Welcome to the 2014-2015
School Year
at DeBeque Elementary School
We are glad you are here!
It’s Great to be a Dragon!
De Beque School District 49JT: “Dedication to; excellence, community service, collaboration, perseverance, and innovation.”
District Mission: “De Beque schools will develop the whole child, through partnership with our parents and community. All students will be provided a safe learning environment to instill high standards of academic success, integrity, leadership, and responsible citizenship.”
District Goal: “Our goal is to become a high growth, high achieving educational organization recognized by our community and the Colorado Department of Education.”
Dear Students and Parents/Guardians of DeBeque Elementary School,
On behalf of the entire staff I want to personally welcome you to the 2014-15 school year.
The Parent/Student Handbook is being provided as a quick reference to the policies and procedures that govern DeBeque Elementary School. As a quick reference, this handbook cannot possibly encompass all the possible scenarios and situations that might arise in an elementary school; however, this guide will assist you with common questions. The DeBeque School District Board of Education has approved all information provided in this handbook. These regulations have been developed over many years and are continually reviewed to accurately reflect the high expectations we place on our students, parents and staff. I encourage you to read this handbook carefully and to contact the elementary office with any questions you may have. All policies are available in full online or at the District Office.
As a school, we strive for continuous improvement. Through the cooperative efforts of students, parents, staff and community members, we can maintain the highest standards for our young people to learn at the highest level. By working together as a professional learning community, we can foster positive relationships that will benefit our children for life.
Sincerely,
Alan Dillon
Superintendent
ACADEMICS
GRADING SYSTEM
The grading system to be used is the following:
A 90-100 Superior
B 80-89 Above Average
C 70-79 Average
D 60-69 Below Average
F 0-59 Unsatisfactory
HOMEWORK POLICY
In order to provide the students at DeBeque School with the best education possible, one that will prepare them for work, or for further education in their chosen fields, the procedures for homework and assignments due in the classroom have been carefully examined and guidelines have been established. Listed below are the procedures that will be followed by all teachers for the grading of assignments that are required to be turned in as part of class work or homework, resulting in order to receive credit for that class or subject.
- All assignments, whether classwork or homework, are due on the due date given by the teacher when the assignment is first handed out. If the assignment is turned in at this time, students may receive full credit for the assignment if it is deserving of that grade.
- If the assignment is not turned in by the due date, then it may be turned in at a later date and graded according to the following guidelines.
- If the assignment is turned in one day late, the highest grade it may be given is a 70%. The grade received may be lower than 70% if the assignment is still not complete or not of satisfactory quality.
- If the assignment is turned in two days late, the highest grade it may be given is a 60%. The grade received may be lower than 60% if the assignment is still not complete or not of satisfactory quality.
- If the assignment is turned in three or more days late, the highest grade it may be given is a 50%. The grade received may be lower than 50% if the assignment is still not complete or not of satisfactory quality.
- Students who are absent will have 1 day to make up the work they missed. The student is responsible for getting the assignments he/she missed and handing them in by their due date. Special consideration will be given to long term illnesses or long-term excused absences.
REPORT CARDS
Report cards will be mailed out at the end of each nine weeks. Pupils entering school for the first time after the school year has started must be enrolled at least 4 ½ weeks prior to the date report cards are issued to be entitled to a report card.
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Conferences will be held after the first nine weeks and after the third nine weeks. In some cases, conferences will be held whenever the teachers and principal deem it necessary.
ASSEMBLIES
Elementary school students should work hard to develop a reputation for courteous behavior in school assemblies. Students should give full attention to the performers on stage and appreciation should be shown through appropriate behavior.
ATTENDANCE
RULES AND PROCEDURES
One of the criteria for a student’s success in school is regular and punctual attendance. Frequent absences leads to poor academic work, lack of social development and possible failure. Since we are trying to prepare our students for the work world, regular attendance is of the utmost importance for the school interest, academic achievement and preparation for life after school.
According to state law, it is the obligation of every parent/guardian to ensure that every child under their care and supervision receives adequate education and training. Attendance is, therefore, compulsory for certain age students.
Continuity in the learning process and social adaptation is seriously disrupted by excessive absences and tardies. In most situations, the work and classroom instruction missed cannot be made up adequately. Students who have good attendance generally achieve higher grades, enjoy school more and are more employable after leaving school. For these reasons, the Board believes that a student must satisfy two basic requirements in order to earn full class credit: (1) satisfy all academic requirements and (2) exhibit good attendance habits as stated in this policy.
Upon return to school from an absence, the student must report to the office to obtain an admit slip. The admit slip will note whether an absence is excused or unexcused. An absence can only be excused if the parent sends a note or calls the school to verify what the absence was for. Absences are only excused for temporary illness or injury, an absence approved by the school administrator, an absence due to physical, mental or emotional disability, or an absence caused by detention from a court or law enforcement authority. Students must turn the admit slip into the teacher of the first class they attend upon returning to school.
Unless excused, each student shall be in regular attendance at all scheduled classes and activities designated for pupil attendance by the school calendar.
Make-up work shall be provided for any class in which a student has an absence, whether excused or unexcused, unless otherwise determined by the principal. It is the responsibility of the student to pick up any make-up assignments permitted on the day he/she returns to class. Make-up work will normally receive full credit if the absence is excused and the work is completed in a timely manner, but will receive partial credit for unexcused absences.
ABSENCES
Students are allowed 6 absences per class period per semester without any consequences as long as they bring a note from a parent/guardian to re-enter the classroom following an absence. Students are allowed to make up all work missed within 1 day of the absence: ie – missed school on Monday, get make-up work on Tuesday and work is due on Wednesday before the end of the day. Teachers should make sure that work is turned in on time. Makeup work received after the 1 day period will receive a zero. Three tardies in any class period is equal to an absence for the class, so if you have 5 absences and 3 tardies for a period you have reached the maximum allowable absences. The district will make every effort to notify the parents and/or student when the student has reached 4 absences. This is a courtesy and not a requirement.
Students are to receive no credit or opportunity to make up work for more than six absences in a class period. Those absences that are classified as skipping school will receive a zero for every class they have missed as well. The only exception for more absences may be made by appeal to the principal within two school days upon return after missing more than six class periods. Documentation may be required. Those appeals will only be approved for emergency situations such as Dr. appointments, funerals, etc. If you are in doubt about whether your absence will be excused, you should make up the work to make sure that it can be turned in within the 1 day allowable for doing so. If you have gone to a Dr. for one of your first six absences, it would be a good practice to get the Dr.’s note and turn it in with your parent/guardian note upon return to school.
If you are aware of a scheduled absence, it would be wise to get the work ahead of time to make sure that work can be completed and questions asked and answered within the required time. Each teacher is not to give special treatment or consideration to any student without prior approval from the principal.
The district may require suitable proof of the above exceptions, including written statements from medical sources.
The maximum number of absences a student may incur before an appeal process or judicial proceedings are initiated to enforce compulsory attendance is 12 days during any one semester. Any high school student receiving 12 absences during any semester in an academic year will receive an ‘F’/denial of credit for that class. The appeal process to receive credit for extenuating circumstances will be made to a committee of at least 3 people comprising an administrator and teachers on staff. If the appeal for credit is denied from this committee, then the next appeal for credit would be to the Board of Education.
TO EXCUSE AN ABSENCE
For short term absences, a phone call from a parent or guardian to the school office by 9:00 a.m. on the day of an absence or a note presented to the office upon return will insure an excused absence except as noted below (see excessive excused absences). Long-term absences of more than three (3) days should be prearranged with the principal to insure they will be excused. Students should do as much work as possible before they are absent. Some additional requirements, such as make-up time until work is completed, may be required for approval. Students are responsible for getting assignments and making arrangements with teachers. Emergency situations will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Work from excused absences may be made up, with 1 day make up time allowed for each day absent.
EXCESSIVE EXCUSED ABSENCES
If the number of excused absences becomes excessive, the administration may impose additional requirements for excusing absences. These may include, but are not limited to, requiring doctor’s excuses for illnesses, pre-approval of all absences, and phone contact for all absences; i.e., a temporary illness of one day could be unexcused if a doctor’s note was not presented to the office.
TARDIES
A tardy is showing up late to any class after the bell and less than 5 minutes late. If you are more than 5 minutes late, it will be counted as an absence. Three times tardy is equal to one absence. Teachers are not to ask for students from other classes except in cases of absolute necessity, and then only after consent of the receiving teacher. The student shall not be allowed into a class late without a tardy slip from the office or from the sending teacher.
A student receiving four or more tardies in any class will receive an administrative referral. Consequences for an administrative referral will be determined by the principal and may include detention, suspension or possible expulsion.
MAKING UP WORK
Work missed because of absence can be, and often needs to be, made up on the student’s return to school. Students are responsible for getting their assignments for the time missed for any absence. The time given for make-up work to be completed is 1 day. If makeup work is not handed in by the due date, students will not receive credit for the missed work.
SCHOOL RULES/DISCIPLINE
CODE OF CONDUCT
Any conduct which causes or which creates a reasonable likelihood that it will cause a substantial disruption in, or material interference with, any school function, activity, or purpose, or that interferes with or creates a reasonable likelihood that it will interfere with the health, safety or well-being, or the rights of themselves or others is prohibited.
The proceeding is a general standard that should be used as a guide by all students. Not all acts of misconduct can be itemized in this regulation. The following is an enumeration of some of the main areas of conduct which may lead to disciplinary action such as: detention, confiscation of material, revoking privileges, arrangement of schedules, probation, mandatory program reassignment, suspension, or expulsion.
The principal may suspend or recommend expulsion of a student who engages in one or more of the following activities while in school buildings, on school grounds, in school vehicles or during a school-sponsored activity and in certain cases, when the behavior occurs off of school property.
- Causing or attempting to cause damage to school property, stealing or attempting to steal school property of value.
- Causing or attempting to cause damage to private property, stealing or attempting to steal private property.
- Commissions of any act, which if committed by an adult would be robbery or assault as defined by state law. Expulsion shall be mandatory in accordance with state law except for commission of third degree assault.
- Violation of criminal law which has an immediate effect on the school or on the general safety or welfare of students or staff.
- Violation of District policy or building regulations.
- Violation of the District’s policy on dangerous weapons in the schools. Expulsion shall be mandatory for carrying, bringing, using or possessing a dangerous weapon without the authorization of the school or school district, unless the student has delivered the firearm or weapon to a teacher, administrator or other authorized person in the District as soon as possible upon discovering it, in accordance with state law.
- Violation of the District’s alcohol use/drug abuse policy. Expulsion shall be mandatory for sale of drugs or controlled substances, in accordance with state law.
- Violation of the District’s violent and aggressive behavior policy.
- Violation of the District’s tobacco-free schools policy.
- Violation of the District’s policy on sexual harassment.
- Throwing objects, unless part of a supervised school activity, that can cause bodily injury or damage property.
- Directing profanity, vulgar language or obscene gestures toward other students, school personnel or visitors to the school.
- Engaging in verbal abuse, i.e., name calling, ethnic or racial slurs or derogatory statements addressed publicly to others that precipitate disruption of the school program or incite violence.
- Committing extortion, coercion or blackmail, i.e., obtaining money or other objects of value from an unwilling person or forcing an individual to act through the use of force or threat of force.
- Lying or giving false information, either verbally or in writing, to a school employee.
- Scholastic dishonesty, which includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism or unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work.
- Continued willful disobedience or open and persistent defiance of proper authority including deliberate refusal to obey a member of the school staff.
- Behavior on or off school property which is detrimental to the welfare or safety of other students or school personnel.
- Repeated interference with the school’s ability to provide educational opportunities to other students.
- Engaging in “hazing” activities, i.e., forcing prolonged physical activity, forcing excessive consumption of any substance, forcing prolonged deprivation of sleep, food or drinking, or any other behavior which recklessly endangers the health or safety of an individual for purposes of initiation into any student group.
- Violation of the District’s dress code policy.
- Violation of the District’s policy on student expression.
DUE PROCESS STUDENT RIGHTS
Due process is a procedure which the courts of law recognize as a necessary responsibility of the school for all students. Due process is of primary importance because it recognizes the right of individuals to have recourse within a decision-making process. Due process assures the student of the following steps:
- Regulations and penalties are available in writing.
- The student has the right to be informed of specific reasons for action.
- All members are obligated to work out difficulties at the level at which they occur, if possible.
- The student has the right to present a defense against charges and to produce information in his/her parents’ presence.
- The student, administrator, and/or teacher has the right to request the presence of the parents.
- Proper consideration should be given to the student’s right to privacy.
- Disciplinary action shall be reasonable and related to the infraction.
ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, AND DRUG POLICY
Student use, possession, distribution, sale, or being under the influence of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs, controlled substances, “look-alike” drugs, steroids or possessing drug paraphernalia on school premises or at any school function (home or away), is strictly prohibited. Violation of this policy could result in permanent expulsion from school.
ATTIRE AND GROOMING REGULATIONS
A safe and disciplined learning environment is essential to a quality educational program. District-wide standards on student attire are intended to help students concentrate on schoolwork, reduce discipline problems, and improve school order and safety. The Board recognizes that students have a right to express themselves through dress and personal appearance; however, students shall not wear apparel that is deemed disruptive or potentially disruptive to the classroom environment or to the maintenance of a safe and orderly school.
Any student deemed in violation of the dress code shall be required to change into appropriate clothing or make arrangements to have appropriate clothing brought to school immediately. In this case, there shall be no further penalty.
If the student cannot promptly obtain appropriate clothing, on the first offense, the student shall be given a written warning and an administrator shall notify the student’s parents/guardians. On the second offense, the student shall remain in the administrative office for the day and do schoolwork and a conference with parents/guardians shall be held. On the third offense, the student may be subject to suspension or other disciplinary action as outlined in the school discipline code.
Unacceptable Items
The following items are deemed disruptive to the classroom environment or to the maintenance of a safe and orderly school and are not acceptable in school buildings, on school grounds, or at school activities:
- Shorts, dresses, skirts or other similar clothing shorter than mid-thigh length.
- Sunglasses and/or hats worn inside the building.
- Inappropriately sheer, tight or low-cut clothing (e.g., midriffs, halter tops, backless clothing, tube tops, garments made of fishnet, mesh or similar material, muscle tops, etc.) that bare or expose traditionally private parts of the body including, but not limited to, the stomach, buttocks, back and breasts.
- Tank tops or other similar clothing with straps narrower than 1.5 inches in width.
- Pajamas or other apparel that resembles sleepwear (ie. – flannel bottoms)
- Any clothing, paraphernalia, grooming, jewelry, hair coloring, accessories, or body adornments that are or contain any advertisement, symbols, words, slogans, patches, or pictures that:
- Refer to drugs, tobacco, alcohol or weapons
- Are of a sexual nature
- By virtue of color, arrangement, trademark, or other attribute denote membership in gangs which advocate drug use, violence, or disruptive behavior
- Are obscene, profane, vulgar, lewd, or legally libelous
- Threaten the safety or welfare of any person
- Promote any activity prohibited by the student code of conduct
- Otherwise disrupt the teaching-learning process
Exceptions
Appropriate athletic clothing may be worn in physical education classes. Clothing normally worn when participating in school-sponsored extracurricular or sports activities (such as cheerleading uniforms and the like) may be worn to school when approved by the sponsor or coach.
The principal, in conjunction with the school accountability committee may develop and adopt school-specific dress codes that are consistent with this policy.
CELL PHONES/ELECTRONIC DEVICES
To prevent classroom distractions and protect the educational environment, the use of or display of electronic devices (cell phones, CD players, electronic games, IPods, headphones, etc.) are not permitted inside the school building or during passing periods (i.e. from H.S. building to shop, art etc.). Students are advised to leave their cell phones and other electronic devices at home. The telephone in the office is available for student use before/after school and between classes. Students violating this rule will be subject to the following:
First offense: The item will be confiscated, returned to the student at the end of the school day or the following day – no exceptions.
Second offense: The item will be confiscated and returned to the parent/guardian only – no exceptions.
Any additional offense will result in a parent conference with additional consequences assigned for the student.
CHEATING
Any student caught cheating in any form will receive a “zero” for the assignment. The second offense of cheating will result in additional consequences.
DISMISSAL FROM CLASS OR ACTIVITY
When a student's behavior in a class or activity endangers himself or others, when it takes over the position of the teacher, sponsor, or other students such that the class can no longer be conducted, or when his/her behavior is openly defiant and disrespectful to the teacher, sponsor, or other members of the groups involved, he/she may be removed from that class and other consequences deemed appropriate by the administration may be enacted.
FAN BEHAVIOR
Students are reminded that they represent the school when they are a fan at an athletic event. It is important for all to set an example by being enthusiastic, polite, and exhibiting good sportsmanship at all times.
Students are also reminded that they are to remain in the bleachers while attending events. Use of the restroom and the concession area are to be kept to a minimum.
VISITORS
Students are permitted to have a guest at school. It is expected that both the DeBeque student and the guest will adhere to all school rules. If the DeBeque student and/or the guest create a disruption or interfere with the learning environment, or violate any school rules, the guest will be asked to leave and the DeBeque student will be referred to the office.
Students who wish to bring a guest to school must pick up a request form in the office. This needs to be submitted to the student’s teachers for approval and then to the principal for final approval. This form needs to be completed at least one day in advance of the visitation. All teachers of the student must approve this visitation. This includes music, PE, computers, etc.
CLOSED CAMPUS
Students in grades K-6 will need to remain at school during the lunch period. The exception will be if you come to the school to pick up your child for lunch and sign him/her out at the office.
TRANSPORTATION
GENERAL BUS REGULATIONS
Field Trips – Activity Trips
While riding the bus:
- Except for ordinary conversation, students shall observe quiet conduct.
- Students shall stay in the seats while the bus is in motion.
- Students shall not throw waste paper on the floor of the bus.
- No part of the body shall be extended through the bus window.
- Students must be quiet while the bus is stopped at a railroad crossing.
- Students shall not exit the bus through the emergency door unless an emergency exists.
- The driver is in full charge of the bus and the students.
- Students shall comply promptly and cheerfully with the request of the bus driver.
- The driver may assign seats to an individual or the entire bus load as deemed necessary.
- Students shall not run or push when leaving the bus; each step that is provided is to be used.
- The school bus driver has the authority and the responsibility to discipline students on the school bus.
- Any student who rides to an event on a school bus, will also return on the bus unless the sponsor has written permission from the parents for the student to return home with the parents.
- If anyone is picked up or unloaded at a point other than the regular location, the administration should be notified.
GENERAL ITEMS
HANDBOOK
All students are held responsible for knowing and abiding by the regulations in the Student Handbook which has been approved by the Board of Education.
CLOSING OF SCHOOL
We will use our automated calling system to notify families of closures by 6:30 a.m. when possible. It will also be listed on our school’s social media sites. Mass media, such as radio and news stations, will also still be used. When it becomes necessary to dismiss during the regular school day, announcements will be made at once using the same methods.
EMERGENCY AND FIRE DRILLS
Fire drills, as required by law, will be held at regular intervals. Such practice is important and should be approached seriously. False alarms could result in suspension and/or criminal charges.
LUNCH PROGRAM
Hot lunches are available for those desiring them. Only well-balanced lunches are served which provide 1/3 to 1/2 of the day’s nutrition. Lunches should be purchased from the school office prior to the 7:45 a.m. bell. Students may leave campus ONLY if they have permission from parents.
Meal Price: Lunch - $2.50 Adult Lunch - $3.00 or $3.25 with Milk
Additional Milk – 50c
ILLNESS AND MEDICINE
The school nurse will be scheduled for 1 day a week. Remember that the school cannot give out Tylenol or other medication unless we have parental and physician consent. The nurse has training to make certain judgments and, with the written consent of a parent, as well as orders from local physicians, can administer medications to students. However, when the nurse is not here, only the student’s parent or guardian will be able to give over-the-counter medications.
Students on regular medication need to make arrangements with the school nurse.
COUNSELING SERVICE
DeBeque offers full-time guidance service. The door is open to all students and parents. Feel free to go and talk with the counselor. The purpose of the guidance program is to be of assistance to students, families, and teachers, and to assist in making the educational process as effective as possible. During school times students must have a pass from the classroom teacher to see the counselor.
Secondary counseling services include academic counseling, personal counseling, crisis intervention, referrals and coordination with agencies and professionals outside the school setting, school teaching program, career exploration and postgraduate planning.
COMPLAINTS OR CONCERNS
If a student or parent has a concern about a school policy or an employee, the following procedure should be followed in order to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.
- Contact the person with whom you have a complaint to discuss both sides of the story.
- If the problem still exists, contact the principal.
- If still unresolved, contact the superintendent.
- Finally, if unresolved, ask the superintendent to place the complaint on the following month’s Board of Education agenda for further discussion.
TITLE I FUNDS
DeBeque School District receives Federal funds under Title I to help support reading instruction. In accordance with legislation governing this funding, you, as a parent, have the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of your child’s classroom teacher(s).
ASBESTOS PLAN
DeBeque School District 49JT has an Asbestos Plan in place. It is available for review at the District Office.
DEBEQUE SCHOOL DISTRICT 49JT
Board of Education
Rodney Graham . . . . . . . . . . President Travis Graham . . .Vice President Amber Conway . . . . . . . Secretary/Treasurer Judy Lake . . . . . . . .Director
Aaron Largent . . . . . . . . . . . .Director
ADMINISTRATION/SUPPORT STAFF
Alan Dillon Superintendent/Principal
Kelly Cheney Finance Director/Administrative Assistant
Jonathan Watts Assistant Principal/Transportation Director/Music
Penny Nichols Preschool Director
Melissa Rigsby Secretary
Amy Largent Counselor
Janice Currier Librarian
Rod Graham Athletic Director
Meg Latham, RN Nurse
Vera Bott Food Service
Charlotte Hoff Food Service
Red Berry Custodian (Secondary School)
Adele Soto Custodian (Elementary)
Bobby Skeen Maintenance
Brian Balerio Network Administrator
ELEMENTARY TEACHING STAFF
Jodie Brackett Preschool
Bruse Alderman Kindergarten
Stephanie Bivins First Grade
Penny Sanders Second Grade
Aaron Purlee Third Grade
Rose Varner Fourth Grade
Debbie Beilman Fifth Grade
Dave Desenberg Sixth Grade
SPECIALS/ELECTIVES TEACHERS
Coy Keithley Physical Education
Rebecca Graham Special Education/Title 1
Jonathan Watts Music
Joey Kerlin Art
Mike Kirschner Industrial Arts
SECONDARY TEACHING STAFF
Johnnie Echer Language Arts/Publications
Brian Peacock Language Arts/Social Studies
Rachel Noble Social Studies
Joe Bollish Math
Gretchen Jorgensen Science
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page
Grading System…………………………………………….…….….3
Homework Policy…………………………………………….………3
Report Cards…………………………………………….….............4
Parent Teacher Conferences……………………………………….4
Assemblies…………………………………………….…................4
Attendance Policy…………………………………………….…......4
Absences…………………………………………….…..................5
Excusing an Absence…………………………………………….….6
Excessive Excused Absences……………………………………….6
Tardies…………………………………………….…......................6
Making up Work…………………………………………….….........7
Code of Conduct…………………………………………….…........7
Student Rights…………………………………………….…............9
Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Policy………………………………….9
Attire and Grooming Regulations……………………………………9
Cell Phones/Electronic Devices……………………………………11
Cheating…………………………………………….…..................11
Fan Behavior…………………………………………….…............11
Visitors…………………………………………….…....................12
Closed Campus – Lunch………………………………………......12
Bus Regulations…………………………………………….…........12
General Items…………………………………………….…...........13
Student Handbook Signature Sheet………………………………..18
***Please keep the handbook and ONLY return this sheet!
STUDENT HANDBOOK SIGNATURE SHEET
I have read the Student Handbook and understand the policies and procedures contained in the Student Handbook. I also understand that any violation of school rules and/or district policies may result in disciplinary action.
______________________________ ___________________________
Student Signature / Date Parent/Guardian Signature / Date
Student’s Name _____________________________________________________
Home Address ______________________________________________________
Mailing Address _____________________________________________________
Home Phone _____________________________________
Social Security Number ____________________________
Date of Birth _____________________________________