Independence Elementary School Parent Handbook

Transcription

Independence Elementary School Parent Handbook
Independence Elementary
School
Parent Handbook
2015-2016
Mrs. Emily Pavia, Principal
Mrs. Jana Schultz, Assistant Principal
Lisa Bohrmann, Administrative Intern
636.851.5900
www.fhsdschools.org
Respect Responsibility Honesty Friendship
Welcome to Independence Elementary School
On March 18, 1999 at 9:02 PM the Francis Howell Board of Education approved the name
Independence for its ninth elementary school.
Here is the history behind our name:
In 1885 a one room schoolhouse called Independent School
opened its doors and ran continuously until May, 1941. After
that time, Independent School voted to join Consolidated
School District No. 2 of St. Charles County. Through the years
the name changed to Independence School. Many former students
are still members of the Francis Howell community. The original brick
schoolhouse remains on Independence Road today.
Independence Elementary opened in July, 1999.
Independence Elementary is the home of the Eagles; our colors are red, white and blue.
Our Mission:
Independence Elementary
Where All Individuals
Are Inspired
To think and learn Independently
And Show Good Character at All Times
Our Vision:
Independence Elementary is a child centered school of distinction in academics and character.
The partnership among the community will ensure that all individuals will achieve academically,
grow emotionally, and succeed socially for a lifetime of learning.
In May of 2013, Independence Elementary was been named a National School of Character
(NSOC) by the Character Education Partnership (CEP) for its commitment to character education
and for fostering a positive environment for social and academic learning. Independence
Elementary is one of 29 schools recognized for creating an academic and social culture where
students can thrive. Independence Elementary will hold the distinction of a National School of
Character for five years.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Keep in Touch
Stay in touch with the latest news at Independence Elementary. Sign up for eNews by going to our district website
at www.fhsdschools.org and click on the eNews Quick Link. Receive weekly news and important updates from
Independence Elementary and our Francis Howell School District. Also find on-line documents such as our FHSD
Code of Conduct and FHSD Attendance & Earned Credit Handbook.
Other important websitesIndependence Elementary School Website
http://fhsdinde.sharpschool.net/
Independence PTO website
https://www.sites.google.com/site/independenceelementarypto/events-programs
Like us on Facebook;
www.facebook.com/IndependenceElementary
Student Absences
Excessive absences, whether excused or unexcused, may affect the academic grade. An integral part of the learning
experience is the interaction between students and teachers. Students who are absent from school are not able to
participate in class discussions, small group activities or class experiments. It is impossible to make up activities of
this nature. Therefore, regular attendance is an important component of the educational process. Please note the
excerpt below from the district’s board policy regarding attendance.
Attendance Policy 2310/Regulation 2310
Attendance and Earned Credit Policy
The purpose of the Attendance and Earned Credit Policy of the District is to encourage regular school attendance. Regular and punctual
attendance is expected of each student enrolled in the District. Since there is a direct relationship between attendance, grades and success
in school, students should maintain a good attendance record. This Attendance and Earned Credit Policy has established reasonable
standards regarding absences with the purpose of encouraging and supporting students toward achieving the highest possible academic
success.
A comprehensive system of attendance records is maintained for each student in the District. Each teacher is responsible for the accurate
reporting of daily attendance in the classroom. The principal/designee is responsible for supplying information to parent(s)/guardian(s) in
regard to student absences and for submitting attendance information to the superintendent’s office. Each building will have a program
that reinforces students who maintain a good attendance record.
Legal Aspects
Missouri School Law under the Compulsory School Attendance subsection places the burden of responsibility for school attendance on
the parent(s)/guardian(s). Every parent, guardian, or other person in this state having charge, control or custody of a child age 7 or older
shall cause the child to attend regularly some public, parochial parish, or home school not less than the entire school term of the school
which the child attends until that child completes 16 credits toward high school graduation or attains 17 years of age (RSMo 167.031). Any
parent, guardian or other person who enrolls a child between the ages of five (5) and seven (7) years in a public school program of
academic instruction shall cause such child to attend the academic program on a regular basis, according to this section. Nonattendance
by such child shall cause such parent, guardian or other responsible person to be in violation of the provisions of RSMo 167.061.
KINDERGARTEN THROUGH GRADE 8 PROCEDURES
Absences
Excessive absences may affect the academic grade. An integral part of the learning experience is the interaction between students and
teachers. Students who are absent from school are not able to participate in class discussions, small group activities or class experiments.
It is not possible to make up activities of this nature. Therefore, regular attendance is an important component of the educational process.
Written documentation is required for all absences. After ten (10) days of health related absences, a doctor’s note may be requested for
additional absences.
Early Dismissal
If an elementary or middle school student must leave before the end of the school day, parent(s)/guardian(s) must sign the student out. A
reason for the early dismissal should be provided. Parent(s)/guardian(s) are not to go directly to the classroom. The parent(s)/guardian(s)
should send a note in advance regarding an early dismissal. The parent(s)/guardian(s) should send a note in advance regarding an early
dismissal.
Make-Up Work Due to Absences
Students will be required to make up missed work.
Procedures for Dealing with Excessive Absences
Intervention by the principal/designee should be the initial step in dealing with a student’s absences. If personal problems appear to be the
cause of the student’s absenteeism, efforts of parent(s)/guardian(s) and support personnel (i.e. teacher, counselor, etc.) may be requested
to help improve a student’s attendance.
Please refer to the Independence Elementary Attendance Pyramid of Interventions
5 Day Rule
After five absences the principal will send a letter to the parent(s)/guardian(s) explaining the importance of good attendance.
10-Day Rule
After the student has accumulated ten (10) absences, a letter will go home indicating concern for the student’s attendance pattern. The
letter will also indicate that a referral to the Children’s Division and/or the Eleventh Circuit Family Court for Truancy or Educational
Neglect may be made. (Refer to Board Policy and Regulation 2340 – Truancy and Educational Neglect)
** Please also note the Independence Attendance Pyramid of Interventions for those students that have numerous
absences. It is located at the back of this Handbook.
Students who receive perfect attendance will receive a congratulatory letter from the principals quarterly.
Attendance Celebrations
Perfect Quarterly Attendance Award Students who miss zero days will receive a “Perfect Quarterly Attendance
Award” and a congratulatory letter from the principals.
End of the year Outstanding Attendance Certificates will be issued to each student who misses 3 days or less for
the entire year during grade level celebrations.
Students who miss ZERO days of school will receive an End of the Year Perfect Attendance Certificate. To
clarify, one hour and 35 minutes total or less absent=no days absent.
Birthdays
Children have the opportunity to bring individual treats on their birthday to share with their class during snack
time. The teacher must be notified in advance to ensure there are no food allergies or restriction in the class. When
treats are planned, please bring enough for one treat per child in your child’s classroom. Treats need to be
purchased from a store or licensed bakery and in its original container with the ingredients listed for allergy
information. All birthday treats must be approved by the school nurse before entering the classroom. Please
be sure to consider alternate treats if a child in the class has a known allergy. The teacher will have pertinent
allergy information for their classroom students.
Please do not send in cookie cakes. Teachers do not have the ability to cut these cookie cakes in the classroom.
With all treats, please send plates and napkins if they are needed. Parents, please refrain from sending flowers,
balloons, etc. to school for your student’s birthday. These items are best celebrated with family and friends outside
of school and can distract from our educational environment.
If your child is having a birthday party, invitations will only be distributed at the school if all classmates are
invited. The office cannot provide student addresses or home phone numbers. Please be sure to consider alternate
treats if a child in the class has a known allergy. The teacher will have pertinent allergy information for their
classroom students.
Board Meetings
Board meetings are regularly held on the first and third Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m.at the Francis Howell
Administration Building located at 4545 Central School Road, St. Charles MO 63304. Meetings are always open to
interested parents and citizens of the District.
Building Security
All outside entrances will be locked during the day. Upon arrival to the building you will need to press the button
on the exterior of the building on the wall next to the door on the far right. You will need to wait until an
administrative assistant releases the door lock so you may enter the building. All visitors are required to check in
at the office and receive an appropriate identification badge. If you are picking up a student, you will need to show
a valid, picture ID. If someone else will be picking up your child(ren) they will need to be listed on the Student
Health/Emergency contact sheet or a note must be provided indicating your permission to release to that person.
Building Use
Independence Elementary is open to the community for use after school hours. Prior to use of the building,
participants must complete the required paper work and receive approval from the building principal and district
administration. Once approved, organizations utilizing building use are to review and abide by the building use
rules and regulations. Please call the office for specific information and applications for building use. Also note,
when school is NOT in session, building use will not be granted. This includes the use of outdoor facilities.
Counseling Services
The intent of the counseling program is to provide a comprehensive guidance curriculum for all students. The
Counselor is involved in implementing small group and classroom guidance activities aimed at promoting social
and emotional growth. Activities provided relate to self-concept, decision - making, dealing with peer pressure,
responsibility, stress and understanding of self and others. While counselors may speak with students on an
individual basis, they do not provide therapy sessions. Counselors do not need parental permission to speak with a
student.
Curriculum/PLC’s
Teachers are required to teach the intended, board approved curriculum as mandated by the Francis Howell School
District. It is the teacher’s responsibility to acquire the correct/updated copy. All K-5 teachers will be teaching
Common Core State Standards for both math and English Language Arts.
Discipline of Students
Students at Independence Elementary are required to adhere to the Francis Howell School District’s Code of
Conduct and the Safe School’s Act. This information is given to all families on the night of Open House. It is the
intent of the office that behavior conferences be used as a learning experience that will prevent future referrals.
Students in violation of the Safe School’s Act will be sent to the office immediately. All parents will be contacted
either by phone or in writing regarding discipline referred to the office. Consequences are administered as outlined
in the Francis Howell School District Code of Conduct handbook and are typically progressive in nature.
Please also note the Behavior Pyramid of Interventions located in the appendix at the back of this Handbook.
Technology BYOT
If classroom teachers are implementing B-Bring Y-Your O-Own T-Technology policy by inviting students to bring
their own technology to utilize for school use, teachers will need to have a signed permission slip from the
student’s parent/guardian. Our form is included in the appendix of this handbook.
Dismissal of Students
The school day ends at 4:05pm. If your child needs to leave school during the school day for any reason, please
report to the office when you arrive on campus and they will be called down for dismissal. You will be required to
show a valid State ID when checking your student out in the office. We do request if you will be signing your child
out early towards the end of the day, please do so before 3:45 p.m. We try to allow our teachers the last 15 minutes
of their instruction time without interruptions. This allows our teachers the opportunity to complete their lesson
plan and instruction time for the day.
Please do not rely on email to report a change in your student’s dismissal – in the event the teacher and or
secretary you contact is absent. Please call the office at (636)851-5900 to report the change in your student’s
dismissal.
Students are prohibited from riding any bus home other than the one assigned to them. Students in our district are
assigned one bus for transportation. During the year numerous request are received asking permission for student
to ride another bus to/from school for a variety of reasons: babysitting, after school activities, dual households, etc.
Request for students to ride a different bus home will be considered on a case to case basis. District office requires
a written request from parents 2 days prior to the need. Approval or denial will be determined on several factors
but the main consideration will be the frequency of the need. Request made after the 2 days will be referred to
the schools where proof of identity can be determined quickly. Please refer to the back of the handbook to the
memorandum from Mike Sloan regarding students riding different buses and to obtain the permission slip forms.
Dress
Children are encouraged to dress appropriately for school. When children are comfortably dressed, they are more
willing to participate in school activities. Students are not permitted to wear distracting clothing such as clothing
that has inappropriate advertising or wording on them. Children who are dressed inappropriately will be sent to
the office and their parents will be contacted. Hats may not be worn in class unless it is a special day.
Dress Continued
Shoes with cleats, wheels, blades or other type of devices are not allowed in school. Any clothing that is a
distraction to the learning environment will be dealt with on a case by case basis. Students are not permitted to
display distracting colors in their hair or come to school with paint or tattoos on their face.
Early Release Days
There are early release days embedded in our school year calendar. Please refer to the district calendar for these
dates. On these days, students will not have art, music or gym class. Students will be dismissed at 1:10pm. If there
will be a change in your child’s dismissal plans, please send a note in with your child to your child’s teacher to
ensure they are aware of the dismissal change. If you have a dismissal change after the start of school, please be
sure to notify the office at (636)851-5900 to report the change in your child’s dismissal.
Eagle Eye Program
The Eagle Eye program recognizes whole classrooms for outstanding behavior, cooperation and/or effort.
Classrooms will collect Eagle Eyes and submit them to the office when they reach each level. Classrooms can earn
Eagle Eyes every day that they have Perfect Attendance! They can also earn one every day they do not have an office
referral. Anyone in the building can give a class an Eagle Eye. Cafeteria Staff and Recess will incorporate this
program into their discipline plan. All Eagle Eyes must be earned by May 8, 2015 in order to allow enough for the
class to receive their reward.
100 = 15 Minute Recess
250 = Popcorn Party
350 = Popsicles
450 =Activity with Principal
E-Mail
E-mail is a fast, convenient form of communication. However, it is asked that you DO NOT rely on email for
changes in your child(s) dismissal. There may be times where your child’s teacher and/or office secretary may be
absent or unable to read their e-mail prior to dismissal thus resulting in a mix up in your child’s safe return from
school. If there will be a change in your child’s dismissal plans, please send a note in with your child to your child’s
teacher to make them aware of the dismissal change. If you have a dismissal change after the start of school, please
be sure to notify the office at (636)851-5900 to report the change in your child’s dismissal.
Emergencies/Drills
Regular fire, tornado, earthquake, and intruder drills are held to instruct the children on the “procedure” in case of
a real emergency. All staff members, students, and visitors are required to participate in drills and take them
seriously. The Cottleville Fire Department conducts safety/fire inspections with the school. In case a tornado
“warning” is in effect at the close of school, buses will wait until the “all clear” before departure. This procedure
does not apply when there is a tornado or severe weather “watch.” Parents should use their own judgment
concerning picking up their children under these circumstances.
Endorsements
The school does not give any endorsements to persons selling products. Any salesperson representing them as
having the school’s endorsement of a product is guilty of misrepresentation. The use of specific products in the
school is not in itself an endorsement.
It is not allowed to utilize the student “Buzz Book” as means of business solicitation. The Buzz Book is for
recreational purposes only.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 - FERPA
FERPA includes the following rights:
Parents have the right:
1. To inspect and review official records and data directly related to your child. Procedures for inspection
will be explained to you at the building principal’s office.
2. To have a hearing to challenge the content of your child’s records for the purpose of correcting or
deleting inaccurate, misleading or otherwise inappropriate data contained there.
3. To give or withhold written consent before personally identifiable records are released to certain persons
or agencies.
4. To be notified when records directly related to your child are subpoenaed by a court or otherwise.
5. To register complaints with HEW if you believe your rights, as enumerated above, are being violated.
6. To opt out of pictures or videos on social media.
Field Trips
Buses are available for use by First Student Transportation. A transportation fee and field trip fee will be the
responsibility of each family. Each trip is aligned with the Board of Education approved curriculum and the
learning outcomes that are developed by the classroom. If you have further questions, please ask your child’s
teacher about the learning objectives for the field trip.
Only students and teachers are permitted to ride the school bus unless otherwise specified by the grade level
teachers. Parents may drive to the field trip. Siblings are not allowed to accompany class field trips.
It is district policy that all volunteer chaperones that are working with a group of students on the field trip are
required to have a completed background check on file with the office. Please see the office regarding background
check procedures.
Fundraising
Our PTO provides funds to purchase materials and technology needed to help enhance educational goals for our
students. Fundraisers are conducted within Board guidelines and have prior approval by the principal. The
principal works in conjunction with the PTO and teachers to determine fundraisers.
Grading Information
Report card grades are based on a number of factors including student’s independent classroom performance
and performance on a variety of assessments. FHSD is transitioning from letter-based grades to standardsreferenced grading. When taking letter-based grades, a teacher often averaged multiple assignments
together to get a grade for the report card. Assignments often contained multiple standards. In
standards-referenced grading, teachers monitor students’ progress on standards. Standards-referenced
grading is a way to more accurately reflect what students know and are able to do. Learning standards are clearly
communicated and progress toward those standards is monitored by the students and the teacher. Students use
feedback to reflect and make necessary adjustments in order to further their learning and demonstrate growth.
This type of grading does not take into account nonacademic factors such as effort, work completion, and
participation. However, these factors are still monitored and recorded in other ways since they are important to
support learning.
Report Card Levels for Grades K-5
Grades K through 5 will use three descriptors when reporting student progress. The reporting scale is as follows:
Report
Card Level
3
2
Report Card Descriptor
Teacher Notes
Meets or Exceeds Quarterly Expectation
Student has met or gone beyond the quarterly expectation outlined by the
scoring guides
Progressing On Quarterly Expectation
Student has not met the quarterly expectation, but is close to mastering it
Minimal Progress On Quarterly Expectation
Student is significantly behind and has not reached the quarterly expectation
Not Evaluated
Area not evaluated that quarter due to curriculum (See curriculum)
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X
English Language Arts In the area of ELA, teachers will report progress in the following categories:
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Reading Level,
Reading,
Reading Foundational Skills (K-1 only),
Writing, and
Speaking and Listening
Mathematics In the area of Mathematics, teachers will report progress in the following categories:
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Comprehends and Communicates Mathematical Practices,
Counting and Cardinality (K only),
Operations and Algebraic Thinking,
Numbers and Operations in Base-10,
Numbers and Operations in Fractions (3-5 only),
Measurement and Data, and
Geometry
Science (3-5 only)
Social Studies (3-5 only)
Health (3-5 only)
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Art
Concepts and Processes
Work Habits
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Music
Understands and Applies Musical Concepts
Demonstrates Performance Skills
Work Habits
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Physical Education
Participates Regularly in Health-enhancing Activities
Demonstrates Competencies in Physical Education Skills
Participation or Work Habits
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Citizenship
Shows Effort in Class
Acts with Responsibility
Acts with Respect
Uses Problem-Solving Skills
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Work Habits
Attends to Classroom Instruction
Follows Directions to Complete Tasks
Works Independently
Completes Work in a Reasonable Amount of Time
Homebound
Homebound instruction is available to students who, because of the nature of a medical
condition, are unable to attend school.
When a student will be out of school for more than three consecutive weeks due to a medical
condition, the parent should contact Alternative Learning at the Administration Building, 8514007, to request a Homebound Application form, eligibility information and guidelines.
Once a Homebound Application has been completed, a homebound consideration meeting is
held with the student’s educational team and parent (s). The team will determine if
Homebound Instruction is appropriate.
Please refer to the District Website for more detailed information regarding Homebound.
Homework
Homework is a valuable and appropriate learning activity for the child. When children are
assigned homework, parents can help by doing the following:
1.
Provide a quiet place with the necessary supplies.
2.
Set a time for doing the work.
3.
See that homework is completed in a neat and conscientious manner.
4.
Help when necessary, but do not take over.
5.
Support teacher expectations.
K-5 students who attend Independence will be expected to read a minimum of 20 minutes each
night. Students will also be required to respond in writing to their reading. This response may
be done paper/pencil or it may be completed utilizing electronic programs such as Edmodo or
Kidblog. Your child’s classroom teacher will determine the response part of the building reading
expectations and will communicate with you specifically about that during Open
House/Curriculum Night.
Homework for Absent Students
If a child is absent, homework will be given to the child when he/she returns. If a child is going
to be absent for an extended period of time due to illness, please contact the child’s teacher to
make alternate arrangements. Students will be given one day for every day of absence to make
up homework.
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Identification Badges
All staff members, guest teachers, visitors, and parent volunteers are required to wear
identification badges everyday; this is to ensure safety and security in our building. Parent
volunteers and visitors may obtain an identification badge from the office upon arrival. There are
different badges for different purposes. Parent volunteer, visitor, lunch badges, etc. must be
worn on the upper chest area so it is visible to all staff see.
Illness
Children with any of the following symptoms should be kept home from school: swollen glands,
nausea or vomiting, skin eruptions or rashes, red or discharging eyes, acute cold, signs of
weakness, drowsiness, flushed skin, chills, fever, or chronic cough. Please notify the school
health office if your child has a special health condition. The school nurse will contact you
should your child becomes ill. Please be sure to contact the school nurse with any phone
number changes. If your child has a fever or goes home with a fever they must be fever free for
24 hours without medicine before they can return to school.
All Health forms can be found on the district web site at www.fhsdschools.org under the Health
and Wellness Department.
Inclement Weather
Rain and severe, cold or hot weather conditions automatically cancel outdoor recess. The
general guidelines regarding cancellation due to temperature are:
15 - 20 degrees - 10 minutes of recess
Below 15 degrees- Recess Indoors
95-100 - 10 minutes of recess
Above 100 degrees – Recess Indoors
Students need to come dressed to go outdoors in all weather. Each student will go outside for
recess, unless a child brings a note from a physician stating that the child should stay indoors for
extended periods.
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Internet
Independence Elementary School emphasizes the use of technology to promote the mission and
vision of the Independence Community and the Francis Howell School District. The Internet
provides opportunities for our students and faculty to have the most recent information
available which supports the curricula and enhances learning opportunities. Careful monitoring
of the use of the Internet is essential and is a component of the technological growth of our
school. Specifically, the Internet will be used to:
* Research programs and educational opportunities
*Tap into community resources for referrals
*Update curricular areas regarding current topics, trends, philosophies and methods
* Provide primary resources for student research
* Access other professionals
*Increase technology skills of students and teachers
*Keep students informed of current events
* Research classroom strategies, lessons and activities
* Provide professional development
*Supplement the library’s collection of books and magazines
Learning Commons
The Learning Commons is the hub of student learning, in which students check out books, complete
research projects, display their learning, and work collaboratively. Students are encouraged to read
for information and pleasure, as well as integrate technology into their learning. We love for
students to check books out often and share book recommendations with friends. The Learning
Commons is always open either physically or virtually at
http://fhsdinde.sharpschool.net/LearningcCommons!
In the event that a book is lost or defaced, we do charge the student a replacement fee. Students will
be unable to check out additional books until the fine is paid or the book returned. Please check
with your child’s teacher for a schedule of when they will be visiting the Learning Commons.
Lost and Found
Lost articles will be located by the cafeteria in the lost and found nook. Articles not claimed at
the end of each quarter or as deemed by administration will be donated to a charity. Valuable
items will be kept in the office. Children or parents may check for lost items. To help relocate
lost items, the school strongly encourages parents to label all clothing and items brought to
school.
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Lunch Program
School lunches are available each day at a cost of $2.25 for students, $2.75 for adults and milk 70
cents. Daily, weekly, and monthly and lunch purchases may be made. Checks should be made
payable to the Francis Howell School Distinct or parents may reload student accounts via the
internet. Please refer to the FHSD website at www.fhsdschools.org for further information. You
will need your child’s student identification number in order to load money online to their lunch
account.
Please see the following information as to the reason for the increase in lunch prices:
The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 (the “Act”) requires that school districts participating in the National
School Lunch Program provide the same level of support for lunches served to students who are not eligible for free or
reduced price lunches as they provide for lunches served to students eligible for free lunches. The calculation for meeting
this requirement is based on the federal reimbursement for free lunches. The average lunch price (combining prices for
elementary and secondary schools) districts are required to charge is $2.59. The Francis Howell School District
(FHSD) now charges an average of $2.04 for its lunches. If the level is not currently being met, the district must raise
their lunch prices or pay the difference with non-federal monies.
The Act allows districts to increase their lunch prices in annual increments to meet the requirement. FHSD has raised
its lunch prices ten cents per meal for next year as part of its ongoing effort to meet the meal price requirements of the
Act. To fully meet the requirements of the Act, future lunch price increases of a minimum of ten cents per meal will be
necessary until FHSD’s lunch prices meet the required average price set by the federal government.
If students wish to purchase a second entree or complete lunch, there will be an additional
charge. However, students may have “seconds” from the salad bar with no additional charge.
Students that have an allergy to peanuts should notify the school nurse. There is an area in the
café that is “peanut free” for students to eat safely. Students who benefits from this area are
welcome to invite a friend to eat with them provided that friend has peanut free items.
Students who forget their lunch money may charge one lunch. Students will only be
permitted to charge one lunch. No additional charge will be permitted until the first
charge is paid. If a child has a charge and does not have money left in their account, he/she will
be served a sunflower butter sandwich and milk.
Notices will be sent to parents regarding low account balances as well as charge notices. The
procedure/paperwork for free and reduced priced lunches has been sent home.
Parents are welcome to have lunch with their child(ren) in the cafeteria. Parents may bring their
child lunch. However, it should only be for your child and not to be shared with other students.
Please sign in at the office prior to your visit to receive the appropriate badge to have lunch with
your child.
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Breakfast Program
Grab and Go Breakfast (our first full week of school)
Independence serves breakfast daily. A breakfast menu is available online. There will be one
entrée, drink and fruit daily. (There will only be a hot breakfast item two times a week.)
ANY student is welcome to purchase breakfast. They type in the same lunch number. If students
are enrolled in either our free or reduced lunch prices this applies to breakfast as well. Breakfast
will cost $1.30 for students. Café will only be open from 8:45-9:05 for breakfast.
Parent Lunch Table
Parents are invited to sit at our parent table when coming to eat lunch with their children. This
will allow parents with multiple kids in one grade level to sit together. Students whose parents
have come to eat lunch may invite one other friend to sit with them at the parent table.
Birthday Table
The first school day of every month we will have a special birthday table in the café. All students
during that lunch period who have a birthday during that month will be invited to sit at our
birthday table. They can bring or buy their lunch. We will have a little birthday treat for them as
well. If students are absent that day then they miss the birthday celebration. Summer birthday
celebrations will be acknowledge in the month of May on designated days set up by the school
administration.
Medicine Administration
The giving of prescription medicine and non-prescription medicine by the nurse, principal, or
other designee is restricted to necessary medication that cannot be given on an alternate
schedule. All prescription and non prescription medications require an authorization note from
the doctor and parent or legal guardian. When prescription medicine is to be administered by
the school, the medicine in question must be accompanied by a note from the doctor and as well
as the parent. The medicine must be brought to school in the original medicine container with
proper label affixed showing:
Name of Child
Dosage and schedule of administration
Date purchased
Physician’s name
Name of medication
As of 1/3/13, students will no longer be able to bring in controlled substance medication bottles
to the nursing office, unless PROPERLY PACKAGED. All controlled substances must be placed
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Medicine Administration Continued
in a “sealed” envelope with the number of pills written on the outside of the envelope or another
option is to send the pills in a “locked bag”, which the school will provide.
This change is for the safety of all students and to maintain accountability of controlled
substance medications during the transportation from home to the school nursing office.
All medicine is kept in a locked cabinet in the nurse’s office. Students should NOT keep
medicine in their book bag or classroom.
All Medication forms can be found on the district web site at www.fhsdschools.org under the
Health and Wellness Department.
Movies
In the appendix of the handbook is a list of movies that the different grades/areas have shown in
the past. It is the district/building policy that we gain parent permission to show any unrated, G
and PG movies in the classroom. Although there is no exact date, or guarantee that the
grades/areas will show ALL these movies, we are asking for you to review the list. All movies
listed are educationally unrated or G. Movies that are PG are noted after the movie title. You are
welcome to preview any movie from the list in the Independence office by appointment. Titles
correlate with the stories and curriculum taught in class. Other videos are used as a resource
when teaching social studies, science, and health. Teachers will send home additional
permission slips per movie. Please contact your classroom or special area teacher if you have any
questions, comments, or concerns.
We are asking that you sign the attached slip found in the Appendix section of the parent
handbook if you DO NOT give your child permission to experience these extra opportunities to
enhance the themes they are learning about in class. If we do not receive the returned slip from
you the teachers will assume you grant permission for your child(ren) to view the movies listed.
17
Parent Communication Process
A positive home/school relationship is critical to each student’s success. However, should a
concern arise please follow this procedure:
1.
Contact the teacher directly to ask about the situation. Sometimes a phone
conversation is all that is necessary.
2.
If you prefer to meet with the teacher, send a note, email or call to set up an
appointment. The teacher reserves the right to have an administrator present.
3.
When meeting or talking with the teacher, clearly explain your concerns and
work with the teacher to find a solution which meets the needs of home and
school.
4.
If you and the teacher are not able to find a solution, the principal of that grade
level will be contacted for assistance. At that time, the principal will assist to
find a workable solution.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
It is very important to the Independence Elementary staff to keep open and frequent
communication with parents. Fall conferences are scheduled for October 6th and 8th from 4:30– 8:00 p.m.
and Spring Conferences are scheduled for March 15th and 17th from 4:30 – 8:00 p.m. Parents are encouraged
to attend scheduled parent-teacher conferences, please come prepared with any questions or
concerns and talk to the teacher about information regarding your child’s education.
Parent Pick-up
Parents may sign up for the Parent Pick-up Program for those who wish to pick up their
child at the end of the school day (Please see the
Parent Pick-up map in the back of the handbook). The Parent Pick-up program was
developed for parents who pick up their children in lieu of riding the bus. You may sign
up for Parent Pick-up in our school’s front office. On this Parent Pick up form you may
select particular days you wish to utilize the Parent Pick-up or circle “Varied” and send in
a note with your child the day you wish your child(ren) to go home via Parent Pick Up. If
you are not signed up for Parent Pick-up, but would like your child to utilize it on a
particular day, please send it a note to the office. Parent Pick-u begins at 4:05 p.m.
18
Office Pick-up
We realize there will be exceptions for when students will need to be picked up for an
appointment. We ask with these exceptions that you avoid signing your child(ren) out at the
end of the day during our dismissal rush at 4:05 p.m. if all possible. To reduce interruptions to
the classroom and allow our teachers to wrap up their end of the day instruction time, parents
are asked to sign their child out prior to 3:45 p.m. when needing to pick up their child early for
an appointment. If the student is not signed out prior to 3:45 p.m. then the student will be
called out at our 4:00 p.m. dismissal with our Vacation Station and Parent Pick-up students.
Also, to respect our bus riders and to ensure that our buses roll on time for dismissal, we ask
that you please sign your child out for their appointment before our buses begin to load at 4:05
p.m. Again, this is to ensure a timely dismissal for all of our bus riders so they may arrive home
on time. Please remember to not park in the bus slots after 3:30 p.m. for this is when our buses
begin to arrive for dismissal. We thank you for your support.
Parent Teacher Organization - PTO
The PTO is a great way to be involved with your child’s education and contribute to the
enrichment of Independence programs. It is also a great way to get to know the faculty and
staff, as well as the other families that make up our special Independence community.
The Independence PTO provides funds to supplement the school’s budget and works with the
school to continually improve the tools and technology available to students. In addition, the
PTO sponsors many fun and enriching events during the school year. It provides parents with
resources to keep them informed of school activities and is an unlimited source of fun and
satisfaction for all those involved
Independence Elementary has a very active parent - teacher organization. This organization
provides a great deal of support for all of our programs. PTO offers a variety of volunteer
programs for Independence. If you would like to assist with a volunteer job, please call the
office at Independence to let us know or contact the appropriate PTO chairperson.
The Independence PTO is a volunteer organization, and can always use your help! PTO
meetings are generally held monthly at 6:00 pm on the second Tuesday of the month at the
school.
19
Here are some of the events and services sponsored by the PTO:
Book Fairs
Staff Appreciation
Buzz Book
Fundraising Programs
Skate Nights
Spirit Wear
Breakfast with Santa
Technology
Trunk or Treat
Hip Hop Hoe Down
Please contact the office if you are interested in becoming involved.
Parent Involvement/Volunteers
A congenial relationship between parents and teachers is essential for the complete
understanding and development of the child. We encourage the participation of parents in
school affairs and many teachers find parents helpful in the classroom as volunteers. Parents
will be required to complete the volunteer background packet which includes a complete
background check and watch the training video on-line before volunteering in their child’s
classroom or attend a field trip. Parent volunteers will be required to wear a volunteer badge so
they can be easily identified. Please contact the school’s office for Volunteer Training
Information. Approved background checks are good for four years and will be good throughout
the district schools.
Room Parties
Each class may have 2 class parties per year –On December 22nd and the last day of school, May
17th. If snow days occur the End of Year classroom parties will be adjusted to our new last day of
school per our district calendar. Both party days are Early Release Days. Party times will be
determined by teachers and administration. The staff will work in conjunction with the PTO
Room Parent coordinator to ensure the class party is a time for students to enjoy. The students
are required to bring $5 (cash only please) at the beginning of the school year to cover the cost of
the party goods. The $5 party money will be collected by your classroom teacher. Siblings are
not allowed in the classroom during class parties. Please note: If a student is signed out at the
end of a party and school has not dismissed yet, the minutes will affect their attendance. To
ensure the district wellness and school guidelines are being followed please note: No water games, firecrackers,
tattoos, colored hair spray, etc., please. Also, we have had a problem in the past with circuit breakers tripping due
to large electronic devises such as snow cone machines, smoothie machines, etc. These devices are simply not
allowed to ensure that we do not experience this problem again. This can be a great disruption to our teachers and
students in the classroom. Your attention in these matters is greatly appreciated.
20
School Closings/Inclement Weather/EMERGENCY -Early Dismissal
If school is to be closed for any reason (usually ice or snow), it will be announced through the
Francis Howell School Messenger System; school closings will also be announced on: KMOX
(1120 AM), KLOU (103 FM), KWRE (730 AM), WIL/WRTH (92.3 FM and 1430 AM), KIX (106
FM), Channel 2, Channel 4, and Channel 5, our district web-site, and Facebook page. Please be
sure the district has a current phone number and email address so you may receive messages
from the Francis Howell School Messenger system.
When it is announced that a snow schedule will be followed, buses will run about an hour late
and all schools will open one hour later than usual. It is expected that this will make it possible
to have school on days when road conditions improve after “rush hour”. When a snow schedule
is followed, schools will be dismissed at the regular time. On days that schools are dismissed
early because of worsening weather conditions, radio stations will be asked to announce how
much earlier than usual buses will leave the high schools. This will indicate to parents that all
students should arrive home earlier than usual. Parents who work during the day should
make arrangements for someone to care for children who arrive home earlier than usual.
It’s important for your child’s teacher and the office to have current phone numbers.
If school is dismissed early because of worsening weather conditions or a building emergency,
radio/television stations will be asked to announce dismissal times. This information will also
be on e-news. This will indicate to parents that all students should arrive home much earlier
than usual.
Again, Parents who work during the day should make arrangements for someone to care for
children who arrive home earlier than usual. It will not be possible to contact each parent by
phone in the event that school closes early. Reminder: when school closes early due to weather
conditions our Vacation Station program is also closed.
School Day Times
The school day for students is from 9:05 am to 4:05 pm. Students should not arrive before 8:55
a.m. unless they are enrolled in the Vacation Station before & after School Program. Students
need to be in their classroom by 9:05 or they will be counted tardy.
Students who arrive late or are checked out prior to dismissal will be counted as having a partial
absence. These partial absences can accumulate into 1/2 or whole day of absence.
21
Spectra
The SPECTRA program (K-12) is the Francis Howell School District’s program for gifted
students. The program is an educational intervention for qualifying students, providing a
differentiated, rigorous, cognitive curriculum, while giving students the opportunity to interact
with intellectual peers in a supportive environment that meets their particular affective domain
SPECTRA begins in kindergarten and spans through to their senior year of high school. The
program provides a significant, meaningful and engaging curriculum that is challenging and
rigorous for the student.
Spelling Bee
The Spelling Bee competitions will be held in late fall or early winter for fourth and fifth grade
students. Each classroom may submit two candidates for the competition. Teachers must have
a classroom competition of some kind to determine contestants.
STAT (Student-Teacher Assistance Team)
The STAT Team is designed to assist classroom teachers when students experience difficulty in
the classroom of an academic, social or behavioral nature. A counselor is in charge of this
assistance team.
Student Services Programs
The District provides an appropriate educational program for all students. Student services
programs are offered to students who qualify for Reading Recovery (Grade 1), Learning
Disabilities, Intellectually Disabled, Behavior Disorders/Emotional Disturbances, Speech
Disorders (Voice, Fluency, or Articulation), Language Disorders, Visually Impaired, Hearing
Impaired, Physically/Other Health Impaired, Multiple Disabilities, Deaf/Blind, Early Childhood
Special Education, and Traumatic Brain Injury.
Assignment to student services programs is based on evaluation results and educational
recommendations. The student’s parents or guardians have access to the results of the
evaluation and participate in the determination of the educational plan.
22
Books
Appropriate books will be issued to students. Students may take the textbooks home for
independent study as deemed necessary by the teacher.
If a textbook is lost or damaged, a fine may be assessed. Payment may be made in cash or check
to the Francis Howell School District.
Toys
Toys are not allowed at school. The school holds no responsibility for items brought on
property.
Vacation Station
Vacation Station is a fee based program for students who need care before and after school,
anode during our breaks. Nicole Gervich is our building Vacation Station Coordinator. Please
come to the main office for further program information or call 636-851-5803.
Voicemail
All staff members have a voicemail box available. Please check the voice mailbox directory,
851-5900, for specific numbers. Teachers will notify you regarding their preferred
communication method, such as voicemail or email. Please note that teachers do not answer or
check voicemails or emails during instructional times. If you have an emergency please contact
the office.
23
Appendix
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District Calendar
Movie List and Request Form
Voice Level Chart
Peer Mistreatment vs. Bulling
Independence Elementary Expectations
Aimsweb Expectations
Assessment Wall Expectations & Guidelines
(PRTI) Pyramid Response to Intervention  Academic
 Attendance
 Behavior
Behavioral Pyramid of Interventions/Key
Independence Goal Setting
Independence Intervention Expectations
Peanut Free/Nut Free Snack List
Parent Pick-up Information & Sign up Form
Parent Pick-up Map
Transportation Request Forms
Social Media Guidelines
BYOT Contract for Students
PTO Committee Information
PTO Volunteer Sign up Form
Complaint Resolution for NCLB
District Procedures Addressing Discrimination
Public Notice
Rights Under FERPA
FERPA Form
Rights Under PPRA
24
Francis Howell School District
2015-16 Student Academic Calendar
The FHSD 2015-16 calendar is a 169 day calendar where students at all levels will attend on the same days.
(Note: Staff should refer to work calendars for their respective employee group.)
*This calendar has snow days built into it. Please avoid scheduling vacation on these days.
July 2015
S M T W
1
5 6 7 8
12 13 14 15
19 20 21 22
26 27 28 29
Th
2
9
16
23
30
F
3
10
17
24
31
7
Sa
4
11
18
25
4
Summer Break
Independence Day
January 2016
S M T W Th F
1
3 4 5 6 7 8
10 11 12 13 14 15
17 18 19 20 21 22
24 25 26 27 28 29
31
8
August 2015
S M T W Th F Sa
1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31
6
Transition Day for Sixth Graders and
Freshmen
11
28
First Day of School - All Schools
Teacher Professional Development
February 2016
S M T W
1 2 3
7 8 9 10
14 15 16 17
21 22 23 24
28 29
1
Sa
2 1-5 Christmas Break Continued
9
4 Teacher Work Day - No school
16
5 Teacher Professional Development
Day - No school
23
30 18 Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday - No
School
Th
4
11
18
25
F
5
12
19
26
2
Sa
6
13
20
27
Th
3
10
17
24
31
F
4
11
18
25
3
Sa
5
4 Early Release Day - EC/Elementary
12 21-28 Spring Break
19 28 Teacher Professional Development
Day - No school
26
12
Teacher Professional Development
Day - No school
15
Presidents' Day - No School
F
4
11
18
25
9
Sa
5
12
19
26
F
2
9
16
23
30
10
Sa
3
2 EC/ Elementary Early Release Day
10 12-19 Fall Break
17 19 Teacher Professional Development
Day - No school
24
31
April 2016
S M T W Th F
1
3 4 5 6 7 8
10 11 12 13 14 15
17 18 19 20 21 22
24 25 26 27 28 29
4
Sa
2
9
16
23
30
November 2015
S M T W Th
1 2 3 4 5
8 9 10 11 12
15 16 17 18 19
22 23 24 25 26
29 30
F
6
13
20
27
11
Sa
7
3 Teacher Professional Development
Day - No school
14
21 25-27 Thanksgiving Break - No School
28
May 2016
S M T
1 2 3
8 9 10
15 16 17
22 23 24
29 30 31
W
4
11
18
25
Th
5
12
19
26
F
6
13
20
27
5
Sa 16
7 17
14
21 30
28 18-27
31
December 2015
S M T W Th
1 2 3
6 7 8 9 10
13 14 15 16 17
20 21 22 23 24
27 28 29 30 31
F
4
11
18
25
12
Sa
5 21
12 22
19
26 23-31
June 2016
S M T W
1
5 6 7 8
12 13 14 15
19 20 21 22
26 27 28 29
Th
2
9
16
23
30
F
3
10
17
24
September 2015
S M T W Th
1 2 3
6 7 8 9 10
13 14 15 16 17
20 21 22 23 24
27 28 29 30
October 2015
S M T W Th
1
4 5 6 7 8
11 12 13 14 15
18 19 20 21 22
25 26 27 28 29
7
18
Labor Day - No School
Teacher Professional Development
Day - No school
Early Release Day - Secondary
Early Release Day - EC/Elementary &
Secondary
Christmas Break (through Jan. 5)
March 2016
S M T W
1 2
6 7 8 9
13 14 15 16
20 21 22 23
27 28 29 30
6
Sa
4
11
18
25
1
4
Early Release Day - Secondary
Early Release Day - EC/Elementary &
Secondary/ Last Day of School
Memorial Day
*Possible Snow Make-Up Days
*Possible Snow Make-Up Day
*Possible Snow Make-Up Day
Graduation - FHHS, FHC, FHN
Francis Howell School District Student Calendar 2015-16
The 2015-16 calendar is very similar to the previous school year’s calendar with some minor changes,
made as a result of input solicited from various stakeholders within the District. The 169 day calendar
follows the same format where students at all levels will attend on the same days.
First and Last Day of School
Early Release Days
Early Childhood
& Elementary
Secondary
Transition Day
August 6
First Day of School
August 11
October 2
December 21
Last Day of School
May 17
December 22
December 22
March 4
May 16
May 17
May 17
Graduation Day
FHU/ALC/MO Options
TBD
FHC, FHN, FHHS
June 4
Seasonal Breaks
Teacher Professional Development Days*
August 7
November 3
August 28
January 5
Fall
October 12-19
September 18
February 12
Christmas
December 23 – January 5
October 19
March 28
Spring
March 21-28
*School is not in session on these dates.
Holidays - School Not In Session
Snow Day Make-Up Schedule**
Labor Day
September 7
1) May 18
6) May 25
Thanksgiving Observed
November 25-27
2) May 19
7) May 26
Christmas
December 25
3) May 20
8) May 27
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 18
4) May 23
9) May 31
Presidents' Day
February 15
5) May 24
10) June 1
Good Friday
March 25
**The District calendar has snow days built into it. Please
Memorial Day
May 30
avoid scheduling vacation on these days.
Below is a list of movies that the different grades/areas have shown in the past. It is the
district/building policy that we gain parent permission to show any unrated, G and PG movies in
the classroom. Although there is no exact date, or guarantee that the grades/areas will show ALL
these movies, we are asking for you to review the list. All movies listed are educationally unrated
or G. Movies that are PG are noted after the movie title. You are welcome to preview any movie
from the list in the Independence office by appointment. Titles correlate with the stories and
curriculum taught in class. Other videos are used as a resource when teaching social studies,
science, and health. Please contact your classroom or special area teacher, if you have any
questions, comments, or concerns. We are asking that you sign the attached slip if you DO NOT
give your child permission to experience these extra opportunities to enhance the themes they
are learning about in class. Thank you for your continued support in your child’s education.
Kindergarten
United Streaming
Brainpop Junior
Magic School Bus Series
Dr. Seuss Series
1st grade
Berenstain bears series
Arthur series
Franklin series
Dr. Seuss series
Magic School Bus series
Charlie Brown series
Clifford the big red dog series
Caldecott classics series
Reading rainbow series
I want to be a sea captain
I want to be an astronaut
Awesome mining
Road construction ahead
The Polar Express
Timeless tales—the Ugly
duckling
The six pillars of character
(popcorn park)
Little bear (Paramount)
Charlotte’s web (Paramount)
Olive, the other reindeer (20th
century fox)
Curious George (Universal)
Wild animal adventures in
Asia (National Geo.)
Frosty the snowman
Click, Clack, Moo
Chrysanthemum
Pete’s a Pizza
Harry the Dirty Dog
Bear Snores On
Chicka, Chicka, Boom, Boom
Good Night, Gorilla
2nd Grade
National Geographic “Really
Wild Animals” series.
Magic School Bus series
Children’s Encyclopedia “Tell
Me Why” series
“Amazing Animals” series
Fern Gully (Rainforest)
Bill Nye, the Science Guy
series
United Streaming
Brain Pop
Tumble Books
Book Pals
American Hero Classics
“Good Character” series
Berenstain Bears series
(character traits)
Franklin series
Reading Rainbow
Stories by Dr. Seuss
Charlotte’s Web
Homeward Bound
Tarzan II
Polar Express
AnnaBelle’s Wish
Spirit
Babe
Happily Never After
3rd Grade Continued
Polar Express
School House Rock Series
Science Court
Secret of Nimh
Smoke Detective
Stone Fox
Stranger Safety
Tell Me Why Series
United States Constitution
United States Symbols
United Streaming
Wallace & Gromit
*above movie is about inventions
What is Government?
Willy Wonka & the Choc. Factory
4th Grade
Tom Sawyer
Little House on the Prairie
3rd Grade
Indian in the Cupboard – PG
American Citizenship
Sarah, Plain and Tall – PG
American Rock
Skylark
Bill Nye, The Science Guy Series
City of Ember – PG
Charlie Brown Movies
Charlie and the Chocolate
Charlotte’s Web
Factory
Chocolate Fever
United Streaming
Cloudy with a Chance if Meatballs Magic School Bus Series
Despereaux
Bill Nye Science Guy Video
Dr. Seuss Movies
Series
Earth Day Special
Reading Rainbow Series
Econ & Me
Yeh Shen A Cinderella Story
Everyone’s Hero
Ramona and Beezus
Eyewitness Videos
Oregon Trail
Federal, State and Local GovernmentCharlie BrownFern Gully
Trans Continental Railroad
Garbage Day
Science Court
Great Inventors
Horton Hears a Who
Healthy Body
History of American Government
How to Eat Fried Worms
Internet Safety
Mayflower Voyagers
5th Grade
Memorial Day
Bill Nye-Science Series-4th and
Money Rock
5th grade
Our American Landscape
United
States
HistoryPage Master
Colonization
Plant Adaptations
United
States
HistoryPlant Life Cycles
American Revolution
Below is a list of movies that the different grades/areas have shown in the past. It is the
district/building policy that we gain parent permission to show any unrated, G and PG movies in
the classroom. Although there is no exact date, or guarantee that the grades/areas will show ALL
these movies, we are asking for you to review the list. All movies listed are educationally unrated
or G. Movies that are PG are noted after the movie title. You are welcome to preview any movie
from the list in the Independence office by appointment. Titles correlate with the stories and
curriculum taught in class. Other videos are used as a resource when teaching social studies,
science, and health. Please contact your classroom or special area teacher, if you have any
questions, comments, or concerns. We are asking that you sign the attached slip if you DO NOT
give your child permission to experience these extra opportunities to enhance the themes they
are learning about in class. Thank you for your continued support in your child’s education.
5th Grade ContinuedUnited States History –A new
Nation
A
More
Perfect
Union
(constitution)
Liberty Kids Revolutionary War
Series
Changing Weather
Science Court-Newton’s Laws
and Weather, Space
ButterCreamGangcharacter/class community
Because
of
Winn
DixieLiterature-whole class book
Felicity-13
colonies-Loyalists
and Patriots
Sign of the Beaver-Literaturewhole class book
School House Rock SeriesGrammar and Government
Native Americans
Magic School Bus –All Series
ThePolarExpress
Shiloh
Pictures of Hollis Woods
Old Yeller
Holes
Disney’s Earth
Special Education
United Streaming
Brainpop Jr.
National Geographic
TumbleBooks
Starfall.com
Scholastic Story book Series
Music Primary Grades
Symphantasy
Tubby the Tuba
Willie the Operatic Whale
Beauty and the Beast
Snoopy the Musical
Music Primary Grades – Con’t
Magic School Bus: Inside the
Haunted House
Aladdin
Make Mine Music
Kidsongs Sing-Along Videos
The Nutcracker
Marsalis on Music
Disney Sing Alongs
Elmo’s Musical Adventures
Wildlife Symphony
Meet the Instruments
Emotions in Music
BLAST
Danse Macabre
Families of the Orchestra
Carnival of the Animals
Gift of Hope (Tony Melendez,
armless guitar player, used
during Abilities Awareness
Week)
That’s Entertainment Pts 1 & 2
Barrage – The World On Stage
Animusic & Animusic 2
Sesame St. Sing Along Video
Series Hop ‘Till You Drop
John McCutcheon Live – folk
music
Music Magic Textbook Series
Videos
Kids Make Music
Children’s Songs Around the
World
Green Eggs & Ham & Other
Stories
This Is America, Charlie Brown
Series
There Was An Old Lady Who
Swallowed A Fly
Peter and the Wolf
The Steadfast Tin Soldier
Intermediate Grades - Music
Movie List
Symphantasy - G
Magic School Bus: Inside the
Haunted House - EDU
Aladdin - G
Camp Rock - G
Chipmunk Adventure - G
A Goofy Movie - G
The Composer Specials - EDU
BLAST - G
Danse Macabre - G
Sound of Music
Riverdance
The Nutcracker
Gift of Hope (Tony Melendez,
armless guitar player, used
during Abilities Awareness
Week)
That’s Entertainment Pts 1 & 2
Barrage – The World On Stage
Animusic & Animusic 2
John McCutcheon Live – folk
music
Making Music Textbook Series
Videos
Introduction to Musical
Notation
Clearvue Music Appreciation
Videos
How to Read Music
Folk Rhythms – Learn to Play
the Spoons
Pop Music in the 20th Century
Series
Clearvue Instruments of the
Orchestra Series
This Is America, Charlie Brown
Series
Counselors
The Relaxation Station
The Boy Who Was Swallowed
by the Drug Monster
Super Study Skills
Trevor Romaine Collection
Stop Bullying Now
The Safe Side Series
Get into the Game: Rams
Character Education Video
Below is a list of movies that the different grades/areas have shown in the past. It is the
district/building policy that we gain parent permission to show any unrated, G and PG movies in
the classroom. Although there is no exact date, or guarantee that the grades/areas will show ALL
these movies, we are asking for you to review the list. All movies listed are educationally unrated
or G. Movies that are PG are noted after the movie title. You are welcome to preview any movie
from the list in the Independence office by appointment. Titles correlate with the stories and
curriculum taught in class. Other videos are used as a resource when teaching social studies,
science, and health. Please contact your classroom or special area teacher, if you have any
questions, comments, or concerns. We are asking that you sign the attached slip if you DO NOT
give your child permission to experience these extra opportunities to enhance the themes they
are learning about in class. Thank you for your continued support in your child’s education.
Counselors ContinuedNatural High: Drug Abuse
Prevention
Sooper Puppy Series
We Can Work it Out: Conflict
Resolution
Kids tell Kids What it is like
When a Family Member has
Cancer
Three Friends
Human Race Club Series
The Power of One
Sunburst Series
The Puzzle Place Series
Focus on the Family Series
This is Only a Test! Test Taking
Series 1
Art Movies – Primary Level
United Streaming
Art’s Place- Color, Making
Space, Drawing Lines, Taking
Shape, Texture and Surfaces
Reading Rainbow Series
Magic School Bus Series
Lines in Art
Basic Cartooning A to Z
Blitz Cartooning series
Squiggles Dots and Lines
Seseame Street Don’t Eat the
Pictures
Blues Clues Arts and Crafts
Blues Clues Shapes and
Colors
Linnea Monets Garden
Chinese New Year
Lascaux Revisted
Matisse Patterns and Paper
Art Movies -Intermediate
Level
Educational unrated-Getting
to Know the Artist Series
Educational unrated- Faith
Ringgold The Last Story Quilt
Educational unrated-Faith
Ringgold I Can Fly Part 2
Educational unratedDropping in with Rousseau
Educational unratedLeonardo Da Vinci
Educational unrated-Linnea in
Monets Garden
Educational unrated-Chihuly
over Venice
Educational unrated-Who is
the Artist Series?
Educational unrated-Reading
Rainbow Series
Educational unrated-Lascaux
Revisted Cave Art
Educational unrated-Masks
from Many Cultures
Educational unrated-Egypt
the Quest for Immortality in
Ancient Egypt
Educational unrated-Chinese
New Year
Educational unrated-PBS
Pyramid
Educational unrated-Let’s
Explore the World of Houses
Educational unratedTechniques of Art Series
Educational unrated-Basic
Cartooning A to Z
Educational unrated-Basic
Cartooning Release 2 for
Beginning Cartoonists
Educational unrated-Blitz
Cartooning Series
Educational unrated-Lines in
Art
Educational unrated-Color in
Art
Educational unrated-United
Streaming
Physical Education Videos
Baseball Blunders
Chicken Fat-The Youth Fitness
Christy Lane’s Party Dances
Christy Lane’s Line Dances
Geo Motion Circuit Fun
Hip Hop for Kids
Juggle Time
Just Jump!
MelAimee ChineseJump Rope
Show Me Bloopers
Soccer Bloopers
Super Duper Sport Bloopers
The Best of NFL Follies
XTreme Games
XTreme Sports
After reviewing the 2015-2016 movie list for my child’s grade
level, I Do NOT want my child watching these titles when
applicable in class.
Child Name:__________________________________________________________________________
Child’s Grade:_________________________________________________________________________
Child’s Teacher:_______________________________________________________________________
Parent Signature:_______________________________________________________________________
Child Name:__________________________________________________________________________
Child’s Grade:_________________________________________________________________________
Child’s Teacher:_______________________________________________________________________
Parent Signature:_______________________________________________________________________
*************************************************************************************
Child Name:__________________________________________________________________________
Child’s Grade:_________________________________________________________________________
Child’s Teacher:_______________________________________________________________________
Parent Signature:_______________________________________________________________________
*************************************************************************************
Child Name:__________________________________________________________________________
Child’s Grade:_________________________________________________________________________
Child’s Teacher:_______________________________________________________________________
Parent Signature:_______________________________________________________________________
Voice Level Chart
Voice
Level
0
1
2
3
What Does It
Sound Like?
Silent
No Sound
Whisper
Only person next to
you can hear you
Talking
Neighbors at table
groups can hear you
Outside Voice
Everyone can
hear you
Where Is It Used?
 Classroom (tests, when others
are talking, independent work)
 Assemblies
 Hallway
 Drills (fire, tornado, intruder)
 Restroom
 Cafeteria-While lining up
 Classroom (group work, partner
work)
 Cafeteria-while eating
 Bus
 Parent Pick-Up
 Classroom (sharing ideas,
asking a question, responding
to someone from a distance)
 Gym Class
 Indoor Recess
 Classroom (celebrations)
 Playground
Peer Mistreatment vs. Bullying…
What’s the Difference?
Peer Mistreatment
 Normal Conflict is not Bullying
 Characteristics of normal peer conflict vary with age and
developmental levels.
 Normal conflict includes:
o Teasing
o Arguing
o Concerns related to fairness
Bullying
 Bullying is the intentional action by an individual or group of
individuals to inflict physical, emotional or mental suffering on another
individual or group of individuals.
 Bullying Occurs when a student:
o Exhibits behavior that meets the legal definition of bullying:
persistent situations that involve power imbalance between
students as well as physical or social aggression-gossip, social
exclusion, cyber bullying and crimes such as racial/ethnic
discrimination, sexual harassment, hazing and civil rights
violations.
o Communicates with another by any means including telephone,
writing, cyber bullying, or via electronic communications, with
the intent to intimidate, or inflict physical, emotional, or mental
harm without legitimate purpose, or physical contacts another
person with the intent to intimidate or to inflict physical,
emotional, or mental harm without legitimate purpose. Physical
contact does not require physical touching, although may be
included.
Independence Elementary Expectations
Respect
All Areas
Honesty
Friendship
•
•
Take care of materials and belongings
Have school-appropriate conversations
•
Tell the whole truth and
take ownership of your
actions
•
•
Use kind words
Include others
•
•
•
•
•
Ask before using
someone else’s
materials
•
Help classmates as
needed
Allow others to be
different
Hallway
•
Voice level 0
Wave/smile to
friends or adults
Restroom
Respect privacy
Voice level 0
Turn in lost items to the
office
Use walking feet
Go into the restroom
only to use the restroom
or wash hands
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Stay on task
Finish assignments/homework
Help keep classroom/area clean
Do your own work
Use electronic devices appropriately and with
care
Walk in a straight line
Go directly to assigned area
Keep floors clean
Use facility appropriately and quickly
Pick up and throw away trash
Wash your hands with soap and water
Promptly return to class
•
•
Keep hands/feet to self
Follow all adult directions
Be polite
Use appropriate voice level
Follow the Universal Quiet Signal
Be an active listener
Respect school property and all
materials
Voice level 0, 1, or 2
•
Take turns at the
sink
Presentations
•
•
Sit on your bottom
Voice level 0
•
•
Stay with your class and in your space
Listen and respond to the presenter
•
Use the restroom only in
an emergency
•
Encourage friends to
listen and stay quiet
Playground
•
•
•
•
Report problems or
injuries when they
happen
•
•
Cheer for everyone
Play fair
Cafeteria
•
Voice level 2
•
Take only what you need
•
Use table manners
Bus
•
Voice level 2
Play only recess games
Use equipment appropriately
Line up when whistle is blown, stand facing
forward, Voice Level 0
Keep electronic devices off and in classroom
Stay seated
Get permission before getting out of seat
Eat only your food
Keep electronic devices off and in classroom
Keep all belongings in backpack
Take all of your belongings with you when you
leave
Sit in assigned seat
Seat to seat/Back to back
Remember Parent Pick-Up card
Sit by your assigned number
Listen for your name and go outside promptly
•
•
•
Take care of recess equipment
and materials
Take turns and share
Voice level 3
•
Report problems to the
driver
•
Help other members
of your bus family
•
Report problems to an
adult
•
Wave/smile to
friends or adults
Classroom
Parent
Pick-Up
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Responsibility
•
Voice level 0
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Aimsweb Expectations
2015-2016
Progress Monitoring
 All students in a communication arts intervention will be
monitored weekly through AIMS web progress monitoring
 The person providing the intervention or the classroom
teacher, will be responsible for administering the progress
monitoring tool
 Non-classroom teachers need to e-mail progress
monitoring data to classroom teachers after each probe
 Progress monitoring should take place all 4 quarters
Kindergarten & First Grade
 All students in the red and lower yellow tier will need to be
progress monitored on a weekly basis
o If other data supports students are meeting current expectations
PM is not needed
 4 sub-tests: Decisions regarding individual and team
interventions on most essential/appropriate skills will be based
on student need
Grades 2-5
 All students in red and lower yellow tier will need to be progress
monitored on a weekly basis, this includes both fluency and
comprehension
Please note: If you PM a student in fluency for 6 weeks and they make minimal
progress, BUT you feel they can read, comprehend and respond to grade level
text you may stop PM after the initial 6 week period. With that being said, it
would be appropriate to check in on their fluency during guided reading
and/or intervention.
Assessment Wall Expectations & Guidelines
2015-2016
Why assessment walls?
To track student’s reading progress through guided reading
To help guide your reading instruction for small groups
SIP- action step-monitor student growth & achievement
Use as a problem solving tool to help support teachers/students in
reading instruction
 Intervention trigger




When will assessment wall meetings be held?
 Melinda will set quarterly dates for data collection, meetings will be
held after data has been compiled
 Literacy Coach and reading teachers will be present if applicable
How will I track my data?
 Mastery Connect per district literacy coordinator
What will I need for the assessment wall discussion?
 your students current INDEPENDENT reading level
 Running records (formal/informal), benchmark tests, anecdotal notes,
observations
What will I need to do in order to move a child on the assessment wall?
Running record assessment (formal or informal running records in GR)
 Paper/pencil assessment
 Anecdotal notes/observations
 Record of data used to show student progress

Independence Elementary – PRTI (Pyramid Response to Intervention)
Tier 3
Intensive Interventions (5%)
Triggers
Focus Math
STAT
fIEP/504
SEGA/Spectra
Reading Recovery
Lack of Progress Tier 2
Interventions
STAR
Small Group Counseling
Small Group Extensions
Challenge Crew
Literacy Groups
Tier 2 – Supplemental
Interventions (15%)
Triggers
Assessment Wall/ DRA2
Aimsweb PM/ District Quarterlies
Unit Summatives
Envision Topic Assessments/Diagnosis &
Intervention System
Supports for All Students
Tier 1 – Core Program (80%)
Differentiated Instruction
Study Island
Guided Reading Groups
Crew Time
Guidance Counselors
School Structures
Triggers
Assessment Wall /DRA2
Aimsweb
District Quarterlies
Unit Summatives
Re-Teaching
Envision Topic Assessments
Student Recognition
Class Meetings
PLC
Town Hall
ISIT
PALS
Data Team
Common Plan Time
Instructional Day
Guidelines
Vertical Team
Character Connection
STAT
Summer School
Firecrackers/Rockets
Speech / Language
Interventions
Michael Haggerty (Pre-K/K)
Flexible Grouping
Target Time Resource Menu
Common Core
Curriculum
Goal Setting
Literacy By Design
District/State Assessments
Envisions
Balanced Literacy
Grade Level Common
Assessments
Phonemic Awareness
(Michael Haggerty-K)
November 2014
Key
TESP-Therapeutic Educational Support Program
ESC-Educational Support Counselor
STAT-Student Teacher Assistance Team
FBA-Functional Behavior Assessment
BIP-Behavior Intervention Plan
PLC-Professional Learning Communities
504- A student with a disability is eligible for a
Tier 3 – Intensive, Individual
Interventions
(Effective for 0-1% of students
with 6+ Office Referrals)
Independence
Elementary
Behavioral Pyramid of Interventions
Special Education
Referral/Evaluation
TESP Program
ESC Referral
Crisis and/or Mental
Health Counseling Referral
504 Determination
Section 504 Accommodation plan if
he or she requires
accommodations in order to
have equal access to the
educational programs.
Tier 2 – Targeted Group (At-Risk)
(Effective for 2-6% of students with 4-5 ODRs)
Monitor progress for 3-4 weeks and make adjustments as needed
Strategies-(Consider increasing frequency before Tier III)
Meet with Parents/Guardians
STAT Process for Problem Solving
Counseling Groups
Counselor’s ‘Watch List’
Mentor/Buddy (peer or adult)
FBA Identify Triggers and BIP to Address Needs
Goal Setting
Behavioral Contract including goals-School and Home (reg. parent contact on progress)
Check-In and/or Out with adult mentor
Bus Buddy for buses in need of extra support
Individual classroom interventions (behavior check sheets, etc)
Positive Intervention Support Plan
Tier 1 – Implement for All Students in All Settings
(Effective for 93% of students with 0-3 Office Referrals)
Common Language for all (Eagle Expectations Matrix)
Expectations scoring guide created to define 4 Core Character words
Four Common Character Words to serve as reminders for expectations (Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Friendship)
Expectations Defined for all Areas and Shared with All Stakeholders
Minor/Major List Created/Defined and shared with all stakeholders.
Parent Involvement
Individual Modifications as needed(intervention binder for behavior)
Implementation of Board Approved Code of Conduct
Guidance Lessons
Class Meetings
Peaceful Playground Strategies used to help solve playground issues
PLC “Student Talk” to brainstorm intervention strategies (no names mentioned)
Parent Contacted by principal after one or more office referrals
Parent contacted by teacher when there is a repetitive minor offense
Town Hall Meetings utilizing the Character Education pacing guide
Classroom Management plans in place
Independence Goal Setting
2015-2016
Goal setting alignment
School Improvement Goal
PLC Goal
Class Goal
Individual Student Goal
Goal Setting Expectations
• Classroom and individual goals are set
quarterly in both Math and ELA
• Goals state what the student will
learn/understand or be able to DO
• Goals should be referenced often during
lessons
• Classroom and individual goals should align
with the SIP
• Goals should be visible and posted in your
classroom for easy monitoring by both
student and teacher; students should be able
to explain their goal (shows understanding)
• Goals should be monitored frequently
(weekly/bi-weekly)
• Goal setting is a best practice
• Feedback is essential, recognize and
celebrate student growth
Independence Intervention Expectations 2015-2016
 Interventions will be selected from the Independence Target Time and Independence Target Time
Strategies and Programs Menu
 Teachers will provide strategic, planned interventions for 150 minutes each week.
 When do interventions begin for the year:
o 1st day of school is August 11th
o Teacher should begin intervening with individual kids or small groups within their own classrooms
kids during the week of August 24th
 Flex-grouping intervention groups will begin the week of:
o August 31st November 2nd
January 11th April 4th
 Interventions:
o Students placed into an intervention should qualify through a balance of multiple sources of data,
which may include:

AIMS Web Screener (all red students & possibly those below the “target” line)
 AIMS data is only valid for 3 weeks after the assessment was given

Assessment Wall

District U of S Assessments (K-5) District Math Assessment (K-5)

Teacher observation, anecdotal notes
 Teacher/Grade Level created assessments
o Tier 2 & Tier 3 Interventions could be provided by:

Certified Staff Members

STAR Parents
 Para Professionals when available
o Parents, A+ Students, PALS, etc. will be used for Tier 1 re-teaching vs. strategic intervention
o Tier 3 interventions should be provided by:
 Certified Staff Members
 Progress Monitoring:
o ELA
 See Aimsweb Expectations
o Math

Focus Math is the primary resource for students in Tier 3
 Envision is the primary resource for students in Tier 2
 CC will occur 30 minutes bi-monthly, when possible. This additional planning time will provide planning
time for grade levels to analyze data, gather resources, make adjustments to interventions, and plan for
instruction as a team.
o PLC Teams must have an agenda (e-mail to Emily) for this additional plan time in order to verify
need.
o Team can choose to use Character Connection time when needed or cancel when not needed.
o If 2 or more team members are absent, please reschedule this time.
o Substitute teachers need to help with supervision when the classroom teacher is absent and the
students have CC time.
Independence Intervention Expectations 2015-2016
 Interventions will be selected from the Independence Target Time and Independence Target Time
Strategies and Programs Menu
 Teachers will provide strategic, planned interventions for 150 minutes each week.
 When do interventions begin for the year:
o 1st day of school is August 11th
o Teacher should begin intervening with individual kids or small groups within their own classrooms
kids during the week of August 24th
 Flex-grouping intervention groups will begin the week of:
o August 31st November 2nd
January 11th April 4th
 Interventions:
o Students placed into an intervention should qualify through a balance of multiple sources of data,
which may include:

AIMS Web Screener (all red students & possibly those below the “target” line)
 AIMS data is only valid for 3 weeks after the assessment was given

Assessment Wall

District U of S Assessments (K-5) District Math Assessment (K-5)

Teacher observation, anecdotal notes
 Teacher/Grade Level created assessments
o Tier 2 & Tier 3 Interventions could be provided by:

Certified Staff Members

STAR Parents
 Para Professionals when available
o Parents, A+ Students, PALS, etc. will be used for Tier 1 re-teaching vs. strategic intervention
o Tier 3 interventions should be provided by:
 Certified Staff Members
 Progress Monitoring:
o ELA
 See Aimsweb Expectations
o Math

Focus Math is the primary resource for students in Tier 3
 Envision is the primary resource for students in Tier 2
 CC will occur 30 minutes bi-monthly, when possible. This additional planning time will provide planning
time for grade levels to analyze data, gather resources, make adjustments to interventions, and plan for
instruction as a team.
o PLC Teams must have an agenda (e-mail to Emily) for this additional plan time in order to verify
need.
o Team can choose to use Character Connection time when needed or cancel when not needed.
o If 2 or more team members are absent, please reschedule this time.
o Substitute teachers need to help with supervision when the classroom teacher is absent and the
students have CC time.
Dear Parents:
If you are interested in utilizing our Parent Pick-up for the 2015-2016 school year please
follow the four following steps.
1)
2)
3)
4)
Complete the attached form
Send in a copy of your current driver’s license
Turn your forms into your child’s teacher
Once you receive your PPU cards back from your teacher, please review
guidelines on back of your blue Parent Pick-up cards
Please turn in your paperwork to your student’s teacher so we may process your
request and get these sent back home with your child. Once the teacher receives, they will
forward it onto the office for processing. We will be happy to make a copy of your
driver’s license in the office if necessary. Forms must have a copy of the
parent/guardian’s valid driver’s license in order to process the Parent Pick-up forms.
We will return your Parent Pick-up cards through your child’s book bag. This will ensure
your cards will be sent to you in a timely fashion. Please be sure to check your child’s
book bag once information is sent in. The turnaround time to process the paperwork is
generally 24 to 48 hours. Parent Pick-up paperwork and the yellow car cards from last
school year will NOT be valid for the 2015-2016 school year.
Once registered for Parent Pick-up, your student/s will be dismissed at 4:00 p.m. to the
curb of the back parking lot. Parents do not leave their cars. You must be registered for
Parent Pick-up for students to utilize this pick up dismissal procedure. You may register
for daily Parent Pick-up or specific days of the week. Some parents opt for a “varied
schedule”. In this case you would send a note to your child’s teacher requesting that your
child be sent to Parent Pick-up on that particular day of school. Please be sure to mark
and clarify what days your child will be participating in the Parent Pick-up program.
Again, please be sure to include a copy of your driver license when returning your
Parent Pick-up form to school. You may stop into the school office at any time to pick
up an order form between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Only one set of
paperwork is necessary per family.
Please feel free to call the office for any questions at 636-851-5900.
Thank you,
Independence Elementary
Starting Date: _______________________
Teacher/s: __________________________
Parent Pick-Up
2015 – 2016
Student/s: _____________________________________________________
Days to be picked up: M T W Th F Varied – will send a note
Name of person/s
Authorized to pick up Student/s
Relationship to Student
Cell Phone (Home # if no
Cell Available)
DO NOT RELEASE TO: (Must have legal documentation on file.)
_________________________________________________________________________________
If someone other than the parent is picking up your child, it is the parent’s responsibility to give
the Parent Pick Up card to that person.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Parent has completed the above paperwork and by signing is agreeing to the guidelines on the
attached sheet. Please keep guidelines in a safe place for reference.
Parent Signature _____________________________________________ Date _________________
You must submit Parent Pick-Up form with copy of valid driver’s license.
Students Riding Different Buses
Please be reminded that the Francis Howell School District assigns only one bus per student to ride
either to school, or home from school. During the year numerous request are received asking
permission for students to ride a different bus to/from school for a variety of reasons: babysitting after
school activities, going to a friend’s house, dual households, etc.
Request for students to ride a different bus to school or home from school will be considered on a caseby-case basis. District office requires a written request from parents 2 days prior to the need. Approval
or denial will be determined on a several factors but the main consideration will be the frequency of the
need. Request made after the 2 days will be referred to the schools where proof of identity can be
determined quickly.
To implement and manage the student transportation system and provide the safest possible service to
all students, this policy/practice has been and will continue to be strictly enforced.
Thank you for your assistance and cooperation in providing safe and effective transportation for your
students.
Mike Sloan
Transportation
Francis Howell School District
FRANCIS HOWELL SCHOOL DISTRICT
4545 Central School Road ▪ St. Charles, MO 63304-7113
Phone: 636-851-4129 ▪ Fax: 636-851-4091
2 Parent Bus Transportation Request Form
2/3 Days Advanced Notice Required
Please Attach Parenting Plan
Please Print
Today’s Date: ___________________________________________________
Date Requested to Start: ____________________________________________
Student Name - I/D # & Grade Level: __________________________________
Student Name - I/D # & Grade Level: __________________________________
Student Name - I/D # & Grade Level: __________________________________
School (s): _______________________________________________
Mom’s - Address: _________________________________________________
Dad’s – Address: __________________________________________________
(District Office Will Fill-in)
Please Leave Blank Slot # & P/U Time/Mom: ____________________
Please Leave Blank Slot # & P/U Time/Dad: _____________________
Please Print
Parent Making Request: ______________________________________________
Parent Signature: _______________________________________________
Parent Contact Number: _________________________________________
Return To: Ann M. Clayton – 636-851-4129
Fax Number: 636-851-4091
FRANCIS HOWELL SCHOOL DISTRICT
4545 Central School Road ▪ St. Charles, MO 63304-7113
Phone: 636-851-4129 ▪ Fax: 636-851-4091
AM/PM Transportation Request Form
2/3 Days Advanced Notice Required
Please Print
Today’s Date: ___________________________________________________
Date(s) Requested For Transportation to Start: ______________________
Student Name - I/D # & Grade Level: _________________________________
Student Name - I/D # & Grade Level: _________________________________
Student Name - I/D # & Grade Level: _________________________________
School Name: ________________________________
AM - Address: ____________________________________________________
PM – Address: ____________________________________________________
(District Office Will Fill-in)
AM/ -- Slot # & P/U Time: ____________________
PM/ -- Slot # & P/U Time: _____________________
Please Print
Parent Making Request: ______________________________________________
Parent Signature: _______________________________________________
Parent Contact Number: _________________________________________
Return To: Ann M. Clayton – 636-851-4129
Fax Number: 636-851-4091
HELPFUL TIPS
• Be transparent. How you represent yourself
online is an extension of yourself.
• Share your expertise. Write what you know and
be accurate.
POLICY 6335 - ELECTRONIC
COMMUNICATION AND/OR
SOCIAL MEDIA TECHNOLOGIES
• Use spell check and avoid common abbreviations
• Encourage readership by posting regularly.
The Board of Education recognizes the role that
communication
and
collaboration
between
employees and students plays in the educational
process and experience. The Board further
recognizes that the advancement of electronic
communication and/or social media technologies
creates greater opportunity for interactions
• Respect copyright and fair use guidelines.
• Online postings and conversations are not
private. Do not write about colleagues or
students without their expressed permission.
• Do not post or tag photos or movies of others
without their permission.
between employees and students.
The Board requires that all electronic communications between employees and students be of a
professional nature, be school-related, have
content that is appropriate both for the particular
communications medium used and the audience
addressed, and do not violate any provision of the
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• Be respectful for others’ opinions in your posts
or comments. Employees, parents, and students
reflect a diverse set of customs, values and
points of view.
SOCIAL MEDIA
GUIDELINES
Dos and Don’ts of Social Media in
the Francis Howell School District
PURPOSE OF SOCIAL
MEDIA GUIDELINES
The Francis Howell School District (FHSD)
realizes that part of 21st century learning is
adapting to the changing methods of communication. The importance of teachers, students
and parents engaging, collaborating, learning
and sharing in these digital environments is a
part of 21st century learning. To this aim, the
Francis Howell School District has adopted the
following guidelines to provide direction for
instructional employees, students and the
school district community when participating
in online social media activities.
The FHSD social media guidelines encourage
employees to participate in online social
activities both personally and professionally.
However, these guidelines have been created
as a resource for you. It is important to create an
atmosphere of trust and individual accountability, keeping in mind that information produced
by Francis Howell School District employees is a
reflection on the entire District and is subject to
the District's Acceptable Use Policy.
WHAT IS SOCIAL MEDIA?
Social Media is user created content online
designed in a collaborative environment where
users share opinions, knowledge, and information. Tools include, but are not limited to:
• Blogs (Blogger, WordPress, Twitter, etc.)
• Wikis (Wikispaces, Google Sites, etc.)
• Social Networking sites (Facebook, Ning,
MySpace, Edmodo, etc.)
• Photo and Video Sharing sites (SchoolTube,
YouTube, Flickr, etc.)
• Social Bookmarking (Diigo, Delicious, etc.)
• Podcasting and Vodcasting
PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
The lines between public and private, personal and professional are blurred in the digital world. By virtue of
identifying yourself as a FHSD employee online, you are connected to colleagues, students, parents and the
school community. Material that employees post on social networks, that is publicly available to those in the
school community, must reflect the professional image applicable to the employee’s position and not impair
the employee’s capacity to maintain the respect of students and parents/guardians or impair the employee’s
ability to serve as a role model for children.
• Do - Employees that wish to communicate with
students via social media, regarding school
related activities, must do so with a professional
account tied to his/her FHSD email address.
• Do - Familiarize yourself with the appropriate
security settings for any social media (personal
and professional) that you may use. Be sure that
the settings are such that any personal content
may only be viewed by your intended audience.
• Do - Ensure that content associated with you is
consistent with your work at FHSD. Your online
behavior should reflect the same standards of
honesty, respect, and consideration that you use
face-to-face.
• Do - Remember that social media in the classroom is an extension of your physical classroom.
What is inappropriate in your classroom should
be deemed inappropriate online.
• Do - Be mindful that what you publish will be
public for a long time—protect your privacy. FHSD
employees are personally responsible for the
content they publish online.
• Do - It is the responsibility of the employee to
immediately report to their supervisor any
inappropriate electronic communication, whether
initiated by the student or someone else.
• Don’t - Engaging in social media friendships using
a personal account on social media sites is
prohibited with students (unless the employee
and student are related), and strongly discouraged with parents or guardians of students.
•Don’t - Use of e-mail, text messaging, instant
messaging or social media sites to discuss with
a student a matter that does not pertain to
school related activities is prohibited. Appropriate
discussions would include the student’s homework, class activity, school sport or club, or other
school-sponsored activity.
•Don’t - Employees are prohibited from discussing
students on any social media site and from posting photos of any students on personal sites.
• Don’t - When contributing online, do not violate
any provision of the Family Educational Rights
and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• Don’t - Employees are prohibited from posting
confidential or proprietary information about the
District, its employees, students or agents on
social media and personal websites. In addition,
employees shall not use District logos or images,
etc., on personal sites.
*When posting online, even with strict settings, you
should assume that all information is public domain.
PTO - H e l p W a n t e d
There are many ways to get involved at Independence Elementary by volunteering through
the Parent Teacher Organization. This is a list of many activities the PTO coordinates. Every
event needs multiple volunteers and an event coordinator. We hope you will consider
helping with one or more of these activities. Whether you have 1 hour to help or would like to
coordinate an activity, we would love to work with you!
Adopt a Family – Coordinate with classes to collect gifts, clothing and household items for
families in the St. Charles area. Time frame – late Oct./early Dec. Coordinator time required
is 8-10 hours total.
Basket Raffle – Collect items from each classroom and assemble into baskets. Last year was
held during the Spring Book Fair. Coordinator time required is 15-20 hours.
Buzz Book – Student/family phone & email directory (including sections by class). Coordinator
time required is 15-20 hours at the beginning of the school year (completed by late
September).
Red Cross Blood Drive – Assist with getting volunteers and help the Red Cross with the event.
Dates are usually September and March (or around the time of parent teacher conferences).
Coordinator time required is 5 hours each date.
BoxTops for Education – Communicate with students/teachers to encourage contributions of
BoxTops. Administer quarterly contests between grade levels. Prepare BoxTops for shipping 23 times a year. Coordinator time required is 1-2 hours monthly.
Breakfast with Santa – Approximately 500 – 600 children and adults attend the catered
pancake breakfast (usually the first Saturday in December). They can then visit with Santa,
participate in craft activities, and shop the Holiday Mart. We have a step-by-step plan to
help you run this event. Coordinator time required (including planning and organizing) is 2025 hours.
Computer Lab Volunteers – Assist students during class time in the computer lab. You can
volunteer at a set time every week/month or on an as needed basis.
Copy Room Volunteers – Make copies for teachers and staff. Help organize and stock the
copy room. You can volunteer at a set time every week/month or on an as needed basis.
Fall Fund Raiser – Students are given catalogs of popular items (including cookie dough) to
sell to friends and family. This is our main source of income and is vital to the services we
provide the school. The coordinator works with the fundraising company to hold the kickoff
meeting, placing orders, product delivery and pickup. The fundraiser begins in August with
product pickup in early September. Coordinator time required is 30-35 hours.
Holiday Mart – Local vendors, including Independence students, rent and run booths
providing a variety of products. Usually scheduled for first Saturday in December in
conjunction with Breakfast with Santa. Coordinator time required is 10 – 15 hours.
Hospitality Committee – This group plans and hosts a teacher appreciation luncheon in the
fall, Secretaries Week in April and activities for Teacher Appreciation week in May. They also
help plan/prepare a meal for the teachers 1 night during the fall and again during spring
conferences along with miscellaneous staff events. Coordinator time required 10-12 hours for
each major event.
Holiday Tree – Set up/decorate the Christmas tree in the atrium the Monday or Tuesday after
Thanksgiving and then take it down over the cycle break. 1 – 2 people can handle this in a
couple hours each set-up/
take-down.
Landscape Committee – Plant flowers in the pots at the front, side and café entrances before
school starts. Keep flowers looking nice until frost. Plant new flowers in spring. Help keep the
weeds pulled in the front landscape areas. Coordinator time required 10-15 hours spread
throughout the year.
Library Volunteer – Help put books away, and help keep the library organized. As needed,
help students find books. You can volunteer at a set time every week/month or come in as
your schedule allows. The schedule is coordinated by our librarian.
Lunch Greeter – Volunteers will sit in the atrium at the Welcome Desk to greet those coming to
eat lunch with a student. You will assist them in signing in and directing them to the Café.
Time required each day is 3 hours. You can volunteer on a weekly/monthly basis.
Coordinator time required is 4-5 hours at the beginning of the year and then follow-up as
needed.
Marquee Volunteer – Change/update messages on the sign weekly or as needed. The office
will determine the message; they just need some one to put it on the sign. Time required is 1
hour each week.
Movie Night – Coordinate 4-6 family movies for Family Movie Night. Coordinate
concession/snacks for sale. Coordinator time required 4-5 hours per event. Volunteers are
needed for selling the snacks.
Papa Johns/DQ Coordinator – Need someone for an hour each month to distribute flyers and
stickers in the teacher’s mailboxes and to notify the teacher who is the pizza party winner.
Popcorn Popper - As needed to pop popcorn as a reward for classrooms when they earn 250
Eagle Eyes.
Prepackaged School Supplies – Provide students with a convenient way to purchase next
year’s school supplies at a reasonable price. Coordinator time required is 2-3 hours of
planning in January, 3-4 hours in March/April to get orders from students, and 8-10 hours in
May when the orders come in. Other volunteers are needed to help distribute the orders the
last week of May.
PTO Information Board – Need someone with a little creativity and flair (maybe a scrap
booker) to keep the information on PTO activities up to date on the board in the entryway.
Time required 1-2 hours monthly. May be done after school hours.
Skate Night – Coordinate 4-8 events per year at local skating rink. Most of the work is done by
the Skating Rink. Coordinator time required per event is 2-3 hours.
Spirit Sales – Selling Independence items, mostly t-shirts and hoodies, to help build school spirit.
The items are set out for sale at Open House and orders are taken and filled quarterly. We
need help with organizing, selling and inventorying the items. You can volunteer by event.
Coordinator time required is 1-2 hours quarterly and 4-5 hours at the beginning of the year.
Trunk and Treat – A FUN family event held in the school front parking lot the Friday before
Halloween. Volunteers are needed for decorating, to help with parking, gathering prize
donations for car and costume winners, organizing a D.J., parking pass and pizza sales,
ordering and picking up pizzas. Coordinator time required is 15-20 hours.
PTO Volunteer sign–up sheet for 2015/2016 school year
If you would like to volunteer for the new school year you may sign up now for any
volunteer opportunities that interests you.
Name: _________________________________________________________________________________
Phone Number: ________________________________________________________________________
Email Address: _________________________________________________________________________
Availability (circle): Daily
Weekly Monthly Occasionally
Other_______________
Child/Children’s Names:
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Grade(s): ______________________________
Activities/Events I’m interested in:
General
Volunteer
May be
interested in
Chairing the
committee
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Questions or comments please contact:
PTO President: Angela Turigiliatto Angela.Turigliatto@fhsdschools.org/314-540-8502
Thank you in advance for your help!
STANDARD COMPLAINT RESOLUTION PROCEDURE FOR
NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND PROGRAMS
This complaint resolution procedure applies to all programs administered by the Missouri Department of
Elementary and Secondary Education under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB).
A complaint is a formal allegation that a specific federal or state law or regulation has been violated,
misapplied, or misinterpreted by school district personnel or by Department of Education personnel.
Any parent(s) or guardian(s), educational surrogate(s), teacher(s), administrator(s), school board
member(s), or other person directly involved with an activity, program, or project operated under the
general supervision of the Department may file a complaint. Such a complaint must be in writing and
signed; it will provide specific details of the situation and indicate the law or regulation that is allegedly
being violated, misapplied, or misinterpreted.
The written, signed complaint must be filed and the resolution pursued in accordance with local district
policy.
Board Policy 1480
The Board of Education recognizes that situations of concern to parents/guardians or the public may arise
in the operation of the District. Such concerns are best resolved through communication with the
appropriate staff members and officers of the District, such as the faculty, the principals, the
superintendent or the Board.
The following procedures are to be followed by persons with questions or complaints regarding the
operation of the Francis Howell School District:
1) Complaints on behalf of individual students should first be addressed to the teacher.
2) Unsettled matters from (1) above, or problems and questions concerning individual schools, should be
directed to the principal of the school.
3) Unsettled matters from (2) above, or problems and questions concerning the Francis Howell School
District, should be directed to the superintendent/designee.
4) If the matter cannot be settled satisfactorily by the superintendent, it should be brought to the Board.
Questions and comments submitted to the secretary of the Board in letter form will be brought to the
attention of the entire Board at a regularly scheduled or called meeting. If necessary, a special Board
meeting will be scheduled to resolve the complaint. The decision of the Board shall be final. However,
the complainant may go to the appropriate section of the Department of Elementary and Secondary
Education and from there on to the United States Secretary of Education.
The Board considers it the obligation of the professional and support staff of the District to field the
questions of parents/guardians or the public in a timely manner.
If the issue cannot be resolved at the local level, the complainant may file a complaint with the Missouri
Department of Education. If there is no evidence that the parties have attempted in good faith to resolve
the complaint at the local level, the Department may require the parties to do so and may provide
technical assistance to facilitate such resolution.
Any persons directly affected by the actions of the Department may file a similarly written complaint if they
believe state or federal laws or regulations have been violated, misapplied, or misinterpreted by the
Department itself.
Anyone wishing more information about this procedure or how complaints are resolved may contact local
district or Department personnel.
DISTRICT PROCEDURES FOR ADDRESSING DISCRIMINATION / HARASSMENT
TITLE IX OF THE EDUCATIONAL AMENDMENTS OF 1972
The statute states “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from
participation in, be denied benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity
receiving federal financial assistance.”
It is the policy of the Francis Howell School District to maintain a learning and working environment that is
free from discrimination on the basis of sex in the educational programs, activities, and vocational
opportunities offered by the District. The provisions of Title IX extend not only to students with regard to
educational opportunities and freedom from harassment, but also to employees with regard to
employment opportunities and freedom from harassment, and to individuals with whom the District does
business.
It is a violation for any employee of the Francis Howell School District to harass another staff member or
student through conduct or communication of a sexual nature. It is also a violation of this policy for
students to harass other students through conduct or communication of a sexual nature. It is a violation
of this policy for any person who is not an employee or student of the District to harass a staff member or
student of the District through conduct or comments of a sexual nature while such employee is engaged
in the performance of duties for the District or while such student is under District supervision.
TITLE VI OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964
No person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from
participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity
receiving Federal financial assistance.
Actionable behaviors include, but are not limited to, language, jokes, threats, actual physical aggression,
or the failure to effectively address such behaviors on the part of a teacher or administrator. Educators
have an obligation to actively encourage the maintenance of an environment free from racial and/or
national origin discrimination/ harassment and to effectively respond to instances of such behavior.
FRANCIS HOWELL CODE OF CONDUCT
Any person who alleges discrimination and/or harassment by a district employee, student or volunteer
may complain directly to a building principal or designee or the District Title Coordinator. If an
investigation substantiates the allegation of sexual harassment and/or harassment or discrimination,
disciplinary action commensurate with the severity of the violation will be taken.
District Title IX Coordinator:
Director, Human Resources
Operations
Francis Howell School District
4545 Central School Road
St. Charles, MO 63304-7113
636-851-4000 Fax 636-851-4093
District Section 504 Coordinator:
Director, Student Services and
Francis Howell School District
4545 Central School Road
St. Charles, MO 63304-7113
636-851-4000 Fax 636-851
District Title VI Coordinator:
Director, Alternative Learning
Francis Howell School District
4545 Central School Road
St. Charles, MO 63304-7113
636-851-4000 Fax 636-851-4093
PUBLIC NOTICE
All responsible public agencies are required to locate, evaluate, and identify children with
disabilities who are under the jurisdiction of the agency, regardless of the severity of the
disability, including children attending private schools, children who live outside the district but
are attending a private school within the district, highly mobile children, such as migrant and
homeless children, children who are wards of the state, and children who are suspected of having
a disability and in need of special education even though they are advancing from grade to grade.
The Francis Howell School District assures that it will provide a free, appropriate public
education (FAPE) to all eligible children with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 21 under its
jurisdiction.
Disabilities include autism, deaf/blindness, emotional disorders, hearing
impairment and deafness, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment,
other health impairments, specific learning disabilities, speech or language impairment, traumatic
brain injury, visual impairment/blindness and young child with a developmental delay.
The District assures that it will provide information and referral services necessary to assist the
State in the implementation of early intervention services for infants and toddlers eligible for the
Missouri First Steps program.
The Francis Howell School District assures that personally identifiable information collected,
used, or maintained by the agency for the purposes of identification, evaluation, placement or
provision of FAPE of children with disabilities may be inspected and/or reviewed by their
parents/guardians. Parents/guardians may request amendment to the educational record if the
parent/guardian believes the record is inaccurate, misleading, or violates the privacy or other
rights of their child. Parents have the right to file complaints with the U.S. Department of
Education or the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education concerning
alleged failures by the district to meet the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act (FERPA).
The Francis Howell School District has developed a Local Compliance Plan for the
implementation of State Regulations for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
This plan contains the agency’s policies and procedures regarding storage, disclosure to third
parties, retention and destruction of personally identifiable information and the agency’s
assurances that services are provided in compliance with the General Education Provision Act
(GEPA). This plan may be reviewed at the Francis Howell School District Alternative Education
Department from 8:00 – 4:30 p.m. each school day.
This notice will be provided in native languages as appropriate.
Director of Alternative Learning
Francis Howell School District
4545 Central School Road
Saint Charles, MO 63304
Phone: 636-851-4060 Fax: 636-851-4094
Rev. August 15, 2013
NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS UNDER FERPA FOR
ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students who are 18 years of
age or older (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. These
rights are:
1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days after the day the
school receives a request for access.
Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal (or appropriate school official)
a written request that identifies the records they wish to inspect. The school official will make
arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where
the records may be inspected.
2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or
eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s
privacy rights under FERPA.
Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the school to amend a record should write the
school principal (or appropriate school official), clearly identify the part of the record they want
changed, and specify why it should be changed. If the school decides not to amend the record
as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible
student of the decision and of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment.
Additional information regarding the hearing process will be provided to the parent or eligible
student when notified of the right to a hearing.
3. The right to provide written consent before the school discloses personally identifiable
information (PII) from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA
authorizes disclosure without consent.
One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with
legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the school as an
administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff
and law enforcement personnel) or a person serving on the school board. A school official also
may include a volunteer or contractor outside of the school who performs an institutional
service or function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is
under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from
education records, such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist; a parent or
student volunteering to serve on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance
committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer assisting another school official in
performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official
needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
Upon request, the school will disclose education records without consent to officials of another
school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll, or is already enrolled if the
disclosure is for purposes of the student’s enrollment or transfer.
4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures
by the school to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office
that administers FERPA are:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U.S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202
The Francis Howell School District has designated certain information contained in the educational
records of its students as directory information for the purposes of FERPA. The following information
regarding students is considered directory information: the student’s name, student’s address, student’s
phone number, photograph, grade point average, dates of attendance, grade level, participation in
officially recognized activities and sports, height and weight of members of athletic teams, diplomas and
awards received and the most previous school attended by the student.
See the list below of the disclosures that elementary and secondary schools may make without consent.
FERPA permits the disclosure of PII from students’ education records without the consent of the parent
or eligible student if the disclosure meets certain conditions found in §99.31 of the FERPA regulations.
Except for disclosures to school officials, disclosures related to some judicial orders or lawfully issued
subpoenas, disclosures of directory information, and disclosures to the parent or eligible student, §99.32
of the FERPA regulations requires the school to record the disclosure. Parents and eligible students have
a right to inspect and review the record of disclosures. A school may disclose PII from the education
records of a student without obtaining prior written consent of the parents or the eligible student –

To other school officials, including teachers, within the educational agency or institution whom
the school has determined to have legitimate educational interests. This includes contractors,
consultants, volunteers, or other parties to whom the school has outsourced institutional
services or functions, provided that conditions listed in §99.31 (a)(1)(i)(B)(1) – (a)(1)(i)(B)(2) are
met. (§99.31(a)(1))

To officials of another school, school system, or institution of postsecondary education where
the student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student is already enrolled if the disclosure
is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer, subject to the requirements of
§99.34. (§99.31(a)(2))

To authorized representatives of the U.S. Comptroller General, the U.S. Attorney General, the
U.S. Secretary of Education, or State and local educational authorities, such as the State
educational agency in the parent or eligible student’s State (SEA). Disclosures under this
provision may be made, subject to the requirements of §99.35, in connection with an audit or
evaluation of Federal- or State-supported education programs, or for the enforcement of or
compliance with Federal legal requirements that relate to those programs. These entities may
make further disclosures of PII to outside entities that are designated by them as their
authorized representatives to conduct any audit, evaluation, or enforcement or compliance
activity on their behalf. (§§99.31(a)(3) and 99.35)

In connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has
received, if the information is necessary to determine eligibility for the aid, determine the
amount of the aid, determine the conditions of the aid, or enforce the terms and conditions of
the aid. (§99.31(a)(4))

To State and local officials or authorities to whom information is specifically allowed to be
reported or disclosed by a State statute that concerns the juvenile justice system and the
system’s ability to effectively serve, prior to adjudication, the student whose records were
released, subject to §99.38. (§99.31(a)(5))

To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, the school in order to: (a) develop,
validate, or administer predictive tests; (b) administer student aid programs; or (c) improve
instruction. (§99.31(a)(6))

To accrediting organizations to carry out their accrediting functions. (§99.31(a)(7))

To parents of an eligible student if the student is a dependent for IRS tax purposes.
(§99.31(a)(8))

To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena. (§99.31(a)(9))

To appropriate officials in connection with a health or safety emergency, subject to §99.36.
(§99.31(a)(10))

Information the school has designated as “directory information” under §99.37. (§99.31(a)(11))
FHSD-PRO1
(7/10)
FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT
(FERPA)
REFUSAL TO PERMIT DISCLOSURE
Student’s Name: ___________________________________
D.O.B.: ________________________
Parents of students and students 18 years of age or older or students who attend an institution of post-secondary
education have the right to refuse the designation of any or all of the below information as directory information.
A parent or student refusing to have any or all of the designated directory information disclosed is required to
complete this form, designate any or all of the information below that you are refusing to disclose with an ‘X’, and
return the form to the principal of the school which the student attends. It is important to note that by competing
this form you are refusing disclosures in all areas which include honor roll listings in the newspaper; inclusion in
yearbook, buzz book, etc.
The Francis Howell School District has designated the following information contained in the educational records
of its students as directory information for purposes of FERPA:
____ Student’s name
____ Student’s address
____ Student’s phone number
____ Student’s grade point average
____ Major field of study
____ Dates of attendance
____ Grade level
____ Enrollment status
____ Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
____ Weight and height of members of athletic teams
____ Degrees and awards received
____ Most recent previous school attended by the student
____ Photograph
____ All of the above designated directory information
In addition to the above refusal(s), should you not want the military to have access to information you must place
an “X” below:
___
Student’s name, address, telephone to military recruiters
Other than directory information indicated above the District will obtain a signed and dated written consent from
the parent/guardian or eligible student prior to disclosure of personally identifiable information.
The Francis Howell School District is authorized to disclose personally identifiable student information under the
following circumstances: to school officials who have a legitimate educational interest in the records; to authorized
federal and state agencies and authorities; to law enforcement officials; to Juvenile Court officials; in connection
with financial aid applications; for use in authorized studies; to accrediting organizations; in response to a lawfully
issued subpoena; and in a health or safety emergency.
Parent’s Signature: __________________________________
Date: __________________
Student’s Signature (if 18 or older): _______________________________
Date: __________________
NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS UNDER THE PROTECTION OF
PUPIL RIGHTS AMENDMENT (PPRA)
PPRA affords parents/guardians and students who are 18 or emancipated minors (“eligible students”)
certain rights regarding our conduct of surveys, collection and use of information for marketing purposes,
and certain physical exams. These include the right to:
• Consent before students are required to submit to a survey that concerns one or more of the following
protected areas (“protected information survey”) if the survey is funded in whole or in part by a program of
the U.S. Department of Education (ED) –
1. Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parent(s)/guardian(s);
2. Mental or psychological problems of the student or student’s family;
3. Sex behavior or attitudes;
4. Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
5. Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
6. Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors or ministers;
7. Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or parent(s)/guardian(s); or
8. Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.
• Receive notice and an opportunity to opt a student out of –
1. Any other protected information survey, regardless of funding;
2. Any non-emergency, invasive physical exam or screening required as a condition of attendance,
administered by the school or its agent, and not necessary to protect the immediate health and
safety of a student, except for hearing, vision, or scoliosis screenings, or any physical exam or
screening permitted or required under State law; and
3. Activities involving collection, disclosure, or use of personal information obtained from students
for marketing or to sell or otherwise distribute the information to others.
• Inspect, upon request and before administration or use –
1. Protected information surveys of students;
2. Instruments used to collect personal information from students for any of the above marketing,
sales, or other distribution purposes; and
3. Instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum.
Francis Howell School District will develop policies, in consultation with parents/guardians, regarding
these rights, as well as arrangements to protect student privacy in the administration of protected surveys
and the collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales, or other distribution
purposes. Francis Howell School District will directly notify parents/guardians and eligible students of
these policies at least annually at the start of each school year and after any substantive changes.
Francis Howell School District will also directly notify parents/guardians and eligible students, such as
through U. S. mail or email, at least annually at the start of each school year of the specific or
approximate dates of the following activities and provide an opportunity to opt a student out of
participating in:
• Collection, disclosure, or use of personal information for marketing, sales or other distribution.
• Administration of any protected information survey not funded in whole or in part by ED.
• Any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening as described above.
Parents/guardians or eligible students who believe their rights have been violated may file a complaint
with:
Family Policy Compliance Office
U. S. Department of Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20202-4605
Independence Elementary
Parent Handbook Signature Page
I have read and understand the content explained in the Independence Elementary
Parent Handbook.
Parent Signature/Date
______________________________
Student/s Name
_________________________________
________________________________
________________________________
Thank you for taking the time to review the handbook. If you have any questions,
please feel free to contact the office at 636-851-5900.
Mrs. Emily Pavia
Principal
Independence Elementary