FAMILY HANDBOOK 2012-2013 DILWORTH ELEMENTARY

PEGGY M. HANSON PRINCIPAL Approved August 2012

DILWORTH-GLYNDON-FELTON SCHOOLS MISSION STATEMENT In partnership with the communities, the mission of the Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton School District is to educate individuals in an environment of trust and respect, so they become self-directed, responsible, lifelong learners. DILWORTH ELEMENTARY MISSION STATEMENT Our mission is to create lifelong learners by providing a caring environment in which learners have the opportunity and support to achieve excellence. DILWORTH ELEMENTARY

WELCOME TO OUR SCHOOL, WHERE CHILDREN AND LEARNING COME FIRST SCHOOL HOURS 8:25-3:05 SCHOOL COLORS Silver, Black and White SCHOOL NICKNAME REBELS CORE VALUES: Respect, responsibility and making the right choices are the foundation for all that we do, teach and learn. We believe that school should be a safe and respectful environment in which all students are free to learn. As members of the school community, students, parents and school staff all share in the responsibility of creating this positive learning environment.

WELCOME

Dear Dilworth Elementary School Families, Greetings! My name is Peggy Hanson, and I am extremely proud to be with the Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton Schools and the principal of Dilworth Elementary. We have remarkable students, staff, and parents. I welcome your partnership in education. Collaboration with parents is essential and plays an important role in each students educational experience. As principal, my first priority is to foster a safe, respectful and orderly learning environment where students experience high quality instruction and high expectations each and every day. We are excited to welcome back returning families as well as to welcome new students and families to Dilworth Elementary. Our families place a high value on education and have high expectations for our school. We are committed to meeting and exceeding those expectations. We are dedicated to providing your child with a top quality education that is both challenging and exciting. We are proud of our school and feel certain you will share that pride. We want to establish an atmosphere in which children approach learning with self-assurance and enthusiasm. The Dilworth Elementary PTA and Dilworth Elementary volunteer opportunities are important parts of our school and are a great place to begin your involvement in our school. The cooperation and understanding of parents and faculty members can make the school life of your child a rich and rewarding experience. Please feel free to visit our school often and attend our school functions. If you have questions or suggestions, please call us. We are a family-oriented school, and we look forward to your participation in your childs education Feel free to contact me. Our school number is 287-2100. My extension is 122. My email address is phanson@dgf.k12.mn.us Feel free to stop in or to make an appointment to visit. If it is after hours and an emergency, I can be reached at 701-361.9942.

PURPOSE OF THIS HANDBOOK

A need always exists for excellent relationships and understanding between the home and the school. It is with the goal of better understanding in mind that we send this booklet into every home. We hope that you will find it helpful and that you keep it handy for quick reference. This book contains answers to many questions that arise regarding your school and its policies and procedures. It may be necessary to make certain changes and additions from time to time by sending bulletins home and posting those changes on our website. At Dilworth Elementary, we look forward to an active partnership with parents and families. Research shows that when parents are involved in their childrens education, children do better in school. We believe that families have the primary responsibility to ensure the education of their children and that open and sincere communication is critical to building mutual understanding and communication. We have compiled this booklet as a handy resource for parents and students. SCHOOL SCHEDULE SCHOOL DAY: Our school day begins officially at 8:25. There is an 8:15 bell that sounds to let students know that they may go to their classrooms. The school day ends at 3:05. The playground is supervised beginning at 7:45. In the morning, students who are eating breakfast here at school may come into the breakfast room beginning at 7:45. The lunchroom will be supervised at that time. Students arriving to school prior to the 7:45 supervision times are welcomed and encouraged to come into the hallway by the elementary office and bulletin boards. Students not eating breakfast will need to go to the playground area, at the 7:45 supervision time. On days with inclement weather, students will all need to report to the lunchroom. Watch for the orange chart on the outside of the southeast doors. That chart will indicate that everyone is inside due to inclement weather conditions. Students are asked to vacate the building no later than 3:15 unless they are in the supervised bus line, involved in a school sponsored activity, or arrangements have been made to work in the room with the teacher (with the principal/secretary and the parent having prior notification). Failure to do so may result in trespassing. The first busses will pull out at 3:10. Supervision will not be provided for students who arrive before 7:45 or remain later than 3:15 p.m. or dismissal of the second bus route. The above procedures are designed for the safety and wellbeing of your child (ren). Daily Schedule 7:45 7:45 8:15 8:25 10:50-12:00 3:05 3:15 breakfast room opens playground supervision begins bell rings for students to report to their classroom school begins lunch and recess- split schedule school is dismissed bell to vacate the building unless with a school organized activity or have prior approval from the office/classroom teacher AFTER SCHOOL PROCEDURES: School is dismissed at 3:05. If you are here to pick up your child, you are to wait in the southeast entryway. Please do not go to the classrooms. At the time of the 3:05 dismissal bell: those students walking, riding their bikes, or getting picked up are to all leave through the designated elementary doorway the southeast door those students who are waiting for a ride that will not be here immediately after school must wait in the glassed in area in the southeast entryway those students on the first bus routes are to leave through the southwest or southeast doors and load their bus buses will load on the west side of the building those students who are on the second or third bus routes are to immediately report to the multipurpose room this designated bus room area will be supervised by school employees

you are not to go outside and play and wait and then hop on the bus if that occurs, you will be written up with assigned consequences unless you are with a school employee in a designated and approved activity, you are not to be in the building following the 3:15 bell students who are staying in a classroom to work with a teacher must have prior approval of both the parent/guardian and the secretary/principal the front yard of the school is not for playing after school

BEFORE SCHOOL PROCEDURES: 1. for security reasons, elementary students are to use door #1 2. Teachers do arrive at 7:55 but their time is spent in team meetings, conferences and lesson preparations a. They are not available for supervising children in their classrooms, the hallways, or the playground 3. elementary students who eat breakfast are to enter through door #1 a. supervision and breakfast begin at 7:45 b. students who are eating breakfast are to sit at the assigned grade level tables c. students will stay inside for the entire time, being dismissed by the supervisors at the 8:15 bell 4. elementary students who are not eating school breakfast are to report to the playground a. supervision begins at 7:45 b. f a student arrives here prior to 7:45 and is not eating breakfast at school, they are to wait in the hallway by the office (with the breakfast students) until supervision begins c. once on the playground, the student has made the decision not to eat school breakfast for that day and will not be allowed into the breakfast room 5. students are not to go to their lockers or classrooms prior to the 8:15 bell CLOSED CAMPUS: We have a closed campus for students, which means that students are to remain at school during school hours, including lunch. This includes the time that they arrive on campus during the morning as well as their lunch periods. Lunch choices are hot or cold lunch. STUDENT ENROLLMENT CHANGE IN STUDENT INFORMATION: It is imperative that the principals office be notified immediately in the event you have a change of address, home or office telephone number, if day care arrangements change, or if emergency information changes during the school year. If there is any family information that you feel that the school should be aware of, please contact the teacher and/or counselor and the principals office. It is necessary that the school office have on file your current address and phone number. This information is especially important in cases of emergency. Please notify the office immediately if you change your address or phone number. Many persons have unlisted telephone numbers; however, the school must have a number where parents can be located. The school will not release unlisted phone numbers. DIRECTORY INFORMATION (FERPA) The Family and Education Rights and Privacy Act require that certain information be classified as directory information and available to the public unless parents or students eighteen years of age or older request in writing that such information not be released. Directory information includes: students name, address, telephone number, email, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weights and heights of athletic team members, grade levels completed, dates of attendance, degrees and awards received, previous school attended, and photos for school approved publications, web pages, or newspapers and classroom digital recordings. Directory information also includes the name and telephone number of the students parent(s). Directory information does not include identifying information on a student's religion, race, color, social position or nationality. Notice is also given that parents and students eighteen years of age or older have certain rights regarding student records. These include the right to inspect and review the students education record, exercise limited control over other peoples access to a students educational record, seek to correct an educational record, report violations of the federal law and are informed about rights under federal law. These

publications could include district-initiated publications some examples could include but are not limited to: calendars, newsletters, annual reports, Internet websites, and brochures. They also include school-initiated publications such as school website, student newspapers and yearbooks. In addition, media including weekly community newspapers, metro daily papers, and television stations may ask to take photos of district students. Parents or students of majority age who do not want directory information released must notify the district in writing by October 15. They must specify which types of directory information may not be released. New students: Parents have ten days to respond after the enrollment date. ENTRANCE AGE: Children must have reached their fifth birthday by September 1 to be eligible for enrollment and entrance into school. These children must have a birth certificate and a complete immunization record in the office. In addition, the parent must provide proof that the child has attended pre-school screening. RECORD INFORMATION: Information is collected and maintained in individual student records to assist that education of that student and to aid in the management and administration of the school. Such information includes census and standardized achievement testing data, subject and mark, attendance information, and specialist tests or evaluations. Authorized personnel may view records on a legitimate educational need to know basis. REGISTRATION/TRANSFER IN: A parent or guardian must accompany new students registering. On the initial contact for enrollments, the parent or guardian must complete and sign the release of information forms. Students will not be enrolled without adequate records. When you come in to register, please bring the following items: proof of residency immunization record emergency contact information parents/guardians complete contact information name and address of childs previous school official or certified copy of the childs birth certificate
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STUDENTS LEGAL NAMES: Students legal names must be used on all school documents and printouts. The name, as it appears on the birth certificate, is what will be entered into our student management system. STUDENT RECORDS: Student records are open to parents/guardians. If you would like to examine your childs file, please call and make an appointment with your principal. This student record contains the following information: Basic information about the student and family Attendance records Grades or progress reports Health information Records of achievement in the basic skills Results of intelligence, aptitude, and interest tests Special individual test results on pupils with special needs. (Special Services file) Student behavior report TEACHER AND ROOM ASSIGNMENTS: Our grade level teachers and principal meet to discuss teacher assignments for our students in the spring. Many items are considered in placement of students. Requests from parents/guardians are not taken by either of the DGF elementary schools. Past practice has been to wait until mid August for a mailing from classroom teachers to notify families which classroom students have been assigned to. WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL: A student transferring to another school or not completing the present school year must check out through the office. The parent will be asked to complete a withdrawal form and return all school materials or pay replacement costs. A copy of the students records will be sent to the new school upon request from that school or from the parent.

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE The teachers, administration, and Board of Education at DGF High School believe for education to be optimally effective attendance is important. An attendance policy has been adopted that encourages students to be in school whenever possible, invokes parental involvement when necessary, and includes intervention from appropriate school and county personnel. Administration will monitor absences (excused and unexcused) throughout the year. Upon the third unexcused absence from school in a year, parents will be contacted and administrator or designee will meet with staff involved with student to develop a plan as needed. Upon the fourth unexcused absence from school, the students name will be given to the Clay County Truancy Officer. When it is appropriate, the officer will make contact with parents. Family Vacation Clause - Families who wish to take an extended vacation or students who wish to participate in non-school educational travel may, in advance, gain approval from the principal for a waiver of the policy. Approved absences will not count toward the four absences referred to above. Clarification - Absences that do not count toward any of the totals listed above: School sponsored and directed activities, extended periods of bereavement, chronic or long-term illness as verified at the time of the absences; in some instances, a note from a health care professional may be required, rehabilitative stays conducted by professional services, pre-approved vacations or educational travel, or suspensions. Make up work will be sent home on the second day of an absence provided that office personnel are contacted by 9:00 a.m. Students are given two school days to complete work for an excused absence. One additional school day is allowed for each day missed thereafter. If a student is going to be absent from school, a phone call needs to be made to school before 8:00 a.m. Calls are to be made to the elementary office and not to the classroom teachers. If a phone is not available, a note must be received upon the students return to school. Any absence which is not verified by parents phone call or note within two days of the students return to school will remain as an unexcused absence. Family trips and other planned absences from school must receive prior approval from the principal. Work missed because of an excused absence must be made up within two days from the date of the students return to school. The school has the final discretion in determining excused/unexcused status. Students who are absent from school are not allowed to attend after school or evening activities. Attendance Procedures: There are occasions when, due to illness, injury, or an emergency, students need to be absent from school. These absences require the parent to notify the school. Please contact the school prior to 8:00. You may leave a message for our school secretary on her voicemail at 2872100, extension 120. . Please provide the following information: Students name Classroom teacher name Reason for students absence

After crosschecking with classroom attendance records, attendance personnel will call the families of those children who have not had a call made on their behalf within the day. This provides a check on the location and safety of all children at Dilworth Elementary. ATTENDANCE EXCEPTION REQUEST: Per School Board Policy 607, parents requesting to have their child attend a school outside their neighborhood site must obtain from the office an Attendance Request Form. Completed forms should be returned to the office. Processing of these forms will begin after st th March 1 up until August 15 , in the order in which they are received. The decision for approval or denial may be delayed. East request is to be evaluated on its own merit in terms of the criteria used in making the decision. Please contact the office if you are in need of additional information.

DOCTOR AND DENTIST APPOINTMENTS: Students and parents should make every effort to schedule doctor and dentist appointments outside of school hours. When this is not possible, a call or note in advance must be received by the elementary office. This must be done by 8:25, to allow for proper notification to the classroom teacher and/or specialist. A permit to leave will be issued the student. A parent must sign the student in and out of the office. Absences for doctor and dental appointments do count against the eight allowable absences per semester. LEAVING SCHOOL: You cannot leave the school without checking out in the office first. Students who need to go home to get a forgotten item in an urgent situation must get office and parent permission first and may leave only during a study hall or lunch time. In the event of an activity or game, students turn into the office a note one day in advance to leave for the activity (advance make-up). Phone calls, faxes, or e-mails will not be allowed to excuse a student for these events. Students will be released to parents or authorized adults from the office area during school hours. The secretary or principal will contact the childs teacher. The student will be released from the office. RELEASING STUDENTS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY: All students must remain on the school grounds during the regular school day. Students are required to have a written request from a parent to be excused from school during school hours. A blue permit to leave slip will be issued. A parent/guardian must come to the office and sign the student out from school. All students who leave and/or return to the school during school hours must check in/out through the elementary office. Under no circumstances are students to be excused directly from their classroom. TARDINESS: It is important for your student to be at school on time (8:25 AM) and ready to learn. Students are to report directly to their classrooms. Parents must accompany their students to the office when running late. An admit to class slip will be necessary for the student to get into class once the school day has started. A tardy is defined as arrival to class after the first bell at the start of the day, following transitional time, at the start of afternoon class. Arriving any time after 20 minutes is considered an absence and not a tardy. If tardy, the student must report to the office to receive an admit to class slip. Tardies are cumulative but are cleared at the end of each semester. If tardiness becomes an issue, a meeting will be set up with our Truancy Intervention Officer. TRUANCY/UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: Truancy is an absence not approved by the parent and/or school district.Unexcused absences include (but are not limited to)the following: missing the bus, work or babysitting at home, over-sleeping, vacations not pre-approved by the office, excessive absences in the judgment of the school without medical validation.State law requires that when children under the age of 12 have missed 7 days of unexcused absences that an educational neglect report be made to the county.Students who are deemed to be truant will have six hours of make- up time for each day missed due to truancy. ACADEMICS/GRADING/HOMEWORK ACADEMIC MISREPRESENTATION: Academic misrepresentation may be defined in any of the following ways: 1. 2. plagiarism means misrepresenting as your own work something done by another collaborative effort is where two or more student jointly prepare and submit the same or substantial similar papers as individual efforts without the specific consent of the teacher all assignments, unless specifically indicted otherwise, are to be completed by the individual student dual submission means submitting the same paper or substantially similar papers to meet the requirements of more than one subject without prior approval all of involved teachers cheating means using any answers/content from another student without the knowledge and consent of the teacher

3. 4.

When a teacher has determined that a student has academically misrepresented his/her work in any assignment/test, the student will not receive credit for the work and will be given the mark of zero for the assignment or test. There will be no make up for this mark. ASSIGNMENT BOOKS: Our students in second-fourth grades use a common assignment book. These assignment books are used to learn organizational skills, and instill self-discipline and self-responsibility.

Students are required to fill out their assignment book daily and obtain an adult signature nightly (some grade levels do not require this over the weekend). You are encouraged to use this book as a communications tool between you and your childs teacher. These serve as the home school communication folder for students in second-fourth grades. CHEATING: Cheating is strictly prohibited. The first offense will result in an automatic zero for the work or test. A behavior report will be completed. Detention will be assigned. CURRICULUM: We have adopted and will use the following curriculum materials/texts: spelling math reading social studies writing science art Houghton Mifflin Everyday Math Houghton Mifflin Houghton Mifflin Handwriting Without Tears Foss, Harcourt Davis

EXTRA HELP: Students are encouraged to seek extra help from their teachers if they do not understand an assignment, if the work is too difficult, or if they have been absent. There is time before and after school, as well as convenient times as arranged by the classroom teacher. Parents and students dont hesitate to ask for help, teachers will be happy to help you! FALSIFICATION: Falsifying signatures or dates on passes, notes or other school documents is prohibited. Disciplinary actions will be taken. FEES/FINES: Public education is free to all students who are residents of Minnesota. There may be times when fees are charged. 1. 2. 3. 4. When a student chooses to do a project beyond the minimum course outline, all excess costs are to be paid by the student. The project then becomes the property of the student. When student equipment or loaned materials are lost or damaged by negligence, a student will be assessed the cost of repairs and/or replacement. Students involved in academic or athletic organizations for which the school board has established a fee for participation. Fees may be charged for courses in which the student chooses to keep or consume products or materials from the course.

GOOD STANDING: Students who have truancies, numerous tardies, excessive behavior reports and/or stop and think tickets, or are failing a subject, will be considered NOT IN GOOD STANDING. These students, at the discretion of the building principal, may be denied participation in FUN activities including, but not limited to: dances, play day, matinee concerts and programs, assemblies, field trips, etc. The policy looks at a students behavior on the big picture, not just the weeks prior to a special event. GRADE LEVEL OUTCOMES/STANDARDS/LEARNING TARGETS: The curriculum of the DGF Schools is designed to provide stepping-stones on each childs way to his/her future. The grade level core curriculum is aligned to state standards. Every student is in their classroom for the core curriculum. GRADING SYSTEM/REPORT CARDS: Our kindergarten report cards are set up as a trimester system. st Our 1 -4th grade report cards are set up on a quarter system. Please note the following grading scale: nd rd th K-2 Grades 3 -4 Grades S Satisfactory 80-100% A 90-100% MS (meets with support) 74-79% B 80-89% N needs improvement 60-73% C 70-79% U un satisfactory 0-59% D 60-69% F 59% and below TIER TIME/RTI/PROBLEM SOLVING TEAM: Students who are experiencing academic difficulties and are struggling in the classroom are referred to the RTI/Problem Solving Team. RTI/Problem Solving Team works with the classroom teacher and parents to identify strategies and interventions that can be attempted to help the child experience success. If the interventions are not successful, then due process

is started. Due process procedures include screenings and possible assessments to determine if a student meets eligibility requirements for additional services.Rigorous implementation of RTI includes a combination of high quality, culturally and linguistically responsive instruction; assessment; and evidencebased intervention. Comprehensive RTI implementation will contribute to more meaningful identification of learning and behavioral problems, improve instructional quality, provide all students with the best opportunities to succeed in school, and assist with the identification of learning disabilities and other disabilities.Our grade levels meeting regularly to look at student data, to plan targeted interventions in reading and math using that data, progress monitor, and plan tier time to meet the instructional needs of all students. When they meet to plan, the team includes: title one staff, our math coach, our literacy coach, Reading Recovery staff(as appropriate), special education staff, our counselor and our principal. Each grade level has an assigned 25 minute math and reading tier time. STUDENT INFORMATION CHANGE OF ADDRESS/PHONE NUMBER: It is extremely important that every student maintain an upto-date address and working telephone number record at the school office. Please notify the school immediately if you have a change of address or telephone number during the school year. CUSTODY CHANGES/NAME CHANGES: It is the responsibility of the custodial parent or legal guardian to notify the school of a change in custody or a childs name change. Copies of legal p apers attesting to the change must be presented to the school. Student records are kept under a students legal name, and this name cannot be changed until legal documents are presented to the school. Release of a child to his or her natural parent cannot be denied unless one of the following documents is on file with the school office: A restraining order issued by a court against that parent The portion of a legal custody agreement that indicates the rights and privileges of each parent with regard to child care and visitation HONEYWELL INSTANT ALERT: Keeping parents informed and involved helps to assure student safety and improve student success. With today's on-the-go lifestyles, it has become more difficult for schools to reach families quickly and effectively. This is why our school has decided to implement a new system called Honeywell Instant Alert for Schools. Instant Alert for Schools is an essential tool for notification and communication. Within minutes of an emergency, school officials can use Instant Alert to deliver a single, clear message to the students' parents or guardians by telephone, cell phone, e-mail, pager or PDA in any combination. Instant Alert can also be used to notify you of a school closing due to inclement weather. It's an equally effective way to keep you informed of everyday activities, such as event times and locations as well as schedule changes. Instant Alert is Internet based, allowing each family to maintain a secure, password protected online profile. Included in this letter is an instruction sheet for accessing the system and creating your profile. You can log into your profile at any time to update your contact information. Maintaining the accuracy of your profile will increase the ability of the school to keep you informed. MOVING: When you are planning to move, please notify the teacher and the office as early as possible. It is necessary for us to have the moving date and your new address for proper record transfer. STUDENT RECORDS: Student records are kept in all elementary schools and are available for examination upon parental request. If you wish to discuss your childs records, notify the principal and an appointment will be made for you to see the records and receive appropriate explanations. STUDENT INFORMATION SLIPS: In our back to school mailing, you will get a copy of the current information that we have entered for you and your child. If there are corrections to be made, it is imperative that you return it to our office as soon as possible, not later than back to school night. INCLEMENT WEATHER: Minnesota weather is very changeable and does not always permit adequate warning time in the event of unexpected severe storms. If the school is to be closed early, we will follow the directions you have submitted on the Early Dismissal Form. Please be sure you have filled out the Early Dismissal Procedure Form and have filed it with your childs teacher. The decision to open school or

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to close early will be made by the Superintendent. This message will be carried by local radio and TV stations, as well as the main DGF website: www.dgf.k12.mn.us . You are also encouraged to sign up for the Honeywell Instant Alert notification system. Information will be available during back to school activities. It is also available as a link on our website. Please do not rely on calling the school as our telephone lines become congested. SCHOOL PHONE: Students are permitted to use the school phone in cases of emergency. However, we do not allow phone use by students for calls that are not an emergency. The school office and classrooms are considered places of business, and without restrictions on their use, phone lines may be tied up when a parent is trying to contact the school. STUDENT HEALTH & SAFETY STUENT HEALTH PROBLEMS FORM : A parent should inform the school of any special health problems a child may have. Copies of reports from the doctor explaining the nature of the condition will assist the school in meeting the needs of the student. Parents and/or guardians and the childs medical providers are responsible for the care of an ill student. School health service staff provide support to families in their responsibility of caring for their children. The school health office is staffed on all student days. That number is 287-2100, extension 121.. ACCIDENT/ILLNESS: The information on the student health form that is sent in the back to school mailing will be used in the event that your child becomes ill or in the event that an accident occurs at school. We will notify you by phone for instructions. If these numbers cannot be reached, 911 will be called if the situation warrants immediate attention. PLEASE KEEP THE INFORMATION ON YOUR CHILDS CARD ACCURATE AND UP-TO-DATE. FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM ANIMALS: The presence of animals is not allowed unless directly related to curriculum. Prior approval from the building principal must be received before bringing any animal to school and must follow state health and safety regulations. The entire presence of animals policy is available in the district office. CHILD ABUSE / NEGLECT PROCEDURES: 1. It is the policy of Independent School District # 2164 to protect children whose health or welfare may be jeopardized through physical, emotional or sexual abuse and conditions of neglect. 2. It is the policy of Independent School District # 2164 to comply with the law requiring the reporting of suspected physical, emotional or sexual abuse and conditions of neglect involving children. 3. The reporting of maltreatment of minors shall be strictly in accordance with provision of Minnesota Statute, Chapter 625.556. For a complete copy of the policy, please contact the Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton School District Administrative Office DOORS: The southeast door has been designated as the elementary doors, with the southeast doorway being our main entry. The outside doors are numbered. The southeast door or main elementary doorway is door #1. The lobby doors are the main junior high doors and are strictly off limits to elementary students before and after school (with the exception of those few identified students who catch the shuttle bus to/from Glyndon). During school hours, the southeast door (by the flag pole) is unlocked for public use. All visitors entering must register in the elementary office. Upon registering, a visitors nametag will be given to you to wear while a guest in our K-8 building. Failure to do so may result in trespassing. DRUG PARAPHERNALIA AND DRUG DOG: Students will not engage in or possess any illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia. Both are prohibited; law enforcement will be contacted. Students and parents should be aware that school district officials have access to drug-sniffing dogs. These dogs are specially trained to locate marijuana and other illegal drugs. Law enforcement and the drug dog will make periodic, unannounced visits to the school. Lockers, cars, or personal belongings could be potentially searched.

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EMERGENCY MEDICAL INFORMATION: All students must have emergency information listed on a student information card in the school office. In the back to school mailing, you will receive an emergency information form. If we already have the correct information on file, you are set. It is important that you update the information as necessary. We do need current phone numbers for you as well as for your local emergency contacts. Please let your emergency contacts know that the school may contact them and that they may have to be responsible for picking up your child from school if you are unavailable. The card must include a current telephone number so that parents may be notified and assistance may be given in providing proper care in case of illness or accident. This record is mandated by school district policy. EMERGENCY/SAFETY DRILLS & TRAINING: Bus Safety: Classroom teachers review bus safety and expectations at the start of the year. During the year, each student will take part in a bus evacuation drill. Evacuation Drills: During the year, we will be conducting a minimum of 5 code drills. Students are taught what to do in the event of a lockdown. These will be a combination of scenarios. The first one is always announced so as not to startle our little ones or new students. We will be following protocol of the Cass Clay Unified Schools crisis plans. Fire Drills: Fire drills are held at irregular and unannounced intervals so that the students in an emergency will be able to leave the building in a safe, orderly and timely manner. Directions as to where to exit are posted in each room. Students will be instructed by the teachers. The following drills will take place at Dilworth Elementary periodically during the school year: fire drills, playground safety, bus evacuation drills, lock-down drills, code yellow and code red drills, and tornado drills. Procedures for these drills will be discussed by the teachers, principal and bus drivers. Listen and follow directions. Such practices are important and should be approached seriously. Fire drill evacuation routes are posted in classrooms. Students are to evacuate quietly and as quickly as possible to the area designated during these drills. Teachers will check rolls at their designated area. Students and teachers are to return to classrooms and buildings when the all-clear signal is given. In the event of evacuation for other emergencies, the same procedure as for fire drills will be used. In case of a bomb threat, all students must go to the designated community site and report to the teacher from whose classroom they were dismissed. Teachers will take attendance. Playground Safety: At the start of the year, classroom teachers take their students out to the playground to review playground safety and recess expectations. Proper and acceptable use of the playground equipment is reviewed. The student sign off sheets are kept in the student folders. Mid-year and as needed, teachers and supervisors will review the expectations. Tornado Drills: A tornado safety plan is in place for Dilworth Elementary School. In case of a tornado, students will report to designated "safe rooms or areas." Tornado drills will be held to prepare students for an emergency and to familiarize them with their designated "safe area." HEALTH SERVICES: We do have part time services of public health/school nurses. Their primary function is the promotion of optimum health and wellness for students, staff and families. They check on chronic illness like asthma, diabetes, and communicable diseases. They also conduct health screenings including vision, hearing and scoliosis. Students who become ill or injured at school will be sent to the elementary office. If a public health/school nurse is on site, they will take care of the child and notification to parent. If there is not a public health/school nurse available, the elementary office personnel will take care of the child. Please keep all emergency information up to date. HEALTH SCREENING: Vision and hearing screenings at school help identify children with poor vision and/or suspected hearing loss. Following a re-screen, abnormal results on any of the screening procedures will be called to the attention of the parents/guardians. Students in first and third grades are screened for both hearing and vision. IMMUNIZATIONS: NO SHOTS, NO SCHOOL!!!! All DGF students must be in full compliance of immunization requirements new students as well as existing students. We will be in compliance with a NO SHOTS, NO SCHOOL POLICY. Families will be referred to our public health/school nurse to work out an immunization schedule.

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INDOOR AIR QUALITY: The DGF School District advocates a healthy school environment. To help accomplish this, we have implemented an IAQ Management Plan using guidelines provided by the Department of Children, Families and Learning (DCFL), and the Tools for Schools document developed by the U.S. EPA. Mr. Ken Hovde is the IAQ Coordinator for ISD # 2164. He has been trained and certified by the DCFL to fulfill this position. All issues concerning indoor air quality should be brought to his attention. He can be reached at 287-2371, extension 181. INHALERS: Children with asthma or reactive airway disease will be allowed to carry their inhalers at school and self medicate. In order for students to carry inhalers at school, parents must submit a written authorization form. This form also will require physician signature. The form is available from the offices. If you have any questions, please contact our public health/school nurse, at extension #121. ILLNESS: If a student becomes too ill to remain in class, we will reach you by phone. That is why it is so important that we have an updated, working phone number on the emergency card. We have some temporary facilities to help comfort the sick child while he/she is waiting. However, transportation cannot be provided for sick children. If your child is ill, please do not send him/her to school. A student who contracts a contagious disease or condition, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), chicken pox, ringworm, impetigo, or pediculosis (head lice) will be sent home from school and must remain home until the condition or disease is corrected. A written doctors release may be required in the cases of conjunctivitis, chicken pox, ringworm, impetigo, or other infectious diseases. MEDICATION: The following is an outline of the major policy information: an authorization for medication administration form for prescription and non-prescription drugs must be completed annually both by the licensed prescriber and parent/guardian and/or when a change in the prescription or requirements for medication administration occur; no medication will be administered without this form being signed by both the parent and the licensed prescriber; prescription medications must come to school in a container appropriately labeled for the student by the pharmacy; when the students medication regimen or the school year ends, the parent/guardian will need to pick up the medications or a procedure for the school to dispose of the medications will be followed; and unless outlined in an IEP or IHP all medications must be turned in to the office for dispensing and for storage. NO MEDICATION IS TO BE SENT TO SCHOOL IN A CHILDS LUNCHBOX, COAT POCKET, PLACED IN THEIR DESK, ETC. If you wish to consult with our school nurse, please call the school office, and they will arrange for you to do so. Beth Renner can be reached at 287-2100, extension 121. MEDICATION-FIELD TRIP ADMINISTRATION PROCEDURES: The staff person accompanying the student during the field trips will be responsible for the security, administration, and documentation of the medicine. Health service staff does not accompany field trips. STUDENT INSURANCE: Insurance is not provided by the Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton School District #2164. Supplemental insurance is available at your cost. Forms are available in the elementary office. STUDENT SAFETY: The staff of Dilworth Elementary strives to provide a safe environment for the students. One of our major concerns is the dangerous situation resulting from the traffic around the school at dismissal time. If you pick up your child, please park so the child does not have to cross the street in the middle of the block. If this is not possible, teach your child to go to the crosswalks or to the corner and cautiously cross to the side of the street on which you are parked. We also request that parents not double park while waiting for a child to be dismissed, as this also creates a dangerous situation SECURITY AND SAFETY: To reach our goal of providing learning opportunities that allow for the safety of our children, the southeast doorway is the only opened doorway during the school day. All visitors are required to register in the elementary office. A signed and dated badge will be given to you to wear while in the building. There are security cameras located in several locations throughout the building. Safety is a prime concern in our school. The school safety plan is updated annually and addresses everyday safety as well as emergency situations

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SCHOOL PATROL: With our grade level restructuring, we will not have our older students available for school patrol duty. TOBACCO FREE: Smoking and use of tobacco products are prohibited on school district property including school buildings, the Administrative Services Center, bus garage, school-owned vehicles, and leased properties. Students violating this policy will be referred to the appropriate site administrator and will be subject to disciplinary procedures as set forth in the Code of Conduct. VIDEO SURVEILLANCE: There are numerous video cameras located throughout the Dilworth site building, outside areas and district buses. The purpose of these cameras is to provide a safe environment for students and staff. Tampering with cameras or video surveillance equipment will result in severe consequences. The cameras are recording 24 hours a day, seven days a week. WEAPONS: DGF Board policy 501 state that no student shall possess, use, or distribute a weapon or through its use capable of threatening or producing bodily harm or which may be used to inflict self-injury. Policy 501 is available on our district website at www.dgf.k12.mn.us and defined weapon and lists consequences. DGF Public Schools has a zero tolerance in regard to the possession, use or distributions of weapons. Weapons are defined as any firearm whether loaded or unloaded; replica firearms or B-B guns; any chemical substance, device or instrument designed as a weapon or through its use capable of threatening or producing bodily harm or death; any combustible or flammable liquid or other device that through its use is calculated to produce bodily harm or death; any explosive, gas bomb, grenade, rocket, mine, or similar device; or any device or instrument that is used to threaten, strike terror, or cause bodily harm or death. Anyone who has a reason to believe a weapon is on a school site, on a school bus, or at a schoolsponsored activity has a duty to report that information to the site administrator. If weapons are found, site administrators will confiscate weapons and notify parents or guardians. WELLNESS: The DGF School Board has adopted the guide line that promotes and protects students health, well-being, and ability to learn by supporting healthy eating and physical activity. The DGF school district will encourage healthy choices as classroom snacks and celebrations and as birthday treats. A list of healthy snack choices will be made available to all staff and parents. Physical Education staff will be encouraged to begin fitness or activity logging to assist students in interpreting their person attainments and compare them to national physical activity recommendations.

PARENT INFORMATION Parents, grandparents, and community members are encouraged to participate in our school programs and activities. We appreciate and rely on the additional support provided for our school. CHURCH NIGHT: Wednesday night is considered church night in our three communities. School organizations and activities will try not to schedule events to occur after 5:45 p.m. on Wednesdays. CONCERNS AND COMPLAINTS (CHAIN OF COMMAND): Complaints and grievances shall be handled and resolved, whenever possible, as close their origin as possible. It is best to begin at the level the disagreement began and follow the Chain of Command. In the event that the matter is not satisfactorily resolved at an informal between the citizen and supervisor, and/ or employee of concern, District 2164 has adopted the following appeal process: 1. Matters concerning individual students should first be addressed to the teacher and/or employees about the concern. 2. Unsettled matters from (1) above or problems and questions concerning individual schools should be directed to the principal of the school. 3. Unsettled matters from (2) above or problems and questions concerning the system should be directed to the superintendent. If the superintendent cannot settle the matter satisfactorily, it should be brought to the Board of Education.

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PARENT RESPONSIBILITY: We believe the support and cooperation of our students parents is essential for all aspects of our school program to be highly successful. The area of student discipline is no exception. It is to be hoped that, by working together the school and home can assist the student in developing the self-discipline he/she will need to function successfully in our society. Again, the parent is extremely important in the educational process. We strongly encourage the parents of Dilworth Elementary students to: Display an interest in your childs educational setting See that your child comes to school regularly Work closely with the teacher and principal reg arding the program at Freedom and your students success in it Keep in mindwe care about your child and desire a high-quality program that will meet your childs individual needs Give your child support regarding homework and special school activities

PARENT GROUP: We have a very active and dedicated parent organization at Dilworth Elementary School, PAC (parent advisory council). If you are in terested in becoming involved in the groups activities for the benefit of the students, please con tact the school office. PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES: Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled for all students in the fall and spring. Parents are urged to conference with teachers if concerns arise. Teachers are not to hold conferences during their instructional time. It is the schools desire that every student work to the best of his/her ability at all times. Occasionally, however, it is desirable to inform parents or guardians of a students unsatisfactory progress in time for the student to improve his/her work before the next grade st report is prepared. Report cards are distributed every nine weeks for students in 1 -4th grade and at trimester time for our kindergarten students. PARKING: Please note the posted signs for approved parking locations. Extra parking is available on the north end of the Catholic Church parking lot. There are designated handicapped parking spots. Please do not park in the crossing lanes. Traffic is very heavy before and after school. Please teach and encourage your child to use the crosswalk at all times and to watch for traffic in all directions. The front of our building is not for parking, it is a Kiss N Go traffic lane is for drop off only. Please remember: These are your friends and neighbors, and each of you has children attending our school. Please be patient and extend courtesy to your friends and neighbors as you drop off and/or pick up your children, HOW PARENTS CAN HELP MAKE THIS SCHOOL YEAR A SUCCESS Always remember that you are your childs first and most important teacher. What you do at home is critical to their success. You affect the way they value education and, if you place a priority on learning, it will make a different in your childs attitude and motivation in school. Be sure your child attends school every day that they are well Be positive with your child about school Take every opportunity to recognize their accomplishments Show support for that the school staff are trying to do with your child Communicate to your child in many ways that education is a high priority to your family Set a designated study area and times in your home Doing homework and studying is a routine that should rarely be broken If your child does not have homework, that scheduled time can be used for reading The study area should be quiet and as free from distraction as possible Be aware of your childs assignments Help your child develop good organizational habits Create a place in your home where your child gathers all of the materials and supplies to bring to school the next day

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Discuss plans and activities for the next day Keep up on your childs progress Look over papers Check the assignment book Discuss the day at the dinner table Study progress reports and report cards Hold your child accountable for the decisions that they make Both positive and negative Set clear expectations and provide structure and support If you have a concern, please pursue it respectfully with school staff right away before making a judgment In doing so, you model positive problem solving skills for your child Your childs teacher is almost always your first point of contact If you feel that your child is struggling and is lost on an assignment or while preparing for a test, contact the teacher as soon as you can Limit TV time An inordinate amount of time can be spent on tv, video games, chatting with friends on email, texting Strike a balance, but place a high priority of education Repeat the mantra, school comes first in our home School is your childs job Be an involved parent Attend back to school night Attend parent teacher conferences Volunteer for PTA Volunteer as much as you can, even if it is only one day this year Civility counts Keep contact information up to date so you receive important information

Please remember that it takes people at home, the student, all of us at school to make the year successful. Ongoing communication builds understanding. VISITORS: In DGF Schools, all parents, guardians, and guests must check in and out of the school building through the office during every visit, no matter how short in duration. A guest badge will be given and is expected to be worn. This is a safety and child protection precaution and is not intended to cause and inconvenience. Exceptions for signing in are: school programs, conferences, and events before or after school. Throughout the school year, there are several school wide events that you are invited to attend. There are also classroom or department events that you are welcomed at. Other visitations to classrooms need to be pre-arranged through the classroom teacher and then given to the principal for approval. Upon approval, you first must stop in the front office to sign in and pick up a visitors nametag. Unauthorized adults and student visitors are not allowed on campus or in the classrooms. If you wish to observe a particular activity at school, please call the office in advance and we will be glad to arrange a date and time for your visit. Any employee of the school district has the authority to check visitor authorization. Students/friends or relatives from other schools visiting in the area will not be allowed to attend classes at Dilworth Elementary or at any of the DGF Schools. In the rare event that you would like to join your child for lunch, please notify you childs class room teacher and the office a day ahead of time. VOLUNTEERS: Parents are invited and encouraged to participate in the total educational program at Dilworth Elementary. Parent volunteer work at Dilworth Elementary is appreciated. Parents are utilized in a number of areas, both within individual classrooms and in various resource areas of the school. A sign up form with a list of options for volunteering will be sent home with your during the second week of school. Parent/family volunteers are welcomed. We do ask that you limit your time to a total of one hour or less. The teacher will determine times that are most appropriate for your child and classroom activities. The teacher will let the principal know. Volunteers and parents are needed in the classroom to help

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facilitate learning, and assist in programs throughout the school. Interested volunteers and parents are asked to contact the elementary office . GENERAL STUDENT INFORMATION/EXPECTATIONS ACCEPTABLE USE AGREEMENT: All DGF students who wish to use the Internet system on any of our school computers must read, accept, and sign the district acceptable use form agreeing that they will adhere to the rules for acceptable online behavior as outlined on the form. Violations may result in loss of access as well as other disciplinary and/or legal action. Signatures will be requires of parents and students in grades K, 3, 7 and 9. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Our daily announcements are done at 8:25, and are done via classroom televisions. We have a news studio located in our media center. Our Dilworth Elementary News Crew will present the daily announcements. Our principal will precede this with a morning greeting and any necessary special announcements. We are working on recording the announcements and making them available to parents online. In addition, this would allow our classroom teachers to play the announcements when it works in their schedule sometime in the morning. ASSEMBLIES: There will be a variety of assemblies throughout the school year. Students are expected to behave courteously at these assemblies. Visitors form lasting impressions of our school and community by our behavior at assemblies. Whistling, shouting, and foot stomping are not appropriate. Students should give full attention to the performers at stage and show appreciation only through clapping. BICYCLES: Bike safety is stressed at school, but it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to see that your child is able to safely ride a bicycle. Riding of bikes to school is a parent decision. We would caution you to the risks of safety and threat and are particularly concerned about the safety of children when crossing highway 10. Bicycles are to be ridden in a controlled and safe manner. Bike riders will be expected to walk their bike across the intersections that are patrolled by our school patrol members. Bikes must be walked on the sidewalks and playground area. All bikes must be locked in the bike rack area. The bike rack area is off limits during the school hours. Neither the district nor its employees can be responsible for damage to or theft of bicycles. BIRTHDAYS: Student birthdays are announced on the day of their birthday during the morning announcements. Students receive a birthday pencil and bookmark from the principal. Summer birthdays are celebrated at the half birthday time. Birthdays will be celebrated during the monthly lyceum program. Birthday students and staff will be asked to stand for recognition and handshakes during our Dilworth Elementary birthday song. A special birthday time will be planned throughout the year. In compliance with the wellness policy, birthday treats will not be served by the office. For those wishing to bring birthday treats, this is a reminder that treats for the class must be purchased from a bakery or store. Peanut, peanut products and home baked treats are not allowed for room parties or birthday parties. Treats are to fall within the guidelines of the DGF wellness policy, and are to be healthy snacks. Please contact your childs classroom teacher to make arrangements for a time during the school day that will not interrupt the learning day. The DGF Food Service Department is offering an opportunity for parents to purchase snacks to be used for birthday parties, etc. There will be a request form with price listing available. You will have to submit the form and request at least one week in advance. Copies of this form and price list are available in the elementary and food service offices. BULLETINS/POSTERS/FUND RAISERS: Students groups may display important notices, posters and flyers on the designated bulletin board space in the main elementary hallway, after approval from their advisors and the principal. Notices promoting private, profit-making organizations are prohibited. Community groups wishing to post materials are welcomed to bring the items to the elementary office for approval and posting. The main bulletin board will be the one by the southeast entryway. The bulletin board by the office will be used for student activity group information. BULLYING/HARASSMENT: Bullying is a conscious, willful, and deliberate hostile activity intended to harm, induce fear through the threat of further aggression, and create terror. Bullying means any written or verbal expression, use of electronic means, physical act or gesture, or pattern thereof, by a student that is intended to cause or is perceived as causing distress to one or more students and which

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substantially interferes with another students or students educational benefits, opportunities, or performance. Bulling includes, but is not limited to, conduct by a student against another student that a reasonable person under the circumstances knows or should know has the effect of: 1) harming a student; 2) damaging a students property; 3) placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or property; or 4) creating a hostile educational environment for a student by means of any communication. Administration reserves the right to go to the severe clause on any incident. Our protocol will be: Student meeting Meeting with parent/student/principal/counselor Contacting law enforcement CARE OF SCHOOL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY: We try to instill pride in students in the appearance of their school. Students must not mark on furniture, walls, ceilings, floors, or equipment with pen, pencil, marker or any other instrument. Students must not tamper with fire alarms, fire extinguishers, or electrical systems at the school. Anyone who willfully destroys school property through vandalism, arson, or larceny or who creates a hazard to the safety of our students will be referred to the proper law enforcement agency. Students are responsible for lost or damaged books or school property. Students will have to pay the required amount. Included are textbooks, resource books, and library books. Please do not send large amounts of money to school with your child. Also, radios, MP3 players, toys, electronic games, skateboards, scooters, roller blades and items of high value are not appropriate for school. If such an item is brought into the classroom, it will be kept by school personnel until the end of the school day, at which time the student can retrieve it. CELL PHONES: Parents are asked to keep student cell phones at home. If students are sent to school with a cell phone and it goes off during the school day or students are found texting, it will be confiscated by the teacher and delivered to the office and parents can pick it up from the office during working hours. We dont want to see it or hear it during the school day. CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS: Each teacher has his/her own classroom behavior expectations that include rules and consequences. They will be discussed during the first week of school, and throughout the school year. The classroom expectations are also posted in each room. You will receive the following grade level information: grade level handbook, behavior expectations, grading procedures and homework expectations. CLASSROOM INTERRUPTIONS: You are welcomed to speak with your childs teacher before and after school. Teachers cannot stop instruction for phone calls between 8:25 and 3:05. Students will be allowed to call home for emergencies only, and will make those calls from the office. Arrangements for after school activities or transportation should be made before the child leaves home each morning. To create and maintain the best learning environment for students, interruptions during instructional times must be avoided. Please make all necessary arrangements with your child and be certain that you child has his/her lunch, money, homework assignments, permission slips, and/or books before school begins. Voice mail messages will be transferred to the classroom teacher. Phone calls during teaching time will be transferred only in emergencies. Parents picking up their children from inside the building after school are to wait in the southeast lobby area or office area until the 3:05 bell. Classrooms are not to be interrupted. We will not interrupt the end of the school day to pick children up 5-10 minutes early. DISCIPLINE POLICY: We adhere to all DGF Board of Education policies. The policy book is located on the DGF website at www.dgf.k12.mn. DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIALS: We do follow the DGF Board of Education policy on distribution of materials. If you would like to see the complete policy, it is available on line at our website or is available in the office. This includes materials from outside agencies, businesses, birthday parties, etc. DRESS CODE: The school administration and teachers will continue to encourage all students to dress in a fashion that reflects good taste and a style appropriate for a school day. Dress code is the

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responsibility of the students and their parents. Personal appearance and dress should meet reasonable safety, health and decency standards so as not to cause a disturbance in the educational process. Shoes and socks must be worn at all times. Inappropriate lettering or designs will not be permitted on clothing. Flip flops, high heels, thongs, sandals without socks, tie shoes without strings in them are not permitted. Due to outside recess and/or outside physical education classes, no shorts are to be worn from November through March. Students in grades K-3 are required to have snow pants, boots, hat, mittens/gloves, and jacket during the winter months. Depending upon the conditions of the grounds, students not wearing boots may be restricted to certain areas. When in the judgment of the teacher, staff member, or principal a students appearance, grooming or dress interferes with or disrupts the educational process or school activities or poses a threat to the health or safety of the students others, the student will be subject to the discipline code and will be directed to make modifications immediately and will be removed from regular classes until in compliance. Parents will be notified. It has been the elementary staffs experience that attire which advertises alcohol or items which are illegal when used by minors or attire which is sexually explicit, sexually suggestive, or could constitute harassment, is inappropriate and disruptive in the school setting. Inappropriate clothing may result, but is not limited to, the student: having to call home to ask for a change of clothing, being asked to put on a lost and found clothing item, being asked to turn the inappropriate clothing inside-out, being detained in the office. We strongly encourage that students keep a change of clothing in their lockers for such times as spilling on themselves at breakfast/lunch, bathroom accidents, or clothing malfunctions. This would save both the student from missing classroom activities and parent time by not having to make a trip to the school for clothing. Tennis shoes must be worn for physical education class, whether class is inside or outside. Clothing, tattoos, or similar that have logos or works that promote or imply, alcohol, tobacco, drugs or sexual connotations are not permitted. In appropriate clothing such as short shorts, skimpy tank tops, spaghetti tops, tops that expose the midriff or any other clothing that is not in keeping with community standards will not be permitted. Pants must fit the waist appropriately and if a belt is worn the remaining length cannot hang down the leg. Hats are not to be worn in the building. Coats are not to be worn in the classrooms. Sunglasses are not permitted. FIELD TRIPS: Field trips are designed to provide learning experiences for students outside the school setting. The goal is to supplement educational activities provided in the classroom. Students are expected to follow the rules of the school even though the students may be far from the actual school building. In addition, other rules may apply to the field trip, which ordinarily are not stressed at school. These additional rules may be necessary for the safety of students, to maintain order on the bus, or to comply with the regulations of the facility being visited. Following the rules and displaying proper manners are requirements for students on all field trips. Students may be excluded from field trips because of poor behavior before the trip. If student behavior is unacceptable during the field trip, uncooperative students may be excluded from participating with the other students and may be required to remain on the bus or wait in another area under adult supervision until the activity has been completed. FUND RAISING & SPECIAL EVENTS: All fund raising activities must be approved through the continuing education office. Please save your Box Top for Education labels. We appreciate all who assist in this fund raising project. Per state law: If we ask students to fund raise, the money raised is to be spent on student activities and not for the facility. In the unfortunate circumstance of a student accident or family emergency, DGF will not orchestrate fundraising activities or benefits. We will allow for parents or community organizations to facilitate these special events. Please contact Community Services for information on fundraising and facility use. HARASSMENT / HAZING Harassment/Hazing will not be tolerated at DGF Schools. School must feel safe for all students, faculty, staff and visitors. Any harassment complaints by students or staff (physical, sexual, verbal) will be fully investigated. Police and Sheriffs Department will be contacted when necessary. Harassment/Hazing could result in detention, suspension or expulsion. Report any offense to school personnel or the counseling center.

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INFRACTIONS: The following student actions are serious infractions of the schools rules and standards. These actions will nearly always lead to a detention or a suspension, parent contact or conference, and a plan to avail any further similar problems. Willful defiance of staff Stealing Hazing Fighting (any & all) Cheating/Forgery Bullying Assault Threatening other students Vandalism Pulling the fire alarm Disrupting school activities Causing injury to another students LIBRARY MEDIA CENTER: The goal of the Dilworth Library Media Center is to assist our patrons in becoming independent, contributing, life-long learners by: fostering a love for literature providing exposure to a wide variety of current and significant authors and illustrators offering experiences in using reliable and interesting information sources presenting content in various media to produce information literacy Although the library does not impose overdue fines, any outstanding fees or library materials not returned or paid for within two days of the year-end due date (usually 10 days before the last day of school) will result in a behavior report for the student. LOCKERS/LOCKER SEARCHES School lockers, in addition to all areas of the school building, are the property of the school district. At no time does the school relinquish its exclusive control of any portion of the school building, including lockers that are provided for the convenience of students. School authorities for any reason, may conduct inspection of the interior of lockers at any time, without notice, without consent and without a search warrant. The personal possessions of students within a school locker may be searched only when school authorities have a reasonable suspicion that the search will uncover evidence of a violation of law or school rules. As soon as practicable after the search of a student's personal possessions, school authorities must provide notice of the search to the students whose lockers were searched unless disclosure would impede an ongoing investigation by police or school officials. (M.S.121A, 72) The School District may use law enforcement or other contracted agencies/services to conduct a search. If it is believed that contraband is located in a locker, the interior of the locker and the items inside the locker will be searched. Lockers should be used to house textbooks, other school materials, and personal belongings. You will be assigned a locker at the beginning of the year and will be expected to use that locker for the entire school year, unless the Principal reassigns a locker to you. Students are responsible at all times for their personal property. Money and valuables are discouraged from being kept in lockers. Students are expected to keep lockers clean during the school year. LOST AND FOUND: Lost and found is located in the designated lockers by the southeast entry. Lost, stolen and/or damaged personal property cannot be replaced at the district or school expense. Throughout the school year, items left for an extended time period will be donated to local charities MESSAGES AND DELIVERIES: Messages for the end of the day must be received by 2:30. End of the day announcements are done at 2:55. This includes the names of students who need to come to the office for phone messages or bus passes. Messages are not to be called in on a regular basis. Phone messages will not be taken, delivered, or forwarded to classrooms about non -academic issues unless it is an emergency or on a very rare occasion (an example of this would be a change of after school plans or reminder about after school plans). On occasion, floral and balloon deliveries are made to the school. They will remain in the office until the end of the day when the student can pick the item up on his/her way out of the building. Singing telegrams or similar deliveries will not be accepted. In the case of an

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EMERGENCY, office staff will make every effort to assist parents in the delivery of emergency messages or items. The office is not responsible for unclaimed messages or deliveries. We ask that parents be aware that we have a very limited staff and a very large student population. Please request assistance only in true emergencies and when no other alternative is available NEWSLETTER AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS: Ordinarily parents will be informed of special events, schedule changes, and other school-related news items by means of the newsletters that are mailed or emailed home and notes sent home with students. Please discuss with your children the importance of taking home these communications and of giving them to parents. Our office will have a Wednesday Home School Folder Information Sheet that will be posted on line. Should you not have access to email and need a hard copy sent home with your child, you will need to notify the office. On the first school day of the month, our office will post the monthly Dilworth Elementary Newsletter and calendar of events on line. Should you not have access to email and need a hard copy sent home with your child, you will need to notify the office. NON-DISCRIMINATION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: It is the policy of the School Board of Ind. School District No. 2164 to comply with applicable federal and state law prohibiting discrimination to the end, that no person, protected by such law shall, on the grounds or race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, marital status, with regard to public assistance, age or disability be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any educational program or in employment, or recruitment, consideration, or selection while at Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton Schools. PASSIVE PARTICIPATION / IN THE PRESENCE OF A BEHAVIOR PROBLEM: Students who passively participate, meaning they do not remove themselves from a situation, (a table with several noisy students and the table gets written up or you fail to report an issue student vandalizing school property or theft) may find themselves in guilt by association situation. Either you are part of the solution or part of the problem. You do not need to give names, but you need to inform a staff member of the issue or problem so that damage is minimized or corrective action taken. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes section 121A.11, subdivision 3(b), any student or teacher may decline to participate in recitation of the Pledge. Those students choosing not to participate may sit quietly in their seats while the Pledge is recited. RECESS: Children must go outdoors for recess. Recess provides for a break in the day, informal play, and a release of energy in a positive way. All recesses are formally supervised. Unless the temperature is less than 0 and/or conditions of precipitation are present, students will be expected to go outdoors. For this reason, please see that they are adequately dressed for cold weather. This would include: hat, mittens or gloves, warm jacket, snow pants for our primary students, and boots. RESTRICTED MATERIALS: Electronic equipment including but not limited to: radios, walk-mans, beepers, walkie-talkies or other communication devices are not allowed in the building during the school day. Items used during the school day will be confiscated and will be held in the office until a parent picks up the item. A second violation will result in confiscation up to the end of the school year in our May basket. SCHOOL PHONE: Students are permitted to use the school phone in cases of emergency. However, we do not allow phone use by students for calls that are not an emergency. The school office and classrooms are considered places of business, and without restrictions on their use, phone lines may be tied up when a parent is trying to contact the school. SELLING ON SCHOOL GROUNDS: No one, including students, parents, or school personnel are authorized to be engaged in the selling of items for personal gain on school property. SEXUAL HARASSMENT / VIOLENCE: To maintain learning and working environment that is free from sexual harassment and violence, this school district prohibits any form of sexual harassment and violence. Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, sexually motivated physical conduct, or other verbal or physical conduct or communication of a sexual

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nature. Any student or employee of this school district, who harasses or commits violence toward another student or employee through conduct or communication of a sexual nature, will be subject to the consequences appropriate for the behavior. All complaints whether verbal or written will be investigated and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. An individual who wishes to report a violation is encouraged to use the form available in the principals, superintendents, or counselors office. All verbal and written complaints should be submitted to the Human Rights Officer, Carol Rogne. Retaliation is prohibited against Harassment/Violence policy. A complete policy handbook is available in the faculty workroom, the principals office, or the superintendents office. Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence is against the law! SKATEBOARDS/SCOOTERS/ROLLER BLADES/HEALIES/ ETC.: These items are not allowed at school. The school does not have an area to store or secure them. Many of the walkways are gravel and all concrete walkways are designed for pedestrian traffic only. SPECIAL PROGRAMS OR SERVICES: Dilworth Elementary provides the following special programs or services, either as part of the regular school curriculum or as an option for students: 1. 2. 3. 4. Art instruction is integrated into the regular classroom instructional program Band is offered to students in grades five and six Computer instruction will be integrated into the regular classroom instructional program The community services program offers a wide range of stimulating and enriching activities, academic classes, sports opportunities and family events for students after school, in the evening and on weekends Media center provides our community with the opportunity for using reference materials and the joy of reading- students will have at least one scheduled time each week Music is provided daily by a specialist for students in grades one-six and students in all day every other day kindergarten. Students in grades five and six have their choice of band, choir, or band and choir after the first two weeks of school, drop/adds will not be considered until semester time Physical education is provided daily by a specialist for students in grades one-six Counseling services are available for all students Learning disabilities, early childhood special education, PT/OT, speech and language, emotional and behavioral disorders, mild to moderate mentally impaired, and other health impaired services are available Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits the discrimination against person with a handicap in any program receiving federal financial assistant. It is the policy of DGF Schools not to discriminate on the basis of handicap in admission or access to, or agreement of employment in, its programs and activities. Our school psychologist is our 504 coordinator. Her telephone number is 287-2100, extension 201. The entire policy is available in the elementary office. The English Language Learner program is available for students who are identified as Limited English Proficient or requested for assessment and meet the program criteria Title One services for math and reading are available for students who are identified or for whom assessment is requested and then meet the program criteria The library and computer labs are the information, research and reading center for the school and are available for all students/classes. The media center will be open to students after the third day of the start of school and up through the third to the last day of classes Concordia reads is a tutoring program in partnership with Concordia College and Dilworth Elementary Reading Recovery is a specialized program for qualifying students in first grade Accelerated Reading is a program for our second, third and fourth grade students

5. 6.

7. 8. 9.

10.

11. 12. 13.

14. 15. 16.

STUDENT GRIEVENCE/COMPLAINT PROCEDURE: A grievance, simply defined, is an injustice, or a cause for complaint. On occasion, a student, or a group of students, may have a complaint about something that is happening at school. A grievance procedure is designed to resolve the conflict between the opposing points of view as quickly and as efficiently as possible. In the event that a student feels a grievance exists, the student should discuss the issue with the person or persons with whom the student has the conflict. If the student does not wish to deal with that person, then the student should contact the

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counselor. The counselor will attempt to reach an agreement between the parties, but if the counselor cannot, then the matter will be referred by the counselor to the principal. A grievance procedure is a mature way of settling conflicts, but it should not be regarded as an instrument one uses without just cause. Students should be mindful of the following: 1. Is the complaint justified or based on momentary anger? 2. Can the complaint be resolved? 3. Will the resolution of the conflict be beneficial to all parties at Dilworth Elementary? Students are guaranteed the right of a grievance procedure; they also have the responsibility to use it properly. Follow the steps outlined above - dont bypass people who are willing to assist in reaching a satisfactory solution TESTING: Our kindergarten through fourth graders will be taking the Northwest Evaluation Associations Measurement of Academic Progress (MAP) test in math and reading. This will be a fall and spring test. This test will provide information on the student and will provide information on the individual student over time. Test results are used to analyze a student's progress in conjunction with everything else the teacher knows about the student to meet individual instructional needs. The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments are given to 3 thru 6 graders in the spring as "benchmarks" of progress toward meeting the high standards set by the State. These scores are used to determine if Participation and presence on the days of assessment is a must. Our students test in math and reading. Testing is at a high stakes level. Teachers During this time, we do insist that classroom visitations and interruptions are held to a minimum. All students will be assessed fall, winter, spring, in the reading area, using AIMSWeb. TEXTBOOKS: Textbooks and library books are furnished by the DGF Schools. They are property of the DGF School District. In the event a textbook or library book issued to a student is lost, damaged or destroyed, the student is responsible for its repair or replacement THEFT OR LOSS OF PERSONAL ITEMS/FOUND ITEMS: Theft and/or loss of personal items should be reported to the office as soon as possible. All found items should be turned in to the office. TITLE ONE SERVICES: Students who are being serviced with Title One services will be required to have their parents sign a compact agreement during the Fall Parent Teacher Conferences. VALUABLES: It is recommended that students leave all valuables at home. Common sense and consideration is the best guide in determining whether or not to bring personal possessions to school. The school staff is not responsible for valuables students bring to school. Only school equipment may be used at noon hour. CD players, walk mans, Pokmon cards, yak backs, Giga pets, radios, etc. are not to be brought to school. Personal items, which do not belong in school and end up interrupting the learning environment, will be turned over to the office. They will not be made available to the student until the end of the last student day. They will remain in the May Basket until then. VENDING MACHINES: The vending machines in the lobby are off limits to elementary students before school, during the school day and immediately after school. Students who decide to use the vending machines will have the items taken away. The exception is a school-sponsored activity, such as a junior high sporting event WEBSITES: The main School District 2164 website is a valuable information resource for school staff members, students, parents and community members. It may be reached at the following address: www.dgf.k12.mn.us BEHAVIOR STANDARDS AND EXPECTATIONS Students, staff and parents all share the responsibility of maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment. Appropriate behavior is critical component in this safe and respectful environment and is also a strong indicator of student success.
rd th

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When a student engages in inappropriate behavior, staff members will work with the student to address the behavior. Possible interventions include education, restitution, mediation, counseling, parent meeting, time out, loss of privileges, and/or detention. Any student who engages in inappropriate behavior shall be disciplined in accordance with district and building polices. These policies apply to school buildings, school grounds, school property, school sponsored activities or trips, school bus stops, school buses, the area of entrance or departure from school premises or events, and all school related functions. District and building policies also apply to any student whose conduct at any time interferes with or obstructs the mission, beliefs or operation of our school district of the safety or welfare of the students or employees. Students who are currently identified as disabled under IDEA or Section 504 are subject to the same rules and discipline policies as non-disabled students unless educational plans require otherwise. THE REBEL WAY(PBIS) We believe that school should be a safe and respectful environment in which all students are free to learn. As members of this school community, students, parents and school staff all share in the responsibility of creating this positive learning environment. School-wide Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS) is a multi-tiered proactive approach for teaching and improving socially acceptable behavior. The focus of PBIS is on prevention rather than the development of consequences for inappropriate behavior. The PBIS integrated approach clearly identifies systems, practices and data to improve student behavioral outcomes. It includes a broad range of systemic and individualized strategies for achieving important social and learning outcomes while preventing problem behavior with all students. At Dilworth Elementary, the PBIS approach is referred to as the Rebel Way.

THE REBEL WAY (3 Rs) These are the behavior expectations that all children and adults in our building use and are accountable for upholding in all school spaces.

Respect Responsibility Right choices

We will define and practice the 3 Rs so students know what is acceptable and expected. It is important for all students to take ownership for their own words, actions and behaviors. BEHAVIOR VIOLATIONS If students choose a negative behavior, consequences are progressive and leveled, following the colors on a stop light.

Green: level 1 ~ Rebel Reminder Yellow: level 2 ~ Rebel Reteach Red: levels 3 & 4 ~ Behavior Report*
*A District Behavior Report is completed and principal makes phone contact with parents.

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PLEASE SEE THE REBEL WAY BROCHURE THAT WILL BE SENT HOME WITH STUDENTS AS WELL AS POSTED ON OUR WEBSITE A complete packet will be made available at our Back to School Rebel Way kick off in the fall. STUDENT EXPECTATIONS: One of our major goals at Dilworth Elementary is to maintain a learning atmosphere that provides every student the opportunity to work toward his/her greatest potential. To accomplish this, we must have a learning environment that is safe for all students and allows them to work in an atmosphere conducive to learning. Our school provides each student with the maximum opportunity to acquire an education. No student has the right to interfere with the opportunity of other students by his/her actions, poor manners, or lack of consideration. All rules and regulations are developed and enforced with this thought in mind. School rules apply on the school grounds, going to and from school, and at any event where our school is represented, regardless of location. School Student Expectations School is your job. Therefore, you are responsible for your own learning, your own behavior, and your own attitude. Students are to use appropriate language at all times. Profanity will not be tolerated. Students are to respect the property of others by not taking anything that does not belong to them nor damaging or destroying others property. Respect for school property is expected at all times. Toys and dangerous objects are not allowed at school. Use of the telephone will be limited to emergencies only. Gum chewing is not allowed. Student Conduct and Discipline Policies Discipline Referral System Procedure and Parent Notification: Dilworth Elementary is a school committed to the principals of Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS). We have received a grant and are beginning the framework of this program. At the start of the year, as well as throughout the year, more information will be given out to all stakeholders. The overarching behavior expectations of all who participate in Dilworth Elementary School are listed on the previous page. Examples of these over arching behaviors are taught and visually posted throughout the various school settings. At the beginning of the school year, special attention is given to systematically teach behavior expectations. Then, periodically behavior expectations are reviewed. At the same time, the school has an organized approach for acknowledging positive behavior. Every staff member in the building is responsible for monitoring the behavior of children in the hallways, in the cafeteria, on the playground, etc. Staff is expected to acknowledge the positive behavior of students and follow the school behavior flow chart for misbehavior of students. Behavior which necessitates an immediate office referral to be addressed by the principal is indicated on the Dilworth Elementary Behavior Flow Chart. Behavior not indicated as an immediate office referral is expected to be handled through the school classroom management system (Time to Teach). If classroom managed behaviors continue and are chronic, a discipline referral may be appropriate. All student discipline office referrals will be recorded on the school office referral form and sent to the office for documentation and/or administrative action. A copy of each discipline referral will be sent home for notification and parent signature. Consequences for students receiving a discipline referral will be determined by a school administrator on an individual basis. Examples of consequences are as follows: completing a refocus form, community service, in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, loss of privileges, and time in office, replacement assignment, conference with student, parent contact or conference, bus suspension, detention, referral for counseling, and other consequences. SUSPENSIONS, EXCLUSION AND EXPULSION: The fair pupil dismissal act will be followed. Good faith exception a violation of the technical provisions of the pupil fair dismissal act, made in good faith, is

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not a defense to a disciplinary procedure under the act unless the pupil can demonstrate actual prejudice as a result of the violation. A pupil may be dismissed on any of the following grounds: Willful violation of any reasonable school board regulation Willful conduct that significantly disrupts the rights of others to their education Willful conduct that endangers the pupil or other pupils, surrounding persons, or the property of the school.

All candidates for suspension must be sent to the office with a discipline referral note for documentation. A student is entitled to basic due process procedures prior to suspension. FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM The school cafeteria is operated as a school service to provide wholesome and nutritious lunches for the lowest possible price. serves hot lunches, and all students are invited to have lunch at school. Children who bring their lunch may purchase milk. Nutritious school meals are a vital link to the physical and intellectual fitness of students. DGF food services provides students with quality food and service. Children from families whose income falls within federal guidelines may qualify for reduced prices or free lunches. Applications for Free and Reduced Lunch are mailed home during the summer; however, a parent may apply at any time during the school year. Applications are available through the school office. One request is needed for each child. Lunches will be provided for those students who qualify when the applications are turned into the school. ACCOUNT BALANCES AND PAYMENTS: Each student has an individual account. Advance payment is required, and is credited to the individual students account. The most convenient way to pay is via Pay School which is accessible at our district website. You can also send cash or checks to the cafeteria with your child, or drop them off yourself. This should be done in the morning. Checks and cash are not to come to the food service secretary as your child goes through the line. Each student is assigned a personal Identification Number (PIN). When students come to the end of the line, they will enter their PIN number. Your childs lunch purchases and balance information can also be accessed through JMC. When a students account is running low, the food service secretary will inform that the student that it is time to add money to their account. At the elementary level, their hand be stamped. Any money left in the account at the end of the year will be left in the system for the next school year. BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PRICES: Lunch and breakfast prices are set for this school year. Breakfast for elementary students is set at $.85. Lunch for elementary students is set at $1.95. Please contact the, food service secretary, for information. Her extension is #179. LUNCH/BREAKFAST PROGRAM: All students will eat in the schools cafeteria unless prior arrangements are made in the office. Students may bring their own lunch or utilize the cafeteria program. Beverages brought from home must remain sealed and unopened and be consumed only during the assigned lunch period in the cafeteria. Pop is not an acceptable beverage for lunch. The lunch program is on a computerized system. Families must prepay to a students lunch account. Each student will be assigned a number that they must give to the operator when they go through the lunch line. The computer will automatically deduct the appropriate amount for the lunch purchase. No credit is allowed. Students prepaying on their lunch accounts should do so before the start of school in the lunchroom. Lunch menus are printed in the Rebel News and are read daily on the announcements. Throughout the year, we receive several requests for family members to join us for lunch. We would like to invite you to join us, if you wish to. Due to the large number of students and the amount of recess and lunchtime that each grade level has, we would like to limit this to 1 time per quarter at the most! We do ask that you notify the office one day in advance. Please pay for your meal prior to joining your child for lunch. This can be taken care of in the food service office, which is directly across from the elementary office. This is a time to enjoy eating a school lunch with your child, bringing in fast food items during this time or purchasing items from the ala carte selection is not allowed. Adults cannot charge their lunch to their childs account.

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LUNCH MENUS: Lunch menus are planned in advance and be accessed from the district website at: dgf.k12.mn.us TRANSPORTATION We welcome all community members to play a part in keeping our school buses safe and student friendly. BUSES: Buses will load and unload from the west side of the school. All elementary bus students will enter the building using the southeast doors (the main elementary doors-door #1). The exception are those students who ride the after school shuttles back home to Glyndon. You will leave from the lobby doors (Junior High doors). For the first week, your teachers will release you a few minutes early as you get in the routine of getting there and getting on. Riding a school bus is a privilege. We are fortunate that our DGF Board of Education continues to support bussing for all of our students. The DGF School Board requires that all students who ride the bus conduct themselves on the bus in a manner consistent with established classroom behaviors. Incidents of misconduct will be documented by the bus driver and reviewed by a school administrator with the student. The parent/guardian will be notified of the misconduct and asked to help correct the students behavior. The second offense will be a suspension from the bus for five days, then ten, then twenty, and/or removal for the remainder of the year or longer. In such cases, the parent/guardian becomes responsible for transporting their student to and from the school building. If the loss of bus transportation will be a hardship for the family then behavior should be outstanding. Request for changes in pick up or drop off addresses must be directed to our Transportation Directorat 287-2732 extension 193. The first responsibility of the bus driver is to drive safely and to obey the rules of the road. The bus drivers are in charge on the buses and it is the students responsibility to listen and to respond to their directions. Prior to boarding the bus, students will: stay off the street and peoples property, wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before boarding, and enter the bus in an orderly manner. While on the bus, students will: keep arms, legs head and other objects inside the bus, keep the bus clean at all times, remain seated and quiet, keep the aisles clear, not eat food, chew gum or drink beverages. When inappropriate or unacceptable behavior occurs on the bus, the bus driver will contact the transportation director. The transportation director and/or principal will be in contact with the parents. Action could include: a conference with the student, a parent/driver/principal/student conference, or the loss of riding privileges. This is a reminder that students who are riding the second bus after school must remain in the supervised bus lines until the bus arrives. Those students who do not wait in this line because they decide to go outside or run around the hallways will not be riding the bus home. Parents will be notified that their child has lost bus-riding privileges for a period of time. The buses will stop at the designated bus stops only. These have been set by the Board of Education. Should you have any questions about your childs bus stop, times, etc, please feel free to contact our Transportation Director, at 287-2372. The school district shall provide students with school bus safety training. The training will consist of both classroom instruction and practical training using a school bus. Training will take place in September for all K-6 students. Additional training will take place later on in the school year, as per state mandate. Transportation may be denied to a student who fails to demonstrate the competencies unless the student is unable to achieve the competencies due to a disability. As per requirements, primary students will have a second round of bus training during the second semester of school. Students are expected to follow the same behavioral standards while riding school buses as are expected on district property or at school activities, functions and events. The bus safety rules are posted on every bus. If an expectation is not met, the district discipline policy will be followed. BUS PASSES: Any student who wants to ride a different bus, ride the bus to a friends home, or get off at a different stop from his/her assigned one must bring a note from a parent in advance. This note must contain the following information to help ensure student safety: the date students full name exact destination (bus stop)

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parents signature parents daytime phone

If the student is riding a bus to a friends house, both students must bring a note to the office in order for us to issue a bus pass. The school secretary will write a bus pass which the student must give to the bus driver. Without the bus pass, the student will not be allowed to get on a different bus or dropped off at a different stop. BUS ROOM: After school, the Multipurpose Room serves as the bus room. Students, who are riding busses that do not leave immediately after school, are to report to the bus room by 3:08. The bus room is supervised by teachers; students are required to remain in the bus room until their bus arrives. For the safety of the students, visitors are asked to come to the office to pick up students who ride a later bus. The office staff will radio into the bus room to locate the student and have them sent to the office. BUS SAFETY: Safety at bus stops and safety on the bus depends on the cooperation and responsible behavior of every student. Please discuss safety rules with your child. Our drivers and teachers will also review. Safety points include: be on time to keep the bus on schedule board and depart the bus correctly follow the bus drivers directions remain seated do not endanger yourself or others speak and act courteously do not bring food, animals, beverages, tobacco, chemicals, or hazardous materials on the bus help keep your bus clean and safe

Students who do not follow safety rules will be reported to the principal. Parents are asked to reinforce the fact that riding the bus is a privilege reserved for students who respect the rules and are courteous to others. It is the right of each student to be treated in a reasonable and respectful manner whether in school or on the school bus. When disruptions arise on the bus they are usually related to student misbehavior. Issues may arise as a result of the actions of a singe student, the interaction among several students or the interaction between students and their driver. We would like to deal with these misbehavior issues before they reach a level of harassment. As a rule, school bus drivers are to correct or report misbehaviors as soon as possible after they are observed. However, there may be times when behavior related problems occur which are unpleasant for a student, but not readily evident to a driver. Please to no hesitate to report, or encourage your child to report such incidents. We are committed to providing a safe and pleasant ride for all students. Your cooperation is always appreciated in helping to achieve this goal. CAMERAS: There are cameras video cameras on the busses. Should you have questions, please contact the District Transportation Director at 287-2372. TRANSPORTATION POLICY: A copy of the transportation eligibility guidelines and policy is available on-line at www.dgf.k12.mn.us

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