Bostic Traditional Magnet
Elementary School

Student Handbook

WELCOME

Welcome to Leicle Bostic Traditional Magnet Elementary School. The faculty and staff sincerely hope that you will find our school to be a comfortable and friendly place with which to be associated.

This booklet is designed to provide you with answers to many questions that may arise during the school year.  If you should have any questions that are not addressed in this booklet, please speak with staff members or myself, and we will do everything in our power to provide the answers you seek. 

Education, by its very nature, is an ongoing process that undergoes constant change. It is probable that the contents of this handbook could change from time to time. We will attempt to keep you informed of any major changes as they occur.

We take very seriously the responsibility of assisting in the education of your child.  We want to work closely with you to ensure that your child receives an education that is both outstanding and rigorous.  Please feel welcome to visit school often to check on the progress of your child’s learning.

Sincerely,

Amanda Kingrey, Principal

Bostic Traditional Magnet Elementary School

Mission of Bostic Traditional Magnet Elementary School

The mission of Bostic Traditional Magnet Elementary is to expect and value maximum academic performance from every child and to prepare each child to be a successful, productive, responsible citizen by:

Promoting self-respect and respect for others;

Actively involving parents in their child’s education;

Providing a safe, supportive, and structured environment for learning;

Providing and assessing a challenging curriculum exceeding the district standards;

Allowing opportunities to apply learned skills in real-life situations;

Providing interventions to support social and academic needs;

and

Encouraging responsibility and self-discipline.

Statement of Non-Discrimination

The Wichita Public Schools is committed to ensuring an environment that is free of discrimination and to fostering a climate in which all employees and students may participate, contribute, and grow to their fullest potential. 

We recognize and value our diverse population and are committed to fair treatment of all employees and students.

Harassment and disparate treatment based on race, color, national origin, sex handicap/disability, age, or religion will not be permitted or condoned in the Wichita Public Schools.

All Wichita Public Schools employees have the responsibility to support this policy and to take appropriate steps to ensure a workplace free of discrimination against any person.

Each of us should:

• Treat every student, parent, coworker, customer, and supplier with respect and dignity.

• Examine our attitudes and actions toward people who are different from ourselves.

• Speak out when we see harassment and discrimination in our work environment.

We will not tolerate any action that violates the core beliefs of our school district!

The mission of the Wichita Public Schools Unified School District 259, the primary source of educational excellence where diversity is valued, is to ensure all students learn the skills and acquire the knowledge necessary for success at continuing stages of their lives by providing: a safe, supportive, nurturing environment; an innovative curriculum taught by highly qualified teachers who respect and teach the worth and dignity of individuals; the equitable distribution of services and resources; and the creation of partnerships that encompass the total community.

Bostic Traditional Magnet Elementary School Policies and Procedures

Absence from School

BOE Policy 1461 states: “A Valid Excuse for Absence is defined as:

1.       Medical or dental treatment, examination, or recuperation;

2.     Death or serious illness in immediate family;

3.     Approval by school authorities, secured prior to the absence;

4.     Circumstances or conditions, which, in the opinion of the principal or designee of the school the pupil attends, constitutes a valid excuse.

‘Inexcusable Absence and “Inexcusably Absent’ is any absence that is not a Valid Excuse for Absences as defined above…Continued absence of  [a] child without a Valid Excuse for Absence will be reported to the Secretary of Social & Rehabilitation Services.”        

As part of the Parent Commitment Agreement; Bostic parents agree to limit absences from school. In the event of a valid excuse for an absence, parents must call or write the office within 72 hours to excuse the absence. Otherwise, the absence will be recorded as unexcused. Students arriving after 10:30 a.m. or leaving school before 2:30 p.m. will be counted absent for that half-day. After five days of excused illnesses, parents will be required to provide a doctor’s note in order for subsequent absences to be considered excused. After continued absences, arrangements for makeup work are advisable. Remember that “tardies” will be recorded as such, even if they are excused. A note to the teacher should also be sent when a child is tardy. This indicates to the school that the parent is aware of the tardiness. BOE policies 1460 and 1461 are available at the school office.

If a child becomes ill or is injured at school, every effort will be made to contact one or both parents. Children are never sent home for any reason during the school day until one parent is notified. However, in the event that neither parent can be reached; the person listed under emergency will be contacted to request a course of action.  This is only if the office should be unable to contact either the parent or guardian. Please make certain the office has multiple numbers so we can reach the adults listed for your child in case of an emergency. Please update the numbers as soon as possible when a change occurs. 

Pupil absences and tardies are recorded each day. This is a legal record and needs to be accurately kept for full days, half days, and tardies.

Arrival and Departure from School

The safety and well being of students is our main priority! Children should arrive at school no earlier than ten (10) minutes before starting time. Supervision is not provided for students before 8:50 a.m. nor after 4:10 p.m. Children are not to play on the playground or grounds before school or before returning home in the evening. Children should wait by the front doors before the bell rings. On cold or rainy mornings children will wait in the foyer. If you bring a child before 8:50 a.m., or neglect to pick up your child by 4:20 p.m., your child will be placed under the safe supervision of the Bostic Latchkey program and parents will be charged for the time. The safety and well being of students is our main priority!

Parking Note

Bostic has limited parking space, as well as congested traffic before and after school. Therefore, it is requested that parents park on Eastmoor Street, along the west side of the playground, to drop off or pick up their students; making sure not to block the new bus drive. Parking is also available in the church parking lot across from Eastmoor. This keeps private vehicles out of the bus path, and allows students to walk along the sidewalk to school without crossing the street or parking lot. DO NOT park along Gilbert Street in the front of the school as this is posted by the city as a no parking zone. Please also do not drive behind the school in the bus area loading and unloading area.  Traffic should be allowed to move fluidly along Gilbert Street, and buses should be able to travel without fear of endangering our students.

Birthdays

Children may bring treats to their classmates on their birthdays. The treats should be simple, easily distributed items accompanied by napkins and appropriate eating and serving utensils. Students with summer birthdays may select a school day to celebrate, if desired.

Please do not send birthday party invitations to be delivered at school. They can distract from schoolwork, and cause hurt feelings for children not included.

Bicycles

Bicycle riding is discouraged. However, if parents desire their child to ride a bike to school, the parents must sign a permit. City law requires that the bicycles have a current license, a lock provided, and either a basket or backpack.

Bus Information

Bus schedules are distributed during August enrollment. Bus routes are designed to pick students up at intersections near their homes. Questions about bus routes or procedures should be directed to the school secretary.

Campbell Soup Labels/Box Tops for Education

Our school collects Campbell Soup and Campbell product labels and Box Tops for Education.  These labels are sent in to provide extra school equipment and supplies for our school. Please send these labels to school with your child to deposit them in the “Campbell’s” box in student classrooms.

Childcare

Bostic Childcare is available before and after school, Monday through Friday, from 6:30 to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Children attending Bostic Childcare enjoy the extra time to interact with their classmates in a more social setting. Organized games and activities are provided before and after school as well as time to self-select activities of their choice. Children may choose to complete homework during this time as well. We maintain fifteen children to one adult Para professional/Teacher ratio and are certified and licensed by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Breakfast is served at 8:30 a.m. for those who prefer to eat at school. This is charged to the child’s lunch/meal account. Nutritious snacks are provided after school at 4:30, and are included in the childcare fees.

Leicle Bostic Traditional Magnet

Discipline Philosophy/Behavior Guidelines

The traditional school is based on the assumption that the best learning takes place in a structured and disciplined atmosphere. The preferred form of discipline is self-discipline. It is hoped that in the school society each student will develop a strong sense of self-discipline.  Self-discipline frees an individual from external constraints that control and direct him or her.

To help each child develop self-discipline, the school will emphasize obedience to authority as well as independence. In adult society, not everyone is self-disciplined; therefore laws and regulations have been established to protect the rights of individuals. Students should understand that, at times, what seems best for the group takes precedence over what seems best for the individual. Students should understand that rules are necessary when people live together, and that rules should be respected. When self-control is not evident, external control will become necessary.   

The school needs the support of the parents if this is to work effectively

A. Parent/Guardian Responsibilities.

1.       To teach the child self-discipline and respect for authority.

2.     To see that the child attends school regularly and on time.

3.     To see that the child is prepared and has the necessary materials.

4.     To familiarize the child with the discipline policy and regulations.

5.     To provide the school with a current telephone number through which he/she can be reached during the school day.

6.     To come to the school to get the child when necessary.

7.     To be available for conferences when necessary.

8.     To cooperate with the school for the benefit of the child.

9.     To encourage the student to report to the proper person (teacher, principal, etc.) any problems that develop, rather than resorting to hitting, etc.

B.   Student Responsibilities

1.       To be aware of and follow system-wide policy and regulations and school guidelines for acceptable behavior.

2.     To refrain from disruptive behavior, which may interfere with a teacher’s right to teach and a student’s right to learn.

3.     To refrain from: physical force, verbal abuse, threats, blackmail.

4.     To seek clarification from school personnel concerning the appropriateness of any action or behavior.

5.     To attend classes regularly and punctually with necessary materials and preparation.

6.     To follow policy and regulations for every event considered part of the school program regardless of the time or place.

7.     To report problems that develop (instead of hitting, name-calling, etc.) to resolve a problem.

• Prohibited Behaviors Could Result in Exclusion from School

USD 259 Board Policy P5113 states the following:

The principal or designee may suspend or propose to expel a pupil from school for any of the following reasons:

1.       Willful violation of any published regulation for pupil conduct adopted or approved by the BOE or developed and promulgated by an individual school.

2.     Conduct, which substantially disrupts, impedes, or interferes with the operation of any public school.

3.     Conduct, which substantially impinges upon or invades the rights of others.

4.     Conduct which has resulted in the conviction of the pupil for any offense specified in Chapter 21 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated or any criminal statute of the United States.

5.     Disobedience of an order of a teacher, peace officer, school security officer, or any school authority when such disobedience can reasonably be anticipated to result in disorder, disruption, or interference with the operation of any public school or substantial and material impingement upon or invasion of the rights of others.

6.     Any student who brings or is found to be in possession of a dangerous weapon, or who places a person in fear of bodily harm with a dangerous weapon or a weapon on school premises before, during, or after school or at any school sponsored activity (See BOE policies 1462, Assault and Battery of Staff, Policy 1465, Pupil Behavior-Alcohol, Drugs, Drug Paraphernalia and/or Other Controlled Substances, and Policy 1466 Possession or Use of Weapons. Copies of these policies may be obtained from school).

D. Recommended Course of Action for Teachers

    The teacher will:

1.      Discuss the matter with the student and unless the seriousness of the offense merits immediate action, warn the student that continued misbehavior will result in the loss of certain privileges.

2.      Proceed, as appropriate, with any of the following corrective actions if misbehavior continues:

3.      Isolate within the classroom.

4.      Have the child write a letter to parent concerning misbehavior.

5.      Have the child call parent at home or work to explain misbehavior.

6.      Detain child after school, provided adequate prior arrangements have been made with a parent/guardian.

7.      Any other acceptable action as adopted by the school staff: loss of playtime, not allowed to participate in group activities, etc.

8.      Withhold privileges. (No student may be denied the right to participate in any part of the instructional program or to have a lunch period).

9.      Isolate outside of the classroom in a location away from the classroom and under supervision for a maximum of one hour. Records are to be kept of all times that students are outside of the classroom for disciplinary reasons.

10.  Contact parent by telephone/letter for input and cooperation when necessary.

11.  Consult with the principal concerning misbehavior.

12.  Refer child to the principal for further corrective action.

Standardized Dress Code

Revised 1-02-08

The school colors of red, white, and blue are incorporated with several options for students and parents. After a great deal of research, we believe that the choice that we have made is both cost-effective and increases convenience for parents in that the items are easily available.  If you are concerned about the cost factor, please contact the principal so that options may be discussed. Bostic remains a school for all students. We will ensure that everyone has access to the uniform.

Shirt options:

Style: Long sleeve or short sleeve polo with collar, or white oxford style with collar, or plain white button up blouse with plain solid white collar

Color: White or red polo shirts

•           White or red oxford style shirt

•           White button up blouse with solid white collar (no lace or   embellishments)

•           Red shirts must be a “true red” color

• Sweaters may be worn over a collared shirt and may be either navy or white solid colors with no patterns, emblems, or labels of any kind displayed on the outside of the sweater.  Sweater style is up to parent discretion (i.e. cardigan, sweater vest, pullover sweater). 
• Official Bostic logo sweatshirts in red or white purchased from PTO may be worn. Solid white sweatshirts may also be worn.
• A white or “true red” turtleneck may be worn under a sweatshirt, sweater, long sleeve shirt or jumper. (This does not include short sleeves)

• A white or “true red” turtleneck or shirt with collar must be worn under sweatshirts.
• Bostic’s PTO purchases and sells red and white Bostic logo shirts at reasonable prices throughout the year.

Uniform options:

Style:  Tailored skirt, skort, shorts, pants, or jumper-style dress

Color:  Navy blue

Misc.:  Socks or tights may be worn in solid colors of red, white, or blue.

           Scout uniforms may be worn on troop / den meeting days.

 All items may be purchased anywhere such as Penney’s, Sears, Target, Wal-Mart, Kohl’s, etc.  Items not included in the uniform and left to parent’s discretion are:  backpacks, school supplies, lunch boxes, winter coats, belts, shoes, and hair accessories.

Restrictions: 

• No printing or logo on the clothing, other than the Bostic logo
• No jeans, sweats, corduroys, leggings, capri pants, cargo shorts, or cargo pants
• No extreme hairstyles, makeup or tattoos
• Flip-flop shoes will not be allowed due to safety concern
• When standing and arms are down to side, the length of skirt, skort, or shorts may not be shorter than one inch below fingertip length
• Turtlenecks may not be worn alone

Requirements:

• Shirts must be tucked in
• Clothing should be neat and clean, and of proper length and size
• Shoes are required. Tennis shoes or flats are suggested

It is the parents’ responsibility to mark all articles of clothing with the student’s name.  Uniforms will be next to impossible to identify without the child’s name written in an inconspicuous location.  Teachers will not be responsible for lost articles of clothing that have not been marked with the child’s name.

The principal may grant occasional exceptions to the Dress Code for special days or circumstances.

Enrollment information

For pupils new to the Wichita Public School System, the following items are needed in order to complete the regular enrollment procedure for pupils:

• Birth certificate

• Kansas Certification of Immunization signed by a Kansas physician or by the parent if a legal exemption is claimed.

• Report card or other official information from the sending school for children attending school previously.

• Parents will be requested to sign a release for records from previous school.

Children may enroll in kindergarten if they will be five years old before September 1^st.

HOMEWORK POLICY

We believe that homework is an important part of each child’s education. It fosters independence and increased responsibility on the part of the student.

Homework will be:

a)     determined by the classroom teacher and clearly communicated to parents and students in September.

b)    relevant to classroom instruction;

c)     used to complete unfinished daily work;

d)     occasional special projects;

e)     recreational reading;

f)     skill practice in any area.

Organizational skills will be emphasized, with an emphasis on self-discipline development. The emphasis will be on completion, rather than duration. The assigned work will be clearly communicated to the student, and parent assistance will be limited. Parents are expected to communicate any concerns or feedback regarding homework to their child’s teacher.

A “Student Planner” will be utilized in grades 2 – 5 to get students accustomed to bringing materials home and returning them to school, as well as to foster increased communication between school and home regarding curriculum.  Parents may send notes to the teacher in the planner, and parents will want to check their child’s planner to find occasional notes from the teacher. 

For the most part, school communications (classroom and school newsletters, field trip notes, etc.) will be sent home with students on Fridays. Parents are encouraged to assist the school by expecting and asking their children for these weekly communications.

MAKE-UP WORK

Students and parents should contact their teacher as soon as possible to obtain make-up work for an absence. A Bostic student will generally be given two days to complete work, for each day of school missed. For example, a student missing school on Monday and returning Tuesday would have Tuesday and Wednesday to catch up the missed assignments. Teachers require ample prior notice to assemble make-up work.

District Policy 1472 states:

1.      The pupil or parent should contact the principal or designee to obtain assignments and materials for make-up purposes. A reasonable amount of time is necessary for each teacher to prepare meaningful make-up assignments. Each year, the time limits for students to complete missed assignments shall be included in the staff and student handbooks.

2.      Make-up assignments shall consist of the same general kind and quality of schoolwork missed, not hour-for-hour detention.

3.      Credit will be allowed for make-up work on the same basis as for regular in-class performance, with the exception of credit, which can only be obtained by being present in the classroom.

4.      When a pupil has foreknowledge that an excused absence will occur, she/he should exert effort to complete the work assignments before the absence occurs.

5.      A pupil who is given a building-level suspension of ten days or less is responsible for obtaining make-up work as specified in AIP’s 1,2, and 3 above.

6.      Pupils with unexcused absences are encouraged to make up their work, but teachers are not required to accept such make-up work for credit.

Lunch and Breakfast Program

Bostic will operate a breakfast and hot lunch program as well as sell milk to students wishing to bring a sack lunch. Children are encouraged to purchase lunches or milk 10 or more at a time.

Lunch money may be turned in to the school office any morning.  Meals must be paid for in advance.  All monies will go into your child’s meal account and the correct amount will be deducted for breakfast, lunch, or milk each day. 

Application forms for free and reduced-cost lunches are available through the school office. Students participating in the free lunch program are expected to eat the meals provided each day.  

Health Policies

Matters of health are an integral part of the educational program. 
We solicit your full cooperation in dealing with your child’s health concerns.  If your child becomes ill while at school, you will be asked to come after your child or the child will be taken home by a school official after proper notification of parent or authorized person in charge of the child.  The professional staff takes every precaution for the welfare of your child in safety and health.  Please be sure to keep an up-to-date emergency number in the office.  If your child has a history of significant health problems or is taking medication, please keep us informed!

Medication

Board of Education Policy 5316 states “Prescribed medication is given at school only upon written request from the pupil’s local attending physician.  A physician’s written request is required before administration of either short-term or maintenance medications.  School personnel will not be responsible for administering injectable medications.”  Please understand that we will not be giving any type of medication at school unless we have a note from your physician requesting that medication be given at school.  Medications must be kept in the original prescription bottle.  If medications are to be given to your child during school hours, please deliver the medication to the school nurse, secretary, or principal.  Parents may come to the school office and give medication to their child.  This cannot be done in the classroom.

In most cases, it is possible to work medication around the school day to avoid the process of securing authorization from your physician.  However, in some cases it will be necessary to give medication at school.  Non-prescribed, over-the-counter medication such as aspirin, cough syrup, ointments, and cough drops will not be administered unless we receive a request from the physician. 

Immunizations

Any pupil entering a Kansas school for the first time is required to present to the school a valid Kansas Certificate of Immunization (KCI) or to sign a form indicating that immunizations will be up-to-date within 14 days.  You are required by law to present a signed KCI at the time your child starts school.  Since the complete schedule of immunizations requires several weeks to complete, the first KCI form may only indicate that the immunizations have begun.  However, the complete series of immunizations must be completed within ninety (90) days and a second KCI form provided to the school.  Children for whom KCI forms have not been provided are subject to exclusion from school to protect the health of themselves and other pupils.  Legal alternatives to immunization are required by law:

1.       A licensed physician may sign the KCI form and indicate that the physical condition of the child is such that the immunizations would seriously endanger the pupil’s life or health.

2.     A physician may sign the KCI indicating that the parent/guardian adheres to a religious denomination whose teachings are opposed to such immunizations.

Public Regulations for the Control of Communicable Diseases

No person having an infectious or contagious disease shall be admitted to any public, parochial, or private school, or to any other public place.

1. A child who has any of the following diseases shall be excluded from school, other public places, and contact with other children until a written release is obtained from:
   1. The Wichita Sedgwick County Health Department

1.       Whooping Cough

2.     Typhoid Fever

3.     Diphtheria

4.     Tuberculosis

5.     Meningitis

6.     Any unusual disease

2. Either the Wichita Sedgwick County Health Department or from a private physician:

1.       Streptococcal infections, including strep throat – excluded until 24 hours after appropriate therapy has begun or after 10 days if antibiotics are not administered.  Antibiotics must be continued for a complete course of therapy.

2.     Ringworm of the skin and scalp – excluded until the child has been under active treatment by a physician.  The physician shall certify that the child is under continuing medical care at two (2) week intervals until a cure has been affected.

2. For the following diseases, no Health Department release is necessary.  However the child may be excluded from school, and all other public places, and contact with other children according to the following regulations:

a.      Measles – excluded until four days after rash appears.

b.     Chickenpox – excluded until eruptions are scabbed over.

c.      Mumps – excluded for ten days from onset of illness.

d.      Rubella (German Measles) – excluded for ten days from onset of illness.

e.      Conjunctivitis (Pinkeye) – excluded until there is no discharge from the eye.

f.      Scabies – excluded until adequately treated.

g.      Pediculosis (Lice) – Students infested with lice shall be excluded from school or childcare facilities until treated with an antiparasitic drug and all nits have been removed.

h.      Impetigo – excluded until under medical treatment by a physician.  A child may be excluded for an additional period of time if the principal or other personnel feel it is necessary for the child’s protection or for the protection of other children.

i.        Fifth Disease is an acute viral disease that occurs most often during the spring and is fairly common in elementary aged children.  It begins with mild cold-like symptoms, which are followed by the characteristic ‘slapped cheek’ rash.  This rash will then spread to the chest, stomach, back, arms, and legs.  This disease is passed through coughing and sneezing, but is usually no longer contagious after the appearance of the rash.  Children can remain in school with this rash, but will be asked to go to the doctor to obtain a note verifying this diagnosis.

Health Examinations

Due to a recently enacted Kansas law, the state now requires all children age 8 and under who have never previously enrolled in any school in Kansas to have a health examination.  Students new to the Wichita Public Schools, as well as kindergarten, third grade, sixth grade, and ninth grade students are strongly encouraged to obtain a health examination.  Parents should consult with their physician and ask him/her to complete the Health Examination Report.

 Dental Examinations

Each student should visit their dentist at least once a year and return a Dental Care Card signed by the dentist.  Those children who do not return this card will receive a dental screening at school.  This screening should not take the place of a dental examination in the dentist’s office.

Illness at School

If your child becomes ill at school we will call you first.  If we can’t reach you, we will phone the emergency numbers you have given us.  Please be sure these emergency phone numbers are up-to-date at all times.  If it is a serious emergency and we are unable to contact you, we will call 911.  All medical expenses will be your responsibility.  No child can be sent or taken to a home where there will not be supervision.  Children who are ill cannot ride the bus home due to a possible exposure of other children on the bus.  Children with frequent absences due to illness may be asked to bring a statement from the doctor or be checked by the school nurse to verify the illness.

General Information

Label Belongings

All personal belongings of a child should be labeled with their name if at all possible.  Many items children wear or bring to school are identical, and it is impossible for us to tell who is the owner if there is a conflict—unless the item is labeled.  Pencils/pens (a frequent problem) can be marked by scraping the paint off near the eraser and marking it with a ballpoint pen or permanent marker.  We especially encourage you to mark items of clothing (coats, sweaters, gloves, etc.).  Found items are placed in the lost and found in the large wooden box near the Library.  Parents and children should feel free to check for lost articles in this box.  The box is emptied at the end of each semester, with items being donated to charitable organizations.

Toys, Radios, Electronic Devices, etc.

Toys, radios, tape players, CD players, cell phones, pagers, balls, trading cards, etc. should not be brought to school.  If toys are brought to school they are a temptation to play with or to be taken by another child.  Teachers may take toys away from students and request that parents come to school to retrieve the items. Items brought due to a specific request from the teacher for a project should be carried in a closed bag or case to avoid problems en route to school or home.

Money and Valuables

Children are discouraged from bringing money or valuables to school.  If money is brought, it should be for a specific purpose (i.e. Lunch money, field trip money, fund raiser money, etc.).  Money should be placed in a sealed envelope and labeled with the child’s name and the purpose for which the money was brought.  Please send correct change if at all possible.  The child is responsible for any valuables brought to school.  Valuables at school often cause unnecessary distractions and temptations.

School Trips

Authorized trip waiver forms, which include a waiver of liability, will be used to inform parents and to secure permission for school field trips.  Phone permission the day of the field trip will not suffice:  written permission slips are a must!  Parents may provide transportation for field trips after they have signed a certificate of insurance in the office.

Emergencies

Civil Defense

Unified School District 259 is not in a position to guarantee any protection to pupils or adults from nuclear attack or radioactive fallout.

Fire / Tornado Drills

State law requires that fire drills be held once a month and tornado drills held three times a year at all schools.  All individuals in the building at the time of a fire drill (including parents) must leave the building at that time.

Severe Weather

The United States Weather Bureau issues two types of storm warnings.  The preliminary warning is a “Tornado/Thunderstorm Watch” intended to forecast a large area within which there is a predicted possibility of storms forming.  A “Tornado Warning” is issued after a tornado has been sighted indicating that the situation is serious and that people in the path of the storm should seek cover.  It is when this “Tornado Warning” is issued that the necessary movement of pupils from the classrooms to established safer areas of the building would be conducted.

Plan of Action

The alert system of this city:

1.       The Weather Bureau will send a Teletype warning to the major agencies of the city.

2.     Radio and television staffs will repeat the warning over regular frequencies.

3.     Siren signals will be activated.  In the case that such an emergency arises, all possible precautions will be taken to ensure the safety of your child(ren).

 The following procedures must be followed at school:

1.       All pupils will remain in the building unless called for by a PARENT.  The parent/guarding must go to the office and sign the student out first.

2.     Pupils will be moved to the inner walls away from windows and suspension roofs.

3.     Persons in the building will remain until an “all clear” signal is given.  This could be after the regular dismissal time.

4.     School will not be dismissed early unless parents are notified by authorized personnel prior to dismissal time.

5.     Arrangements have been made to ensure the safety of those children riding the bus to and from school if an emergency should arise during the time the children are on the bus.

6.     If a severe rain or snowstorm should be in progress at dismissal time, neighborhood children would be kept in the building until the storm lets up or an authorized person calls for them.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

Parent/Teacher Organization (PTO)

Bostic has a high degree of parent involvement.  The PTO is a group of Bostic parents, teachers, staff and interested persons.  The PTO board meets monthly.  General PTO meetings are held four or fives times a year.  These are open meetings, and anyone may attend board or general meetings.  Parents are urged to participate in PTO.  The objectives of PTO are: 

1.       Promote the welfare and education of children in the school community

2.     Assist in securing adequate laws for the care and protection of children

3.     Bring the home and school into a closer relationship. 

These goals are attained through the leadership of the PTO board and the participation of parents, teachers, and community members.

Site Council

The Site Council is a group of parents, community members, business representatives, teachers, and other school staff.  In general, Site Councils identify, consider, and discuss educational problems and issues at the school.  Councils provide advice and counsel for evaluating state, school district, and site performance goals and objectives.  Site Councils may also recommend methods that may be employed at the school site to meet these goals and objectives.  Site Council members often take part in interviewing new staff members.  Bostic’s Site Council has also been instrumental in developing a mission statement and provided input on such important school policies as dress code, homework, and discipline policies.  

BOSTIC TRADITIONAL MAGNET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

PARENT COMMITMENT AGREEMENT

BOSTIC IS A UNIQUE PROGRAM OF CHOICE.

By choosing Bostic, you are choosing a rigorous academic program within a structured and disciplined environment.   Please carefully read the following commitment statements and sign each one that is in agreement with your philosophy for your child’s education.  If you hesitate to sign any of the following items, please carefully reconsider whether Bostic is the right choice for your child.  After enrollment, Bostic becomes your base school, and you will not be automatically granted admittance elsewhere.  Your child’s opportunity for success is greatest if your beliefs are aligned with those of Bostic.

1.      I understand that the curriculum is intended to be "hard."  I will help my child welcome and revel in the challenge, beginning in Kindergarten.

2.      I understand the grading scale: that “0” is unacceptable, “1” is basic or lower performance, “2” is proficient performance in some standards and indicators, “3” is proficient performance in the majority of standards and indicators, and “4” is reserved for advanced performance.

3.      It is my responsibility to hold my child accountable for his or her actions, and I will not tolerate any behavior that distracts from the learning of others.         

4.      I understand the specifics of the Bostic standardized dress policy and will dress my child accordingly.

5.      I will provide time and a quiet, distraction-free environment in my home for the completion of homework.  I will see that my child’s homework is completed on a daily basis, using the student planner for current information.

6.      I understand that it is my responsibility to consider the retention of my child if he or she cannot perform on grade level.

7.      I understand that Bostic’s program succeeds only through excellent attendance and that frequent absences are unacceptable.  Therefore, I agree to schedule family vacations and appointments other than during school hours, and to remove my child from school for health reasons only.      

8.      I will read newsletters from teachers and the office, and be responsible for knowing the information contained in them.

9.      I will expect exemplary behavior from my child on the bus and will support the discipline policies needed to keep our children safe.

10.  I will volunteer readily as a member of Site Council, PTO, school committee, or as a classroom helper.

11.  I understand that, by choosing Bostic, I have made a commitment to assist and support the school in order to provide the best possible education for all children.  If the time comes that I am unable to honor that commitment and offer that support, I will carefully reconsider whether Bostic is the right program for my child.

THANK YOU for choosing to become an active involved partner in the education of your child.  This commitment will provide a wonderful school environment in which all students will grow and develop.

Room Parents

Each room will be assigned one or two room parents. Our PTO organization is charged with the responsibility of filling this key position for each room. The room parents will organize and call upon the other parents of the class to help organize classroom projects when requested by the teacher. Room parents, along with other parents, may volunteer to provide items for parties, drive for field trips, attend class parties and assist in other ways. Parents will be contacted early in the school year about volunteering their services.  

Party/Treat guidelines:

• Party time will generally be at the close of the school day. Time allocated will be 30 minutes.

• Treats provided should be similar for all classrooms.  B. O. E. Policy #1240 states that “simple and uniform refreshments” may be provided.

Telephones

Adults: Bostic teachers are with students for the greater part of the school day. Unless otherwise noted by a classroom teacher, it is recommended that parents call the office phone number (973-1800) and leave a message for the teacher to return the call. Parents should not expect to have phone messages delivered to students, except in the case of an emergency.

Children: In order to teach our students responsibility and natural consequences for behavior, children will not be permitted to phone home for forgotten homework, lunches, field trip notes, etc. Teachers may allow student use of phones in cases of urgent behavior issues, or emergencies.

Textbook Rental Fees

Fees for textbook rental and kindergarten activities are set each year by the Board of Education. Textbook rental funds are used to purchase new textbooks, which are generally adopted every five years.  Workbooks may be supplied by the Board of Education.  Fees are prorated for students attending only a portion of the year.  A part of the textbook rental fees may be canceled if a student qualifies for Aid to Dependent Children, or other welfare assistance.  If you cannot afford to pay fees, contact the school office to apply for assistance.  Parents will pay textbook rental fees at the time of enrollment.

Visitation

Parents and other interested persons are encouraged to visit school during the year. This is YOUR school and we want you to become involved. However, for the safety and welfare of the children, all visitors must report to the office before going to the classrooms. Additionally, visitors should communicate with the teacher prior to a visit to make certain the visit will be convenient for the teacher. While teachers welcome and urge parents to visit classes throughout the school year, it would be preferred if parents did NOT visit during the following periods of time:

• At the beginning of the school year, before classes are organized.

• At the beginning of the school day, when teachers need to be supervising and greeting students.

• At the end of the school day, when teachers are busy with closing activities.

• Parents may not visit classrooms during state or district assessments.

Volunteers

Parent volunteers are needed and welcomed, and are an important part of the school.  In the past, volunteers have been used as tutors, aides, field trip supervisors, library helpers, computer aides, office helpers, etc.  Your volunteering in these areas allows teachers to spend more time with students.  Our volunteer coordinator will be sending information home concerning this program at the beginning of the school year. 

You are the key to your child’s success. Bostic is only as strong as it’s parent community!