August, 2002

Dear Students and Parents,

Welcome to Hope Elementary School.  A school "Where Children Come First."  It is our goal to make your years with us challenging, rewarding and happy.

This handbook should serve as a guide for you.  The information, regulations and requirements outlined in this book have been developed to help give you the best education possible, to protect your health and safety, and to enable all of us to live together harmoniously.  As a resource this handbook is invaluable.  However, as with many handbooks it is impossible to cover every situation and consider all circumstances.

It is most important that we maintain strong lines of communication therefore, we invite all parents to become involved in our educational community.  An energetic PTA has played a significant role in the success of our school and your contributions of time and talent to this organization would be most welcome.  Our volunteer program has also been successful.  Many parents and members of the community volunteer countless hours each year.  We invite you to consider joining our volunteer program.

As you become involved in the school and its programs, you may have some questions.  If you need help, please do not hesitate to ask.  We are all interested in you and your success during your years in Hope Elementary School.

Sincerely,

Robert W. Brockway, Principal
Along with the Faculty and Staff
 

Mr. Robert E. Watson - Chairperson 
Mrs. Patricia Archambault - Clerk
Mrs. June Guglielmi Mr. Ernie Marcure Mr. Gerald P. Round

SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS:

Dr. Paul R. Lescault, Superintendent 
Mrs. E. Sharon Capobianco, Assistant Superintendent 
Mr. Edward Myers, Central Office Consultant

School Committee meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers
 

August 05	August 19 (If Needed)
September 02	September 16 (If Needed)
October 07	October 21 (If Needed)
November 04	November 18 (If Needed)
December 02	December 16 (If Needed)

Your elected School Committee is made up of dedicated citizens who spend long hours working with the Superintendent of Schools in order to continually improve the education offered in the Statuette Schools. Please support their programs and attend their meetings.

P.T.A.

The Hope Elementary School P.T.A. is a dynamic group which has added considerably to the success of our school. The P.T.A. sponsors a number of cultural programs, provides interesting and meaningful adult evening meetings and involves itself in numerous important student activities. Our P.T.A. is comprised of quality individuals and families who care about the youth of Scituate. Please consider joining this outstanding organization.

SCHOOL TIMES:

School Hours: 
A.M. Kindergarten 8:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. 
P.M. Kindergarten 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 
Grades 1-5 8:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Weather Days:
During the winter season the potential for inclement weather increases the option of using a ONE HOUR DELAYED OPENING OF SCHOOL. On these days all students will be picked up one hour later than normal. School will open at 9:45 a.m. instead of 8:45 a.m. The sessions will change, The morning session will start at 9:45 a.m. and end at 11:15 a.m. and end at 11:15 a.m. The afternoon Session will begin at 12:30 p.m. and end at 3:00 p.m. ON DAYS WITH LONGER DELAYS, the Morning session of kindergarten will be cancelled.

Students should not arrive at school prior to 8:15 a.m. On a one hour delayed opening day, students Should not arrive prior to 9:15 a.m. On days with longer delays, students should not arrive prior to One-half (1/2) hour prior to the start of school.

Early Closing: 
We suggest you turn your radio on to any one of the following stations. It is for your child's safety No School that we attempt to keep our school phone lines open during inclement weather. The radio and Announcements: television stations which will announce NO SCHOOL, DELAYED OPENING, are:
 

WPRO=630 AM	WSNE=93.3 FM
WWBB=101.5 FM	WWLI=105.1 FM
Channel 10

PLEASE DISCUSS WITH YOUR CHILDREN THE PROCEDURE HE/SHE SHOULD FOLLOW IN THE EVENT THAT NO ONE IS AT HOME WHENAN EARLY DISMISSAL OCCURS.

Reminder: For kindergarten students, if no one is at the bust stop to meet the child, the bus driver will attempt to gain your attention by beeping the horn. If no one appears, the driver will return the child to the School and personnel will try to contact you by phone to let you know your child should be picked up at the school. No child will be left at an unattended home. 

EARLY DISMISSAL

We ask parents to refrain from scheduling doctor, dental or eye appointments as well as music and dance lessons during times which would require early dismissal from school. I such an appointment is unavoidable, WRITTEN PERMISSION, SIGNED, DATED AND ADDRESSED TO THE CHILD'S TEACHER, must accompany the child to school on that day. ONLY IN AN EMERGENCY will other students be called from class for early dismissal prior to the 3:00 dismissal time.

DAILY DISMISSAL

Children will wait in their rooms, ready for dismissal at 3:00 p.m. Teachers will dismiss children to the buses when the P.A. announces the arrival of their bus. Walkers and bicycle riders will also be called by P.A. announcement.

ALL STUDENTS will use the playground entrance when arriving at school in the morning. Students will board buses from the loading area only.

Many students are picked up every day by parents or guardians rather than taking the bus home. In order to eliminate time lost from instruction in class and unnecessary disturbance to the class still in session, the following procedure will be in effect. PARENTS MUST COME INTO THE DINING ROOM AND SIGN THEIR CHILD OUT USING THE BOOK WITH THE AIDE. Parents then wait in the Dining Room until the students are called, by the office, to accompany them home. Parents are asked to park in the North Road off-street parking area or in the sand kick-ball field inside the recess field, to the left. AT NO TIME may parents park on the asphalt recess area. Parents are asked not to park in the faculty parking are or across the street at Hope Library. AT NO TIME will a teacher dismiss a student to anyone who just appears at their classroom door. Parents are asked not to go to their childs room to ask for dismissal.

BICYCLE RIDERS

Children riding bicycles to school will walk their bicycles on school grounds, lock the bicycle in the rack and enter the building through the playground entryway. WRITTEN PERMISSION MUST BE ON FILE IN THE OFFICE for students to ride bikes to and from school. Riding on school grounds, leaving before the buses depart or reckless riding will result in loss of bike-riding privileges. Children riding bicycles to school should plan to arrive no earlier than 8:15 A.M.

BUS TRANSPORTATION:

The Scituate School Department provides bus service for students who reside more than a specified distance, depending on age, from their schools. Generally pupils should ride home on the bus to which they are assigned. In the event that it becomes absolutely necessary for a child to ride a bus other than the one to which he/she is assigned, a note must be submitted to the teacher for approval. It is most helpful if you address this note to your child's teacher and not to the HOPE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SCITUATE SCHOOL DEPARTMENT office or the bus driver. Notes are sent to the office for approval and then returned to the teacher so the child can take it to the bus driver. Switching buses will only be allowed on a "Space Available," basis. Please be warned that there are days when the buses run at capacity and switching can not be accommodated.

As we begin this new year one continuing are of concern is bus behavior. To ensure the safety of students who ride the buses, it is imperative that we have the cooperation of everyone involved: parents, students, bus drivers and school personnel.

Should a problem arrive, the procedure followed will be as presented by the Scituate School Department. This procedure follows:

1. The driver reports chronic misbehavior or a serious incident to the building principal who will discuss the problem with the student. 
2. Should a second report be necessary, the matter is discussed with the student and the parent is notified by a referral form. 
3. A third incident requires that the child lose bus privileges for a period of time. 
4. Any further report will require a parent conference and further disciplinary action.

Please discuss with your children their responsibility for bus behavior which will ensure the safety of all who ride.

PARENTAL TRANSPORTATION:

Parents who wish to transport pupils to school must abide by the following regulations:

Mornings: School begins at 8:45 a.m. NO child should be brought to school before 8:15 a.m. There is NO supervision available prior to that time. Children being driven to and from school in private cars shall be discharged in the off-street area in front of the 1929 building and will walk to the playground entryway, near the gymnasium. In inclement weather, you may discharge children in the recess area, being careful not to impede a school bus or hit a basketball backstop. Parents should not leave their car running and unattended in the off-street area during the morning drop-off or in the recess area without the driver.

Afternoons: Written permission is necessary if a child is planning to deviate from his/her usual schedule. When the Principal is asked to make a decision concerning a request to change a child's schedule, it may not be granted without written permission. For legal reasons and your child's protection, we ask you to only use the telephone for emergency changes. We also ask that your child's after school play plans be arranged at home the evening before. This will eliminate telephone calls seeking permission and last minute bus changes.

FIRE DRILLS

Please discuss the importance of our conducting fire drills and their participation with your child.

1. Children walk, single file, out the designated exit and move quietly to the designated area. 
2. Teachers will check attendance when they are clear of danger.
3. Children will return quietly at the all-clear signal.

The Scituate School Department provides a school lunch program for those who wish to avail themselves of this service. Our program is provided by Marriot Food Services. Students bringing lunch from home may purchase milk; 2%, skim, chocolate or coffee. Tickets for hot lunch may be purchased in the morning for the entire week. The students name must be written on the reverse side of all lunch tickets. Hot lunch is available each day for $1.35 milk included. Milk may be purchased separately for 40 cents. Ice cream may also be purchased each day for 60 cents. Students may not charge lunch.

HEALTH OFFICE POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND SERVICE:

1. Students with a suspected communicable disease, should be seen by their physician, or parents may contact the school nurse by telephone before sending their child to school. All communicable diseases and/or conditions must be reported to the nurse. Examples are: Strep, Head Lice, Conjunctivitis, Impetico, Chicken Pox, Ringworm, Pinworms, etc. 
2. Parents are to call the school on the firs day of a student's absence and the pupil must bring a written excuse when returning from an illness or for any other reason. 
3. Pupils will be required to participate in the full and regular program unless excused in writing by a doctor: e.g. recess, gym. 
4. Children who are sent home with a temperature over 100 F should remain home until they have had no fever for at least 24 hours before returning to school.

1. Each child should eat three well-balanced meals each day. 
2. A nutritious breakfast is particularly important to combat morning fatigue and stomach ache. 
3. No child should come to school feeling ill

In accord with General Laws 16-21-7, it is the policy of the Scituate School Committee that:

1. Except in the case of an emergency situation, only certified nurse-teachers or parents are authorized to dispense medication to students.
2. In no instance can a parent or legal guardian delegate to another person - neighbor, relative, friend - the authority to Come into the school to administer medication. 
3. No elementary student is allowed to transport medication to and from school. All medication must be transported to and from elementary schools by the parent or another adult.
4. Prescription medication will be dispensed to students only when: A. Received by the school nurse-teacher in the original labeled container from the pharmacy. B. Us requested in writing by the attending physician, and C. Is authorized in writing by the parent or legal guardian of the student.
5. Non-prescription medication will be dispensed to students only when received by the school nurse-teacher in the Original labeled container and requested in writing by the parent or legal guardian of the student.
6. Inhalers may be self-administered with written authorization from both parent and physician. Inhalers are to be Stored in the office/health room unless written authorization from a physician states otherwise.
7. With respect to away from school activities, such as field trips, unless a parent or legal guardian is present to Administer the required medication, the child will have to remain at the school. The only exception is Self-administration of bronchial inhalers when written authorization is provided by both parent and physician. On field trips, inhalers will be carried by the teacher unless written authorization from a physician states otherwise.
8. Self-medication by students is not authorized or condoned, except for bronchial inhalers when accompanied by written authorization signed by both parent and physician.
9. In an emergency life-threatening situation all school personnel are authorized to administer medication.

GENERAL SCHOOL RULES

It is our primary goal to establish a learning environment, whereby each student shall have the right and the opportunity to learn, and each teacher will have the right and the opportunity to teach. To this end, we will abide by the following rules:

1. Follow directions the first time they are given. 
2. Keep hands, feet and objects to yourself. 
3. Use appropriate language. Avoid swearing, teasing and name calling. 
4. Treat all school property and the property of others with respect. 
5. Leave all knives and other sharp or otherwise dangerous items at home.

Rules: 
1. Follow all general school rules. 
2. Walk quietly at all times, so that classes are not disturbed. 
3. Leave pencils and crayons in the classroom unless told otherwise. 
4. Walk up and down stairs and steps, one at a time, safely.

Consequences: 1st time Warning 2nd time 15 minute recess in office 3rd time 30 minute recess in office 4th time Conference with parents, student and principal Severe Clause Sent to principal immediately.

Dining Room Management:

Rules: 
1. Follow all school rules. 
2. Be courteous and use a conversational tone of voice at all times. 
3. Food is for eating; eat your own food. 
4. Leave a clean table and eating are. 
5. Stop all talking when directed to do so.

Consequences: 1st time Warning 2nd time Time out in designated quiet area 3rd time Remainder of lunch in quiet area 4th time Sent to principal, who will notify parentsÖnext lunch session in a directed environment 5th time Conference with parentsÖone week of restricted dining room priviledges Severe Clause Sent to the principal immediately

Playground Management:

Rules:
1. Follow all general school rules 
2. Remain within the designated are 
3. Share equipment as directed by the Physical Education Teacher 
4. Place all litter in the appropriate containers 
5. Be courteous and avoid interference with others' activities 
6. Safety first at all times 
7. Line up quietly when the bell rings

Consequences: 1st time Warning 2nd time Time out in designated quiet area 

3rd time Remainder of recess in designated quiet area 4th time Sent to the principal, who will notify parentsÖnext recess session in directed environment 5th time Conference with parentÖone week of restricted recess privileges Severe Clause Sent to the principal immediately

Classroom Management:

Rules will be posted in the classroom, consequences will begin with a warning, and will progress with severity to loss of recess privileges and principal/parent involvement.

SCHOOL POLICIES AND REGULATIONS:

A. Statement of Policy-Title IX: It is the policy of the Scituate School Department, not to discriminate on the bases of Sex in its educational programs, activities, or employment policies as required by Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title IX may be directed to Dr. Paul Lescault, Superintendent Of Schools, Scituate School Department, 197 Danielson Pike, P.O. Box 188, North Scituate, Rhode Island 02857-0188.

B. Dress Code: Although Hope Elementary School does not have a "dress code" for its students, we have prepared A few guidelines for your children's attire that should provide them with safety and appropriate school appearance.

We suggest athletic shoes, loafers, shoes, boots or boat mocs for the feet. Sandals, clogs and flip-flops are not safe For the recess field, stairs and where objects could be dropped on their feet.

We recommend slacks, jeans, skirts, and walking or Bermuda style shorts. Short shorts with slits up the side and very short skirts are not practical for children to work in on the carpet, at recess or at an assembly.

We encourage tee shirts, blouses, golf shirts, for the top. Over-sized tank tops, beach shirts, bare mid-riffs, items with loose or dangling fringe, clothing with unacceptable language, over-sized cut-out arm holes are not appropriate.

Your help with these suggested guidelines will enable all of us to weather the school year. Thank you for your support.

C. Office Telephone: The office telephone should be used only in the event of an emergency or serious concern. Students must request a written pass from their teacher for this privilege.

D. School Visits: Parents and other persons visiting the school are requested to report their presence to the office Before visiting classrooms or other areas of the school. Parents who are picking up students who are ill may report directly to the school office.

E. Standardized Tests: The Metropolitan Achievement Tests and The Rhode Island State Writing Assessment are given In March to Grade 4.

F. Student Records: Federal and State laws allow access to student records by parents or guardians of students. Any Parent wishing to review his/her child's records should send a written request to the principal, who will schedule a Time convenient to all parties. G. Conferences: Report card conferences are scheduled after the first marking period. Report cards only are issued for The second, third and fourth marking periods. Conferences provide a meaningful method of communication between the home and school. You are encouraged to contact your child's teacher when the need for a conference occurs.

End of marking period Report Cards Parent Conferences 1st Quarter 11/07 11/14 11/17 & 19 2nd Quarter 1/23 1/30 3rd Quarter 4/03 4/09 4th Quarter Last day of school

H. School Publicity: The school uses candid photographs of students as the participate in school events or classroom at Activities. These photographs may appear in our Memory Book or may be submitted to the local newspapers and/or district newsletter for publication. If you have any objections about having your child's picture appear in the press, Please let the school know in a written communication.

We are proud of the school's programs which are designed to meet the individual needs of our students.

The Classroom: Our teachers are well-prepared and enthusiastic in carrying our their responsibilities. In addition to teaching the basic subjects, reading, language arts, math, science, health and social studies, the classroom emphasized positive relationships with peers and school personnel.

Special Areas: Hope Elementary School students work with teachers in the following special areas:

Art: Each class meets with the art teacher once each week.

Music: Students in all grades have one general music lesson per week. In addition, fourth and fifth graders may participate in a chorus experience weekly. Students in grades four and five may take instrumental music lessons each week.

Physical Education: All students have physical education class each week. Sneakers are required for participation. Students should be dressed appropriately. Comfortable slacks and casual shirts or blouses are ideal. Dresses and skirts are not appropriate. Attire for the gymnastics units should consist of either shorts, a warm-up suit or a leotard (girls). If students are to be excused for medical reasons, a note to the nurse or secretary is required.

Library Media Center: Students will have access to the library media center each week. Storytelling and appreciation of literature is emphasized on the primary level. Students in grades 3, 4 and 5 participate in library skills.

Support Program: Teachers meet with individuals or small groups of students to strengthen skills in math and reading.

Special Education Programs: Special Education programs are available to students who require assistance. All special education students are "mainstreamed" into regular classes whenever possible. Additional programs include speech/language therapy, physical therapy and adaptive physical education.

Classroom Alternative Strategies Team: The Hope Elementary School recognizes the vital role of parents in the welfare and education of their children. The CAST Team in our school provides help to students who are having some difficulty in the school setting. Our goal is to have the home and school work together to provide the support every child needs.

All problems are best resolved early. Through the student assistance program, we hope to offer help to your child(ren) early in their school careers. In this way we expect to avoid future problems that your child could face as an adolescent, teenager and adult.

If your child is referred to CAST, the team will work with his/her teachers, to develop strategies to help your child function more successfully in school.

You will be contacted, if appropriate, and we may also meet with your child to share the recommendations and agree on the course of action.
 

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