HEATHERWOOD ELEMENTARY

HEATHERWOOD ELEMENTARY

Student-Parent Handbook

2007-08 School Years

7750 Concord Drive

Boulder, CO 80301

Attendance 303-447-5276

Table of Contents 2

Educational Philosophy 3

Requirements for Entrance 4

Special Needs, Communication 5

Preschool, Kindergarten, Specials 6-7

K-Care, Nondiscrimination Policy, Mission 8

PTO/SIT, School Hours, Attendance 9-10

Campus Visits, Dismissal 11

Closures, Crisis Response Plan 12

Transportation 13-14

Recess, Playground Rules 15-16

Behavior Expectations 17

Discipline, Conflict Resolution 18

Classroom Practices 19

Conferences, Report Cards 20

School Policies 21

School Supplies 22-24

Lunches, Cafeteria Rules 25

Health Room, Medications 26

Library/Media Center 27

Extracurricular Activities 28

Lost and Found 29

After School Activities 30

Educational Program

Heatherwood’s strength lies in its balanced curricular program. Children master and apply basic skills through authentic learning activities which emphasize research, problem solving, simulations and technology. The strength of the educational program is credited to the teaching staff, which is recognized locally and throughout Colorado for its expertise. The 2007-2008 School Improvement Team goals are to continue to build a positive school climate and increase collaboration, increase the academic challenge for high ability learners, and improve reading, writing and math achievement and to increase understanding and respect for differences.

Students who attend Heatherwood Elementary are expected to behave according to the student written Heatherwood Constitution:

We People should not be judged or

the students of made fun of for their color, religion,

Heatherwood School or other differences.

believe that all

students, Everyone should have the right to

staff and parents speak their point of view and not

should live by be teased for expressing it.

the following:

People should not be judged by

their physical appearance or their

abilities or lack of abilities.

Treat all students and staff with

kindness and care.

A hearing for a discipline, with

witnesses called, is the right of

every student.

Treat others the way you want to be treated.

It is the expectation that all Heatherwood students will:

· Listen, speak and act respectfully to all adults and students

· Respect the property of others

· Behave in ways that will not harm themselves, others, or any property

· Follow cafeteria, classroom and playground rules

Heatherwood Elementary Communication Agreements:

· Positive intent in search of a positive outcome

· Active listening/clarification

· Appropriate form and time

· First person communication

· Be empathetic and respectful

Requirements for Entrance

· Kindergarten 5 years on or before September 30

· First Grade 6 years on or before September 30

· Physical Exam Requested of all kindergarten, 4^th, and

students new to the district

· Immunization Records Up-to-date information

· Birth Certificate

For students transferring from outside the Boulder Valley School District, the following information is also requested:

· Records of attendance

· Grade placement

· Academic achievement

Cumulative Records

Cumulative records are kept in the school office and are available only to professional members of the school staff, the student and parents or other legal guardian of the student. The records contain the student’s history of grades accumulated during the school year, standardized test data and other records of academic achievement. The parent, student or guardian of a student may request an appointment to review the records with a staff member. Requests must be made 24 hours in advance. Copies of contents of cumulative records will be provided upon request.

Assessment Days

The 2007-08 school years will begin with two assessment days on August 16 and 17. Children will attend one of these days for a 90 minute assessment period. This start to the school year is dedicated to meeting the teachers in a one-on-one and small group setting. Kindergarten students are scheduled for a 30 minute assessment time with their teacher. For kindergarten students, it will look very similar to our preview days where students are asked to recite their letters and numbers, letter-sound recognition and to write their names. This time with students is a benchmark for us and will allow us to monitor their growth over time. We will also learn where our kindergarten students are on the developmental continuum of skills when they start school. Please do not feel pressured to work with your children to prepare them for these “snapshots of their learning,” instead have fun with your children and read, read and read with them this summer in an enjoyable manner. First through third grade students will take a reading running record or Qualitative Reading Inventory (QRI) based on their previous reading level during their assessment time. Fourth and fifth grade students who are on an Individual Literacy Plan (ILP) will also receive the QRI assessments and students reading at grade level or above will complete a modified QRI assessment with a teacher. The reading assessment will not take the entire 90 minutes, so students will also provide a journal or writing sample, math knowledge or other activities planned by their grade level teachers. You will find your child’s assigned assessment time in their report card and incoming kindergarten students will receive their time in their June letter. There will also be a reminder letter mailed home in early August. If your children are unable to attend at their assigned time, we are unable to make changes and they will be assessed at a later time during the beginning of the school year. There will be a social gathering in the cafeteria for parents to meet with PTO and School Improvement Team representatives while they are waiting for their children to be assessed.

Special Needs

If your student has special needs due to a disability and requires special accommodations in the classroom, please notify the principal and every effort will be made to make the necessary accommodation(s). If your student needs special accommodations in order to participate in any school activity, please notify the principal or the District’s Central Office at least two days in advance of the event so that appropriate arrangements for reasonable accommodations may be made.

Special Education

Special Education services are provided through our Instruction Intervention Model. Special Education teachers and service providers are part of the Intervention Team. They bring their experience and specialized skills to serve our whole school as well as students with IEPs. Our intent is to provide inclusion at the highest level as well as specific, prescribed instruction where it is needed.

Talented and Gifted (TAG)

A variety of talent development activities are offered to students with strong interests in specific subjects. Students who demonstrate gifted abilities in academic areas are identified and appropriate learning activities are developed for them within their regular classrooms or for short sessions in other classrooms. Students may be nominated by parents, classroom teachers or specialists. An assessment process will take place to determine the academic needs and strengths of the student. The TAG coordinator oversees the program.

Parent – School Communication

Communication between parents, students and staff is vital to the team effort we employ to ensure a successful educational experience for your student at Heatherwood. Parent-Student-Teacher conferences are held two times a year, in the fall and spring. Parents may also request a meeting with their student’s teacher at any time during the year. Many teachers utilize email in an effort to keep parents informed.

Our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and the School Improvement Team (SIT) are groups that are key to our school’s success and effectiveness. Both are open to all parents and community members and each group has Heatherwood staff representation. This is a wonderful way to become an active participant in your child’s school and education.

Heatherwood’s newsletter, Husky Highlights, is published two times a month and comes home in the student folders. School happenings, dates and times of upcoming events, and pertinent community information will be noted in the newsletter. In addition, periodically, flyers will be distributed to students noting important events or announcements.

Heatherwood Elementary also has a web page which may be accessed through the District website: http://bvsd.org. Information on the website includes classroom schedules, a copy of the handbook, the latest edition of the newsletter, current events calendar and student work.

Preschool Too Program

The Heatherwood Preschool Too Program educates children identified through Child Find who have educational and therapeutic needs. The Boulder Valley School District preschools are designed to meet the physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and language development needs of students utilizing developmentally appropriate classroom practices. The teaching strategies employed in the preschools recognize that young children learn through active exploration and interaction with responsive adults, other children, and open-ended experiences which provide rich opportunities for learning. (CDHS Regulation: 7.702.41.A) The preschool serves children ages 3-5 years old. Some programs may have a “cut-off” age based upon the child’s age on September 30 of the current school year. (CDHS Regulation: 7.702.41.B) The school hours are from 8:00 AM to 11:30 PM daily. The District also assures that children enrolled in preschool are at sites which follow the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS) Rules and Regulations for Child Care Centers.

Kindergarten

Requirements for Entrance

· Five years old on or before September 30

· Immunization records, up to date

· Physical exam, current within one year

· Birth Certificate

AM-PM Classes

The kindergarten students attend class for half of the school day. The morning class is from 8:00 am to 10:45 am. The afternoon class is from 11:45 am to 2:30 pm. There will be no mid-day busing of kindergarten students. Considerations for kindergarten placement are a gender balanced classroom, special needs and K-Care enrollment.

Specials

Art

Each classroom has one 50 minute art class per week with the art specialist. Art offers a wide variety of opportunities for artistic expression. In addition to heightening individual student’s specific artistic skills, the program helps develop aesthetic awareness, self discipline and personal fulfillment. Classrooms teachers also incorporate art into many of their learning activities.

Music

All students have two or three music classes per week depending on the grade. They have opportunities to learn music concepts through singing, playing instruments, moving and listening. Reading notation and composing, music history and appreciation and performance are also a regular part of the program.

Physical Education

All students have two or three periods of physical education each week. The program helps each child develop a high level of motor skills and fitness. Students are expected to dress accordingly and participate in all scheduled physical education activities unless prohibited due to medical reasons. Such reasons must be verified by a written note from the parent and/or doctor. We request that students wear rubber or crepe soled shoes (avoid black soles) if possible.

Instrumental Music

Our instrumental music program, consisting of band and orchestra, is available to any interested student in grade five. It includes lessons and experience and group and individual performances. Students perform several times throughout the school year. Lessons are at no charge. In most cases parents rent or buy their child’s instruments.

Library Media

The library is utilized on a need basis. It is open to individual students throughout the school day. Information skills which integrate with the curriculum are cooperatively planned by the Media Specialist and the classroom teacher. K-5 students come regularly for book sharing and library experience. We have a fully automated library system. Students are issued their own library cards. Students are responsible for the cost of replacing any books which are lost when checked out in their name. Parents will be notified periodically of overdue books.

Transportation

Bus transportation is provided for the students who live on the west side of 75^th Street. There will be no bus transportation at mid-day for kindergartners. Please check the regular bus schedule for pick-up and drop-off times. Cars may not park in the bus lanes on Heatherwood Drive or the van pick-up/drop-off areas on Concord Drive. Kindergarteners are not allowed to cross any streets alone. Parents picking up their child are expected to do so outside the classroom.

First Day of School

The first day of kindergarten can be challenging, not only for the child but for the parents as well. For this reason, we stagger the start for kindergarten students. Half of the students in the class will attend one day, the second half the following day. The full class will meet together for the first time on the third day of school. The students are asked to arrive at school prior to the starting time for their class and line up on the sidewalk outside the entrance door near their classroom on the north side of the building. The teachers will take the children inside at the appropriate time. Parents are asked to say their good-byes outside the classroom. The children may be picked up after class outside the school entrance near their classroom door. During the first week of school, volunteers will be available to assist students. Bus students are escorted to their buses by a teacher or authorized adult.

Kindergarten Childcare

The Kindergarten Childcare Program, K-Care, is available to students enrolled in kindergarten. The objective of the Kindergarten Care program is to provide a safe and enriching environment for kindergarten aged children needing a full day experience. Interested parents may contact the school office prior to the beginning of school. Tuition is determined prior to the beginning of the class, payable in monthly payments. The monthly billing will be sent from the Community School’s office. Scholarships are available and will be granted at the Community School Program office or through your county’s Colorado Childcare Assistance Program (CCAP). Social Services qualification requirements are used in hiring Kindergarten Care teachers.

Boulder Valley Nondiscrimination Policy

The Boulder Valley School District does not discriminate on the

basis of race, color, national origin, sex or disability in

admission to, or participation in, its programs, services or activities,

or in any aspect of its operations. BVSD also does not discriminate on

the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability in its

hiring or employment practices.

The school administration is responsible for investigating reports

of discrimination, harassment or violence. To report an incident

against you or someone else, please fill out a form in the main office.

Boulder Valley Mission

The Boulder Valley School District challenges students to achieve their academic, creative and physical potential in order to become responsible, contributing citizens.

Strategic Plan Priorities

· Maximize Student Learning and Achievement

· Foster Collaboration and Partnerships

· Value Diversity and Promote Understanding

· Manage Assets Responsibly

· Hire a High Quality, Committed Staff

Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

and School Improvement Team (SIT)

The PTO is an affiliate of the state and national PTO. The goal of PTO is to promote and enhance the education and enrichment of children. PTO provides people and financial support for many school programs including outdoor education, art enrichment, literacy night and more. Membership in the PTO is open to all community members, parents, teachers, students and businesses.

The SIT serves as the state-mandated accountability committee for Heatherwood. The accountability committee meets monthly to monitor progress toward goals. The committee reviews what we have currently in place and considers additional ideas for achievement, organization and equity goals. SIT consists of parents/community members, teachers and the principal. The mission of the Heatherwood Elementary SIT is to promote, support and ensure quality education for all children by overseeing the accountability and accreditation process, by analyzing student and community data, and by developing and monitoring school goals, soliciting, coordination and dissemination information with the school community, honoring the individual uniqueness of people of all ages and cultures, identifying problems that hinder or prevent the continued improvement of the community educational process, and advocating for creative, positive change. Decisions will reflect sound educational philosophy, legal and ethical standards, school board policies, and budgetary considerations.

Student Directory

The Student Directory is published in the fall of each school year. It lists classes with parent and student names, addresses, phone and email information. The directory is published with parent permission and is to be used only for school use and not for solicitations. Parents input their contact information at the website: www.heatherwood.ptomanager.com.

School Hours and Attendance

School Hours

Kindergarten 8:00 – 10:45 a.m. / 11:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Grades 1 – 5 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Transportation and lunch are provided each day that school is in session from 8:00 – 2:30 p.m. The school office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Arrival at School

School begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. Children may begin arriving at 7:50 a.m. Early arrival, prior to 7:50 a.m., is discouraged except in unusual circumstances, in which case special arrangements for supervision must be made with the principal or teacher prior to the child’s arrival. There is no adult supervision of students before 7:50 a.m. or after 2:40 p.m.

Students are to line up for their classes outside the door nearest their classroom. These areas will be posted along with the class lists at the beginning of the school year. Students are not allowed to enter the building before school.

During severe weather, when school is in session, children will be admitted to the cafeteria upon arrival and supervised until the bell rings.

Attendance Procedures

Regular attendance is an essential part of a student’s education. Students are expected to be in attendance every school day as required by state law and district policy. All absences have a negative effect, regardless of the cause of the absence or the attempts to make up work missed. Teachers cannot teach students who are not present, and instruction cannot be replicated with assignments to be completed outside of school. However, there are times when students must be away from school. Parents will be notified of excessive excused absences by letter. If excused absences continue, parents will be required to provide medical documentation to excuse student’s absences. Further absences will involve a conference with the Attendance Advocate for Boulder Valley Schools and an attendance contract. An action plan will be developed to ensure more regular attendance.

Excused Absences as Defined by BVSD

· Temporary illness or injury

· Absence pre-approved by the school administrator

· Extended absences due to physical, mental or emotional disabilities

· Student is in the custody of the court or law enforcement authorities

· Emergency, serious illness, or death in the family

· Medical and dental appointments which cannot be scheduled outside the regular school day

· Extremely inclement weather

· Participation in a religious observance

Unexcused Absences

· Absences due to suspension

· Truancy. If you are absent (full or partial days) without the consent of your parent/guardian

· Parents who know in advance that their children will be absent are asked to let the attendance clerk in the office and the classroom teacher knows the reason for the absence. Students will be expected to make up work missed during periods of absences. We strongly discourage extended family trips during regularly scheduled school days.

Daily Attendance

If your child is absent, please call the Heatherwood attendance line at 303-447-5276 by 8:15 a.m. If your child is absent for a number of successive days, please call the school each day. A message may be left on the recorder from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. If the student’s parents or guardians will not be available for a period of time, a trip for example and alternate care arrangements have been made, please write a note to that effect for the office in case of any emergency. Please always notify the attendance clerk in the office of an absence, not just the classroom teacher.

Tardies

When a student is late in arriving at school, they need to sign in at the office and explain their reason for being late. Any student who accumulates three or more tardies in a trimester will be required to stay after school for 20 minutes on the day of the tardy arrival. During the day of the third (or more) tardy, the parent will be contacted to make arrangements to have their child picked up at 2:50 pm.

Excused Tardies

· Medical appointments

· Temporary illness

· Inclement weather

· Extenuating circumstances

Unexcused Tardies

Oversleeping
Walking too slow
Parents stopping for coffee on the way
Missing the bus due to getting up late

Visitors to Campus

The Heatherwood campus is closed. Students are not allowed to leave school grounds during the day unless they have been signed out in the office. Additionally while community members are welcome to use the school grounds/playgrounds, they may do so only after 4:00 pm on school days, on weekends or holidays. Access to the school is through the main doors only. All other doors will be locked during instruction hours. The safety of our students is our number one priority. For that reason, any adult wishing to visit the school, drop something off for their child, talk to the administration, or volunteer in the school, must sign in on the clipboard in the office upon arrival on campus and visibly wear a “Visitor” or “Volunteer” badge at all times. Adults not wearing a badge will be asked to sign in at the office. Adults should contact individual teachers to arrange appropriate visitation times. School administration reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of visits from individuals other than a parent/guardian. Students are not permitted to bring school age or younger guests to school.

Early Dismissals and Partial Days

When a child needs to be dismissed early for personal reasons, please send a note to the teacher including the date, time, reason for early dismissal and the name of the person picking up the student. Please sign the child out at the office prior to picking him/her up. The teacher will need a pass, obtained by the parent at the office, before he/she can release your child. Any student arriving to school after 9:10 am of leaving school prior to 1:10 pm will be marked absent for one half day.

Regular Dismissal

School is dismissed at 2:30 p.m. Students who do not ride the bus need to be picked up by 2:40 p.m. There is no supervision after 2:40 p.m. and unusual circumstances require prior arrangements with the principal.