LaGrange Elementary School
2129 Chatsworth Road
Franklin, LA 70538
Principal
Ronald Hawkins
School Telephones
Office 337-828-1991
FAX 337-828-1999
St. Mary Parish School Board Office 337-836-9661
LaGrange Elementary Website www.stmary.k12.la.us/les
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Welcome to LaGrange Elementary School and to the many exciting experiences that await you her. The effort that you give, along with the considerable amount of time that you will spend with us, will make your stay here a memorable one.
This handbook has been prepared just for you. It is designed to inform, challenge, and to encourage each of you to perform at your best. You will find, through your reading, that the rules and regulations that govern our lives here at LaGrange Elementary School make it possible for all of us to enjoy school, to work hard, and play together.
Please take time to read over your handbook very carefully. Make sure that you understand everything in it and be sure to discuss it with your parents. If you should have questions about any part of the book, please free to ask any of your teachers, the secretary, or any other staff member. They will be happy to answer any of your questions.
This is your school; so be proud of it. Remember, LaGrange Elementary School will only be "what you make it." You have the power to make this school year, you best school year ever. Good luck to you as you take on this new challenge.
Ronald Hawkins
Principal
We at LaGrange Elementary School believe in the total development of our students: physically, emotionally, morally, as well as socially. Our goal is to successfully provide educational opportunities individuals at all ability levels and to establish their growth processes. To accomplish these developmental goals, the following components of design are set forth as tools of achieving the school philosophy:
1. A diversified personnel scheme; administrative, teachers, and auxiliary personnel.
2. Curriculum development and design; address student needs, abilities, and interests through evaluation.
3. Auxiliary program; provide support services to meet the individual needs of the students .
4. Community involvement; attempts to involve all segments of the local community, to enrich the quality of learning experiences provided.
5. Extracurricular activities enables students t apply and exhibit acquired skills.
STUDENT UNIFORM POLICY
The policy of the St. Mary Parish School Board shall be that no mode of attire will be considered proper for school wear that distracts from or disrupts classroom and school decorum. The principals of each school will make the final decision as to what is considered proper or improper dress. The Board feels it is the responsibility of each student to use good judgment in one's total appearance so that the attention of others is not distracted from the purpose of school. Cleanliness shall be a basic consideration.
Any substantial complaint concerning the dress code will be dealt with by the school administration.
GROOM AND DRESS REGULATIONS
Suitability of all rules will be judged and enforced by the school administrators.
Shoes are to be worn at all times. They must be buckled,
buttoned, tied or zipped if so designed.
Shirts and blouses must be buttoned, collar button
excluded. Shirts must be tucked in at all times.
Proper undergarments are to be worn at all times.
Haircuts must be neat, clean and presentable. There will be
no restriction on a student's hair style or their manner of dressing unless
it presents a "clear and present" danger to the student's health and safety,
causes an interference with work, or creates classroom or school disorder.
Hair in rollers or "set" shall be prohibited.
Pants must be of reasonable length. Shorts, skirts, and
jumpers must be no less than two (2) inches above the knee.
On special school days, principals of junior high schools
and high schools may allow students to deviate from the dress code.
All visible body pierced jewelry except for earrings on the earlobe shall be prohibited.
SCHOOL UNIFORMS
Mandatory school uniforms have been implemented in all schools in St. Mary Parish. The information below is a guide to utilize when assisting parents with the purchasing of clothing for students.
Basic Uniform
PreK - 8 Grades
White or navy blue short or long sleeved polo "golf" or oxford
style shirts are to be worn by all elementary and junior high school students.
(Navy blue shirt is not allowed at B. Edward Boudreaux Middle School.) "Polo"
shirts must have at least two (2) buttons and a collar. Pockets are
permissible. Oxford shirts must button all the way down. Shirts must be tucked
in at all times. Name brand emblems are not allowed on
shirts.
ADDITIONAL GARMENTS
1. Solid navy blue, white, khaki/tan or school-colored sweatshirts, sweaters or sweater vests may be worn over polo or oxford shirts. No contrasting colors, stripes, etc. will be allowed. Sweatshirts, sweaters and/or sweater vests may have official school mascot/logo on them. Sweatshirts must be pullover in nature and may not have hoods. Uniform shirt collars must be visible at all times when wearing these garments. Note: WSMHS students may have the following colors only: light blue, navy or black.
2. A lightweight jacket, parka, or windbreaker can be worn when experiencing cooler weather (fall) or when buildings are too cool for students. The garment must be solid navy blue, khaki/tan, white or designated school color. No contrasting colors, stripes, etc. will be allowed. These garments must be free of hoods and name brand emblems. Official school mascots/logos may be located on these additional garments. School-issued jackets may be taken into consideration as part of the uniform. Note: WSMHS students may have the following colors only: light blue, navy or black.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
1. Students who transfer into St. Mary Parish will be allowed two weeks to purchase uniforms and comply with the policy.
2. Clothing must be neat, clean, modest, properly worn and the correct size for the student.
Blue jeans are allowed (when designated by the principal) but must meet the same criteria as the uniform pants. Accessories, book sacks, book covers, or any other item containing graffiti, or writing/symbols which may be perceived as vulgar, profane, disruptive, gang-related, violent,
heavy metal, tobacco or alcohol-related language are not to be worn or brought on the school campus.
3. Spirit shirts may be worn with approved pants/shorts, skirts, etc. on such designated days as determined by the principal. The students have the option of wearing the spirit shirt or the standard school uniform.
4. The school principal/designee will make final decisions on acceptance of garments within the uniform policy guidelines.
NONCOMPLIANCE PROCEDURES
The student dress code policy shall apply to all students in all schools in St. Mary Parish. Implementation of the mandatory dress code policy will begin with the opening of the 1999-2000 school year.
The following are approved disciplinary procedures for students (Pre-K - 12th grade) who are in noncompliance with the mandatory dress code policy:
*First Offense: A telephone call will be made by the principal to the parent/guardian to attend a conference with principal concerning the dress code policy. Parent/guardian should also bring appropriate change of clothing to school.
*Second Offense: A telephone call will be made by the principal to the parent/guardian to alert parent that the child is being referred to two (2) hours in the student adjustment center for appropriate disciplinary action as determined by the principal. Parent/guardian should also bring appropriate change of clothing to school and will be required to attend a conference with the principal prior to the student returning to class.
Third Offense: A telephone call will be made by the principal to the parent/guardian to alert parent that the child is being referred to four (4) hours in the student adjustment center for appropriate disciplinary action as determined by the principal. Parent/guardian should also bring appropriate change of clothing to school and will be required to attend a conference with the principal prior to the student return to class.
A student’s clothing must be the appropriate, standard school uniform as determined by the St. Mary Parish School Board and as interpreted by the principal. The principal will make the determination regarding the acceptability of a student’s uniform dress, accessories, and appearance.
7
**Students who are in continuous noncompliance of the dress code policy will be referred by the school principal to the Child Welfare and Attendance Supervisor. At this time a disposition will be made by the Superintendent or his designee for possible court action against the parent and/or student.
***ONLY POST EARRINGS ARE ALLOWED!!
***HOOP EARRINGS, DANGLING EARRINGS, BIG NECKLACES, FAKE FINGERNAILS ARE NOT ALLOWED!!
EARRINGS MUST BE STUD OR POST!!!!
***BELTS THAT ARE LARGER THAN 1” AND BELT BUCKLES LARGER THAN 1” ARE NOT ALLOWED!!
Our school day begins at 7:55 A.M. Students are not expected to arrive at school before 7:15 A. M. However, students will be marked tardy after 8:00 A.M. A PARENT OR GUARDIAN MUST ACCOMPANY ALL late arrival students. Students will be marked “absent” from school until a parent or guardian signs the student “IN” for the day.
AUTOMOBILE ARRIVALS-Parents who bring children to school and pick them up are to use the loop on the side of the school. Cars bringing children to school will form a single lane of traffic. Do not use the Chatsworth Road entrance. This entrance is for the busses. Parents are not to bring students to school before 7:15 A.M.
WALKING STUDENTS-Parents of children who walk to school should instruct them how to do so safely. Your child’s safety is a major concern of the school, but the cooperation of the home and the school is necessary to build proper habits of safety. Children should be urged to walk only on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the street, facing oncoming traffic. Cross at intersections protected by a crossing guard, wherever possible. Students need to obey the crossing guard (s) and proceed directly to school or home. In NO case should students who walk or ride to school with parents arrive BEFORE 7:15 A.M. Students will be held accountable for their actions to and from school. All students who walk or ride from school with parents must be off the campus by 3:10 P.M.
BICYCLES-Any student riding a bicycle to school must park the bicycle in the bike rack. The bicycle must be dismounted and walked across the street crossing in front of school. The bicycle must be walked directly to the bike rack in the morning. When arriving and departing school, students must walk their bicycle while on the campus and campus sidewalks. Students reported for riding their bicycle in an unsafe manner or violating a safety rule shall be reprimanded. This reprimand could result in the loss of bicycle privileges for an indefinite period of time. Students who bring bicycles to school do so at their own risk. The school is not responsible for stolen bicycles.
DISMISSAL-The school day ends at 3:00. SHARP! Parents, you are to pick up your child ion the side of the school building facing Chinaberry Street. Parents are not allowed to enter the school building to wait/pick up their children. Please follow these exit rules to make it safer for students to dismiss from school. Your cooperation is vital.
A student will not be allowed to leave school early unless a *parent/guardian personally signs the student out of the office.
*Parent/guardian are the names placed on the checkout card in the office. This card is completed by the parent/guardian at the beginning of school. Only those names placed on this card will be allowed to check the student out. I.D. may be required. NO EXCEPTIONS!!
If your child is absent from school, we ask that you notify the school (985) 384-4986. Parents/students should become familiar with the parish attendance/tardy policy found in the St. Mary Parish School Newspaper. Parents should keep on file any/all written doctor’s excuses to justify their child’s school absences and forward a copy of the excuse to the front office.
A pupil entering school for the first time must present a certified birth certificate, his/her social security card, physical proof of residence, and an immunization record. The immunization record includes an up-to-date listing for all DPT injections (including booster), measles, and rubella (German measles or three day measles) and a TB skin test.
DROPS FROM SCHOOL
Parents are asked to give the school at least a 24-hour notice before dropping a student from school. We need this time to complete all the necessary paperwork/computer data transfers. Classroom teachers need time to gather the student’s school items without disrupting instructional time.
CAMPUS
LaGrange Elementary is a closed campus. Students are not to leave the campus any time during the school day without permission from the office.
CHECKOUTS
Students are allowed to check out for personal illness, doctor visits, or other emergencies. Parents must come to school and sign students out. Parents must indicate who will be allowed to check their child out on the provided student information card.
Students should notify their homeroom teachers if they are ill and need to check out. Teachers will, in turn, give the student a checkout/medicine request form to fill out. The request will be sent to the office, and the office will then call the parent. No student should be sent to the office to call home without a checkout/medication request form.
FAMILY AND EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Emergency contacts listed on the student information card will be deemed acceptable to check a student out of school. Any person(s) not listed on the card will not be allowed access to the child.
It is essential that the records of a school be as accurate as possible. You, as parents, know how quickly children become ill or injure themselves. It is imperative that we are able to contact a parent, relative, or close friend to care for your child. In the case of extreme illness or injury where parental contact cannot be made, it will be the school’s policy to contact Acadian Ambulance Service, or to take any such action we deem prudent and appropriate with parents responsible for any charges incurred.
PLEASE UPDATE STUDENT INFORMATION CARD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE ANY TIME THAT THERE IS A CHANGE!!!
Use of the Telephone
The telephone is to be used by students only in times of emergency; therefore, after school arrangements for rides home or permissions to visit friends are not considered emergencies. Students MUST get a note from homeroom teacher before being allowed to use the telephone.
DISCIPLINE
Schools exist to educate society’s children. Without good discipline, this process is impeded. It is the parents’ responsibility to set expectations of responsible behavior for their child. Teachers do not look for, nor like, discipline problems. Teachers would prefer that all students simply follow the rules of good behavior. Parents must cooperate with the school in behavior. If you notice your child’s conduct grade slipping, please contact your child’s teacher(s). Much valuable time is lost in dealing with discipline that could be used in a more productive fashion in instruction.
In order to achieve this necessary climate, the following standards of acceptable behavior are essential. Each student is expected to:
1. Demonstrate courtesy to all and show respect for authority.
2. Develop pride in and protection of school property.
3. Conduct himself/herself in a manner which is safe to all at all times.
4. Accept responsibility for his/her own behavior.
Rewards are abundantly available to students who are cooperative. Intangible rewards include such things as a smile or expressions of pleasure over improved behavior/cooperation/achievement. Tangible rewards will also be given to deserving students including notes of commendation from teachers and special individual privileges. In an effort to develop a level of consistency from classroom to classroom, some basic classroom rules have been established.
These include following a teacher’s stated directions, showing respect for others and their points of view by having students raise their hands and waiting to be recognized before speaking, showing respect for themselves and their property by keeping their hands, feet, and all other objects to themselves, assuming responsibility for personal preparation for class each day by completing assignments and having all materials needed for class with them.
A student’s behavior will be charted each day. If a student chooses to misbehave, a series of consequences will be enforced. In most cases there will be an initial warning issued to the student, which may include placing the child’s name on the board as a reminder to the child.
Consequences for misbehavior include:
1. Time out in an isolated part of the classroom or removal to another area of the campus
2. Pre-determined work to be completed at school or home.
3. Loss of classroom privileges and/or recesses.
4. After school detention. (30 minutes to 2 hours determined by the behavior; failure to report results in suspension)
5. Corporal punishment (with parental consent).
6. In School Suspension. (ISS)
7. Suspension pending a hearing.
8. Expulsion.
Weekly conduct grades will be sent home along with test grades for the week. Teachers will communicate with parents either by phone or notes. Any office referral will result in notification of parents at that time by the principal (if phone contact cannot be made, written notification will be sent.) Parents will also receive prior notification of at least one day concerning after school detention.
PARENTS WILL BE GIVEN EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH THE SCHOOL IN CORRECTING MISBEHAVIOR OF THEIR CHILDREN.
The school and the home are a team and without complete understanding and cooperation between the two, the goal of an optimal learning environment for the child may not be met. Please help us by helping your child understand that both acceptable and unacceptable behavior are choices; if unacceptable behavior is chosen, consequences will follow. Acceptable behavior choices enable all of us to better reach our goal.
FOOD SERVICE
Students may eat both lunch and breakfast at school in the cafeteria. School cafeteria prices are as follows:
BREAKFAST-60 cents for full pay; 30 cents for reduced; VISITORS $1.50
LUNCH -$1.00 for full pay; 40 cents for reduced; VISITORS $2.75
SCHEDULES:
BREAKFAST: 7:25 A.M. to 7:45 (All students)
8:05 A.M. (Preschool class)
LUNCH: 10:30 A.M. (Classes begin entering)
12:15 P.M. (Lunchroom closes)
At the beginning of this school year, your child will be issued a lunch envelope and a computer identification number. The collection envelope is sent home for lunch and breakfast payments to be enclosed. You may pay by the day, week, or the month. There will be a $25.00 charge per check on all NSF checks returned. NO EXCEPTIONS! When the lunch/breakfast envelope reaches your child’s teacher, the envelope is sent to the cafeteria manager where your child’s computerized account is credited for the money sent. It must be mentioned that no change will be given back if you overpay. The extra money is accounted in the computer system and will be refunded at the end of the year. The cafeteria manager will issue the collection envelopes to your child’s classroom teacher when your child’s lunch account indicates that he/she is in need of additional lunch or breakfast money. If your child forgets his/her lunch money, he/she will be sent to the office to call home so that he/she may eat lunch on that day. Neither the school nor the cafeteria can loan money to any pupil forgetting lunch/breakfast money. There will be no charging of meals. If a child owes any money for lunch or breakfast that has not been paid, he or she will not receive their report card for that nine-week period.
Parents who feel their family may qualify for free or reduced lunch benefits may fill out an application form that will be sent home the first week of school. Approval of the form takes approximately two-three weeks, and parents are expected to pay for meals during this processing period. Parents will be notified when the request form is approved or denied. Students are encouraged to eat in the cafeteria, but it is permissible for them to bring their own lunches to school under the following regulations:
1. The lunches must be consumed in the cafeteria.
2. Soft drinks cannot be brought into the cafeteria.
3. No fast foods in their trademark bags or wrappers can be brought into the cafeteria.
4. The lunch brought to the cafeteria must be a nutritious lunch, which does not include cola or candy.
5. Your child may purchase milk to drink with his/her lunch for a charge. 100% fruit juice may be brought to drink.
Students who exhibit poor manners and behavior in the cafeteria will be reprimanded and dealt with consistent to an earned consequence on the discipline plan for their teacher.
Students are subject to corporal punishment by State law and parish policy. Corporal punishment may be administered in place of suspension. Please familiarize yourself of our parish policy on corporal punishment. The policy can be found in the St. Mary Parish School Newspaper
AWARDS
Academic and Merit Awards will be given each grade level in areas chosen by the faculty. Each grade level of teachers will choose Students-of-the-Month. The criteria will be academics, citizenship, and service to school/community and conduct.
SNACKS AT SCHOOL
No gum, candy, chips, or sunflower seeds are allowed to be brought to school. The improper disposal of these items makes this rule a necessity. School concessions will be sold at school during the afternoon recess.
DRILLS
Fire and tornado drills will be held on a regular basis. Evacuation routes are posted in each classroom. Students must respond quickly and quietly to a teacher’s directions during the drills and emergencies.
EMERGENCY DISMISSAL
If any disaster or emergency causes an early dismissal, the announcement will be made on local radio stations. Parents should then come to school to get their children.
HOMEWORK
Parents are asked to see that students complete their homework assignments. Homework assignments may count as part of the student’s grade. Students who habitually fail to do homework are subject to disciplinary action.
TEST PAPERS
Test papers and other pertinent information (examples-homework assignment sheets and conduct information) will be sent home on a regular basis. We expect the papers to be signed and returned the next day. Students who do not return signed test papers will not have their papers sent home until the missing set is returned. Parents may request a parent-teacher conference in order to view their child’s test papers.
SCHOOL MATERIALS
Your child will bring home a list of needed materials that he/she will need to use in class. These will have to be REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES during the year due to loss, breakage, and constant use. Students who come to school without needed materials or supplies cause a great deal of lost instructional time. Parents, then, are responsible for keeping their children provided with the necessary supplies.
HEALTH SERVICES
Please note that it is unlawful for the school to administer or for students to take any form of medication without a form completed by the child’s physician and a permission form signed by the child’s parent. These forms may be obtained in the school office. Additionally, any medication to be administered at school must be sent in the original pharmacy container and prescribed for the child to whom it is to be given. The label must include the child’s name, physician’s name, drug name, dose, directions for administering and date of prescription. Parents must renew their permission for medication each school year. All prescriptions and medication permission forms expire at the end of the current school year. If you do not obtain the proper permission for the medication, no school personnel may administer the medicine. This policy includes all prescription and non-prescription medicines needed by a child on a regular or “as needed” basis (i.e. – inhalers for asthma patients). Children may not have at school any prescription or non-prescription medicine including aspirin, cough drops, eye drops, etc. Teachers are under strict orders to pick up any such medications and send them directly to the office. Parents must come to school to pick up the medicine.
In case of the occasional need a parent may come to school and personally administer medication as needed.
First aid is given in school for pupils injured or sick while attending school. Parents are expected to give information to the school to cover emergency situations and to make transportation available when needed. The school is not responsible for treating injuries that happen at home.
The school nurse’s office is located directly behind the office area. The nurse is responsible for the maintenance of health-related records, parental contact concerning health concerns, care of minor injuries (when he/she is available) and conducting vision and hearing screenings. Students who are not in compliance with health regulations or have a communicable disease or condition will be removed from school until the condition has been remedied or compliance has been attained.
Our nurse is generally available two days per week. If problems arise or if parents need to schedule an appointment, they should contact the school office for message forwarding.
LIBRARY CLASSES
The school library media center is a valuable resource center. Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to use the variety of informational materials available.
The school library media program will provide access to a well-rounded collection of quality learning materials and access to effective information sources. The librarian assists students to develop an appreciation of the value of literature and reading. Library classes support classroom instruction by providing curriculum resources and personal consultation in the use of instructional and informational technology.
Library class times are scheduled based on your child’s grade level. Students in grades 1 – 5 will be allowed to check out books during their weekly library classes. Any student that owes the school money will not be allowed the privilege to check books out until their debt is paid. Books are stamped due for one week from the date the class goes to library. All books must be returned on the day they are due, but may be renewed. Students are not allowed to check out additional books until overdue books are returned. Pencils, pencil sharpeners, erasers, pens, notebooks, etc.. are sold through the library. Students are to purchase these items during his/her library class.
MISSED SCHOOL WORK
Students who miss school for any reason-illness, suspension, school activities, etc.., are responsible for the work missed during their absence. Students must make arrangements with their teacher within three days of returning to school for making up the missed schoolwork.
OPEN HOUSE
Open House will be held in the month of August or September. We welcome all parents to attend and meet their child’s teacher(s).
ORGANIZATIONS
4-H Club – The 4-H Club is affiliated with the national 4-H organization. Fourth and fifth grade students are encouraged to attend meetings and participate in parish-wide competitions.
BETA Club -LaGrange BETA Club is affiliated with the national BETA organization. Fifth grade honor students are invited to join.
Cheerleaders-Girls and boys with good conduct and academic achievement in second through fifth grade may join our cheerleading squad.
Breakfast Buddies- Fourth and fifth grade students assist struggling readers in Kindergarten through second grade.
PARENT – TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parent-teacher conferences are the cornerstone for a successful school year for your child. We ask you to visit with your child’s teacher often regardless of the progress of your child. These meetings, if done regularly and correctly, let your child know that you are serious about them putting forth their best effort in school.
To set up a conference, call the school between 8:15 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. the day before the expected meeting. The secretary or principal will assist you in setting up a conference. Please do not attempt to conference with your child’s teacher about your child’s progress while they are on duty or try to talk with them at their classroom door. Your child’s teacher will notify you of his/her times for planned conferences.
PARTIES
The St. Mary Parish School Board does allow parties in lower elementary (PK-3). A party can be held approximately the last thirty minutes of the day or at a time the teacher finds more appropriate. No gifts will be exchanged at the parties, and the parents should check with the teacher about refreshments they may bring. Any parent wishing to give the class a special treat for doing good work should check with the teacher for a scheduled day and time. These special treats should be limited to fifteen minutes.
The only class party during the school year authorized by the St. Mary Parish School Board for grades 4 through 6 is a Christmas Party.
Christmas classroom parties (for all grades Pk-5) will be allowed on the school day before the first day of the Christmas holidays. Parties will be confined to the classroom only. Students will not be allowed to visit other classrooms.
PERSONAL ITEMS
Students are NOT to bring any personal items, radios, toys, walkman, games, etc.. to school unless it is for a class project of some type. The school is not responsible for valuables which students bring to school. It is recommended that these items be left at home.
“Valuables” may range from jewelry to expensive toy items. Please use common sense and consideration in determining whether to send these items to school. Items brought to school that are not allowed will be picked up and sent to the office. These items will be returned by the administration after a reasonable period of time.
Please label all coats, sweaters or gloves or any other clothing item that may be lost so that it may be returned to the student without delay. If your child does lose an item, have them check with the PE teacher to see if it has been returned to Lost & Found.
Pictures will be taken at school 2 times a year. A fall picture and a spring picture will be scheduled for the year. Notices are sent home as to the photo date so that you may dress your child accordingly and to determine if you wish to purchase the pictures. All pictures are to be paid for in advance. Sorry, no exceptions!
1. Principal’s List – Students who achieve a 4.0 average (All A’s) for the 9-week grading period.
2. Honor Roll – Students who earn at least a 3.0 average for the 9-week grading period.
3. Busy Bee- Students who earn a 2.50-2.99 average for the 9-week grading period.
A “D, F, or U” in areas other than conduct disqualifies a student from the honor roll. Conduct grades are not considered in the placement of students in Honor Roll or Principal’s List. Study and Behavioral Habits are not considered in the placement of students in the two achievement levels.
Report cards are issued each nine weeks to all students. Students must return the report card envelope signed by his/her parent or guardian to the homeroom teacher each nine weeks. Lost envelopes must be replaced by purchasing a replacement from the office. The following grading scale will be in use:
A = 95 –100
B = 88 – 94
C = 77 – 87
D = 70 – 76
F = 0 – 69
S = Satisfactory
N = Needs Improvement
U = Unsatisfactory
The letters S, N, and U will be used to designate progress in special subjects in grades 1 – 5. Kindergarten students will not receive a report card for the first nine weeks. Kindergarten report cards will utilize the marks S, N, and U as progress indicators. Preschool students will also receive progress reports. Preschool progress reports will be sent home during the year.
STUDENT SEARCH
The administration of LaGrange Elementary reserves the right to search any desk, person, or possession when there is reasonable belief the health and safety of students is involved. The school may be inspected by any law enforcement agencies with probable cause.
SMOKING
LaGrange Elementary campus has been proclaimed a drug free zone of protection. No parent or student is allowed to smoke on the campus. A student who is found to have tobacco substances on him/her or smoke on campus will be subject to suspension.
SPECIAL SERVICES
There are many special services and programs operating at LaGrange Elementary. Some of these programs require parental permission. We ask your complete cooperation in signing necessary forms and returning them as quickly as possible. If you have any questions concerning the programs, please contact the school. The following is a list of those supplemental programs/intervention services:
Programs Operated Under the Office of Special Services
1. *Speech
2. *Resource
3. *Inclusion Program
4. *Adaptive Physical Education
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Every student will be required to participate in physical education activities unless excused by a doctor’s certificate. A note must accompany any recuperation period needed from a temporary illness preventing participation in physical education class activities from the child’s parents.
STUDENT ACCOUNTABILITY
Students are held strictly accountable for their behavior and actions at school, coming to school, going home or while away from school on a school-sponsored field trip. Students can receive school consequences for deviant behavior while walking to and from school. Law enforcement can also step in if such behavior is reported to them. Parents, be sure to reinforce good behavior practices in regards to this. Also, stress the importance of following safe practices when walking to and from school. Remember, safety comes in numbers.
STUDENT ASSEMBLIES
Assemblies are planned periodically as special events on the school calendar. Some typical assemblies may include cultural presentations, professional speakers, award programs, or any event scheduled by the school board. At all assemblies we stress proper social etiquette and good citizenship. Persons conducting the assembly should be afforded respect and consideration. Students can be removed prior to and during assemblies because of misbehavior based on the teacher or principal’s discretion.
STUDENT ADJUSTMENT CENTER
For some suspendable offenses, students will be allowed to attend Tuesday after school detention rather than miss time from class due to inappropriate behavior. Failure to report to Friday after school detention or failure to behave in the adjustment center will result in suspension. Tardiness to report to Friday after school detention may result in an additional detention being assigned. Students are expected to work the entire time in detention. Parents will be notified by phone or letter of a student’s assignment to Tuesday after school detention and parents must make all necessary transportation arrangements to and from the detention center.
SUSPENSIONS
Students who are suspended from school must be accompanied by a parent to return to school. Work missed must be completed within three days or the student will receive a failing mark on all work missed.
STANDARDIZED TESTS
Parish and state mandated tests will be administered to students in the following grades:
Third Grade – iLEAP Test
Fourth Grade – LEAP Test
Fifth Grade – iLEAP Test
Teachers will incorporate in their lesson plans practice for the various tests conducted throughout the year. We want our students to be ready and be able to demonstrate their abilities on these tests. We encourage you to ask your child’s teacher how best you can help your child prepare for these tests at home. Your child’s test performance is crucial.
TARDIES
The following procedure is to insure the enforcement of the St. Mary Parish School Board’s tardiness regulations including punishment for the violations in making both students and parents accountable for their actions. Tardy notices are sent out on a semester basis.
1. When a student receives three (3) tardies, parents will be notified for a conference with the principal.
2. When a student receives six (6) tardies, parents will be notified for another conference with the principal.
3. When a student receives nine (9) tardies, the parents/student will be referred to the Child Welfare and Attendance Supervisor. At this time, the Superintendent or his designee will make a disposition for possible court action against parent and/or student or other disposition. If a hearing is required, the parents, student, principal, and child Welfare Supervisor shall be present at the hearing.
4. A parent or guardian must accompany all late arrival students. Students will be marked “ABSENT” from school until a parent or guardian sign the student “IN” for the day.
TEXTBOOKS
Textbooks are supplied by the school board at no cost to the student or parent. Students are responsible for the care of textbooks and are expected to return them in good condition. Since these books remain the property of the school, defacement, or abuse of textbooks will result in the assessment of a damage fee. The degree of abuse and the age of the book will determine the amount charged. In cases where books are lost or damaged to a degree that will prevent further use, the student will be charged the full value of a new book.
TRIPS
Field trips within our area and to nearby points of interest are scheduled by the classroom teachers throughout the school year. These trips are designed to supplement different aspects of the classroom curriculum and to introduce students to the resources of our community. Parents will receive notices of field trips well in advance of the trip and will be asked to sign a field trip permission slip. On some trips, a small amount of money may be requested from you, as parents, to help with expenses. Students may be denied a field trip based on their behavior.
All school rules and regulations will apply to students on school-sponsored trips and activities.
VISITORS
ALL PARENTS AND GUEST MUST REPORT TO THE OFFICE UPON ARRIVAL TO THE CAMPUS! This will assist the school in guaranteeing the safety of our students. Parents are not to linger on campus after dropping off students. Parents are not allowed down any of the hallways without first checking with the office and getting clearance.
Parental Involvement
LaGrange Elementary
The philosophy of the St. Mary Parish Public School System is based on the underlying belief that a child’s education is vitally affected by the quality and character of the relationship between home and school. The school system recognizes that parents are their children’s first teachers and valuable partners in educating children. The school system is eager to combine the educational forces of home, school, and community to improve educational opportunities for all children.
DEVELOPMENT AND REVIEW OF SCHOOL INVOLVEMENT POLICY
Section 1111(h)(2)(E)(6)
The St. Mary Parish Public School System and LaGrange Elementary have developed this parental involvement policy with the collaboration and input from parents of participating children. This policy is in direct alignment with the district policy and serves as the basis for parental involvement and is an integral part of the school improvement plan. Each school year a meeting of the school improvement team including parents and students that are representative of all students identified in the subgroups listed in the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002 will address any concerns and dissatisfaction expressed by parents through a review and update of the School Parental Involvement Policy.
Parents serving on the School Improvement Team provide input on parental involvement policy and activities to be implemented at LaGrange Elementary School. LaGrange Elementary will provide agendas and sign-in sheets to the LEA to insure parents are involved in the process.
At an Open House/Parent Information Night, the principal will present the School Parental Involvement Policy. Throughout the school year, additional meetings will be conducted at various times to provide parents and community member’s ample opportunity to review and comment on the School Parental Involvement Policy. Assistance will be provided to parents requiring transportation, childcare, and interpreters and other identified needs as they are determined.
STUDENT/PARENT/TEACHER COMPACT:
1. At the beginning of each school year, a student/parent/teacher compact is signed by all stakeholders in order to build and develop a partnership to help children achieve the State’s high standards.
2. The compact describes the school’s responsibility to provide a high-quality curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective learning environment. It also describes the way in which parents will be responsible for supporting their children’s learning and ways parents may volunteer and participate in decisions relating to the education of their children.
3. Issues of open communication between parents and teachers are also addressed in the compact.
1. LaGrange Elementary will conduct an annual orientation meeting (Open House) and periodic meetings during the year to inform parents of the State’s achievement standards, state and local academic assessments, and instructional programs provided in the school.
2. The school, in collaboration with the district, will provide materials and workshops to help parents work with their children to improve their children’s academic achievement.
Communications to all parents related to school and parents programs, meetings, and other activities will be in one or more of the following forms and in the parent’s native language, when practical:
Newsletters
Flyers
Phone calls
Conferences
The St. Mary Parish Public School System and its schools inform parents of the existence and purpose of the Louisiana Parent Information Center through newsletters, web site postings, and announcements at pare