East Pointe Elementary School

Elementary

East Pointe and Westwood

Grades K-4

ABSENCES

1. Parent permission may be granted for any reason, including personal illness without written verification, provided the parent contacts the office on the day of the absence.

2. A student may not exceed six (6) parent permission absence days for the semester. If a student exceeds six (6) days of parent permission absences in any class for the semester, all parent permission days thereafter are classified as unexcused.

3. According to the ADE, missing 10% or more of the school year for any reason is considered chronic absenteeism. Further action could be taken by the school administrator.

4. Students must be fever, diarrhea, and vomit free for 24 hours before returning to school.

ABSENTEE ASSIGNMENTS

Students will be allowed one day for each day absent to make up work missed during unplanned absences. With the principal’s approval, exceptions may be made for absences due to the death of an immediate family member or for a serious medical procedure, which renders the student incapable of completing the work. Other extraordinary situations might also qualify.

ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL TIME

Students should not arrive on campus prior to 7:30 a.m. The first bell rings at 7:55 a.m. and it is important that your child be on campus and ready to learn by that time each day.

Tardies

• First Bell rings @ 7:55 a.m.

• Classes begin @ 8:00 a.m.

• Consistent tardies will be monitored by the school administrator and appropriate action will be taken at

the principal’s discretion.

Early Checkouts

• Students checked out after 1:30 p.m. will be considered an early checkout.

• Excessive early checkouts will be monitored by school administrator and could affect perfect attendance.

Late Check In

• K-4 Any student checked in after 9:30 a.m. will be counted as one-half (½) day absent.

• 5-6 Any student who misses more than 10 minutes of a class period will be considered absent for that class period.

         East Hills Middle School Bell Schedule

• First Bell 7:55

• 1st Period 8:00-8:45

• 2nd Period 8:50-9:35

• 3rd Period 9:40-10:25

• 4th Period 10:30-11:15

• 5th Lunch/6th Intervention 11:15-11:50

• 5th Period 11:55-12:40

• 6th Lunch/5th Intervention 12:40-1:15

• 6th Period 1:20-2:05

• 7th Period 2:10-2:55

Transportation Changes

• All transportation changes MUST go through the school office instead of the classroom teacher.

• Contact the school office no later than 2:00 p.m. with any transportation changes.

ATTENDANCE

Incentives will be established at each campus and will be communicated to families.

CAFETERIA-SCHOOL LUNCHES

The school cafeteria serves a balanced meal. All students are encouraged to eat at school. In order to meet the standard requirement, a lunch is served consisting of a meat or meat substitute, vegetables, fruit, milk, and grain product.

Students are encouraged to pay for lunches by the week with a check on each Monday or through EZSchoolPay.com. Parents with more than one child are asked to give separate checks to maintain separate lunch accounts.

“Parents that want to eat with their children must check-in through the office. Parents are welcome to bring lunch/food for their own student but may not bring any food items for other students. -Act 1220 of 2003”  During lunch visits, parents are permitted to sit only with their own child in a designated area and may not join other students at their tables.

Applications for free and reduced lunches/milk are available at ezmealapp.com.  Qualifications will be based on need.

School personnel will supervise the students while they enter, eat and leave the cafeteria. The following rules are to be observed while children are in the cafeteria:

1. Obey teachers and cafeteria staff.

2. Walk and stand in line quietly.

3. Pick up silverware and napkins.

4. Use good manners. Do not share food with neighbors.

5. Pick up anything you drop. Do not play with food.

6. Stay seated. Raise your hand if you need help.

7. Leave the table clean and orderly. Students will be dismissed in an orderly manner.

CAMPUS AND BUILDING RULES

Students will be expected to follow the rules listed below while in the buildings and on the grounds:

1. The student will behave in a safe and appropriate manner at school and school functions.

2. Students will use appropriate language.

3. The student will follow directions and respect the authority of staff members.

4. Students are expected to come to class with needed supplies (no rolling backpacks).

5. No gum is allowed on campus unless specific provisions are made for instructional purposes.

6. Students shall not bring electronic games, electronic devices, trading cards, or toys to school.

7. All personal items such as lunchboxes, backpacks, coats, etc., should be labeled with the student’s

name. Be responsible for personal items.

8. Students are to use “traveling position” when in halls.

9. Students are to respect people and property.

CONSEQUENCES FOR BREAKING THE ABOVE RULES (per semester): K-2

1st Offense: Verbal warning

2nd-4th Offense: Parents MAY be notified and the student may lose recess minutes. 

5th Offense: May be referred to principal/assistant principal.

6th Offense:  Student will be sent to the principal’s/assistant principal’s office.

After 6th Offense: Discipline will be as deemed appropriate (i.e., ISS, suspension)

Note:  When referred to the principal/assistant principal, discipline will be at principal’s discretion.  (i.e. ISS, suspension.)

CONSEQUENCES FOR BREAKING THE ABOVE RULES (per semester): 3-4

1st-2nd Offense: Students will receive write-up; may lose recess.

3rd-5th Offense:  Student will receive write-up, serve detention.

6th Offense: Student will be sent to the principal’s/assistant principal’s office.

After 6th Offense: Discipline will be as deemed appropriate (i.e. ISS, suspension)

Note: When referred to the principal/assistant principal, discipline will be at principal’s discretion.  (i.e. ISS, suspension.)

In the event of a student having excessive behavior or “In School Suspension”, a committee consisting of teacher, staff, and administration may review the situation and may determine the student’s involvement in extracurricular school activities such as field trips, fun days, etc.

CONSEQUENCES FOR BREAKING THE ABOVE RULES (per semester): 5-6

1st – 5h Offense: Student will receive a detention and staff issuing the detention will contact guardian.

6th Offense: In school suspension (ISS) for one day.

9th Offense:  ISS for 2 days.

12th Offense:  ISS for 3 days.  Students who receive detentions for the same offense multiple times may be subject to further disciplinary action, including ISS.  Repeated behavior violations demonstrate a lack of improvement and may require more intensive interventions.

Discipline problems of a more serious nature (i.e. fighting, insubordination, etc..) than those mentioned above will be handled by the principal/assistant principal using whatever measure is most appropriate for the offense.

In the event of a student having excessive behavior or “In School Suspension”, a committee consisting of teacher, staff, and administration may review the situation and may determine the student’s involvement in extracurricular school activities such as field trips, fun days, etc.

Note: When referred to the principal/assistant principal, discipline will be at principal’s discretion. (i.e. ISS, suspension)

DISCIPLINE INFRACTIONS

1. Disregard of Direction or Command

   1. Students will comply with reasonable directions or commands of teachers, student teachers, substitute teachers, teacher aides, principals, administrative personnel, superintendents, school bus drivers, school security officers or other authorized school personnel. Students will be considered insubordinate when they refuse to obey any rule or regulation of the school or school district or the reasonable instructions of school district personnel.

2. Disruption and Interference with School No student will:

   1. Block the doorway or corridor.

   2. Prevent students from attending a class or school activity.

   3. Block normal pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

   4. Use violence, force, noise, coercion, threat, intimidation, harassment, fear, passive resistance or any other conduct intentionally to cause a disruption.

   5. Refuse to identify himself/herself on request.

   6. Encourage other students to violate any rule or school board policy.

3. Immorality (Students will abstain from indecent and immoral acts.)

4. Fireworks (Students will not possess, handle, discharge, or store fireworks on school property.)

5. Gambling (Students will not gamble on school property)

6. Physical Abuse or Assault of School Staff (Act 706 of 1997) (No student shall willfully or intentionally assault or threaten to assault or abuse any student, teacher, principal, superintendent, or other employee of the school system.)

7. Weapons (Please refer for Weapons and Dangerous Instruments in the District Policy section of this handbook page 32.)

8. Damage or Destruction of School Property (Act 104 of 1983 Special Session)

   1. Students will not cause or attempt to cause damage to school property or steal or attempt to steal school property.

   2. Parents of any minor student under the age of eighteen (18) and living with parents may be liable for damages caused by said minor in an amount not in excess of $2,000.

9. Theft (Students will not steal or attempt to steal property belonging to the school or public or private property while under jurisdiction of the school.)

10. Gang Activity (Gang related activity will not be permitted.)

11. Electronic Devices should be turned off and stored in backpack at all times while on school grounds.

12. Tobacco (Possession or use of any tobacco product on any campus of the Greenwood Public schools by any student is prohibited. Students found to be in possession of tobacco in their school bags, lockers, etc.; will be subjected to the appropriate penalties.) E-Cigarettes are considered to be equivalent to tobacco products.

1st offense 3-day suspension

2nd offense 5-day suspension

13. Behavior Not Covered Above

    1. The school district reserves the right to punish behavior, which is not conducive to good order and discipline in the schools, even though such behavior is not specified in the preceding written rules.

    2. Students will make restitution of any property stolen by them and will be subject to other disciplinary measures.

    3. Students will not be allowed to conduct themselves in a manner which materially and substantially interferes with the educational process.

Discipline infractions listed above will be addressed by the principal and/or assistant principal using the measure deemed most appropriate for the specific offense.  When a student is referred to the principal or assistant principal, disciplinary action will be determined at their discretion.  Consequences may include, but are not limited to, in-school suspension (ISS), out-of-school suspension, or expulsion.  More specific information regarding disciplinary procedures and consequences can be found in the district portion of the student handbook.

CLASSROOM PARTIES

Classroom parties are allowed during the regular school program for the observance of certain holidays and events. Because of state mandates, parents cannot send or bring food to other students except on specific dates determined at each school.  All items must be store bought.

COUNSELOR

The counselor is available to all students during the school day. Counselor referrals may come from students, school staff or parents.

The student may make a request to see a counselor. The counselor will schedule a conference time with the student.

School Based Mental Health is in place in our district and is available to students. Whenever a child has needs that cannot be met by our counselor, the counselor or principal may refer the student to this program. The program consists of school liaisons who work with the parents and school system and also mental health therapists who work individually and in groups with our students.

CRISIS PLAN

In the event of an emergency, a crisis plan is in place.

CURRICULUM

We strive to make learning a creative, enjoyable and profitable experience. Some programs offered in our schools include: FABLAB, Makerspace, Math Intervention, Special Education, Speech, Gifted and Talented Education, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, School-based Mental Health Services, Reading Intervention and Dyslexia Services, Music, Art, and Physical Education

DRESS AND APPEARANCE

The dress and appearance of students must not present health or safety hazards. In order to establish high standards, it is important to maintain neatness, cleanliness, and decency in the dress of all students. With the realization that there is accepted dress for all occasions and what is appropriate for one occasion may not be for another, the Greenwood School Board has established the following dress code.

1. Dress and grooming shall be clean and in keeping with health and sanitary practices.

2. A student shall not, by grooming practices, clothing or use of emblems, insignias, badges, or other symbols cause disruption or interference with the operation of the school.

3. Students should wear shoes and clothing appropriate for physical education and recess. Some examples of dress that are not acceptable are:

   1. “See-through” blouses/shirt/pants that expose undergarments

   2. Bare feet

   3. Bare midriffs

   4. Items of clothing which have vulgar, obscene, violent or offensive messages or pictures will not be allowed on campus. T-shirts advertising drugs, tobacco, or alcohol will not be permitted. Clothing that is negative or disruptive in nature or promotes social disorder is strictly prohibited.

   5. No jeans or other pants may have holes above the mid-thigh unless the hole has a backing (does not expose skin or undergarments)

   6. The wearing of extremely oversized or excessively baggy pants.

   7. The practice of “sagging” or having the waist of the pants well below the top of the hips – Ark State Law Code Act 835.

   8. The carrying of chains attached to billfolds or the wearing of any other large chain as an accessory.

   9. Any type of clothing, apparel, accessory, or dress concept or style that may be gang related or have gang related origins.

   10. Piercing of visible body parts or visible areas of the body will not be allowed with the exception of the ears. Ears may be pierced as long as the piercing is not considered to be a safety factor or a distraction.

   11. Shorts/Skirts may be worn if they are mid-thigh length. Wearing shorts is discouraged during cold weather months.

   12. Heelys or any shoes with wheels on the bottom.

   13. Hats and sunglasses may be worn outside the building only. We recommend that students not bring hats to school except on special days.

   14. Leggings, yoga pants, etc. may be worn with an appropriate length shirt over them. If lower body garments are see-through (such as pantyhose or tights), another garment must be worn over them that meets length requirements.

   15. No spaghetti straps.

   16. Plain water only

   17. Personal items will be placed on hook or left in classroom unless specified otherwise.

A student’s personal appearance is most important since it represents him/her as an individual to fellow students and faculty. Any student in violation of the dress code will not be allowed to attend class until the problem has been corrected. The discretion of the principals will be final in deciding cases of dress code violations. Any deviation from this guideline because of physical limitations must be submitted in writing to the principal for consideration.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Students may be denied the privilege of participating in extracurricular activities such as field trips, fun days, etc… based on behavior.

FUNDRAISING

No student will be allowed to sell anything for any organization without the permission of the principal.

HOMEWORK POLICY

The Greenwood Public Schools believe homework is an important element of student learning and achievement. Students must be encouraged to become actively involved in learning and accepting responsibility for their own progress and achievement at home as well as at school. Homework is an essential part of the total instructional program and allows students extended time to master basic skills, concepts, and learning objectives.

Homework Must Be Planned to Provide:

• Positive success experience

• Reinforcement and extension of learning

• The opportunity to manage self-guided learning away from school

• The possibility for communication with parents regarding learning and involvement of parents and others in the learning process

Homework Assignments Will:

• Extend the learning directly related to the curriculum and current learning objectives. Be explained by the teacher so that students understand objectives, procedures, content, and expectations.

• Be varied. Some subjects will require more homework than others.

• Be reviewed by the teacher.

PERMISSION SLIPS

Permission slips, signed by the parent, will be required for school related or extra-curricular activities that are specialized or particular to a class or organization. Activities that are on-going (i.e., activities sanctioned by the Arkansas Activities Association) will not require signed permission slips. Permission slips for other school activities may be required at the discretion of the principal.

GRADING AND REPORTING

East Hills Middle School, Westwood and East Pointe Elementary will utilize a Standards Based report card format. These standards are aligned to the Arkansas Academic Standards. The goal is to provide parents with the most accurate, easily understandable representation of their child’s learning accomplishments and/or deficits.

• Progress reports will be sent home in October and February.

• Formal report cards will be sent home in December at the end of the first semester and a final formal report card will be given at the end of the school year.

• K-6 parents can utilize the OTUS system to view student progress.

PROMOTION/RETENTION POLICY

Greenwood Public Schools is a child-centered institution concerned about the educational, social, emotional and physical development of each student. Educational decisions concerning grade level placements are made on an individual basis. Decisions regarding promotion/retention will be based upon careful consideration of various factors. These factors include the following:

1. Mastery of expected grade level objectives

2. Data collected based upon daily school work, SST, retention scales, etc.

3. Chronological age and/or previous retention

4. Attendance

5. Classroom achievement

6. Identification of academic or emotional needs

The preceding factors will be evaluated by a committee comprised of the teacher, counselor, principal and parent/ guardian. Consideration of the six factors will be the basis for a grade retention decision. The final decision concerning grade level placement will be determined by the building principal.

SCHOOL NURSE

The school nurse will be on campus between 7:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Prescription medication will be administered by the school nurse. If the nurse is not present, prescription medication may be administered by the school principal or his/her designee. Non-prescription medications may be given to students at the discretion of the principal or nurse or their designee.

• Student must be fever, diarrhea, and vomit free for 24 hours before returning to school.

TELEPHONE RULES

The school telephone is for business calls only. Necessary plans should be made between parents and students before leaving home in the morning. CHILDREN ARE NOT TO BE CALLED TO THE TELEPHONE EXCEPT IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

CONTACT US

If parents wish to speak to a teacher, they may leave their name and telephone number and the teacher will return the call as soon as possible.

• School e-mail addresses are as follows: first.last@greenwoodk12.com

• Greenwood Public Schools Website: www.greenwoodk12.com

CELL PHONES, SMART WATCHES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES

          Phones and smart watches are to be turned off and in a backpack while on school grounds.

RESOLVING PARENTAL CONCERNS

The process for conflict or concern resolution will be:

1. Contact the teacher to define the academic or behavior problem.

2. Contact the counselor to discuss issues concerning the student’s personal or emotional well-being.

3. With the counselor’s help, determine whom to approach with the concern.

4. Together, a solution should be developed.

If further attention is needed:

5. Make an appointment with the building administrator

6. Meet with Central Office personnel

It is our desire to resolve any parental concerns that might exist concerning Greenwood students.

PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT

The superintendent of Greenwood School District supports and encourages parental involvement in school activities and in the educational process. Students whose parents are involved in their education are more likely to be successful.

The Parent and Family Engagement Committee will address the diverse needs of the students and their parents to increase the school’s ability to provide opportunities for the educational success of the students at East Hills Middle School, East Pointe Elementary and Westwood Elementary. The parents of Greenwood students will be invited to an orientation where they can share their concerns and expectations for the upcoming school year. Parents will be asked to complete a survey during the school year to identify ways that they might be interested in assisting students at school and at home.

Please see district policy for additional information.

PARENT COMMUNICATION

Communication between parents and teachers is essential for student progress. Teachers communicate in various ways: Take-home folders, email, SchoolStatus texts, and phone. Please visit with your child’s teacher regarding communication specifics.