Harrison Student Handbook

OUR PHILOSOPHY

We believe all students should have the opportunity to achieve the skills needed to succeed in life. This includes being academic achievers, clear communicators, responsible citizens, complex thinkers, and quality producers, with the realization that learning is a lifelong process. It is our belief students achieve self-esteem by experiencing success and meeting educational challenges. Students should have the confidence to make reasonable and responsible choices.

OUR MISSION

Our mission is to provide a quality education necessary for students to be successful in life.

OUR LEARNING STANDARDS

Our mission will be accomplished when students are:

	ACADEMIC ACHIEVERS who demonstrate competency within measurable learning standards.
	CLEAR COMMUNICATORS who can effectively transfer information by listening, speaking, reading & writing.
	RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS who understand the roles and duties of the citizens and how to improve the quality of life in their communities.
	COMPLEX THINKERS who use resources, apply academic knowledge to reason, solve problems, and make decisions.
	QUALITY PRODUCERS whose work, individually or within a group setting, displays, creativity, high standards, and demonstrates excellence across the curriculum.

TWIN FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT SUBSTANCE ABUSE POLICY & PROCEDURE
Table of Contents The threat of substance abuse is most menacing when it involves young people who, because of their developmental stage, are the most vulnerable members of our society in regard to health and safety issues. The purpose of this policy is to enforce Idaho law in regard to the use or possession of illegal substances by minors and to ensure that students have access to the Student Assistance Program available in the district. The following is a brief description of the district policy: Non-disciplinary procedures will apply to students who self-refer or who are referred by parents, peers, staff, or through other referrals for assistance. Students who voluntarily reveal to professional staff members that they have been or are involved in the use of drugs or narcotics and students who turn in drugs or narcotics to a staff member for disposal shall have the confidentiality and anonymity of their communications fully respected. However, it is not the intention of a policy on confidentiality to protect students who are deliberately breaking the law by using, selling or pushing drugs on school grounds, but to protect the student who is actively involved in some kind of counseling relationship and who is working toward becoming free of chemical dependency.
STUDENTS SEEKING HELP SHOULD CONTACT THE STUDENT ASSISTANCE SPECIALIST OR COUNSELOR IN THEIR BUILDING.
	Disciplinary procedure: First Offense - If a student is under the influence and/or in possession of alcohol, tobacco products, or controlled or dangerous substances while on or near district property during school hours or at a school-sponsored activity:
	A legal citation will be issued by a law enforcement official. Parents/guardians will be notified by phone or in writing. The student will receive a minimum two-day in-school suspension. The student's name will be referred to the building Student Assistance Specialist or intervention trained professional who is responsible for implementing a plan to offer assistance to the student.
A second and/or subsequent offense will result in citation, suspension and possible expulsion by the Board of Trustees. If a student is involved in transmitting, trafficking in or distributing alcohol or controlled or dangerous substances on school grounds or at any school sponsored function, law enforcement officials will be asked to intervene. If it is determined that the presence of said student is a detriment to the safety of the student body or self, there shall be a mandatory recommendation made by the school administrator to the Superintendent and the Board of Trustees for expulsion.
Federal Law (Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act) requires that the school district inform students, parents/guardians annually of our policy.

TWIN FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT DRESS CODE

It is the desire and intent of the Twin Falls School District to adopt a dress code to create an environment in our schools that is conducive to learning and free of potential distraction or danger. The Dress for Success code supports workplace norms for appropriate attire. It is our belief that schools are in the business of learning which necessitates discipline by the individual student in all areas such as language, behavior, attendance, and dress.

Students are to observe the following guidelines regarding student attire:

Shirts must have a modest neckline (no cleavage) and be long enough to cover the midriff (front and back). No spaghetti straps, tank tops, tube, off-the-shoulder, halter tops, or muscle shirts will be allowed. No backless, strapless, or half tops are to be worn.
Clothes must conceal undergarments (boxers, thongs, undergarment straps, etc.) at all times. No see-through, excessively tight, or revealing attire is permitted.
Shorts and skirts must be no shorter than mid-thigh in length. No spandex clothing is allowed.
Pants must be worn at hip-level or higher (no excessive bagging or sagging).
No pajamas, slippers, or sleepwear of any kind is allowed.
Hats or head coverings (including sunglasses) of any kind are not allowed.
Shoes must be worn at all times.
Clothing, accessories, and visible tattoos with words/pictures that contain any of the following are prohibited: alcohol, tobacco, drugs, sex, death, destruction, hate groups, racial separation, or obscenity.
Visible body piercing or magnetic/glued jewelry on face, eyes, arms, hands, tongue, and feet is prohibited. Earrings are allowed. Spikes, chains, wallet chains, studs, bolts, dog collars, needles, pins, sharp objects, or other jewelry deemed unsafe is not allowed at school.
Excessive or extreme make-up is not allowed.

There may be exclusions to the dress code policy for religious or health reasons.

Table of Contents

HARRISON SCHOOL RULES

There are a few general rules that are necessary for maintaining safety and order in the school. Each classroom has additional classroom rules designed by the teacher and students.

The areas of misconduct that we consider most serious are: unnecessary roughness, harassment or injury to another student, defiance of authority and flagrant disregard of school rules, abuse and destruction of school or personal property, misuse of playground equipment, and truancy from school.

Table of Contents

GENERAL BUILDING RULES & BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

New rule in 2008: Harrison hallways are "Quiet Zones".
Students must enter through the back doors unless accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Students will be courteous and respectful to others. Swearing and back-talking are not allowed.
Hats or caps will not be worn inside the building.
Students are expected to dress in an appropriate and modest manner (See the Dress Code above).
Students will respect the property of the school. Writing on desks, walls, books, and damaging or defacing school property are considered vandalism and will be treated accordingly.
Students are not allowed to bring electronic devices or games to school (e.g., iPods, cameras, video games, etc.).
Cell phones are not appropriate at school. If, for safety reasons, you send one with our child, it must be turned off during school hours. If it is seen or heard during school hours, it will be stored in the office until a parent picks it up.
Students who bring knives or weapons to school will be subject to expulsion.

BEFORE SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS

► Students should go straight to the back of the school upon arrival.
► Students arriving for breakfast may enter the second grade doors at 8:00 am. They should not arrive on school grounds prior to 8:00 am.
► All other students should not arrive before 8:30 am. Adult supervision is not provided before this time.
► After eating breakfast, immediately exit to the playground, following the hallway rules.
► Students must get a pass to use the bathroom.
► Unaccompanied kindergarteners should go to the back playground area until the bell rings.
► Students should be dropped off in designated areas. The north driveway and playground are not designated areas.
► Wheeled modes of transportation (ie: bikes, scooters) should be walked while on school grounds. Skates must be removed and carried. Skate shoes are never allowed.

BATHROOM EXPECTAIONS

     h Flush after using the toilet.
     h Wash your hands before leaving the bathroom.
     h    Playing, climbing, and hanging out in the bathroom are not allowed.
     h    Writing on the walls is considered vandalism and will be handled accordingly.

ASSEEMBLY EXPECTAIONS

	Classroom teachers remain with their classes.
	level zero voices while entering and exiting.
	disruptive behavior during performances will result in removal.

HALLWAY EXPECTAIONS

T   Hallways are "Quiet Zones". (level zero voices)
T   Each student must have a pass. A library card does not serve as a pass.
T   Walk close together in line.
T   The teacher escorts the class at all times.
T   Students are not allowed in the 3rd grade hall during lunch recess.
T   No loitering in the hall.
T   Students exit 2nd grade doors when leaving for recess. Patrols monitor the halls and bathrooms.

CAFETERIA EXPECTAIONS

.   Teachers escort their classes and seat them while monitoring all students.
.   Students must remain seated.
.   Level 2 voices are allowed (quiet conversation).
.   Use good table manners.
.   Students may get extra food and milk only once and if all food is eaten first.
.   Students may eat only their food.
.   Only leave sealed food and milk on the freezer.
.   Students who bring cold lunch may take one milk from the freezer, if there is any.
.   All food and drinks must be consumed in the cafeteria.
.   Lunch boxes should be placed in a box outside the lunchroom.

BEHAVIOR WITH GUEST TEACHERS

K Any student using inappropriate behavior that prevents the guest teacher from teaching, or students from learning, will not be permitted to remain in the classroom.

PLAYGROUND BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

z Students must play in designated areas according to grade level.
z A hall pass is required to enter the building.
z Follow playground rules.

SOME BASIC PLAYGROUND RULES:

z Students will play safely so they do not hurt themselves or others. Some examples of unsafe activities include: fighting, kicking, throwing objects, tackling, dog-piling, cracking-the-whip, climbing trees or fences, going outside of school property, having weapons (including toy weapons), etc.
z WHISTLE means STOP, LOOK at the adult on duty, and LISTEN for directions!
z You may swing on bars as long as you hold on with both hands.
z Jumping from the top of the monkey bars or big toy is not allowed.
z Running up the slide is not allowed.
z You may not stand or sit on top of the "hand-over-hand" bars.
z NO "chicken fighting".
z Snowball throwing and intentionally sliding on ice is never allowed.
z Equipment is provided for the following activities: soccer, kickball, four-square, basketball, football, tether ball, softball, jump rope. Students should not bring equipment from home.
z Students will play safely so they do not hurt themselves or others. Some examples of unsafe activities include: fighting, kicking, throwing objects, tackling, dog-piling, cracking-the-whip, climbing trees or fences, going outside of school property, having weapons (including toy weapons), etc.

AFTER SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS

]   Students should be picked up in designated areas. The north driveway and playground are not designated areas.
]   Handicap parking is reserved for those with valid parking permits.
]   Students not riding the bus must leave school grounds immediately.
]   Use the crosswalks at all times. Jaywalking is dangerous and illegal.
]   Saving spots or giving cuts in the bus line is not allowed.
]   Bus students may play on the designated playground equipment and grass areas nearest the bus line.
]   Wheeled modes of transportation (ie: bikes, scooters) should be walked while on school grounds. Skates must be removed and carried. Skate shoes are never allowed.

STUDENT BEHAVIOR

The staff at Harrison Elementary School is continuing a school-wide discipline plan.

Our school-wide plan is a positive one that reinforces good behavior. Most discipline problems are small and can be handled by the classroom teacher with the cooperation of the parent. When the disturbance is severe or continuing, the principal will become involved.

We anticipate an excellent school year and feel that learning can best take place when the student body is well disciplined. We encourage your support in this effort.

There are a few general rules that are necessary for maintaining safety and order in the school. Each classroom has additional classroom rules designed by the teacher and students.

The areas of misconduct that we consider most serious are: unnecessary roughness, harassment or injury to another student, defiance of authority and flagrant disregard of school rules, abuse and destruction of school or personal property, misuse of playground equipment, and truancy from school.

ATTENDANCE

Good attendance is necessary to ensure learning. We ask that parents be responsible to see that children are in school daily and on time. If an absence is necessary due to illness or emergency, please send a note or call the school to excuse your child. Excessive absences could result in referral to the Status Offenders program through Juvenile Justice.

Table of Contents

TEXTBOOKS AND SUPPLIES

Textbooks are provided by the Twin Falls School District for student use during the school year. Students are responsible for care of textbooks, library books, and other school equipment and property. Students will be charged for lost and damaged books and equipment.

Students are expected to furnish pencils, paper, and other items used on a regular basis in the classroom. Each grade provides a supply list at the start of the school year.

ASSEMBLIES AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

Each year we have several entertaining and educational assemblies.
Classroom teachers remain with their classes.
No talking while entering or exiting and no disruptive behavior during performances.

Table of Contents

MEDICATION POLICY

According to state policy, we are required to dispense medications only for students with long-term chronic illness or disability where failure to take the medication would jeopardize the child's health. In order to do so:

A physician's order for administration of medication must be on file in the school. These forms are available at the school office.
The medication must be in the original container with the student's name, physician's name, drug name, schedule of administration, dosage, and date clearly marked.
No medications can be kept in the classroom. All medication must be stored in a lockable area in the office.
Certain medication (e.g. inhalers) can be self-administered if the physician and parents sign forms to be kept in the office and inform appropriate school personnel.

Table of Contents

STUDENT INJURIES AND INSURANCE

Even with great precautions and close supervision, students do have accidents at school. It is necessary for us to have current, accurate address and phone numbers to call in case of an emergency. Remember, our ability to contact someone immediately may be critical to your child's health.

Parents need to be prepared for possible medical expenses that may arise should their child be injured at school. The school district does not provide medical insurance to automatically pay for student medical expenses. This is the responsibility of the parents. An independent insurance company makes student medical insurance available to families for their individual purchase. Brochures are given to students at the beginning of the school year and are available in the school office.

Table of Contents

TELEPHONE USE

Students may use the telephone in case of emergencies, illness, forgotten lunch money, or by permission from the staff. There are telephones in all classrooms so, if you receive a call from the school, you will have to identify your child or children to determine who called you.

It is imperative that you keep us informed of any changes in your telephone numbers so that we can contact you in case of emergency. Many times last year e had to make emergency medical decisions because we had no working phone numbers for parents or emergency contacts.

BUS TRANSPORTATION

Students who are eligible to ride the bus to school are expected to comply with bus rules designed to ensure the safety of all students. Parental permission must be given for students to ride a different bus or alter his/her regular schedule. Questions concerning bus transportation may be directed to the Western States Bus Company, 733-8003.

Table of Contents

BREAKFAST AND HOT LUNCH

Elementary Breakfast	FREE!	Adult Breakfast	$2.00
Elementary Lunch	$1.75	Adult Lunch	$3.25
Reduced Lunch	$0.40

Harrison provides both breakfast and lunch programs in our cafeteria (phone number: 733-5744).
Students may purchase tickets for the week on the first school day of the week.
Breakfast is free to all students.
Lunches cost $8.75 per week, or $1.75 per day. Milk for students not buying hot lunch is .40�. Adult lunches are $3.25.

Lunchroom behavior should not detract from a safe and enjoyable mealtime. Students should practice good manners and be neat and quiet in the lunchroom.

Please NO POP OR CANDY should be brought to school.

Talk quietly.
Observe good manners at the table.
Leave the area clean and orderly.
Walk.
Keep all food in the lunchroom.
Coats and backpacks MUST be hung on the coat hooks.
All students will be sent outside at 8:30 a.m. so the cafeteria/gym can be cleaned to provide a safe P.E. class for our 6th graders.

SCHOOL PICTURES

School pictures are taken by a professional photographer in the fall in order to be available by Christmas. Retakes are scheduled after the original orders have been returned. Pictures may be purchased at a nominal cost. We also have class pictures taken in the spring.

Table of Contents

CONFERENCES

Parent/Teacher conferences will be scheduled for all students at the end of the first quarter and in April. Conferences may be arranged at any other time by contacting the teacher.

LOST AND FOUND

Many items are lost and found during the school year. When items of clothing are found, they are hung in the coat rack in the school's cafeteria. Smaller items are placed in the office. If your child loses an item, we encourage them to check those areas.

COUNSELING SERVICES

Counseling is provided at all elementary schools in Twin Falls to help students deal with problems that may interfere with their educational success. Anne Jensen is available at Harrison School on a full-time basis to provide classroom presentations, individual and group counseling, and consultations with teachers and parents. Teachers or parents may refer students for counseling. Parents may contact Mrs. Jensen by calling the school office at 733-4229 or by email jensenan@tfsd.k12.id.us.

Table of Contents

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE

	Video surveillance shall be used to promote order, to maintain the security, health, welfare, and safety of all staff, students, and visitors on district property, and to safeguard district facilities and equipment.
	Video surveillance may be used for investigations of criminal activity by appropriate law enforcement agencies and may be used by the school district to investigate violations of school district and/or building policies.

*A complete copy of this policy can be obtained from the school or district office.

PARENT - TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA)

                       Harrison is fortunate to have a vey active PTA. Parents can join the PTA by paying $4.50 membership fee. There are monthly meetings held to discuss business.

                    We also have many parent volunteers. research shows that students achieve better when their parents are involved in school. Even if you can't come to school during the day, we we schedule some activities and parent-conferences during the evening.

                    For more information about the PTA, please contact PTA President Jeri Henley at 316-2066 or email her at realtorjeri@gmail.com.

504 POLICY STATEMENT

Harrison Elementary School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or handicap.

All interested persons, including those with impaired vision or hearing, may obtain information concerning the existence and location of Twin Falls School District services, including Section 504, special education, activities, and facilities that are accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities by contacting
J.C. Burdick, Director of Support Services, 733-4861, ext. 3753; or
Linda Baird, ADA Coordinator, 733-6900, ext. 3722, 201 Main Avenue West.
To access TDD/TTY relay call 733-8456 and ask for the TDD/TTY phone number and state the approximate time the message will be sent or call 733-6900 and ask for the ADA Coordinator.

TWIN FALLS SCHOOL DISTRICT #411
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin or disability. The School District Office is accessible to the physically disabled. Interpreters for persons with hearing impairments, and Braille or taped information for persons with visual impairments, can be provided upon five days notice.
For arrangements contact Linda Baird at (208) 733-6900.

Harrison School Rules	Student Behavior	Attendance
Textbooks & Supplies	Assemblies	Medication Policy
Student Injuries & Insurance	Telephone Use	Bus Transportation
Breakfast & Hot Lunch	School Pictures	Conferences
Lost & Found	Counseling Services	504 Policy Statement