Wilson Elementary

~Our School Handbook~

Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome to Wilson School!! We are excited about the school year and know you will find this year to be a successful one.

This handbook contains important information about Wilson policies and procedures. Please take the time to read through the handbook with your child. Communication is the cornerstone to a highly successful team. We feel that the school staff, parents and school need to work as a team to educate our children.

I encourage each parent to find a way to become involved at school. You may want to join PTA, Dad’s Club, or volunteer at school.

Sincerely,

Sheri Schultz, Principal

Wilson Elementary School

WILSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

MISSION STATEMENT

The Wilson Elementary School staff believes that all children can learn. We will provide a safe, positive, and challenging environment where all students can learn to reach their full intellectual, emotional, and social potential. They will become the successful citizens of the twenty-first century.

STATEMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

Wilson Elementary School’s educational philosophy is based on the belief that all children can learn and that the purpose of education is to provide a continuation of essential learning. It is our ultimate goal to supply each student with basic facts and experiences. These will aid our children in becoming self-sufficient individuals mentally, physically, socially, and morally so that they can meet the demands of a rapidly changing society. It is essential to instill in each student the importance of individual worth and to create a positive self-image through the personal development of initiative, resourcefulness, and responsibility.

It is the intent of the staff to lead students toward being disciplined, productive, informed, and fulfilled individuals. To achieve these ideals, mutual respect and understanding must be present in the learning process on the part of all participants – the faculty, staff, students, parents, and community.

SCHOOL VISION

All students attending Wilson Elementary School will be successful. These successes will help make attending school an enjoyable experience.

The students at Wilson Elementary school will learn in a safe, nurturing environment that is encouraging and supportive.

The diversity of our students will be recognized, respected, and considered a strength.

There will be a spirit of cooperation that will encourage all to work together and communicate effectively.

Students’ needs will be our priority and will be met because of our flexibility and our ability to solve problems creatively.

BELIEF STATEMENTS

All staff at Wilson Elementary school will consider students and parents as their number one priority when making decisions and providing services.

All staff at Wilson Elementary School will make parents feel welcome and involve them in school activities and decision making as appropriate.

All staff at Wilson Elementary School will function as “team players” by participating in shared decision making.

SCHOOL THEME

The school theme is “Taking Care of Each Other.” This means that the students, parents, and staff from the Wilson Elementary School community will look out for the welfare of one another.

SCHOOL CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT

At Wilson Elementary School, students will be taught a concept-based curriculum in a brain compatible environment. This environment includes these elements:

Absence of threat
Enriched environment
Collaboration
Choice
Meaningful content
Adequate time
Immediate feedback
Mastery
Movement

COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT

GOALS FOR 2006-2007

Smart Goal 1: The percentage of students in grades 3-5 that are grade level proficient in reading for Spring 2007 will equal or exceed the state trajectory of 70.0% as assessed by the Iowa Test of Basic Skills.

Smart Goal 2: The percentage of students in grades 3-5 that are grade level proficient in math for Spring 2007 will equal or exceed the state trajectory of 68.3% as assessed by the Iowa Test of Basic Skills.

Smart Goal 3: The number of students in grades K-5 receiving a detention 5 or more times due to misbehavior will be reduced by 10%. 62/499 students June 7, 2006 to 56 students (Spring 2007).

WILSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL EVERYDAY RULES

LISTEN CAREFULLY

ATTEND TO YOUR STUDIES

USE A LOWER VOICE, REMAIN CALM

USE COMMON SENSE

THINK FOR YOURSELF

ALWAYS PRACTICE GOOD MANNERS

Proper Respect

Self Control

“Excuse me” – Not Excuses

Please and Thank You

WILSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

DISCIPLINE POLICY

We know that learning cannot take place unless the classroom is secure and free from behavioral disruptions. Therefore, we expect our students to demonstrate good behavior at all times. We invite you as students and parents to join us in taking a proactive stance to maintain our high standards of student behavior.

The Wilson Elementary staff have developed programs that teach our students appropriate and responsible behavior. The Peacebuilders Program along with the district’s seven life skills are taught in our classrooms. The seven life skills are: Caring, Teamwork, Responsibility, Effort, Perseverance, and Common Sense. In addition, Wilson Elementary School has adopted the following everyday rules: Listen Carefully; Attend to Your Studies; Use a Lower Voice; Remain Calm; Use Common Sense; Think For Yourself; and Always Practice Good Manners.

Each staff member at Wilson Elementary School is to assume the responsibility for the maintenance of discipline and for the promotion of our programs of wholesome human relations.

Students are not allowed to have on their possession any weapons, “look alike” weapons, or toys that look like weapons. Violation of this policy may result in school suspension.

Fighting, teasing, bullying, and/or threatening other students will not be tolerated. Any behavior that disrupts instruction in the classroom will not be tolerated. Students are expected to respect fellow students and staff.

If a student becomes a behavioral problem one or more of the following interventions may occur:

· Verbal reminders.

· Isolation in the classroom.

· Isolation outside of the classroom.

· Time out in the classroom.

· Time out in the Social Skills Room.

· Detention Referral to the Social Skills Room.

· After school detention.

· Recess detention.

· Teacher counseling.

· Referral to the School Counselor or School Psychologist.

· Referral too the Social Skills Room Supervisor.

· Referral to the Solution Focus Plan Process.

Out of the Classroom Time Outs: In situations when students do not follow directions after being warned, the student may be sent to the Social Skills Room for a 10 minute time out to “cool off.”

Detentions: Students may be referred to the Social Skills Room for a detention. This is for more severe infractions or repeated offenses. This detention cannot be for more than one day unless approved by the principal. The referring person is to contact the parent regarding the detention. Students may be detained after school (3:20 P.M. to 3:50 P.M.). Parents will be notified before the detention is served.

In School Suspensions: The principal may place students on an in school suspension. The student would be confined to the Social Skills Room to do his/her work.

Out of School Suspensions: The principal may suspend students out of school for more serious behavior infractions. Upon receiving his/her third out of school suspension, the students will have to appear before a Central Administration discipline hearing committee. In accordance with the Pro-Active Disciplinary Policy, as affirmed by the Davenport Community School District Board of Directors, and stated in Board Policy 504.1, any students in grades kindergarten through grade twelve, willfully involved in a fight, bringing weapons to school (including toy weapons, objects used as weapons, and laser pen lights), bringing drugs, look-alike paraphernalia to school, or signaling gang activity, will be suspended from school, and a conference with the parents, the student, and the principal must occur.

Expulsions: A student may be expelled from school by the Board of Directors when offenses of a more grievous nature take place.

Bus Conduct: Students must maintain good behavior at all times while on the bus and at the bus pick up spots.

Items not allowed at school: Students are not to bring personal items to

school such as radios, jam boxes, electronic games, skateboards, roller blades, or toys without their teacher’s permission. Valuable items are not to be left in lockers since our lockers are not secured. Valuables may be kept by the teacher or in the office. Sports equipment should not be brought to school since the school will provide the necessary playground equipment.

Cell Phones and Pagers: We understand that some parents may want their child to carry a cell phone or pager for security reasons going to and from school. We discourage this practice, however, they may be brought to school under certain conditions. They are not to be on or used during the school day. They must be shut off during school time and have to be kept out of sight. There is always the chance they may be stolen or lost. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to keep them secure.

LUNCH PROCEDURES

Teachers do not collect lunch money. Students are to come to the lunchroom BEFORE school between 8:45 A.M. and 9:00 A.M. to pay for their meals. All money collected will go into an account for each student. Both breakfast and lunch money will be drawn from that account. We encourage parents to prepay for meals. It is much easier for the students to not have to worry about their lunch money each day and it will cut down on students losing their money. No money will be accepted in lunch line. If a student does not pay in the morning, they must wait until all of the other students are through the line to pay because paying in line slows up the lunch line.

Computerized letters will be sent home with students who have a low balance in their lunch account (under $5.00). These letters will be sent out every Monday and Thursday to remind parents to add more money to their student’s account. Charge letters will be sent home daily with any student who charged and has a negative balance. If a student has a second charge they are given a peanut butter or cheese sandwich and milk. The price of the milk (30 cents) must be repaid and will be taken from the money collected before the student is given another lunch.

OTHER HANDY FACTS

ADULT CROSSING GUARDS: The adult crossing guards will be on duty during 8:15 A.M. to 8:55 A.M. and 3:15 P.M. to 4:40 P.M.

ATTENDANCE: Good attendance is essential for good learning to take place. Iowa law holds parents responsible for their children’s attendance. If your child is going too be late to school or absence please call the school at 391-0903 before 9:00 A.M. Tardies or absences not called in are considered unexcused.

CHANGE IN STUDENT INFORMATION: It is important that you notify the school office of a change in address, home phone number, or emergency phone number. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE HAVE A CURRENT EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER.

DISCIPLINE: All staff members at Wilson Elementary School have the responsibility for helping to maintain good discipline and promoting our programs for the development of wholesome human relations such as, Peacebuilders and the District Life Skills. Students are expected to demonstrate good behavior.

INCLEMENT WEATHER: When severe weather creates hazardous conditions, the regular school day may be suspended to ensure student safety. Please monitor the news reports via television and radio. Numerous radio stations announce school closures along with TV channels 4, 6, 7, and 8. If you are not sure about school cancellation or a late start, call the school office at 391-0903.

MEDICATION: The Wilson Elementary school staff is prohibited by law from providing or administering any medication, including aspirin, to any student unless they have been certified and authorized by the principal. Students needing medication should, whenever possible, take the medication at home. If medication needs to be given at school, it must be personally delivered to school by an adult and accompanied by a written request from the parent/guardian and written authorization from a physician indicating the name of the medication, the dosage to be given and when it is to be given.

SCHOOL BREAKFAST AND LUNCH: Breakfast is served between 8:30 A.M. and 8:55 A.M. Orderly behavior and good table manners are expected of all of our students. Students who do not display good behavior and manners will not be allowed to eat in the lunchroom. We welcome parents and relatives to come and eat with their children. If you wish a school lunch please notify the school early the morning that you are coming.

SCHOOL COLORS AND MASCOT: Wilson Elementary School colors are red and white and we are known as the “Little Falcons.” Red and white day is the last Friday of each month. On these days we encourage students to wear red and white to school.

SCHOOL HOURS: School hours are 9:00 A.M. to 3:20 P.M. each day. Students are not to arrive at school before 8:40 A.M. Breakfast students may come at 8:30 A.M. Students in our before school program may come at 7:00 A.M.

SOCIAL ACTIVITIES: Students may bring birthday treats to school if they bring enough for the whole class. Gum or suckers with gum are not allowed. There will be school-wide parties throughout the school year which will be announced as they are determined. Please notify your child’s teacher if you do not want your child to participate in any party.

STUDENT SAFETY PATROL: The student safety patrol is made up of 5^th grade students who have been authorized by the Davenport Community School District and the Davenport Police Department to assist students in safely crossing the streets near our school. All students are to obey the directions of the safety patrol when crossing the street or at any other time that they are carrying out their duties.

TRAFFIC SAFETY RULES: Please help us to prevent the risk of serious injury to a child by carefully adhering to our following rules of traffic safety:

· All students are to be dropped off and picked up in designated authorized areas only.

· When picking up your child, always pull to the curb. Do not stop in the middle of the street or drive.

· In using the circle drive, do not stop to pick up your child until you have driven to the far end of the drive directly behind the car in front of you. This allows others to access the drive area. Please maintain one lane of traffic in the drive.

· Do not park in bus zones.

· Children are to cross the street at the crossing lights or where safety patrol students are stationed to assist with the crossing.

· Please obey all posted signs near the school.

· Only students in grades 4 and 5 are allowed to ride their bikes to school. Bikes are to be parked in the bike racks and secured by chain and lock. Upon entering the school grounds and sidewalks, students are to walk their bikes to the bike rack. Upon leaving school grounds and sidewalks, students are to walk their bikes out of the school zone.

· Please note, our East parking lot will be chained off from 8:30 A.M. to 9:00 A.M. and 3:15 P.M. to 3:40 P.M. every day. If you are parked in this lot, the chain will not be removed until 9:00 A.M. or 3:40 P.M. respectively.