians to:
i. show interest in the student’s work;
ii. encourage/offer advice;
iii. insist the work be completed through the student’s own effort;
iv. provide a suitable, well-lit area free from distractions, equipped with necessary materials and resources;
v. set specific study times;
vi. confer with teachers for suggestions/concerns; and
vii. monitor activities to ensure assignments are brought home, completed, and returned on time.
e. The Superintendent shall cause to be created an administrative regulation, and any other applicable governing documents, to provide guidance related to the use of homework. Guidance shall include, but not be limited to, the responsibilities of teachers and administrators, grading procedures, average homework times, and protocols for assigning homework over extended breaks.
DEFINITIONS
1. Homework is defined as any schoolwork that requires completion outside of the regular instructional day, and includes assignments of short-term and long-term duration.
2. Conventional purposes for homework are practice, preparation, check for understanding, and development of work habits.
DESIRED OUTCOMES
1. Homework serves a valid purpose with measurable outcomes.
2. Homework reinforces learning concepts which are introduced during classroom instruction by providing activities to practice, apply, integrate, and expand the knowledge and skills of students.
HINTS TO GET HOMEWORK RETURNED TO SCHOOL
It is your child’s responsibility to complete homework assignments and remember to bring back to school!
*Designate a place where all materials that are to be taken to school are placed (a box, basket, backpack)
* When your child forgets to bring homework back, do not deliver it to school. Children must learn from their own experiences.
* Help your child as needed. When asked to help, go over the directions and do an example together. Encourage your child to
work independently.
* Homework is a review of material that has been taught at school and the teacher has observed your child doing it correctly.
* If a child has considerable difficulty with an assignment, jot a note to the teacher on the homework paper, so the difficulty is
communicated to the teacher. (Stop, do not continue doing work that is frustrating you both.)
* Look at completed homework assignments so that you are aware of what your child is doing.
* SIGN OR INITIAL YOUR CHILD’S AGENDA EVERY NIGHT if required by a teacher.
REPORT CARDS
Your child will receive a report card four times per year. Although there is one scheduled Parent/Teacher Conference per year, you are encouraged to contact the teacher with any concerns you may have. To recognize the hard work and effort of our students, certificates are awarded to students with report cards each quarter.
HEALTH
We highly encourage our students to attend school every day. However, should your child become ill, you need to decide whether he/she should attend. The following are some helpful hints to make it easier to determine whether your child should stay home or go to school. Children should stay home if they exhibit any of the following:
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Vomiting or diarrhea (48 Hours Exclusion)
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Fever of 100.4 or higher
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Obvious severe cold symptoms (sneezing, congestion, runny nose, persistent cough, or sore throat)
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Eyes that itch, burn, or are bloodshot or draining (matted shut in the morning). These can be symptoms of conjunctivitis or pinkeye (usually very contagious and requires treatment by a doctor). A child may return after 24 hours of antibiotic treatment.
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Rash or other questionable symptoms
If your child becomes ill or hurt at school, we will contact you and have you take him/her home, if necessary.
If it becomes necessary for your child to take medication at school, we must have a signed form from the physician and parent before we can dispense any medication. All medication will be kept in the clinic and will be administered by the clinical aide.
During summer months, it would be advisable to put sunscreen on your children before sending them to school.
WCSD FAMILY GUIDE TO ATTENDANCE
WHEN TO KEEP KIDS HOME
If your child is ill and has symptoms that may be contagious (i.e. coughing, cold), please keep your child home from school.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Please provide our schools with accurate and updated contact information including: phone numbers, addresses and emergency contacts.
SCHEDULING
Please make every attempt to schedule appointments, vacations and non-school activities on non-school days.
RETENTION & CHRONIC ABSENCE
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Students will not be retained or fail a course (high school) solely due to attendance.
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Chronic absence = missing 10% or more of school. Students who are chronically absent from school have an increased risk of falling behind and dropping out of school.
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School principals may consider chronic absence when making decisions regarding retention or course failure.
ABSENCES
Notify your school each day your child is absent.
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Exempt absences = verification documentation is provided by a medical professional, mental health professional or behavioral health professional. Does not count towards chronic absenteeism.
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Pre-arranged: Must give a 2-day advance notice when gone 12 days. Must give one week's notice (5 school days) when gone for 3 or more days. Does count towards chronic absenteeism unless it's verified by medical, mental health or behavioral health.
MAKE-UP WORK
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It is the responsibility of the student to request make-up work from their teachers when they return to school after an absence. Families may request this work for our youngest students.
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Teachers must provide students with make-up work or concepts missed by the student within two-days of the student returning to class.
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Students have the number of days absent +1 day to complete the work. For example: If a student is absent for 2 days, they have 3 days to complete the work and turn it back into their teacher.
COVID EXCLUSIONS
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Students who have been excluded from school due to Covid will be provided with temporary distance learning opportunities and have regular contact with teachers.
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Each school will handle distance learning with their own plan that fits the specific needs of their school community.
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Absences for Covid exclusions do not count towards Chronic Absenteeism.
INFINITE CAMPUS PARENT PORTAL SCAN THE QR CODE FOR TIPS ON HOW TO USE IC PARENT PORTAL
It is the responsibility of adult family members to monitor student attendance and progress using the IC Parent Portal. If you need help accessing the IC Parent Portal, call your school office for a username and password. Please note, inaccuracies in attendance cannot be changed after the last day of school. We want your child to be successful!
Thank you for your partnership.