Table of Contents - Richmond Public Schools

Ginter Park Elementary
School
3817 Chamberlayne Ave.
Richmond, Virginia 23227
(804) 780-8193 Fax (804) 780-4313
“Home of the Gators”
Parent/Student
Handbook
www.richmond.k12.va.us/schools/ginterpark
GPES ELEMENTARY
A Message from Administration
“Welcome to Ginter Park Elementary (GPES), a premier learning community!” Our goal is to provide experiences
that promote academic excellence and prepare each student to meet with the challenges of life and become better human
beings because of these challenges.
The instructional staff of this school is central to its productivity, and the quality of performance is the major
factor influencing the teaching-learning process for the students of GPMS. The teachers of GPMS understand the
importance of collaborating across grade levels to provide the best for all of our boys and girls.
My charge as the school’s leader is to provide the most positive and caring school environment possible so that
teachers can teach and our students can fulfill their potential for academic and personal growth.
Indira S. Williams, Principal
Jacqueline H. Zich, Assistant Principal
UNITY
I dreamed I stood in a studio
And watched two sculptors there.
The clay they used was a young child's mind
And they fashioned it with care.
One was a teacher – the tools he used
Were books, music, and art
The other, a parent, worked with a guiding hand,
And a gentle, loving heart.
Day after day, the teacher toiled with touch
That was deft and sure.
While the parent labored by his side
And polished and smoothed it o'er.
And when at last, their task was done
They were proud of what they had wrought,
For the things they had molded into a child
Could neither be sold nor bought.
And each agreed they would have failed
If each had worked alone.
For behind the teacher stood the school
And behind the parent, the home.
Author Unknown
School History: Ginter Park Elementary
Ginter Park School is named for the community in which it is located, in turn named for Major
Lewis Ginter, a prominent citizen and tobacco merchant who developed the area.
This section of the city was acquired by annexation from Henrico County in 1914. At that time, the
203 children of the neighborhood and their eight teachers were housed in rented quarters at the
Lewis Ginter Community House at the corner of Hawthorne & Walton Avenues. Consequently, the
need for a city school in Ginter Park was urgent and was met so promptly that the eighteen-room
school was occupied in the session of 1916-17. The design included the best "open air school,"
purely a Richmond development, which afforded the maximum amount of comfort in the minimum
amount of space. The 1914-15 annual report includes picture and floor plan of Ginter Park by
School Architect Charles M. Robinson.
In 1930, when the original auditorium was converted into eight classrooms, another auditorium was
built with cafeteria space beneath. Crowded conditions eventually led to the construction of
classrooms in the basement and to the temporary use of Brook Hill for Junior Primary classes
(1948).
Under Plan III, Ginter Park was paired with Stuart. Since 1973, Mary Scott had been an annex of
Ginter Park, under the same administration. In 1980, Ginter Park/Mary Scott was one of eight
elementary school renovation projects. The PTA carried out a "Reach for the Stars" redecorating
project in 1988.
Mission Statement
Our mission at Ginter Park Elementary School is to provide a safe,
positive and disciplined environment where learning is our highest
priority. We believe that an environment with a diversity of talents,
abilities, cultures, and backgrounds prepares students for success in an
ever increasing technological and global society.
Vision Statement
Ginter Park Elementary School’s parents, educators, business and
community partners work together with respect and understanding. This
will enable each student to develop the necessary skills for success in
school as they prepare for life-long learning while making a significant
contribution to society.
Ginter Park Elementary School
PERSONNEL
Principal/Instructional Leader
Indira S. Williams
Assistant Principal
Jacqueline H. Zich
Guidance Counselor
Shari Hobson
Administrative Office Associate
Shelby Goode
Office Associate
Alvonda Kennedy
School Nurse
Patricia Powell
Food Services Manager
Floyd Brown
Education is a shared responsibility of the entire community.
GINTER PARK ELEMENTARY
PERSONNEL - CONTINUED
CUSTODIANS
TRACI GILLIAM
VINCENT JOHNSON
THELMA JONES, Crew Chief
STEVENSON FOX
FOOD SERVICE
FLOYD BROWN
COMPLIANCE SPECIALIST
ANNE FAUNTLEROY
MULTI-LEVEL STAFF
SUSAN MERKLE – 9
PAULA MONROE – B-6
DIANNE GARY-JONES – 17
SARAH REILLY – 20
PEGGY GETTIES - IA
MARLENA JOHNSON - IA
APRIL WINN - IA
NICOLE JACKSON – IA
LOUISE HAYES – IA
KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS
CATHERINE BROWN – B-1
SARAH STEENBURGH – B-2
PAIGE RODNEY – 3
FIRST GRADE TEACHERS
RYAN FRANKE –B-8
CHRISTOPHER LENASSI - 8
TOM HARTMAN - IA
SECOND GRADE TEACHERS
LYNDA WINTERS – 1
NATHAN RUFF – 2
SHARON MUJAR – 10
SUSAN SHEPHERD - 21
THIRD GRADE TEACHERS
LINDSAY SCOTT - 22
MAEGAN ELMENDORF – 11
CHARLOTTE THOMPSON – 9
ALBERTA RICHARDS - IA
FOURTH GRADE TEACHERS
HARRY THOMPSON - 18
QUENTIN PENN HOLLAR - 19
PEYTON IRVING - 20
CASSANDRA GWIZDALA - IA
FIFTH GRADE TEACHERS
DAVID PROBST - 13
STEPHANIE HOOKS - 14
SARAH HENDRICKSON - 15
TITLE I TEAM
CAROLYN DOYLE – MATHEMATICS
JESSICA GARTNER – READING
ROBIN CLAIBORNE – READING
KIM WRIGHT - TITLE I IA
SHARON BRUNSON- TITLE I IA
GIFTED PROGRAM TEACHER
BARBARA BENNARDO
RESOURCE TEACHERS
DINAH EMERSON – LIBRARY MEDIA SPECIALIST
SARAH MAYS – ART
CHARLES MURPHY – MUSIC
BRENT THOMPSON – PHYSICAL EDUCATION
NOELIA GONZALEZ - SPANISH
SPEECH TEACHER
TBA
BAND INSTRUCTOR
MAUREEN WISNIESKI
ORCHESTRA INSTRUCTOR
TERESA BJORNES
CIS COORDINATOR
ROSALYN JAMES
ITRT SPECIALIST
CATHYRN MYERS
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST
CHRIS PARSONS
SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER
LISA MULLENS-JENNINGS
Dear Parents:
We will do everything possible to give your child the care and attention you would give him or her at
home. Please help us work together cooperatively by considering the following:
1. CONVEY A POSITIVE ATTITUDE ABOUT SCHOOL. If you are enthusiastic about school, your child is
more likely to enjoy it.
2. GET TO KNOW YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER. Please join and become active in our PTA and volunteer
your services in school when possible.
3. PRAISE YOUR CHILD FOR THE GOOD THINGS HE/SHE DOES, NO MATTER HOW SMALL. Always
accent the positive rather than focus on poor performance and behavior.
4. PERMIT YOUR CHILD TO SETTLE QUARRELS OR DIFFICULTIES THAT MAY ARISE WITH SCHOOL
PEERS. Children must learn to work out their problems with support from teachers and parents.
Learning to deal with conflict is an important life skill.
5. PLAN YOUR DAY SO THAT YOU CAN SPEND TIME WITH YOUR CHILD. Be sure there is time to talk
about school and happenings of each day. SET ASIDE A DEFINITE TIME AND PLACE FOR
COMPLETING HOMEWORK ON A DAILY BASIS.
It is important for a child’s emotional health that he/she faces new challenges with support from
others. This will help to build feelings of self-confidence and security. We look forward to working
with you as a team to achieve this goal. If you have questions concerning anything that occurs in
the classroom, please contact your child’s teacher to discuss your concerns. Our school phone
number is:
Ginter Park Building: (804) 780-8193
Sincerely,
Ginter Park Staff
Routine Operations & Safety and Security
Elementary School Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
 Students arrive between 8:45 a.m. and 8:55 a.m.
 ALL parents and visitors are required to show a valid picture I.D. before signing into the Keep N’ Track
system or picking up a child.
 After 9:05 a.m. students will be considered tardy and must report to the front office to sign in on the Keep n’
Track system. Parents/guardians of tardy Kindergarten or First Grade students are required to enter their
child’s information into our computerized attendance program before a tardy slip is issued and the child is
released to class.
 DO NOT DROP OFF STUDENTS BEFORE 8:45 A.M. Supervision is not available for students prior to that time.
It is not safe for students to stand unsupervised outside the building. Should something happen to the
student, the adult last in the company of the child will be found liable.
 Breakfast is served at no cost to all students. Ginter Park ES will participate in the Breakfast in the
Classroom Program. With the exception of Kindergarten through second grade, all students will enter the
building, pick up their breakfast (if they wish) and report directly to the classroom. Those students who are
transported to school by car must pick up their breakfast no later than 9:00 a.m. The cafeteria will close
promptly at 9:00 a.m. in order to prepare for lunch. Also, please note that instruction will begin promptly at
9:10 a.m.
 Our instructional day ends at 3:45 p.m. Please do not pick your child up prior to that time unless there is an
emergency. Early pick-ups negatively impact student performance.
 Pick-ups are dismissed to the cafeteria after the dismissal bell has rung. They must be signed out by an
authorized adult (inclusive of van drivers). Again, ALWAYS COME PREPARED TO SHOW A CURRENT PICTURE
ID UPON REQUEST.
 Parents who arrive to pick up students in during dismissal must park on North Avenue, walk into the
building and report to the cafeteria. The students will be waiting in the cafeteria with a staff member. For
safety reasons, children must be signed out in the Pick-Up Dismissal Logbook. Please be reminded that you
or anyone picking up your child is listed on the student’s information card.
 Day care vans will enter the parking lot and take an immediate left at the first lane. At the end of the lane,
vans are to proceed to the right and enter the van circle. During dismissal procedures, each van will be
announced over the intercom and students will be dismissed. The staff member in charge of vans will check
off each student as he/she boards to verify the presence of each student.
 Individual bus numbers will be called over the intercom during dismissal procedures. At that time, the
students will exit the building at the cafeteria door and walk down the sidewalk to his/her bus. If a parent
intercepts their child getting on the bus, they must sign the Bus Rider Logbook (NO EXCEPTIONS).
 All walkers will exit the building by the outside door closest to the Chamberlayne Ave. and North Avenue
intersection. The students are expected to cross at the corner of that intersection with the Richmond Police
Crossing Guard (NO EXCEPTIONS).
*Note: For safety reasons, only buses and vans will be allowed in the parking lots during dismissal. Dismissal
concludes after the last bus has left the school’s premises. Parents must notify the office/teacher in writing if there
is a change in the student’s dismissal plan.
All visitors must report to the Main Office to sign into our computerized system –
NO EXCEPTIONS.
All adults are required to show a picture I.D upon request.
Written messages must be sent to your child’s teacher when:
 Your child has been absent from school. We must record the reason for
the absence the day your child returns to school.
 Someone other than yourself or person you designated on the emergency
form is to pick your child up from school.
 You plan to change your child’s afternoon dismissal procedure. Parents
should not call the school to change afternoon dismissal procedures
unless it is an emergency. For the child’s safety, dismissal changes must
be in writing.
 You plan to pick up your child early (before school is over). The
responsible adult is required to report to the office. An office employee
will call for the student, while the adult signs the child out in the
computerized attendance system.
 Your child should not participate in physical activities due to medical
reasons. Frequent requests (two or more) must be accompanied by a
doctor’s note.
“Nothing is more important to success in schools than the quality of
relationships between and among students, staff, and parents.”
- Dr. James P. Comer
POSITIVE BEHAVIOR SUPPORT in OUR SCHOOL
Positive Behavior Support is a systems approach to school management, which
teaches children appropriate behavior while simultaneously providing the supports
necessary to sustain that behavior. The PBS process uses the talents and interests of
parents and school staff as collaborative decision makers to develop policies,
procedures, and programs that affect the academic and social climate of schools.
The process will use two mechanisms: School Planning and Management Team
(SPMT) and the Parent Team (PTA). Through consistent use of both entities working
seamlessly together, the stake holders of the Ginter Park Elementary School Family
will place the emphasis of educating children first. The three guiding principles are:
no fault, consensus decision-making, and collaboration.
Our school family has conscientiously embraced the principles of teaching
students the correct way to behave through consistency and modeling. We will
continue to work diligently to transform our school culture to function totally as a
place where: ALL DECISIONS ARE MADE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF CHILDREN.
Further, this process provides sustained messages to children about what it
means to be self-disciplined. It helps to create consistent but flexible learning
environments. The students join in to establish a cooperative plan for classroom
rules, procedures, use of time, and academic learning that governs the classroom, all
within a developing democratic structure.
Through Positive Behavior Support, five themes will drive this process in order to
build resilience with inner-city youth:
 Prevention – classroom management is problem prevention rather than
problem solving, thus reducing the need for intervention;
 Caring – a caring environment is the foundation for school reform (students
want to know how much you care, not how much you know);
 Cooperation – moving from tourist to citizen leads to ownership, involvement
and greater opportunities for student self-discipline;
 Organization – classroom organization is a mutual responsibility that adds
valuable teaching and learning time and builds student ownership and selfdiscipline; and
 Community – a tapestry of parental and community involvement activities and
events are necessary to link school with home and meet the needs of the
changing American family.
Our Positive Behavior Intervention Support Plan
GPES Snaps with Gator Pride
One of the most important organizing components of PBIS is the establishment of a
continuum of behavior support that considers all students and emphasizes prevention.
All students have an opportunity to earn weekly rewards for positive behavior. At the end of
each month the students will be invited to participate in special celebration if they have
earned enough points to do so. In an effort to hold students accountable for their actions,
they are responsible for keeping track of their points. Students who do not earn the required
pints will be provided guidance to help them learn behavioral and organizational strategies
that can help them be successful in the future.
Color Chart and Points Students begin each day with 2 points and are afforded the opportunity of earning
10 or more points per week. If points are lost, they are then provided opportunities to earn them back with
the exception of an office referral. All office referrals will result in the student losing all points earned in
one day and could affect the possibility of the student’s participation in the school-wide celebration held at
the end of the month. For age appropriateness, each grade level outlines exceptional behavior as well as
acts deserving of an office referral (fighting is one example). As students earn points back, they are only
permitted to move in one point intervals.
Blue – 3 points (EXCEPTIONAL BEHAVIOR)
Green – 2 points
Yellow – 1 point
Red – 0 points
Points can be earned based upon the following:
Students will:
*Remain task oriented
*Follow directions of adults
*Be prepared and on time
*Treat others with courtesy, kindness and respect
*Move about the building in a quiet and orderly manner
Students who have earned 10 or more points in one week will receive an invitation to participate in a fun
activity or receive something special during lunch time. If enough points are earned, students will be given
an invitation to participate in a monthly celebration:
Bouncy house
Cookout
PJ party
snow cones basketball game reading to the lower grades
Board games during lunch
Lunch and a movie
Ice cream party
Lunch with the principal
cookout
pizza party
Math and/or reading games
The Richmond Public Schools Standards
Of
Elementary Student Conduct
The Superintendent and School Board of Richmond Public Schools feel
that teaching and learning are most effective when school and home work
together. The home-school relationship is critical; take a moment to review
the information contained in the Richmond Public Schools Student Code of
Responsible Ethics (S.C.O.R.E). The expectations we hold for every student at
GPES begin first with the Positive Behavior Support approach, which works
cohesively with the RPS S.C.O.R.E handbook.
Please read the Standards of Student Conduct with your child(ren), so
that he/she understands the expectations as put in place by the School Board.
Upon completion, read the PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY AND INVOLVEMENT
document (towards the end the standards), fill out the form and return it to
school no later than by Friday, September 25, 2015.
School Nutrition Services
Motto: “Eat Well, Think Well, Play Well and Live Well.”
A la Carte – School Nutrition Services will offer students a variety of approved a la carte
products for sale. These items give students a chance to make choices above and beyond
the regular meal that are nutritious and “fun to eat.”
Free/Reduced Priced Meal Applications will no longer be sent home. Richmond Public
Schools is proud to announce that there will be no charge for breakfast or lunch for
students in elementary grades.
Each student at GPES is assigned a computerized lunch account number. Please make
certain that your child memorizes this number. Money may be deposited in your child’s
account to make food purchases (a la carte) over several days or even weeks. Even if your
child chooses to bring lunch from home, you may wish to place money in his/her account
to buy milk, snacks, or juice. If you have any questions, please contact the cafeteria
manager at 780 – 8069.
If there is a delay in school openings due to inclement weather, breakfast will not be
served. Instead, lunch will begin at the point of entry.
Please note: Students are not encouraged to share food or money. Many
students are allergic to items which would require medical attention if
consumed. The sharing of money often results in an upset to the
instructional environment.
Student Responsibilities
Ginter Park Elementary School students are expected to conduct themselves
in a respectful manner at all times towards teachers, adults, visitors, and
fellow students. All students must recognize their self-worth, individual
responsibilities and obligations, making sure that all efforts to learn as much
as possible are exercised daily.
School Pledge
We, the students of Ginter Park Elementary School, pledge to be good
citizens at all times by:
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Respecting ourselves, our principal, our teachers, our classmates,
and other personnel.
Controlling ourselves in a mannerly way in the classrooms, cafeteria,
auditorium, halls and other places.
Being courteous, cooperative, understanding, kind and honest with
others and ourselves.
Doing our very best in a responsible, quiet, non-disturbing manner,
whatever the task.
Protecting our property and respecting the property of others.
Keeping our rooms and school clean and attractive.
This pledge we will keep within our hearts and live by each day.
Pledge to be a Citizen, not a Tourist at your school.
GATOR PLEDGE
I am a Ginter Park Gator
I give respect
I am always here and always ready
I am a thinking person
I am organized
I am responsible
I will be successful!
Code of Conduct
Each student has the right to a quality education without disruption. Each
person at Ginter Park Elementary School has the responsibility of disciplining
himself or herself in a manner that will not hinder any individual from
receiving that education through a positive experience. Students are
expected to be on their best behavior at all times and to obey all school rules.
When a school rule is disobeyed, that student must be willing to accept the
consequences. In accordance with the Student Code of Responsible Ethics
for Richmond Public Schools and in an effort to practice school safety,
students at GPES Elementary School must remember school and bus rules
and follow them at all times. All students will receive a copy of the ethics.
Parents are requested to review the enclosed information with their child,
sign, and return the Parent Responsibility & Involvement page.
General School Rules
In the best interest of student learning, classroom teachers have the
responsibility of advancing student discipline and classroom management.
Students are expected to follow the rules as established. Please also refer to
the SCHOOL PLEDGE.
 Respect yourself and others.
 Cooperate with adults and peers.
 Follow directions the first time given.
 Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself at all times.
 Treat others the way you wish to be treated (GPES has
zero tolerance for FIGHTING).
 Always walk in school.
 Respect the school building.
 Use an inside 5-inch voice.
 Use acceptable English (Refrain from name-calling,
teasing, or use of profanity).
Homework
Homework will be assigned to students by classroom or specialty teachers on a
regular basis to reinforce, review, and extend the work presented during regular
instruction. Students are expected to complete (to the best of their ability) all
homework assignments given. Parents are expected to assist with or reinforce skills
where necessary, review and sign all homework. Completing homework assignments
for students is prohibited, as it defeats the ideal of concept practice. Additionally,
classroom teachers will send home information regarding rewards and consequences
relative to completing and returning homework assignments.
Homework Tips – Use these tips to ensure student success.
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Designate a special area just for homework. Keep the area free from
distractions.
Stock necessary school supplies (pencils, paper, ruler, glue, etc.) in a
container. Replace supplies as needed. Let the school know if you need
replacement supplies.
Determine what time homework will be done each day of the week. Post
the schedule and make every effort to stick to the schedule.
Give assistance only after a real effort has been made on the part of the
student.
Build your child's self-confidence and motivation by praising him or her
for:
 Beginning homework before play-time is granted.
 Working independently
 Staying on task
 Doing his or her best work.
 Making improvements.
Grading
Student progress is graded following the adopted Richmond Public Schools' grading
system.
Grades 1 through 5
A = 90–100
B = 80-89
C = 70-79
D = 60-69
F = 0- 59
Kindergarten
E = Excellent
S = Satisfactory
N = Needs Improvement
In order to better understand the expectations of the state and federal entities
regarding student learning by grade level, please visit the Virginia Department of
Education at www.pen.k12.va.us. Student performance is reported to parents by
interim reports and report cards at the end of each nine weeks period. Some classes
report student progress through the use of a Student Progress Report. Students are
also assessed on the Standards of Learning (SOL) objective performance bi-weekly
and each nine weeks. This information is listed on each report card. Student SOL
performance is reported using the following profile:
Standards of Learning Performance Profile
5 = Advanced
4 = Proficient
3 = Making Progress
2 = Below Expectations
1 = Non-Mastery
NT = Not Taught
Parents are encouraged to review the report card and discuss student progress with
the classroom teacher at scheduled Parent-Teacher Conferences or as necessary.
You may also wish to communicate with your child’s teacher via email. Good
home/school communication should minimize any questions on student progress
throughout the school year and maximize time constraints for providing additional
academic assistance that may be needed in order to meet with desired academic
success.
School Supplies
Each student is expected to come to school prepared with proper supplies everyday.
A supply list will be provided for each child at the end and beginning of each school
year. Parents are expected to buy additional supplies during the school year as
needed.
No items other than school supplies should be included in your child’s book bag.
Parents are highly encouraged to check the student’s book bag prior to leaving each
day.
Enhancing Student Attendance
Richmond Public Schools has determined that all of its students will attend
school regularly. From this determination, Richmond Public Schools has
initiated academic reforms and accountability procedures designed to
integrate and to reinforce the delivery of student programs and services.
The Richmond Public Schools Attendance Plan is predicated on the notion that
the school, the home, and the total community must share in the responsibility
of improving the attendance of all students in RPS.
In order to accomplish this, we are charged with the task of creating
strategies to generate the desired results. Here at GPES Elementary, we will
do all that is necessary to create a learning environment where children feel
cared for, safe, and academically motivated to attend school regularly. Parent
communication and cooperation is critical to success in this area.
As a means of keeping the students motivated, the staff of GPES will
recognize monthly the top three classrooms with the highest percent of
attendance above 95%. All classrooms attaining 95% attendance or above will
be recognized weekly during announcements and students may be eligible to
receive special incentives and rewards for having great school attendance.
Students are expected to be punctual and attend school daily. Be reminded
that parents are requested to limit early pickups. Instructional time must be
maximized due to the challenge of learning objectives students are mandated
to learn by the end of an academic year. It is very important that students
are on time for daily opening activities.
Students participating in the school breakfast program may arrive no earlier
than 8:45 a.m. Students not participating in the school breakfast program are
to arrive no later than 9:00 a.m. to ensure a great day of learning. Parents
are requested to please adhere to this time frame as supervision is
challenging.
Weather
In extreme weather situations, parents are requested to listen to radio
station WRVA 1040 AM for official opening and/or closing of schools. If
there is a two hour delay, students are not to arrive to school prior to 11:00
a.m. For safety reasons, parents are asked not to leave students unattended
until the doors of the school open. Staff will also be on a delayed arrival and
there will not be persons available to monitor students. Please note that on
days where there is a delayed opening, breakfast will not be served.
Absence
Please make every effort to send your children to school everyday. When
students are absent from school, it is the parent’s responsibility to call the
school or send a note for documentation. However, in accordance with the
state’s regulations, students are not to miss more than five school days in one
year.
*22.1 – 254 Compulsory School Attendance Law from the Code of Virginia
Tardiness
Students arriving to school after 9:10 a.m. must report to the office for an
admittance slip to class. More than three tardies will count against perfect
attendance each nine weeks. Additionally, students who arrive late run the
risk of missing the school breakfast program.
Parents are requested to make every effort to get students to school on time
to minimize the loss of instructional time. The Reading/Language Arts block
is customarily first on the schedule and it is very important to student
progress to be present at this time.
REMEMBER: “WINNERS GET TO SCHOOL
ON TIME!”
Leaving School: Safety Precautions
Again, in order to protect our children, parents/guardians must send a note to
the teacher each time a change is made indicating the way a child gets home
from school. If there is no note, the child will be sent home in the usual
manner. A telephone call from a parent will be honored in emergency
situations.
These procedures and routines have been developed to ensure the safety and
protection of all children in the building. Thank you in advance for your
cooperation and understanding.
Early Dismissal
All parents, guardians or other designee must report to the Main Office. The
child will be called from the classroom to report to the office. For safety and
security, the child must be signed out in the Early Dismissal Log.
Parents are to submit any legal documentation or written instructions
prohibiting specific persons from picking up their child/children.
Additionally, adults who are not known to the school staff will be requested to
show a current picture I.D. Please be cooperative with the staff, as this
measure has been implemented for the safety of all children. All adults
(inclusive of van drivers) will be required to sign children out before leaving
the school premises.
We value each moment of instructional time with students, and it is difficult
to make good use of the afternoon block of instructional time if children are
going to be dismissed from school early on a regular basis. Parents are urged
to schedule afternoon activities or appointments that will not necessitate our
dismissing students early on a frequent basis.
Visitor's Policy/Teacher Conferences
Parents and other visitors must report to the school's main office upon
entering the building. Times have changed, and in an effort to maintain a safe
and secure environment for children, we are asking for your cooperation. A
visitor’s pass is necessary to enter any areas of the school. A parent's visit
to their child's classroom is always welcomed and encouraged. Even though
these visits are welcomed, please discuss the visit with the teacher to
determine the best time to visit so as to not interfere with instruction.
Also, thank you in advance for your attention to detail. Please maintain a soft
voice while instruction is taking place. Too many distractions throw students
off task, and makes for a very difficult learning environment.
When observing in the classrooms, the teacher will not be available to hold a
conference at that time. Parent/Teacher conferences must be scheduled
in advance. We also highly encourage parents to attend the scheduled
Richmond Public Schools Parent-Teacher Conferences during the school year
(please refer to the RPS school calendar). Scheduling conferences prevents
the interruption of classroom instruction.
Transportation
All students outside of the walk-to-school zone must be assigned to a bus.
The bus driver is required to report any misconduct that jeopardizes the
safety of the bus driver and the riders to the principal for disciplinary action.
Bus drivers do not have the ability to closely monitor behavior AND
effectively drive the bus in a manner which keeps all individuals safe. Once a
driver brings poor behavior to the attention of an administrator, the student
will likely receive a warning. The next infraction will result in a parent phone
call. The third infraction could result in an off bus suspension. However,
depending on the severity of the behavior, the student may receive an
immediate off-bus suspension (fighting, refusing to follow the directive of
the driver, etc.). In the event of extreme behaviors as exhibited by students,
the bus driver will return to the school. Parents will then be contacted with a
request to pick students up from the building.
Some infractions that may jeopardize the safety and well-being of students
and the driver are subject to disciplinary action as listed:
 Improper boarding/departing procedures
 Bringing articles aboard the bus of injurious or objectionable
nature
 Failure to remain seated
 Refusing to obey the driver
 Fighting, pushing, or tripping
 Hanging out of the window
 Throwing objects off the bus (on the bus)
 Lighting matches or smoking
 Spitting or littering
 Unnecessary noise
 Tampering with bus equipment
 Rude, discourteous, and annoying conduct
 Destruction of property
 Other behavior relating to safety, well-being and respect for
others.
The
“PRIVILEGE”
to ride the bus will be withdrawn for violators.
School Medication/Clinic Procedures
The school clinic provides only a temporary resting place for ill students.
Policy does not permit administering internal medication without a physician's
written statement indicating that it is necessary during the school day.
Forms for this purpose are available upon request from the school nurse.
As medication is considered a drug by law, PLEASE DO NOT send such
items to school by students. Parents must bring prescribed medication to
school in a labeled container.
Medication may be given at school if the medication is in the original labeled
container with the child's name, date, specific instructions, and the name of
the drug, and the name of the physician. Any temporary medication to be
given in excess of two weeks must be accompanied by a physician's statement.
Additionally, all medicine must be kept in the nurse's office to be dispensed
by the nurse, principal, or designee.
If a student suffers from a physical or medical handicapping condition, please
notify the teacher and the office and supply any pertinent details necessary
for emergency treatment. Remember, each year students may have a new
teacher, so please notify the teacher at the beginning of each school year.
When called, parents should pick up students promptly. In the event of a
serious injury or attack, the school will notify the parent/guardian and call 911
to transport the child to the nearest hospital facility unless otherwise
instructed.
* Note: Please update contact information as needed for emergency
purposes.
When To Keep Your Child Home
Many parents are frequently concerned about when to keep children home or
send them to school during illnesses. The following information is intended to
assist parents with this decision:
The child should stay at home if he/she:
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Has a fever of 100 degrees or more (should remain home for
24 hours after the temperature returns to normal)
Has vomited or has had diarrhea (should remain home for 24
hours after it has stopped)
Has a persistent cough or discolored mucus
Has a rash
Has open or draining skin sores
Has inflamed or draining eyes or ears
If your child is ill, please call the school at (804) 780-8193 to report the
illness. If parents or guardians have any questions regarding the above
information, the school nurse should be contacted.
Programs and Services
A variety of special programs and activities have been planned for your child.
We are also providing many opportunities for you to become more involved
with your child’s experiences at school. By working as a team, we can make
this the most enjoyable and rewarding year yet!
Ginter Park Elementary School offers the following:
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Self-contained classroom instruction and modified team teaching
Speech/Language Services, Inclusion, Integrative Services
Gifted and Talented Program (S.P.A.C.E.)
Guidance Services
Psychological Services
School Social Services
School Nursing Services
Performing Band/Orchestra (Grades 4, & 5)
Early Bird & Extended Day After School Academic
Programs
Richmond City Parks & Recreation After School Program
Observation and Participation by Local College Students
Student Council Association (SCA) (Grades 2 – 5)
Student School Safety Officers (Grades 3 – 5)
Parent-Teacher Association
Volunteer/Mentorship Program
Title I Mathematics and Title I Reading
Early Reading Initiative (ERI)Tutors (Grades K-3)
Spanish Classes (Grades K – 5)
Therapeutic Day Counseling Services
Fit4Kids
Morning Run Club
The Micah Initiative Faith-based Partnership
GPES
DRESSES for Success
Students should wear white or navy blue collared shirts (oxford or polo shirts).
Girls may also wear white or navy collared blouses. During colder months, white or
navy blue sweaters and turtlenecks may be worn. Students should wear navy blue
or khaki colored pants, shorts, skirts, or jumpers that adhere to the RPS guidelines
(no more than two inches above the knee). Pants are to be worn at the waist and
accompanied by a belt. Navy blue or white tights may be worn under skirts or
jumpers. Socks that are visible should be navy blue or white. Please join the
Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) in making this initiative a SUCCESS.
A student’s dress and appearance should not be such that it causes disruption, is
immodest, distracts from education, or creates a health or safety problem. Please
send your child to school in clothes with the intent of supporting a successful day.
Shorts, skirts, skorts, dresses, and jumpers should not be more than two inches
above the top of the knee. Under garments should not be visible to others. Tank
and halter tops are not permitted.
Physical education takes place daily. Sandals make participation in physical
education difficult for students and can cause accidents. Please do not allow your
child to wear shoes, watches, etc. that play music or make sounds (these items
interfere with listening and learning). Flip flops are not allowed at any time.
Students are prohibited from wearing hats, caps, scarves, sweatbands, bandanas,
or head coverings of any description inside a school building except when worn
due to religious beliefs, health concerns or as a result of the Individual Education
Plan (I.E.P).
Please write your child’s name inside all jackets and clothing that may be
removed during the day. For safety reasons, please do not write your
child’s name on the outside of their belongings, as a stranger could use
this as an opportunity to become familiar with an unsuspecting young
person.
Sometimes children leave jackets on the playground, in the cafeteria, or on the
bus. Remind your children that it is their responsibility to keep track of
personal belongings.
Ginter Park Elementary
What Can We Wear?
Items
Boys
Girls
Collared polo or oxford shirts:
No hoods
long or short sleeved
Collared polo or oxford
All shirts tucked in
Turtleneck
Turtleneck
Pants/Bottoms
Pants
Pants
Knee-length shorts
Knee-length shorts
Shirts/Tops
Colors
Navy, White
shirts: long or short sleeved
Navy, Khaki
Skirts or Skorts
(1 inch above knee or longer)
Sweaters (Optional)
Top must be worn
underneath
Pullovers or Cardigans
Pullovers or Cardigans
Navy, White
Remember these Tips for Encouraging School Success
Talk to Your Child’s Teachers
Read Together for Fun
Set Regular Study Times
Get Involved in School Events
Reward Effort – Not Just Results!