USD 273

General Information / School Rules / Safety 

General School Rules

1. Do the right thing. Use common sense and above all respect everyone in this building. This is really the only rule we should need. The others that are listed are just for further clarification. 2. No talking in halls when going to and from lunch or special classes.                                    
3. No gum or candy at school except during a party. When teachers make exceptions in their room for an occasional treat, students only have that extended privilege when they are in their homeroom.
4. Be responsible for your actions. Know what is appropriate behavior. Have respect for your classmates, schoolmates, and staff in our building.
5. Students and/or their parents are responsible to pay for any damage to school property. This includes such things as textbooks, desks and chairs.... ANY school property.
6. Bus riders must follow the rules of the driver. The school will support the driver and remove students causing constant or dangerous problems.

BEFORE - AFTER SCHOOL PLAYGROUND RULES

1. When children arrive they have a choice of waiting outside for the 8:00 bell or coming in to the multi-purpose room at 7:40.  Preschool through First grade children need to come in the building as soon as they arrive at school and wait in the multipurpose room until the 8:00 bell.  
2. Children choosing to wait outside are to be standing and talking in an orderly and respectful way to each other.   Children are only allowed to wait in front of the school before classes begin.                                                                                                                                                                            3.No games are to be played or equipment used before school.                                                                                                                                   4.Bikes should be parked in the rack as soon as they arrive at school.                                                                                                                              5.No games are to be played or equipment used after school until 3:45.

NETWORK/INTERNET USAGE

It is the intention of Beloit Elementary School to provide access for students and staff to state-of-the-art computer technology, electronic mail and the World Wide Web via the Internet.  All users must share the responsibility for seeing that these facilities are used in an effective, efficient, ethical and lawful manner.  It is expected that all students will comply with this policy.

Users are responsible for adhering to the following guidelines:

• Users will respect the integrity of the computer and network system.  The computer systems are set up by the system administrator and are not to be altered in any way.

• Users will display appropriate conduct and observe the rules of “Netiquette”.  Users will respect the rights and privacy of others and not gain unauthorized access to resources of others or vandalize the data of another person or entity.

• E-mail messages sent to others must be signed by the sender and must use appropriate language, which is not abusive, profane or offensive.  E-mail will not be used to distribute hate mail, make discriminatory remarks or exhibit antisocial behavior.

• Users will respect the legal protection provided by copyright license to program, books, data, articles, photography, artwork, etc.

• The Internet will be used in support of education and research consistent with the policies of the District including assessing, saving, or using only appropriate language, graphics or text.  Users agree not to access/transmit materials, which are obscene/pornographic, terroristic or considered offensive.  The computer network/Internet will be used only for lawful and school-related purposes.  Use of the computer network/Internet for illegal activities, commercial purposes, posting anonymous messages or advertising is strictly prohibited.

• The computer network/Internet is not be used for “chat” areas and gaming zones.

• The users agree to the following equipment/lab guidelines:

Adhere to general printing and file-saving instructions; use equipment with care and keep the lab/computer area clean and orderly; use only software which has been assigned by staff; report equipment or software problems to a staff member; leave all computer materials and equipment in the lab/computer area; and, keep all food and drinks out of the lab/computer area.                                                                                                                                               During enrollment, the library will have an Acceptable Use Agreement, which must be read and signed by all students and their parent or guardians prior to utilization of the networked system by the students.  The agreement will spell out the students’ responsibilities as detailed in this section.

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

1. Children are encouraged to use crosswalks which are provided for their safety by the city.                                                                                           2. At the end of the school day, children are asked to walk their bikes to the crosswalks, not ride their bikes when others are walking on the sidewalk, no ride bikes on the sidewalks near the pre school, and not ride their bikes on the north side of the building until the bus are out of the parking lot.
3. We practice safe evacuation of the building once a month for fire drills.
4. We have one of the better tornado shelters in the City of Beloit. We hold tornado drills three times a year.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   5.We practice our Emergency Response Plan twice a year.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                6. If students become concerned about the behavior of classmates and believe there could be a dangerous situation forming, they should feel that they can talk about it to any adult; teachers, classroom aids, counselor, administrator, and all school staff are available to listen and take steps of it is deemed necessary.  If a student feels uncomfortable about talking to school staff, the State of Kansas has set up a toll free hotline for reporting, "impending school violence".  The Kansas School Hotline number is 1-877-626-8203.

SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL

Teachers and parents are elected to the School Site Council to be representatives for parents and teachers during each school year.  Elections take place in April of each school year.  New representatives attend the May meeting and officially take office as of July 1st, of the same year.                                                                                                                                     

Membership consists of the Principal, 3 Staff Members, 6 Parents, and 1 person representing the Business Community.  Other community people may also be called upon during the school year to serve on various committees as needed.  Minutes from each meeting are printed in the next immediate Newsletter, and sent home with students a few days prior to the beginning of the next month or on our school website.

Site Council Members:

President: Renee Mason

Vice President: Christy Duden

Members:    

P.T.O.

Executive Board for 2008-2009:

President:  Heather Johnson

Vice President:  Roxanne Kimminau

Secretary:  Teri Kohler

Treasurer:  Tammy Emmot

Teacher Representatives: Kristi Ackerman & Tara Pruitt

Parent Representatives: Stephanie Barrett & Sarah Zimmer

Administrator: Mr. Byron Marshall

AGE & HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

All children entering preschool or kindergarten must present current immunization histories before entering school in the fall. On or before May 15th, the school will notify the parents or guardians of the following school years' immunization requirements. If these requirements are not met and the student does not have a religious or permanent medical exemption, the student will be excluded from school.

Children, ages 8 and under, entering Kansas schools for the first time are also required to have a health assessment. This assessment must be completed before the fall school term begins, and students will be excluded from school if this requirement is not met.

CANCELLATION OF SCHOOL/BAD WEATHER

If it is necessary to either dismiss school early or not have school because of bad weather, parents and students will be informed by the following AM/FM radio stations:

KVSV 105.5 FM & 1190 AM - Beloit
KNCK - 1390 AM - Concordia
KDNS - 94.1 FM - Glen Elder
KSAL - 1150 AM - Salina

SCHOOL DRESS

Student attitude is a critical factor in a learning situation.  Appearance is an indicator of student attitude and guidelines regarding student appearance are the purpose of this policy.

It is the responsibility of the parents to see that their children are suitably dressed for school attendance.  Clothing should allow the student to function without interfering or disrupting the education of other students.  If a students' mode of dress or personal grooming habits are disruptive to the educational process, steps will be taken to eliminate the source of the disruption.  The following standards will be established.

1. Clothing that is revealing is inappropriate (This includes mesh shirts, halter tops, muscle shirts, bare midriff shirts, very short or tight skirts).

2. Clothing with a drug, alcohol, or violence, theme and/or objectionable language or graphics is inappropriate.  

3. Shoes must be worn at all times.  Each child should have tennis shoes for playing in the gym.

4. Caps, stocking caps, hats or sunglasses are not to be worn in the building.

5. Pants, shorts, overalls or sweats must be worn at the waist.  "Sagging and Bagging" is not permitted.

6. Clothing that has straps or suspenders must be fastened over both shoulders.

7. Shorts may be worn.  Shorts that are too short, tight, cut up the side or distracting in any way are not to be worn.  Spandex shorts may only be worn under another pair of shorts.  Walking length shorts are suggested.

8. Students need to report to school in the clothes that are to be worn all day.  Only in the case of an emergency, will a student be allowed to change his/her clothing during the school day.

VISITING SCHOOL

Parents are invited to visit school at any time, with the exception of the first week, last week or just before a holiday. Friends or relatives of school age children may visit school only with prior approval of the classroom teacher and principal, with the exception of the first ten days, last ten days or the day before a holiday. We only allow visits at the appropriate grade level. (For Example: A second grader should only visit second grade.) Visits should not be on a regular basis, which would interfere with the regular school program. Lunch is also limited to an occasional visit, as we are not in competition with other restaurants. Our lunch program is mainly for students and staff. We set up one day for parents to eat at school with their children, but do allow other days when we are called in advance.

COMMUNICATION

1. Please do not ask us to call your child out of the room for a phone call.                                                                               2. Messages will be given to your child as soon as possible in an emergency. Otherwise, all messages are given to students over the intercom at 3:20 p.m.                                                                                                                                                                                                                3. Please ask your child each day if anything was sent home for you to look at. You should always ask for Newsletters the last week of each month. Usually 2 to 3 days before the end of the month for sure.                                                                                                                                                         4. Set up a special time to visit with your child about the things that went on at school. Look over their assignments they bring home. Parents and teachers of students in grades 3-6 are encouraged to use the planner for a variety of communication that could occur between each other. When looking over daily assignments, look for other communication. This planner should be brought to school the first day. Teachers will discuss various uses for the planners and how they will be used in grades 3-6. Preschool, kindergarten, first grade (except Miss Reinert's class) and second grade are not using planners.                                                                                                                    

BIRTHDAYS & PARTIES

We welcome a little celebration for a child's birthday. We do not encourage sweets and we ask parents to use good judgment in what they send. If your child has a summer birthday, we would encourage you to celebrate on the corresponding date in May. Students and parents are asked not to organize birthday parties for teachers or students or other surprise types of parties in the classroom except for a fall party (usually Halloween), a winter party (usually the last day of school before Christmas), and a February party (usually for Valentine's Day). Some classes also do something around Easter.  Parents should not organize any end of the year parties during the last week of school. Classroom teachers should always be consulted with for any parties.

Nutritious snacks and drinks are encouraged for both birthday treats and classroom parties.  A list of recommended snack and beverages can be obtained from the school.  A list of recommended snack and beverages can be obtained from the school.

PROGRESS REPORTS

Report cards will be given out four times a year. The first, second and third report cards will be sent on the Wednesday following those nine-week periods. The final report card on the last day of school. Conferences will be scheduled during the first and third nine-week periods.                                              

SPECIAL SERVICES

In addition to regular classroom experiences, Beloit Elementary School students will have available to them the following special services:

SCHOOL LUNCH & BREAKFAST

1. All students have family accounts.  If you have children in the elementary school as well as the high school, you may write one check and have that money put towards the family account which will cover both breakfasts and lunches.                                                                                                            2. Students at the elementary school will be sent a notice when their family account contains less than $10.00.  You will need to send a check immediately to bring the balance up to an appropriate amount.  For those of you who have children in both schools, keep in mind that a $10.00 balance will not last more than one or two days depending upon the number of children in your family and if they are eating double lunches or breakfasts.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       3. Children who qualify for free meals, will be charged a full meal price if they eat a double meal.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    4. Once a student's account reaches zero, they will be allowed to eat one more time.   Thereafter, the student will not be allowed to eat a regular school breakfast or lunch.                                               

ACCIDENTS, FIRST AID, AND MEDICAL INSURANCE

School personnel are authorized to administer only first aid for minor injuries occurring at school. In case of illness or serious injury, the parents will be notified immediately.

Remember, it is important that your child know where you can be reached. We have certain emergency numbers that you have left us. If you are going to be out of town, share that information with your children, they might be able to help us find you in an emergency.                

If we cannot reach you in an emergency, we will take your child to the clinic or emergency room when necessary. The school nurse, principal, or secretary will make the decision to call for emergency assistance when necessary.

The medical cost for student accidents is the responsibility of parents. USD 273 is not responsible for these medical costs. USD 273 does encourage parents to purchase the school time insurance offered at the beginning of each school year, especially when other family medical insurance is not maintained. A complete description of insurance plans and riders is available at the principal's office.

SCHOOL NURSE

The Beloit Elementary school nurse will conduct annual vision, hearing, height, and weight screening.  The nurse will provide first aid and emergency care as authorized by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.  The school nurse will also be available for health counseling with teachers or parents whenever needed.  The nurse will administer medication in school only with written authorization from the physician and the parent or guardian.  The nurse will conduct immunization screening and communicable disease control.  The school nurse will be available for health counseling with teachers and parents as needed.  The nurse is also involved in health education topics such as: dental health, nutrition, sun protection, drug and tobacco prevention, safety, human sexuality, and AIDES.

ANIMALS AT SCHOOL

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has established these guidelines for animals in school.  Animals that are unacceptable for school visits are:

1.  Wild animals 

2.  Poisonous animals

3.  Wolf-dog hybrids 

4.  Stray animals   

5.  Aggressive animals

Exceptions to this recommendation include those instances when these animals are presented at school by professionals who have experience handling them.  Specific recommendations should be observed for the following animals because of diseases that they may carry or tendency to bite: reptiles (including non-poisonous snakes, lizards, iguanas and amphibians); psittacine birds (parrots, parakeets, budgies and cockatiels); ferrets, fish and baby chicks and ducks.

Animals that are brought to school should be clean and healthy.  Dogs, cats and ferrets should have a current rabies vaccination and be wearing proper restraints.  The teacher or principal should be notified before any animal is brought to school.

ACCREDITATION

The Beloit Elementary School is fully accredited in compliance with the requirements set up by the State Department of Education, State of Kansas.  Beloit Elementary School is working on the third cycle of the state accreditation process.

STATEMENT OF ASSURANCE

Unified School District No. 273 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or handicap under the provisions of Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504.  In addition, all vocational opportunities are offered without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, handicap or age.  Anyone feeling that his/her rights, as designated above, have been violated should contact the Superintendent of Schools, 2020 N. Independence Ave., Beloit, Kansas, (785) 738-3261.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

The Board of Education of USD 273 provides grievance procedures for students and staff.  These procedures are contained in policies JCE and GAE and are developed to provide for the orderly and expeditious adjustment of grievances of individual students and staff members.  Detailed procedural requirements are available in the USD 273 Board of Education Policy Book, in the principal's office, the Board of Education office, or the Port Library.                                             

STUDENTS AND/OR STAFF

A complaint or grievance against a school employee must be filed in writing with the building principal.  A complaint or grievance concerning a board rule or regulation shall be filed in writing with the clerk of the board.  Complaints or grievances must be filed within twenty (20) days of the event about which the complaint arose.

STAFF

Staff members shall first take up their grievance with their immediate supervisor within fifteen (15) days after the event upon which the grievance is based.  Several review and appeal procedures are available if needed.

RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION

Educators, parents and community leaders have concerns about all students experiencing learning and behavior problems.  Although classroom teachers can and do meet the needs of many students, there are situations where teachers need assistance.  The goal of Student Improvement Teams at Beloit Elementary School, which began in the fall of 1999, is to expand the use of various resources and expertise in the school and community to address student needs.  School personnel and parents of students may make requests for assistance.  For further information concerning the Student Improvement Team process, please contact the Beloit Elementary School office.

CHARACTER EDUCATION

As more and more pressures confront both the family and the schools, parents and staff at Beloit Elementary believe it is necessary that these two major influences in student’s lives join together to provide a foundation in Character Education.  Site Council members and educators are involved in the development of BES Virtues that include Respect, Citizenship, Caring, Responsibility, Trustworthiness, and Fairness.  Both students and staff at BES take an active part in teaching, modeling, and demonstrating the virtues that have been selected.