Garfield Elementary

Parent/Student Handbook

2022 – 2023

Educating Today for a Better Tomorrow!

We graduate each student prepared for college, career, and citizenship.

EVERYTHING’S POSSIBLE!

PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE

On behalf of Garfield’s Staff, I would like to welcome you to our learning community.  It is our goal to meet each child’s needs in a kind, caring and supportive way.  With the cooperation of students, parents, teachers, administrators, other school employees, and community members, we strive to provide a warm and positive learning environment.  An environment where students and staff uphold the Boise District’s values of respect, dignity, honesty, responsibility and teamwork.

We believe that every child can succeed, every teacher makes a difference in the life of a child, and the family is an important partner in the learning process. Education is most successful when a strong partnership exists between the community and the school.  I encourage you to visit your children's classrooms often, attend school activities, and lend a helping hand as a school volunteer.  When parents, families, and community members get involved with schools, all children benefit!

We look forward to an exciting and rewarding year together!  We are excited about working with the PTO, our school partners, and the community at large to help provide our students with the best possible opportunity to excel academically and personally.  At Garfield we work hard to foster a strong partnership with parents and the community.  Keeping parents informed is accomplished through newsletters, phone calls, email, conferences, mid-term reports, grade information in grades 3-6 on Infinite Campus and report cards. 

If you would like more information about Garfield Elementary School, please call me at 208-854-4950 or contact me by e-mail (jessica.cromie@boiseschools.org).  This handbook has been put together to provide important information about the school year and serve as a guideline regarding policies and procedures at Garfield Elementary. It is certainly not all-inclusive, but hopefully it will be a handy reference source. I realize that this is a lot of information to process, but I believe it will be well worth your time to examine the contents. To find out more information regarding Boise’s Strategic Plan, Curriculum, or Testing, you can visit our district’s website at www.boiseschools.org.

After reviewing this Parent/Student Handbook, please sign the last page and return the bottom portion to your child’s teacher.  I look forward to working with you throughout this school year.

Thank you!

Jessica Cromie

Garfield Elementary

 2022/2023 School Calendar

August 17                First Day of School (1:15 p.m. Early Release)

August 22                First Day of School (Pre K & Early Childhood Special Education

                                 Programs)

September 5                Labor Day (No School)

October 14                End of First Quarter – No School (PreK-6)

October 19               No School  for Pre K only

October 20                 No School (PreK-6) – Parent/Teacher Conferences

• Conferences will be held Wednesday evening, October 19 and Thursday all day and evening, October 20

October 21                 No School PreK-12

November 21-25         Thanksgiving Vacation (No School PreK-12)

December 21         End of First Semester - Early Release 1:15 p.m. (No School Pre K)

December 23-January 6   Winter Break (No School PreK-12)

January 9                School Resumes

January 16                 Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No School for PreK-12)

February 20                Presidents’ Day (No School for PreK-12)

March 2                Kindergarten Registration 3:30-5:30 p.m.

March 17                End of Third Quarter – 1:15 p.m. Early Release ( No School Pre K)

March 20-24                 Spring Break (No School PreK-12)

April 21                    No School (Pre K-12)

May 18                     Last Day for PreK Pre K & Early Childhood Special Education

                                 Programs

May 19                Early Release – 1:15 p.m. (PreK-6)

May 25                 Last Day of School – 1:15 p.m. Early Release (K-6)

Garfield

Daily Schedule

2022/2023

5th  and 6th grade Band and Orchestra:  Monday – Friday 12:45 – 1:45

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE GUIDELINES

To support students in behaving responsibly and safely, the following expectations are emphasized:

• Supervision will be provided from 8:15 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. each school day.  We discourage parents from sending children to school prior to 8:15 A.M. since no supervision is provided.  Students will not be allowed into the building before the 8:40 bell rings unless they have a staff sponsored activity.  Students are expected to go home directly after school is dismissed.  We provide adult supervision in the bus loading areas before and after school.

• Each classroom has a “den,” an area on the playground where students will line up before and after school. Teachers will pick up and dismiss students from their den area each day.

• Students are expected to use the sidewalks and crosswalks, and to refrain from crossing parking lots, or walking or riding bikes behind parked cars.  Adult crossing guards are on duty at the Broadway intersection.  Students are required to follow the guard’s directions.

• The student safety patrol is on duty at the intersection behind the school on Leadville as well as at the corner of Broadway/Boise Ave.

• DROP OFF/PICK UP PROCEDURES:  For the safety of our students, we would like to continue the following pick up locations for our students.  School bus students will continue to be picked up in the front parking lot.  Parents picking up their students will do so in the back parking lot. DO NOT ENTER USING THE BROADWAY ENTRANCE.  Many of our students cross that entrance to get to the light at Broadway and Boise.  Please park in a designated spot if you are waiting for your child to exit the school.  We appreciate your cooperation and assistance with this procedure to ensure a safe exit for ALL kids.  We will have supervision at the back playground and dismissal area until 3:30 p.m.  If your child has not been picked up, we will take them to the office to call home.

Garfield Traffic Flow

ABSENCES

Regular attendance and punctuality are very important.  Your child’s attendance at school is important to their educational success.  It makes a child feel more a part of school and reduces confusion over assignments and behavior expectations.  

When a student is absent, the parent should telephone the school at 208-854-4950 to report their absence.  This phone number is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day for your convenience. Please call before 9:30 a.m. because this notification is important for the safety of the student.  If we do not hear from you, we will call the parent to verify the absence.

We ask parents to help students take responsibility for getting to school on time.   If a student arrives late for school, he/she is to report to the office before going to the classroom.  

Attendance letters will be mailed to parents when a student has missed five days, eight days, and ten days.  Attendance patterns deemed detrimental to student success (10 or more days in a semester will result in a mandatory meeting with the principal.

BICYCLES, SCOOTERS, HEELYS, SKATEBOARDS, ROLLER BLADES

Bicycles are to be parked and locked in the bike rack provided on the playground.  Although we will supervise this area to the best of our ability, we cannot be responsible for damaged or stolen bicycles.  It is recommended to have your bicycles licensed with the Boise Police Department.  Keep a personal record of the serial number and description of the bicycle. Scooters and skateboards may be stored in student cubbies.  Students can only wear Heelys if the wheels are taken out of the shoes once the students are on school grounds.  Bicycles, scooter, heelys, skateboards, and rollerblades should not be ridden on school property during the school day for everyone’s safety.  

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH

Garfield is a part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Community Eligibility Program (CEP).  This program provides access to free school meals without the need to collect applications.  ALL students attending Garfield will receive a free breakfast and lunch.

COMMUNICATION

It is our desire as educators to keep the lines of communication open with all parents.  Weekly information will normally be sent home to the parents via the student’s “Monday Folder”.  

The Grizzly Tracks is a monthly newsletter that is sent through email and posted to the school website. It is full of information and news about Garfield.  Our Garfield website is full of valuable information.

Parent/Teacher Conferences are held in October.  You are welcome to request a conference or a visit with your child’s teacher at any time. We encourage parents to call or email teachers with questions.

Infinite Campus Parent Portal is available for parents/students to keep up to date on student’s progress throughout the school year.  Parents/Students in grades 3 – 6 will be able to view grades and assignments.  Teachers will be updating grades/assignments on a weekly basis.

COUNSELING AND SPECIAL SERVICES

The counseling program at Garfield teaches classes in PreK – 6 grade levels about topics such as: Feeling identification, coping skills, making friends, solving problems, making safe choices, and doing well in school.  Students are encouraged to talk to the counselor if they have a concern or problem. Individual and group counseling is available to all students.

The counselor curriculum overview is available on the district website.  If you do not want your child to be included in counseling services, please contact the office.

SCHOOL BASED THERAPY

As a community school, we work hard to meet the needs of all families and students. We have partnered with an outside mental health agency to provide Counseling to our students in need. This service is available upon referral only, and billed to your insurance. Counseling appointments take place during the school day, limiting the academic time missed, as well as the need for transportation to and from appointments. Please contact the School Counselor if you are interested in enrolling your student in this great opportunity.

Garfield offers a wide range of other special services to help meet your child’s needs.  The following are available and can be reached by calling us at 208-854-4950: community school coordinator, psychologist, nurse, speech and language special ist, learning disabilities teachers, reading specialist, social worker, English language teachers, and gifted and talented facilitator.  

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

Garfield is one of six Boise Community Schools. A community school is both a place and a set

of partnerships between the school and other

community resources. Its integrated focus on

academics; health and social services; youth and community development; and family engagement leads to improved student learning, stronger families and healthier communities.

Programs and services available at Garfield include: food pantry, clothing closet, school supplies, health and social supports, mental health counseling, computer /WIFI access, early childhood development, family engagement, and parent education classes.

DISCIPLINE

All students at Garfield are entitled to a safe, orderly, and positive educational environment that promotes classroom success, personal growth and responsible citizenship.  It is the responsibility of each student to maintain this environment by following school rules, showing self-control, and acting with respect toward people and property.

Garfield is a school that uses Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS).  

Parents are an important part of any discipline policy and your support is critical to your child’s success.  We encourage all parents and students to review and discuss all of the information in this Handbook.

Two principles govern all the rules in the Boise School District:  1) Conduct that is disruptive of the educational process is prohibited and 2) Conduct which infringes upon the rights, property and safety of others, is prohibited.  From these two basic principles, each teacher constructs a classroom discipline plan that best serves to produce an educational classroom environment that is conducive to learning and safety.  Unless the misbehavior is severely disruptive or dangerous, the teacher deals with the student first.  If the misbehavior becomes extreme, the student may be referred to the Principal.

Teaching Responsible Behavior – The staff at Garfield have established academic and behavior expectations for students in their classrooms.  These expectations are carefully reviewed with the students.  During the first few weeks of school, teachers focus on specific lessons promoting responsible behavior.

We expect students to assume responsibility for their behavior.  Students make choices that determine consequences.  When they demonstrate a lack of self-management or make choices that interfere with learning and safety, we provide fair and consistent consequences that promote responsible behavior.

Expectations – Children feel more positive about themselves if they see themselves as successful students.  One way to ensure success is to develop clear expectations that encourage students to assume responsibility for themselves and their choices.  The following expectations address the concerns for ensuring a positive and safe school environment.  While the expectations do not cover every possible situation, they are designed to assist students in developing responsible self-management skills.

• Follow adult directions the first time.
• Be courteous, respectful and friendly to all people.
• Be safe in all areas.
• Share and care for school equipment and property.
• Help, assist and include others.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Students are allowed to bring cell phones to school for before/after school communication. Cell phones should be kept in backpacks during the school day. Students should not have cell phones in their classrooms or outside on the playground. Other electronic devices should be brought to school only if a student's teacher has given them permission to do so.  No teacher will require a student to have a personal electronic device but may give them an option to bring one if it would be beneficial for an academic assignment.  If a teacher does give permission to bring a device, the student will only be allowed to use it in the classroom under the teacher’s supervision.  Electronic devices are never allowed on the playground or in the lunchroom.  The school cannot be responsible for damaged or stolen electronic devices.

As part of Garfield’s Digital Citizenship, students should use all forms of technology in a respectful and responsible manner and at the teacher’s discretion. Respectful and responsible means:

• Never video or photograph without consent of all parties involved and content obtained at school should not be posted to social media without consent
• Use of any device with photo/video capabilities is banned in areas of assumed privacy (restroom)
• Never use another student’s device without consent
• Devices may only be used with teacher permission in class
• Individuals should immediately report any form of cyber-bullying or inappropriate technology use
• Headphones should not be in use during class without teacher permission
• Personal electronic devices including cell phones/headphones will not be allowed in the lunchroom or on the playground.  

Violation of any expectations above will result in the device taken away and returned only to a parent or guardian.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

It is important that we have up-to-date phone numbers for each parent/guardian and the phone number of two other people who can act for you, as well as the name and phone number of your doctor and dentist.  Any changes in the emergency information as listed on your child's enrollment form should be sent to the school office. If your phone number is "unlisted," we still need it for emergency purposes.  A note will be attached to your child's emergency record stating that it is an "unlisted" number.  The school treats all phone numbers with confidentiality.  A current address is necessary as well.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

By State Law, to be eligible for the first grade at the opening of school, the child must be six years of age before September 1st of the entrance year.  Kindergarten students must be five years of age before September 1st of the entrance year.  Birth certificates and immunization records are required of all new students entering the Boise School District.  Both must be presented at enrollment time and are returned to parents/guardians after necessary information is entered on school records.  Immunizations required are:  five (5) doses of Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis (DTaP), four (4) doses of Polio, three (3) doses of Hepatitis B, two (2) doses of Varicella (chickenpox), two (2) doses of Hepatitis A, and two (2) doses of Measles, Mumps & Rubella Vaccine.  (Exceptions must be documented by a physician.)

FIELD TRIPS

A field trip permission form for the year will be sent home at the beginning of the school year.  Parents will only need to sign it once for the whole year.  As trips are scheduled, the classroom teacher will notify parents. Students must have written permission to participate in field trips.

GANGS AND HATE GROUPS

Gangs, hate groups, and similar organizations or groups that advocate hatred or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, ancestry, national origin, or handicap are inconsistent with the fundamental values of the educational environment of the Independent School District of Boise City.  The activities of such groups and their members are prohibited on school district property and at all school sponsored functions.  Such prohibited activities include, but are not limited to:  the congregation of members, the solicitation or recruitment of members, the possession of group paraphernalia and materials, the intimidation of others, the advocacy of discrimination, and any other behavior, such as the wearing of gang colors, headgear or insignia and the use of language, codes, and/or gestures that provoke violence or seek to advocate the purpose and objectives of such groups.  Disciplinary action for students may include suspension or expulsion.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC FOR FIFTH AND SIXTH GRADES

Any child in fifth grade may participate in beginning band or orchestra.  Band and orchestra is an option for sixth graders as well. Typically, the 6th grade program is reserved for second year students.  Exceptions will be made on an individual basis.  Information will be given to the students the first part of the year.   The school is not responsible for lost or stolen instruments.

INSURANCE

The Boise School District does not provide medical insurance to pay for expenses when students are injured at school.  This is the responsibility of the parents.  

LOST AND FOUND

Lost clothing and lunch boxes are placed in the Lost and Found area that is located in the basement.  Children may look in this area to locate their belongings.  Please label the inside of your children’s clothing and lunch boxes.

Smaller lost items are turned into the office and will be returned to the owner when identified.  Encourage your children to ask in the office about lost items.  If your child loses money or other valuables, he/she should check in the office and we will help out in any way we can.

Unclaimed lost and found items may be donated to charity several times a year.

LUNCHROOM

All students are expected to use good manners in the lunchroom.  This is the time for them to enjoy a healthy meal.  While in the lunchroom:

1. Talk quietly
2. Walk
3. Wait in a single file line to get your lunch
4. Stay seated in one place – no moving seats
5. Eat your own lunch before leaving
6. Clean your eating space

Students who are having problems following the lunchroom rules may be asked to sit at a time-out table.

MEDICATION

The school nurse or designee shall administer all medications, prescription or nonprescription. If your child is taking a prescription medication that needs to be given at school, please contact the School Nurse or the Health Technician to complete the necessary paperwork.  Prescription medications must be in the correctly labeled prescription bottle in order to be given at school.  They will not be accepted in baggies, envelopes, etc.  Non-prescription medications may be given only if the medications are in the original bottle with clear instructions from the parent as to how they are to be administered (dose, time, etc.). ALL medications are to be stored in the Nurse’s office.

Injury or Illness – Please do not send your child to school if she/he is ill. Students must be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school. If a child is injured, we will administer basic first-aid only.  If the injury is judged to be serious, the parent/guardian will be notified.  If someone cannot be located, we will call 911 to have your child transported to the nearest medical facility. If a student has any physical limitations that keep them from participating in PE, recess or other school activities for more than 2 days, we will need a physician’s documentation. It is extremely important that the school has CURRENT home and work phone numbers and at least two “emergency” names and numbers to contact.

PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO)

Meetings will be held throughout the school year.  Notices of meeting dates and activities will be sent home.  All Garfield parents are welcome.  Your input and suggestions are important and greatly appreciated!

PLAYGROUND

Students are not allowed to eat or drink anything on the playground (including gum).  Lunch, juice, milk, etc. must be finished in the lunchroom before going outside.

Students are expected to exercise respect for each other in all areas of play.  The best policy is to be kind, courteous, and considerate. Swearing, hitting or kicking others, play fighting, bullying, wrestling, tackling, or throwing objects are not permitted.  Students who cannot follow these guidelines may be denied playground privileges for a period of time. Playground rules will be discussed in the classrooms at the beginning of the year.

Playground supervisors are available to assist students with problems.  They are to be obeyed and treated with the same respect that is given to any other adult staff member.  Playground rules will be reviewed with each class.  We welcome parents to join us on the playground at any time.  Stop by the office for a visitor’s badge and be sure to log your volunteer hours.

Closed Campus – For the safety of our students, they are not allowed to leave school grounds once they come to school in the morning.  Students are not allowed to leave the grounds to go to the neighboring convenience store.  

PROFANE LANGUAGE

Profane or obscene language is unacceptable and will not be permitted on school grounds or at any school-sponsored activity.      

SAFETY

For the safety of Garfield students, all adult visitors, including parents and substitute teachers, are required to sign in at our office and obtain an identification badge.  All adult workers in our District will have identification badges.  Parents are welcome and encouraged to visit classes any time except during periods of testing.  

We frequently have requests from separated or divorced parents to deny the “other” parent the right to see the child.  We can do this only in conjunction with a court order.  We will not release students to unknown adults, but we cannot deny the other parent the right to see the child, speak to the teacher, and have access to educational information about the child unless a court has ruled otherwise.  If you find yourself in such a situation, please give the school a copy of the court order so that we may make our decisions accordingly.  The school cannot provide a place for non-custodial parents to visit their children, even if the court has allowed visitation.  All such visitation should take place off school grounds.  Likewise, the school cannot get involved in the transfer of children from one parent to another.  Please make these arrangements at another location or with a third party.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN

Garfield School has an Emergency Response Plan that has been carefully developed for use in case of an emergency.  The plan is to provide guidance for the participants as they prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters.  

SCHOOL SPORTS FOR FIFTH AND SIXTH GRADERS

Girls and boys interested in basketball and track may obtain a permission slip during the appropriate season.  Practices will be held before or after school.  Students participating in these extracurricular activities must meet certain academic and behavior standards to participate.  Girls Basketball will be October – December; Boys Basketball will be January – March; and Boys & Girls Track will be March – May.  Parents provide transportation to events.  The child’s parent must accompany student spectators.

STUDENT CHECK-OUT

Students leaving school prior to regular dismissal time must be signed out and picked up in the office.  Written or personal parent requests are required if children need to leave school at any time other than the usual dismissal time.  The school requires written or verbal permission from a parent or legal guardian if someone else is picking up children.  This person must appear in the office to identify himself/herself before picking up any child AND must present a valid picture ID.  Parents delivering or picking up students are encouraged to use the parking lot behind the school.

STUDENT PROGRESS/GRADING

The Boise School District has chosen to use two methods of reporting your child's progress.  The first is to schedule parent/teacher conferences at the end of the first nine-week grading period.  The second method of reporting to you is by way of a report card.  Grades are reported at the end of each semester and at the end of the third quarter.

Traditionally, a student's grade may have reflected a combination of test scores, attendance, homework completion, extra credit, behavior and other factors, and may not have reflected student learning of academic content. The proficiency-based approach makes clear what students know and are able to do by measuring academic progress separately from non-academic factors. The teaching and learning is intended to encourage a shift in thinking away from a grade with much more of a

focus on how each student demonstrates learning.

More information on Boise School District’s new grading policies will be reviewed at Open House.

SUSPENSION

Suspension is the temporary denial of attendance at school and/or school activities. Suspensions may be on campus or off campus. Students may be suspended for the following reasons (not all inclusive):

• Assault
• Arson
• Defiant, disruptive behavior
• Fighting
• Possession and/or use of drugs, alcohol,     tobacco, explosive devices or weapons
• Repeated violations of school rules
• Theft
• Truancy
• Use of obscene/profane language or gestures
• Vandalism

When a student is suspended off campus, he/she is not to be on or near the campus while school is in session, during activities, or before or after the school day.  

TELEPHONE CALLS

Students are not allowed to use the phones under normal circumstances.  Children will not be called to the phone except in cases of emergency.  We also do not allow students to call home to arrange after school playdates or to go home with another student. We also encourage our students to be responsible for bringing the necessary items to school rather than rely on calling parents to bring these items to school.

TEXTBOOKS

Students are responsible for textbooks issued to them for their use during the school year.  If loss or damage of a book occurs, parents will be expected to pay for it.

TITLE IX POLICY STATEMENT

It is the policy of the Boise School District in subscribing to and promoting the principles of equal protection under the law, that neither the Board of Trustees, nor its designated agents will discriminate in employment or in the equal delivery of educational services and opportunities against any person because of race, color, sex, religion, age, birth, ancestry, national origin, family relationship, personal or political patronage, or handicap.

VISITORS

Parents are welcome to visit the school and your son/daughter’s classroom anytime.  A phone call ahead of time is not essential, but does make sure that the time you spend with the teacher or in the classroom meets your needs.

The Boise School District requires all visitors, including parents/guardians, volunteers and substitute teachers, to go to the main office and obtain an identification badge.  This procedure is an added security measure to help ensure the safety of your children.

School age friends and relatives are not allowed to come to school and be part of the classroom.  They are allowed to visit during lunchtime if they have an adult with them.  If you have concerns or questions about these policies, please contact the principal.

VOLUNTEERS

Garfield is grateful for its excellent volunteer program.  Volunteers help our teachers and students in many ways to enhance the quality of instruction and strengthen our school-community relations. When parents, families, and community members get involved with schools, all children benefit.  Research strongly supports parental involvement in the education of children and indicates that it is a key factor in children’s success at school. We encourage you to become an active partner in your child’s education. Please contact your child’s teacher if you want to volunteer.

When coming into the school to volunteer, the school district requires you to check in at the office first and to wear a visitor's badge.  Please record your volunteer hours on the sign-in sheet on the office counter.

WEAPONS

The Boise School District has "zero tolerance" for students who bring weapons to school, “look alike weapons,” or other objects/substances that are a threat to the health and safety of other students, staff members, or visitors, or are a disruption to the educational process.  Possession and/or use of these objects/ substances at the elementary school or at any elementary school sponsored activity without prior permission of school officials will result in the following course of action:

Administrative Procedure:  Any or all personnel employed by the Boise School District at the elementary level having knowledge of students with weapons or other objects/substances which are a threat to the health and safety of other students, staff members, or visitors, or are a disruption to the educational process, shall notify the building administrative staff immediately.  The building administrative staff shall conduct an investigation immediately and make the determination as to whether a school resource officer is to be contacted and a complaint filed and/or if an immediate suspension is in order.  

This suspension can be in-school or out-of-school as determined by the building administrative staff with the understanding that the weapons, objects, and/or substances have been confiscated and when necessary, turned over to the proper authorities for disposal.  The elementary building administrative staff in cooperation with the appropriate Area Director shall determine if sufficient cause exists for referral to the Board of Trustees for permanent expulsion.  Parents or guardians are to be contacted by phone, letter, or in-person in an expedient and timely manner with detailed information regarding the incident(s).  All reports of weapons, objects, and/or substances which are a threat to the health and safety of other students, staff members or visitors, or are a disruption to the educational process shall be written by the building administrative staff and copies sent to the appropriate Area Director and to the Gang and Violence Prevention Specialist for the Boise School District.

In addition to the above policy on prohibition of weapons, the Boise School District also adopts and is in compliance with the Federal Gun Free Schools Act of 1994.  Therefore, any student who brings a firearm, as defined by the Gun Free Schools Act of 1994, to school or to any school-sponsored activity will be expelled from school for not less than one (1) year.

WEATHER-INCLEMENT

During extremely cold or wet weather, students will be supervised out of the weather either in they gym or in classrooms from 8:15 until 8:40 in the mornings and during recesses. We urge our students to dress for the weather!  We will go out to recess under most circumstances to provide a break for students.  Please make sure that your child has the necessary cold/wet weather clothing.

WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL

Parents/guardians should notify the school office by telephone or come in at least five days (if circumstances allow) before the student's last day of attendance, so that his/her teacher, the librarian, and nurse have sufficient time for check out.  All school materials or library books loaned to the student must be returned.  Items lost or damaged must be paid for by the parents/guardians before school records will be forwarded to the new school.  Please make sure all lunch charges have been paid.

Garfield Elementary Success Compact

A Three-Way School Pledge

When students, parents, and teachers all make a commitment, we are able to predict that students will be successful, productive, and responsible citizens.  Without the commitment of all three, students are likely to be less successful.

As a student, I will:

• Believe in my ability to learn.
• Attend school every day and be prepared to learn.
• Complete all assignments and turn them in on time.
• Be responsible for my own behavior and follow the rules of Garfield School.
• Be a cooperative, respectful member of our school.

As a Parent/Guardian or family member, I will:

• Believe in my child’s ability to learn.
• Respect and support my child, the teacher, and the school.
• Make sure my child attends school every day, is on time, and has assignments and homework completed.
• Recognize and reward my child’s school success.
• Make sure my child’s physical and emotional needs are met: adequate sleep, regular medical attention, proper nutrition, support and praise.
• Attend school events whenever possible.
• Provide a time and place for my child to do homework and read.

As a teacher, I will:

• Believe in each student’s ability to learn.
• Respect that each child and family is unique.
• Teach grade level performance standards.
• Strive to address the individual needs of every student.
• Provide a safe, positive, and healthy learning environment.
• Create a welcoming environment for parents and students.
• Communicate regularly with families about their child’s progress in school.

After having read and discussed the Parent/Student Handbook and Compact with your child, please, sign and date this agreement.  Return ONLY the bottom portion to your child’s classroom teacher and keep the handbook for future reference.

Student’s Signature _________________________________________Date _______________

Parent’s Signature __________________________________________Date _______________

Teacher’s Signature ________________________________________ Date _______________