Big Timber Grade
Student Handbook
BIG TIMBER GRADE SCHOOL
STUDENT & PARENT HANDBOOK
2009-2010
Welcome
and Handbook Parent Signature Form (return to classroom teacher)
Instructional Aims and Objectives
Promotion
Requirements (Eighth Grade) and Ceremony
Removal of Student During School Hours
Sexual
Harassment/Intimidation
Cell Phones/Electronic Devices
General Guidelines
for out of town trips
School Bus Conduct Rules and Discipline
Communicable
Disease Regulations
Dental,
Vision, & Scoliosis Screening
STUDENT-PARENT GUIDE
BIG TIMBER GRADE SCHOOL
2
009 - 2010The 2009 - 2010 school year promises to be an excellent year for all of you students who will be attending our school. We have a caring, dedicated staff who will do their best to help you develop your potential to the fullest.
In order for this potential to be developed we need your cooperation, interest and hard work. If you provide these qualities you will develop a wide range of skills that will make you a better person.
We also extend a warm welcome to the parents of our students. You are the most important influence on your child's social and educational development. It is very important that you encourage your child/children to do his/her best and to follow the various rules and guidelines outlined in this handbook. PLEASE TAKE SOME TIME TO REVIEW THIS BOOKLET WITH YOUR CHILD/CHILDREN.
Best wishes for a super year!
Mark Ketcham, Principal
********************************************************************************************
PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO YOUR STUDENT/'S TEACHER. THANK YOU!
(PLEASE COMPLETE 1 FORM PER CHILD, NOT 1 PER FAMILY.)
Student's Name______________________________________________
Teacher_______________________________________________
I/We have reviewed the handbook with our child/children.
Parent(s) Signature:
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Our family Doctor to be contacted in case of emergency is:
Doctor ____________________________________________________
Indicate your address change if different from last year:
_____________________________________________________
Indicate your new phone number if different from last year: ________________________
This/These students will be riding ____________________bus.
Additional comments:
BTGS is a K-8 school with approximately 365 students. We presently have a Superintendent, a Principal, 18 regular classroom teachers, a Chapter 1 Reading/Math teacher, a Vocal Music teacher, a Physical Education teacher, a Librarian, and a Speech Pathologist. Part-time teachers at our school include an Art teacher, a Band instructor, a Counselor, and Gifted and Talented Teacher. Other staff members include 4 classroom aides, 1 full-time secretary, a nurse, a clerk, a head custodian, and an assistant custodian/lunchroom aide.
Each of the above-mentioned staff members and our Board of Trustees is an important, integral part of the total school environment and each one plays an important part in the school life of the children in our school.
INSTRUCTIONAL AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:
The objectives of the educational program are designed to develop in each child:
1. A wholesome self-image and self-respect.
2. A command of reading, writing, arithmetic and other fundamental tools for continued learning.
3. Self-control in accordance with accepted social standards.
4. The ability of critical and constructive thinking in making wise individual and group decisions.
5. Latent creative interests and abilities.
6. An understanding of and appreciation for the physical and cultural world.
7. The skills, attitudes and knowledge for effective living in the home, at work, and in the community.
8. An understanding of and appreciation for healthful living and for participation in wholesome
recreation.
Regular attendance is necessary and required by state law. Excused absences will be allowed for illness, medical appointments, and bereavement. When a student is absent a note from his parents stating the reason for the absence is to be brought to the teacher. In case of an unexcused absence, missed work may or may not be allowed to be made up and could reflect unfavorably on the grade. Tardy students are to stop at the office before going to class. An excessive number of absences could result in the requirement of a doctor's written excuse before an absence is excused. Students completing the year without being absent or tardy receive awards in the spring. Any absence, for whatever reason, will be counted against the perfect attendance award. A tardy due to bus breakdown or inclement weather, which caused the bus to be late, will not be counted against the perfect attendance award.
If an absence is known in advance, it is best to call the office. If students are to be gone for a few days (rodeo, fair, state tournament, etc.) students should make up their work ahead of time.
In order to be counted as present for half days a student must be in school for at least 2 hours of the a.m. or p.m. session. For example, a student must be present until 10:30 a.m. or 2:30 p.m. in order to be counted present.
Students leaving the building for ANY REASON during the time school is in session are to check out through the office.
In order to help assure the safety of our children we want to make sure that if a child left home for school that he/she has indeed arrived. Therefore, we will be contacting the parents of children who are absent. You can help us by calling the school office if your child is home sick. Please call before 9:00 a.m. if possible. You only need to contact the office on the first day of their illness if it extends more than one day in succession. If you do not have a phone, please send a note with a brother or sister of the child who is sick, or contact us by other means.
The daily schedule for each class varies and will be posted on the door of each classroom. School starts each morning at 8:30 a.m. and the afternoon session begins at 12:20 P.M.
8:30---------------School begins for all grades
11:00--------------Kindergarten - 2nd Grade Lunch
11:30-12:20------Lunch - 3rd - 8th Grade Lunch
12:20--------------Afternoon session begins for all grades
3:00----------------Dismissal for grades K-3
3:30----------------Dismissal for grades 4-6
3:35----------------Dismissal for grades 7-8
Report cards are given at the end of each 9 week grading period. Parent-Teacher Conferences are held in the fall. Parents are urged to attend this scheduled conference and to feel free to contact the teacher, Superintendent, or Principal when they feel a need for a specific conference. 5-week progress reports are sent home for each 9 week grading period.
Students in grades 4-8 who maintain a "B" average in the major subject areas will be recognized as making the honor roll. The following point system is used to determine the honor roll: A(11), A-(10), B+(9), B(8), B-(7), C+(6), C(5), C-(4), D+(3), D(2), D-(1), F(0).
Students successfully completing a year of study will be promoted to the next grade. Students who are not demonstrating minimum competency in basic skill subjects in relation to ability and grade level will be considered for retention.
The decision to retain a child rests primarily with the teacher. The parents and principal will also be consulted to help make this decision. In order to make this decision as objectively as possible the following guidelines will be considered:
1. Academic development and past school performance
2. Social and emotional development
3. The child's birth date
4. Physical size of the child
5. Absenteeism
6. SAT scores (achievement test scores)
7. Scores from other testing (psychological testing)
8. Health problems
Parental support for the retention of a student is very important. The teacher will be in close communication with the parents prior to the decision on whether a child should be retained.
PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS (EIGHTH GRADE)
(1) A student will be promoted to high school upon satisfactory completion of the eighth grade course of study.
(2) Students enrolled in the un-graded Special Education program will be transferred to the high school Resource Room program beginning the school year following their fourteenth birthday.
A promotion ceremony with student participation will be held in the grade school gym prior to the end of the school year. Diplomas will be presented by the Chairman of the Board, or designee, at that time.
This ceremony IS NOT intended to be a formal graduation ceremony. We suggest that the girls wear an appropriate dress and the boys wear a pair of slacks and a nice shirt. Sport coats and ties are not required or necessary. These guidelines are not official Board policy.
Students should give proper attention to cleanliness and neatness of dress. Clothing shall be clean and appropriate at all times. Casual muscle shirts, tank tops, etc. are not appropriate for general school wear. Blouses and shirts must be long enough so midriffs are not exposed when arms are raised. Clothing and caps with sayings using vulgar language or advertising cigarettes or alcoholic beverages are examples of apparel considered inappropriate. Jeans with holes in pant legs and sweat suits are also inappropriate for school wear. Shorts will be allowed during the warm weather months. We do ask that the students observe the following guidelines: 1. No cutoffs, biker shorts, or "tacky" looking shorts. 2. Shorts should be no shorter than the tips of a child's fingers with their arms hanging naturally at their sides. Coats are not to be worn during class time. Special care and attention should be given to present a neat and well groomed appearance when taking trips out of town as we will be representing our community. These guidelines are not official Board policy.
Each student is expected to bring his own notebook, paper, pencils, erasers, and other special items of a personal nature. School supplies lists are available in the school office. Textbooks, workbooks, and other materials, depending on grade level are provided.
Students are expected to show respect for and give proper care to school property whether books, materials, equipment, or the building itself. Costs for damage resulting from misuse or negligence will be assessed to the student responsible. Let's keep BTGS a school of which we can be proud.
The school DOES NOT carry medical or accident insurance on students. Each parent is urged to carry his own insurance to cover youngsters while at school or participating in after school activities. The school does make available to each student information regarding private insurance that is optional to you as parents/guardians.
Bikes are to be WALKED on the school grounds. They are to be parked in the racks, and left alone until after school. Students should ride on the streets in single file on the right side of the road. All regular traffic laws are to be obeyed and riding double is illegal. The school cannot assume responsibility for loss or damage to bicycles brought to school or left on the playground.
Lost articles may be turned in and picked up at the office. A box in the hall will be kept for lost and found clothing items. It is always a good idea to be sure a name is marked on items, especially boots, coats, gloves, and caps.
Students in grades K - 8 may participate in the hot lunch program. The meals are prepared at the high school and are transported to the grade school where the food is kept in warmers until the students come in for lunch. Cost is $2.25 per meal. Forms are available in the office to apply for reduced or free lunches. Whatever amount you pay for hot lunches will be credited to your child's account on our Accu-Scan machine. Each day your child eats lunch, the correct amount will be deducted from that account. Students do not carry any lunch tickets. Lunch credits may be purchased in the library before school or in the office any time during school hours. STATE DEPARTMENT LUNCH REGULATIONS PROHIBIT CHARGING OF SCHOOL LUNCHES. Please see to it that your child has money before he/she leaves for school. Please let us know if your child has any food allergies or special concerns regarding lunch.
Students may also go home for lunch or bring a cold lunch to eat if they wish. Half-pints of either white 2% or chocolate milk may be purchased for 25 cents. Students staying for lunch ARE EXPECTED TO DISPLAY GOOD MANNERS AND TO BEHAVE IN AN ACCEPTABLE FASHION. Students may be suspended from the lunchroom if behavior is not appropriate.
Children that must leave the school grounds during noon recess and plan to return and eat school lunch should have a note of permission from a parent or contact the school office, as well as the playground supervisor. BTGS does not have a closed campus policy during lunch. Students in grades K-4 who don't normally go home for lunch must bring a note from a parent with plans and permission to leave. This is not necessary for grades 5-8. We want to eliminate younger students leaving the school grounds without parental permission. We are not responsible for students leaving the school grounds for lunch.
The first place a student should go for information or answers to personal or school problems is the classroom or playground supervision staff person. For emergencies, or things of importance, a student is welcome to come directly to the office. Some of these emergencies are injuries, illness, permission to leave the school grounds, emergency phone calls, or when directed by the teacher. Students should not use the phone unnecessarily. An example of this is to call for permission to stay at a friend's house; this should be done ahead of time from home.
STUDENTS MUST REPORT TO THE OFFICE: (1) upon arriving late, (2) before leaving at any time during the school day, (3) when returning after having left the school by special permission during the day, (4) upon arriving and then leaving after school hours.
REMOVAL OF STUDENTS DURING SCHOOL HOURS
Students shall not be removed from the school grounds or a school function during school hours except by a parent or legal guardian. Before a student is removed or excused, the person seeking to remove the student must present to the Superintendent, Principal, or office staff evidence of his/her authority to remove the student.
The school does maintain records on each student. These include personal information about health, family, testing results, attendance, and academic performance. Parents do have the right to inspect these records and may request an appointment with the Superintendent, who will set up a record review session insuring that qualified assistance to interpret information is available. Confidentiality of personally identifiable student information according to the Family Educational and Privacy Rights Act is a responsibility of the Superintendent. No person, organization or agency, except school personnel and state education authorities, shall have access to a student's records without the written consent of the parent(s)/guardians.
The Media Center is open before school from 8:15 to 8:30, during study periods and at other teacher arranged times. Students are encouraged to check out books and take advantage of this fine facility. Students must also accept responsibility for books they check out and see that they are returned by the due date (2 weeks).
Homework is a necessary part of school and students especially in the intermediate and upper grades can expect it. Generally a student should not have more than one hour of homework. The amount will vary depending upon the teacher, the subject, and the needs of the student, as well as the speed with which a student works. If a student consistently spends more than one hour per day the teacher should be called to discuss the problem. When a student is absent homework can be requested and then picked up in the office, preferably at 11:30 a.m. or later. Please allow generous time for teachers to get your student's assignments to the office. It is often difficult to have homework ready at short notice without disrupting the classroom schedule.
Big Timber Grade School, District #1, does not discriminate against any student on the basis of sex, race, marital status, national origin, or handicapping condition in any area of accreditation. This includes programs, facilities, textbooks, curriculum, counseling, library services, and extracurricular activities. This is in compliance with OCR Section 504. The Section 504 coordinator for the district is Mr. Randy Schiele. To contact the coordinator for information or to file a grievance, please call 932-5939.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT/INTIMIDATION
Big Timber Grade School is committed to a positive and productive working and learning environment. The district prohibits sexual harassment or intimidation of its employees or students. Whereas sexual harassment substantially compromises the attainment of educational excellence, the district will not tolerate such behavior between members of the same or opposite sex. The Board of Trustees has adopted a policy that deals with this area of concern and applies not only to student and employees but also to individuals attending any events on District property, whether or not District sponsored, and to any school-sponsored events, regardless of location.
Students or employees who believe they have been harassed or intimidated should contact a counselor, the Title IX Coordinator, the Superintendent, the Principal, or the Board Chairperson. A copy of the policy will be made available upon request.
(ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICES)
Student possession and use of cellular phones, pagers, and other electronic signal-
ing devices on school grounds, at school-sponsored activities, and while under the
supervision and control of school district employees, is a privilege that shall be permitted only under the circumstances described herein. At no time shall any student operate a cell phone or other electronic device with video capabilities in a locker room, bathroom, or other location where such operation may violate the privacy right of another person.
In order to insure the continued emphasis on instruction and learning in the classroom and activities, the use of cell phones will be restricted. While students will be allowed to have cell phones on school grounds and on activity trips, they are expected to keep the phones off and out of sight. They are to keep the phones in their book bags or travel bags. The phones are to be turned off so there will be no interruption of class time, practice, or activities. The use of cell phones will not be allowed in the locker room areas or the hallways. The only allowable use of phones will be in situations where the classroom teacher, coach/sponsor, office personnel, or administration gives specific approval or an emergency exists.
If a student uses a cell phone in an unauthorized manner or does not keep the phone secured, the phones will be confiscated and returned only to a parent. Continued violations of this policy will result in disciplinary action.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Music programs are held during the Christmas season and the spring. Chorus groups may be joined by interested students in grades 5-8. Band is also available for students in grades 5-8. Once a student begins chorus or band they must take a full semester. Chorus and band cannot be dropped during a semester. Participants in any extracurricular activity must be in school at least one-half of the day of the scheduled activity. After school sports are available for 6-8 grade students. Girls basketball is available for grades 6-8. Boys basketball is available for grades 6-8. Boys and girls, grades 7 and 8, may participate in track in the spring. Girls in grades 7 and 8 may also participate in our volleyball program. All students participating in sports will be required to have a physical before they can compete. Each participant/manager is required to have a physical during each season.
Students who know in advance that they will be absent for an extended period of time for Science Olympiad, FFA trips, etc. must secure make-up slips. Make-up slips will be handed out by sponsors when applicable. Students must take these slips to their teachers no later than 2 days prior to the activity for their assignment. Upon completion of the assignment the teacher will sign the slip indicating completion of the work. Make-up work (slips) must be completed and turned in to the sponsor by 3:45 p.m. the day before the absence or the students will not be permitted to go.
EXTRACURRICULAR ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES
Students who fall below a 70 (D-) average in any class will attend 2 one-half hour help sessions with the appropriate teacher. These sessions will be held from 3:30-4:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. Students who are below this average, and attend these help sessions, may participate in activities. Failure to attend the help sessions will cause the student to be ineligible for activities. Any student is welcome to attend these help sessions even if they are not below the 70 average. If after two weeks the student has not brought the average above 70, the student will be ineligible for one week. Once they are off though, the average may be brought up at any time and the student will be eligible after that week. Eligibility is taken every Monday. These eligibility guidelines include all subject areas (math, science, language, social studies, music, art, P.E., etc.)
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR OUT OF TOWN TRIPS (BASKETBALL TRACK, ETC.)
When our students go on an out of town trip we feel that it is important for them to take the entire trip with the team. There are circumstances that arise though in which the parent can request that their child not complete the entire trip. The guidelines for having this done are as follows:
1. If a parent wants to take their child with them after a game they must give a signed note to the coach which explains that they wish their child to go with them. Following the game the parent must personally inform the coach that they are taking their child.
2. If a parent wants their child dropped off by an interstate exchange they must send a note to the coach before the trip designating where they want their child dropped off. Buses ARE NOT permitted to get off of their normal driving route to take children home. Children are allowed to be dropped off at an exchange ONLY if the parent is there waiting for the child. They will not be let off if the parent is not there. Our main concern is for the safety of the students, therefore, the reason for these guidelines. Any questions regarding these guidelines should be directed to the Superintendent. or Principal.
Students are expected to play safely respecting the rights of others. Older students are to look out for younger students. Students are not to bring hardballs (regular baseballs), baseball bats, roller skates, or roller blades to school. Other play equipment like jacks, jumping ropes, nerf balls, tennis balls, or footballs may be brought from home, but the school cannot assume responsibility for loss or damage to personal property. Hazardous or illegal items like matches, tobacco products, knives, guns, firecrackers, cap pistols, water guns, or air rifles are not to be brought to school and may be confiscated and returned only to parents. Possession and/or use of a hazardous item could result in suspension or expulsion.
Fighting on the equipment, jumping out of the moving swings, and throwing rocks are prohibited. Students must take turns and use equipment such as the rings, swings, teeter-totters, muscle-man, baskets, etc. safely.
Students are expected to use proper courtesy and manners as students of BTGS. Treat others as you wish to be treated. Respect for the flag is taught at BTGS.
Special marks of respect are:
1. The Pledge of Allegiance is recited at attention, facing the flag, with the right hand over the heart.
2. If the flag is not flown during the playing of the National Anthem, all present stand at attention and face towards the music, men removing their hats. If the flag is displayed during the National Anthem, all present face the flag and render the appropriate salute.
Sunflower seeds are not permitted on school grounds during school hours. Gum is permitted in some classrooms. The classroom teacher will let the children know if it is permitted in their classroom.
Possession and/or use of tobacco or alcohol in any form on the school grounds will result in a minimum two day suspension, and their name will be given to the sheriff for prosecution according to the law.
During student assemblies BTGS students have a tradition of giving courteous attention to those performing or speaking.
1. Students will be held responsible for being on time.
2. There is to be no pushing, fighting, throwing rocks or snowballs, or "horse play" while waiting to board the bus.
3. Students are not to run along side the bus while it is moving. They are to wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before attempting to board.
4. When riding on a moving school bus, students are to be seated at all times. There shall be no throwing of objects; loud boisterous conduct, or any other activity which may prove distracting to the bus driver.
5. Students are to never walk between two parked buses.
DUE PROCESS FOR BUS DISCIPLINE
1. A student who misbehaves on a school bus will be warned for the first offense.
2. A second offense will result in temporary suspension from riding the bus. Before being suspended, a student will be given a hearing before the principal to explain his/her actions. If the Principal rules against the student, the student will be suspended from riding the bus for three days. The student's parents will be notified by letter of the principal's decision.
3. If there is a third offense, or a student's actions are so severe that it endangers the lives of the other students riding the bus, the student may be expelled from riding the school bus for the remainder of the year. Before a student will be expelled from riding the bus, a registered letter will be sent to the parents explaining the disorderly conduct and the circumstances surrounding the charges. The letter will also contain the time and place of a hearing that will be conducted by the BTGS Board of Trustees.
4. The Board shall meet at the time and place set for the hearing, hear all witnesses and examine all evidence pertaining to the written charges of expulsion, and by its written decision concurred in by four (4) or more members, determine whether there is good cause to expel the student from riding the bus.
The decision of explusion can only be made by the Board of Trustees and shall be in writing and recorded in the minutes of the Board. The student has the right to legal counsel at this time if he or she wishes. During the period of time between the filing of the written charges and the date of the hearing, the student will be suspended from riding the school bus.
Students who live in town, and who normally don't ride the bus, are not permitted to ride the bus to the high school or any other place in town. If a student is to ride a bus that is normally not ridden by him/her, then the student will need a written note from the parent that is to be given to the bus driver of the bus being ridden.
Students at BTGS are recognized as individuals; those who have difficulty with learning have several programs designed to help them achieve. The Federal government partially funds the Chapter 1 program and students needing help in reading and math may be invited to participate depending on available time.
Students with special learning problems may spend part or all of their school day in the Special Education Resource Room where special teaching methods and curriculum help each achieve to the best of his/her ability. Speech Therapy is a part of the Special Education program.
Parent permission is required before any student is given extra help in these programs.
BTGS also provides enrichment, through our gifted and talented program, for students with outstanding ability in one or more areas. This program is designed to develop a student's abilities to the fullest by modifying classroom instruction and supplementing it with out-of-class enrichment.
NO medication of any kind will be dispensed by the school. This includes Tylenol and aspirin. An exception will be made for students who must receive prescribed oral medication. The parent must submit a written request on a "permission for medication form", which must be signed by a physician and parent. These forms are available at the school office.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASE REGULATIONS
Students suspected of having a communicable disease should not be in school during the contagious period. Diseases like chicken pox, measles, mumps, ringworm, pinkeye, scarlet fever, strep throat, etc. are in this category. Medical attention is recommended when students are suspected or have a communicable disease. A doctor's note will be adequate to allow readmittance to school, or they may be readmitted after being examined by our school nurse.
BTGS will comply with State Law which requires all students to be immunized. Minimum requirements as prescribed by the State are:
1. Four doses of DPT or DT vaccine, at least one dose of which is given after the 4th birthday. Td vaccine should be given to children 7 years and older. (If a student has received less than 2 doses of DPT, DT, or Td vaccine at enrollment, a total of 3 doses will meet the minimum requirements.) A booster of tetanus is given every 10 years.
2. Three doses of live, trivalent, oral polio vaccine, at least 1 dose of which is given after the 4th birthday.
3. Measles, mumps and rubella - one dose after 15 months of age. A booster is now received before entering sixth grade.
No personal exemptions are allowed as of July 1, 1990; religious exemptions must be notarized yearly. NO STUDENT will be admitted to BTGS without proof of immunization.
The Speech/Language Pathologist and School Nurse will be conducting the annual BTGS hearing screening for grades K and 1. All new students, special education students, students known to have a hearing loss, and all students referred by teachers suspected of having a hearing loss will also be screened at this time.
The purpose of this screening is to identify students with hearing problems that can interfere with their progress in school. The screening procedure involves pure tone and impedance audiometry measurements which require about 3 minutes per child.
All students who fail this initial screening will receive follow-up retesting by an audiologist funded through OPI. All screening results will be sent to the school. Parents of the children identified as having a hearing problem will be notified. Any parents concerned about their child's ears or hearing may contact the Grade School.
The Speech Pathologist will be screening students for communication disorders throughout the school year. Areas screened will be: articulation (speech sound production), language (comprehension and production), voice, fluency, as well as other areas related to communication skills. Those screened will be: kindergarteners, new students, students whose communication development is being monitored, and students who have been referred by a teacher and/or parent. The screening will take place during the regular school day.
Parents wanting to refer their child for screening or seeking information concerning the speech program are urged to contact the Grade School.
DENTAL, VISION, & SCOLIOSIS SCREENING
During the school year the nurse will screen all of the students in grades K,1,3,5,7, new students, and referrals for possible dental and vision problems. Also, students in grades 5-8 will be screened for scoliosis. Parents of the children identified as having a problem in any of these areas will be notified by phone or letter. If you oppose having your child/children screened for any of the above mentioned areas please notify the school office. BTGS participates in the Montana fluoride rinse program. A permission slip will be required from the parents in order for a child to participate. Also, periodic screening for head lice will be done during the year. Any children found having head lice will be required to return home for a treatment and will have to show evidence of treatment before returning to school. Parents will be notified and a letter sent with the child which will explain treatment procedures.
These drills are held and students are to follow the instructions of their teachers. Each classroom has a designated exit route and upon hearing the fire alarm students are to walk quietly and quickly to the area clear of the building. Lines are to be straight and orderly. Students are to remain with their class while waiting for their teacher to give them permission to return to the building.
When a dangerous situation exists in the building the classrooms will be alerted by the intercom system that we will be in a lockdown mode. When this alert is given classroom doors will be locked immediately and students will be placed in the most "safe" area of the room. Lockdowns will be practiced periodically throughout the school year.
All pupils shall in accordance with State Law:
1. Comply with the policies of the trustees and the rules and regulations of the school.
2. Pursue the required course of instruction.
3. Submit to the authority of the teachers and Superintendent.
4. Be subject to the control and authority of the teachers and Superintendent and/or Principal while he or she is in school or on school premises, on his/her way to and from school, or during his/her intermission or recess.
Any pupil who continually and willfully disobeys the law, shows open defiance of the authority vested in school personnel by State law, defaces or damages any school building, school grounds, furniture, equipment, books belonging to the district or harms or threatens to harm another person or his property shall be liable for punishment, suspension, or expulsion under the provisions of law. When a pupil defaces or damages school property his parents or guardian shall be liable for the cost of repair or replacement upon the complaint of the school and the proof of such damage. As per the Gun Free Schools Act, any student who brings a firearm to school will be expelled for at least one year. The Board of Trustees may modify the expulsion requirement on a case by case basis. A student shall not possess or use any type of weapon during school hours, on school property, or at school functions. A "weapon" is defined as anything that is brandished in a threatening way.
At BTGS the overall school discipline is the responsibility of the Superintendent. Parents will be informed of any serious pupil offenses or disciplinary action taken. The Superintendent may suspend a student depending upon the circumstances and after hearing both sides. Expulsion is a disciplinary action available only to the Board of Trustees. Good discipline is essential to having a proper learning environment in BTGS. A copy of the Discipline Policy will be sent home with the students on the first day of school. This policy is primarily for students in grades 4-8.
BTGS has a Chemical Abuse Policy that describes the school's guidelines, responsibilities, and consequences in dealing with students who violate this policy.
Individualized suspicion (reasonable cause to search) is a standard for a search on school property or at school related events based on the "school officials specific reasonable inference and the school official's experience. Specific reasonable inference may be drawn from instances including but not limited to a tip from a student, suspicious behavior which suggests that contraband is present, a smell indicating the presence of contraband, a bulge in a pocket, etc." School officials may conduct an inspection on school property or at school related activities of backpacks, purses, coats, etc. Anything brought onto school property can be searched. Students may be asked to empty pockets. If a student refuses to empty their pockets the sheriff and parents will be called.
Disciplinary action may be taken for misconduct that occurs off campus if the conduct is reasonably related to the educational process.
The playground is supervised from 8:15 A.M. to 3:25 P.M. during the school day. Students arriving before 8:15 A.M. are not supervised. STUDENTS ARE REQUESTED TO TIME THEIR ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL NOT BEFORE 8:15 A.M. Special circumstances may allow other arrangements with the Superintendent or Principal.
Field trips are an important part of the total school curriculum. These trips broaden the experience and knowledge of the students. When a class is planning on a field trip within our district the parents will be notified by a note sent home with the child telling where they will be going and approximate time they will be gone from school. If a field trip is out of the school district, permission slips will be sent home to be signed by the parents.
Parents are welcome to visit school at any time. We do ask that you report to the office first. Please do not interrupt classes when in progress. If you are interested in observing a particular class it would be advisable to contact the teacher before hand to find out the time of day the subject is to be taught. Children from out of town are welcome to visit. A maximum of one-half day is recommended.
Children should be well-behaved in school, and comply with all school policies and regulations; they should respect and obey all persons in authority and be ready to accept the consequences of their own actions. SELF-DISCIPLINE of all students is our goal. When breaches of discipline do occur, professional personnel are authorized to use reasonable and appropriate means to correct it. PRIMARY DISCIPLINE SHOULD BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARENT AND WE ASK YOUR HELP IN MAINTAINING OUR USE OF THIS POLICY.
Please don't bring party invitations for distribution at school unless they are for all boys or all girls of that class.
The School Board has approved a policy whereby 7th and 8th grade students, under parent sponsorship, may use the school gym for social functions (dances). Four dances will be permitted during a school year. Parents wishing to sponsor one of these functions are requested to contact the Superintendent at least 10 days prior to the date desired. Letters which define various guidelines for the dances and permission slips will be sent home with 7th and 8th grade students.
If weather conditions arise during the winter that necessitate early closure of school, the parents of bus students will be notified via the telephone tree. If conditions look threatening and you anticipate being out of town, please let us know what arrangements have been made for your child. Bus drivers are instructed NOT to let students off a bus during a storm if parents are not at the bus stop to pick up their child. If you have an arrangement made with someone in town, please let us know. Use your own judgement as to whether to send your child/children to school if conditions look threatening.
Big Timber Grade School complied with Federal regulations and had a three year re-inspection completed by Matney-Frantz Engineering in 1998. This report is available for review at the Big Timber Grade School office. The original management plan is also available for review. Also, 6-month surveillance inspections are done to help assure asbestos containment.
Due to a larger number of students entering our school it is possible that, during the year, we might have to add a combination classroom. A portable classroom would be used for this combination classroom and we'd hire a full-time teacher to staff this classroom. Students, as an example, would be selected say from the first and second grade classrooms to be in this room. We would have fewer students in this classroom since it would be a combination room. By having this combination room the student/teacher ratio would be reduced in these grades, thereby enhancing the educational opportunities for all students. Selection of students into this classroom would be done by a team of teachers, the Superintendent. and the Principal. Parents will be notified if their student is selected to be in this combination classroom.
Active participation of parents in school activities is encouraged. Your support and interest will help contribute to a good school environment.
Any time you have questions, concerns, suggestions, etc., feel free to call your child's teacher, the Superintendent, or the Principal. The school telephone number is 932-5939.
BUILDING YOUR CHILD'S CONFIDENCE
AND FEELINGS OF WORTH
1. Encouragement is the process of focusing on your children's assets and strengths in order to build their self-confidence and feelings of worth.
2. Focus on what is good about the child or the situation. See the positive.
3. Accept your children as they are. Don't make your love and acceptance dependent on their behavior.
4. Have faith in your children so they can come to believe in themselves.
5. Let your children know their worth. Recognize improvement and effort, not just accomplishment.
6 . Respect your children. It will lay the foundation of their self-respect.
7. Praise is reserved for things well done. It implies a spirit of competition. Encouragement is given for effort or improvement. It implies a spirit of cooperation.
8. The most powerful forces in human relationships are expectations. We can influence a person's behavior by changing our expectations of the person.
9. Lack of faith in children helps them to anticipate failure and discouragement.
10. Standards that are too high invite failure and discouragement.
11. Avoid subtle encouragement of competition between brothers and sisters.
12. Avoid using discouraging words and actions.
13. Avoid tacking qualifiers to your words of encouragement. Don't "give with one hand and take away with the other."
14. The sounds of encouragement are words that build feelings of adequacy:
"I like the way you handled that."
"I know you can handle it."
"I appreciate what you did.
"It looks as if you worked very hard on that."
"You're improving."
15. Be generous with them.
"Our Praises Are Our Wages" -(Shakespeare)
Falsely praising a person is lying. - St. Augustine
I praise loudly; I blame softly. - Catherine II of Russia