Kindergarten thru Grade 5      8:20 am –   2:45 pm

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BELLEFONTE SCHOOLS PHONE LISTING

            CENTRAL ADMINISTRATION OFFICE                                      355-4814

            BENNER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL                                              355-2812

                                                                                                            (FAX) 353-5339

            BELLEFONTE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL                                    355-5519

                                                                                                            (FAX) 353-5338

            MARION-WALKER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL                           357-2425

                                                                                                            (FAX) 357-2426

     PLEASANT GAP ELEMENTARY SCHOOL                                359-2739

                                                                                                            (FAX) 359-4552

            BELLEFONTE MIDDLE SCHOOL                                                355-5466

                                                                                                            (FAX) 353-5316

            BELLEFONTE HIGH SCHOOL                                                     355-4833

                                                                                                            (FAX) 353-5320

Specific School information can be found at www.basd.net

VISITORS

In the best interest and safety of the children, visitors to the school are required to report to and sign in at the building’s main office. Children will only be released to persons other than the parents/guardians with written permission from the parent(s) or guardian(s).

Classes are not to be interrupted by a parent or visitor during school hours. One of our goals is to teach and foster student responsibility. Please encourage your child to prepare for the next school day by gathering together their lunch money, clothing, homework and assignment books the night before. If it is necessary to have a message, lunch money, and/or clothing delivered to a child while school is in session, the office secretary will gladly take care of it before class begins or during the lunch period, providing it is labeled. Children will not be allowed to call home unless an adult deems the situation to be an emergency.

If you would like to visit your child’s classroom to observe, please contact the Principal for information regarding the district’s policies and procedures. Parents are welcome and encouraged to arrange these visits.

VOLUNTEERS

The Bellefonte Area School District’s Elementary schools welcome and encourage parental and community volunteers in our buildings. Each building has its own needs and we ask you to call the school and get specific information. People who volunteer on a regular basis must have an Act 34 Clearance, TB test and a DPW Clearance on file prior to having contact with students. (Please refer to the Volunteer Policy Guidelines located in the appendix for more information) The necessary paperwork will be provided to you by the school secretary. We encourage everyone to volunteer at your neighborhood school.

PARENT ORGANIZATIONS

All Elementary schools have parent/teacher organizations (PTAs or PTOs) which work to provide enriched activities for the students. All of these work cooperatively with the staff of the building and are an integral part of the home/school partnership. Please become involved in your child’s school.

EMERGENCY DRILLS

Unannounced fire drills are held each month as mandated by state law. Severe weather drills are also practiced periodically. These are designed to instruct students and staff in procedures that are orderly, quick, and safe. No running or talking is permitted. This insures that everyone will be able to hear and follow any directions that are announced for the safety of students and staff.

EMERGENCY CLOSING OF SCHOOL/DELAYS/EARLY DISMISSALS

The need to close school due to the weather or an emergency will be announced on the Alert Now system and following radio stations: WBLF, 3WZ, WMAJ or WRSC. Stations will announce school closings at regular intervals. The school district website will also contain information on a school delay or cancellation. 

Every precaution will be taken to see that the students are returned safely to their homes if the emergency occurs while school is in session. If bad weather is anticipated, please listen to your radio for possible school cancellations. PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL.

PARENT MESSAGES TO CHILDREN DURING SCHOOL

Many phone messages are received from parents for their children during school hours. This creates some confusion and classroom disruption when messages are delivered during the instructional day. To avoid this, parents are encouraged to send notes to their child’s teacher. PARENTS ARE ASKED TO CALL THE SCHOOL ONLY IN THE CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

STUDENT INSURANCE

The school district does not carry insurance on any of its students. Early in the year, information is sent home to parents, via the students, concerning low cost insurance that may be obtained through a group policy. There is no obligation for the parents to participate. It is simply an offer of assistance.

PART 2: SERVICES

COUNSELING SERVICES

Guidance counselors are available upon request by a student, teacher, principal, or parent to discuss issues important to student adjustment and achievement. Classroom or small group activities are offered concerning friendships, changing families, study skills, and self-concept. Children practice life skills such as processing feelings, making decisions, and listening and communicating effectively.

CHILD STUDY TEAMS

When a student experiences some difficulty (academic, behavioral, social, truancy, etc.), a meeting is scheduled with parents, teachers, counselors, principal, and specialists to review the situation. The purpose of these meetings is to develop recommendations that will address the difficulties and design intervention strategies which are a cooperative effort between the school and home. The goal is to help every student succeed in school.

 

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PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES

Children having academic or adjustment problems can be referred to the psychologist by the Child Study Team. The psychologist provides psycho-educational evaluations and consultations to help determine student needs and intervention strategies. Special education services for pupils with social, learning, or emotional problems are partly determined by psychological evaluation and review.

Each elementary building is provided basic nursing services. The schedule of the school nurse and/or health room assistant is posted in the classroom and health office. Although a nurse is not in the building daily, emergency coverage is provided to every building as needed by a certified school nurse.

The following state mandated programs are provided in the elementary grades each year:

                        Height, weight, vision                                     All grades

                        Hearing tests                                                   Kindergarten, Grades 1, 2, & 3

                        Dental examinations                                       Kindergarten & Grade 3

                        Medical examinations                                     Kindergarten

                        Body Mass Index                                           All grades

HEALTH POLICY

The following regulations regarding the taking of daily medication in school come from Board Policy 210:

The dispensing or administration of prescribed medication to a student during school hours in accordance with the direction of a parent or family physician will be permitted only when:

·   fail                   failure  to take such medicine would jeopardize the health of a student

·                                                the student would not be able to attend school if the medicine were not made available during school hours

“Medication” includes all medicine prescribed by a physician, any patent drug, aspirin, or cough medications as well as ANY over-the-counter medication. The school nurse or principal must receive a completed consent-release form (available at each school) signed by the parent and the physician (a physician’s prescription including all the required information listed in the next paragraph can be substituted for his/her signature on the form). The consent will be valid for the current school year.

The medication in a container labeled by a physician or a pharmacist must include:

1. Student’s name

2. Name of physician

3. Date of prescription

4. Name and telephone number of pharmacy

5. Name of medication, dosage, route, and frequency of administration

The school nurse or principal will store the medication in a locked container in a secure area. Medications requiring refrigeration will be stored in the refrigerator in the health room.      Medication shall be administered according to written parental permission by the school nurse or the designee of the principal (a non-medical staff member).

All prescription medications brought to the school shall be picked up by the parent at the end of the school year or the end of the period of medication administration, whichever is earlier. All medication not picked up by the last day of the school year will be destroyed.

A medication log or written record will be maintained indicating the name of the student, the name and dosage of medication dispensed, the date and time of day, the duration of the order, and the name (initials) of the person administering the medication.

Wellness

Bellefonte Area School District recognizes that student wellness and proper nutrition are related to students’ physical well-being, growth, development, and readiness to learn. The Board is committed to providing a school environment that promotes student wellness, proper nutrition, nutrition education, and regular physical activity as part of the total learning experience. In a healthy school environment, students will learn about and participate in positive dietary and lifestyle practices that can improve student achievement.

PART 3: ACADEMIC INFORMATION

HOMEWORK

Bellefonte Area School District advocates the concept of homework to provide an additional positive learning opportunity that enhances home/school communication. The Board of Education has established a homework policy (#130) available in the school offices for your review.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Bellefonte Area Elementary Schools expect students to follow ethical academic standards. Academic dishonesty is a serious matter. Academic dishonesty encompasses, but is not limited to:

Cheating - Cheating includes, but is not limited to, a student copying an assignment or tests and submitting it as his/her own; allowing someone to copy an assignment or test and submit it as her/her own; unauthorized use of or communication with notes, calculates, computers, text books, cell phones, etc during an exam or project; telling other students what is on a test or quiz or providing specific questions or answers. 

Plagiarism – Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, a student intentionally or negligently uses someone else’s ideas, words or artistic creations without crediting the source.

Fabrication or Forgery – Fabrication/forgery includes, but is not limited to, a student using invented information in assignments; using imitations or copies of images, documents, signatures, etc.

Obstruction – Obstruction includes, but is not limited to, a student preventing other students from getting their work done or limiting their access to educational resources.

Multiple Submission – Multiple submission includes, but is not limited to, a student submitting the same work in two or more courses without permission from the teacher(s). 

Consequences for Academic Integrity Violations are listed in the disciplinary chart/guidelines of this handbook.

TEXTBOOK / LIBRARY BOOK POLICY

All textbooks and library books provided by the district for the student’s use are considered to be on loan to the student. Normal wear is expected. However, if a student loses, defaces, or destroys such materials, the parents will be responsible for the replacement of the same. 

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM

When a child enters fourth grade, he or she will be offered the opportunity to take instrumental music lessons. A variety of instrumental choices will be available. Students will be given lessons in school once a week. However, daily practice at home is encouraged.

Parents may rent or buy instruments from local retail stores. More information will be available to the students each fall. In the elementary schools, lessons are offered in both fourth and fifth grades. Additionally, if a child participates in lessons throughout the school year, he or she is eligible to play in our annual elementary band/orchestra concert(s).

All third grade students are introduced to instrumental music using a recorder during their regular music classes.

STUDENT RECORDS

Records are maintained on each student as an aid to the educational process. Parents may review records by contacting the guidance counselor at your child’s school. Release of records or information to outside agencies will not occur without written permission from the parent. When parents are divorced, both adults have access to medical, dental, and school records of their children, the residence address of those children and of the other parent, and any other information that the court deems necessary, unless there is a written court order denying such access. If additional official reports (ie: report cards) are desired, the parent must make this request in writing.

REPORTING PUPIL PROGRESS

Formal report cards are issued to parents four times per year at the end of each nine week grading period. Reports of good progress or poor progress are sent to parents anytime during the year when a teacher feels that the parent should be informed. Informal notes and phone calls are often used between teacher and parent to keep abreast of the student’s efforts or problems. Parents may contact the school by e-mail. E-mail addresses are available at www.basd.net.

A formal parent-teacher conference is held at the end of the first nine weeks for each student’s parent(s). The school considers this conference important for the parent to attend. Parents may request a conference at any time by contacting the school.

HOMEBOUND INSTRUCTION

When a student is going to be absent from school over an extended period of time due to accident or illness, homebound instruction may be requested. A doctor’s statement indicating the length of time the student will be incapacitated is required. For such a request to be considered, the period of absence would need to be longer than two weeks and must be reviewed every month by the physician. Applications for homebound instruction can be secured through the school counselor.

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PART 4: ATTENDANCE

ATTENDANCE AND TARDINESS

Regular attendance during the days and hours that school is in session is required by the Pennsylvania School Code for all students enrolled in school. If a student is absent from school a written explanation must be submitted upon their return. Absences shall be treated as unlawful until the district receives a written excuse explaining the absence, to be submitted within three (3) days of the absence. A maximum of ten (10) days of cumulative lawful absences verified by parental notification may be permitted during a school year. All absences beyond ten (10) cumulative days shall require an excuse from a licensed physician.  Parents may also send the excuse through the mail, e-mail or by fax directly to the school. Questions regarding attendance or tardy issues may be referred to Mr. Kristopher Vancas, Compliance Officer of the Bellefonte Area School District (814-355-5519), or to the attendance information link.

Children missing more than 20 days of school will be considered an “at-risk” student for the following school year and will be referred to the Child Study Team. Their attendance will be monitored very closely, and other agencies may become involved. Doctors’ excuses may be required after 10 absences for these students.

SCHOOL RULES and “IN LOCO PARENTIS”

By law, school officials are responsible for students well being during the school day.   This authority is called in loco parentis, meaning “in place of the parents.”   Because of in loco parentis, it is the school’s responsibility to ensure the rights and well-being of all students, as well as take measures necessary to provide a positive and safe learning environment.

At the Bellefonte Area Elementary Schools, three basic guidelines prevail:

·         Respect others

·         Respect self

·         Respect school property

These three basic guidelines encompass the many specific rules and regulations that typically are enforced in schools. The Disciplinary Code that begins on page 15 details specific infractions and their subsequent consequences. Students and parents are advised to become familiar with this code as a preventive measure against poor judgment and inappropriate behavior on the part of students.

 

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UNLAWFUL HARASSMENT

The term harassment includes, but is not limited to, slurs, jokes, or other verbal, graphic or physical conduct relating to an individual’s race, color, ancestry, sex, national origin, age, or handicap/disability.

Ethnic harassment includes the use of any derogatory word, phrase, or action characterizing a given racial or ethnic group that creates an offensive education environment.

Sexual harassment shall consist of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other inappropriate verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

1.      Submission to such conduct is made explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of a student’s academic status.

2.      Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for academic decisions affecting the individual.

3.      Such conduct deprives a student of educational aid, benefits, services, or treatment.

4.      Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with the student’s school performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive education environment.

BULLYING/CYBER BULLYING

Bullying shall be defined as when a student is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more students. This could include unwelcome verbal, written, electronic, or physical conduct directed at a student by another student or students, or by an adult.

Cyber Bullying includes, but is not limited to, the following misuses of technology during the school day: harassing, teasing, intimidating, threatening, or terrorizing another student, teacher, or employee of the District by sending or posting inappropriate or derogatory email messages, instant messages, text messages, digital pictures or images, or web site postings.

The Bellefonte Area School District will not tolerate known acts of harassment or bullying occurring on school district property, at school-sponsored activities scheduled on or off school grounds or during the time students necessarily spend traveling to and from school or school –sponsored activities.

Complaints of harassment, bullying or cyber bullying shall be investigated promptly, and corrective action shall be taken when a complaint is verified. Neither reprisals nor retaliations shall occur as a result of the submission of a complaint.

The District shall annually inform students that harassment, bullying and cyber bullying of students will not be tolerated.

A Bullying/Cyber-Bullying Parent Guide is available on our website to help parents/guardians handle bullying situations with their children.

WEAPONS POLICY

State legislation has a “zero tolerance” policy regarding the possession of weapons on school property or on the bus. In compliance with the law, the following rules and guidelines apply:

·         Weapons are not permitted anywhere on school grounds or on busses that transport students to school.

·         Examples of weapons include:

any object, device or instrument designed as a weapon or through its use is capable of threatening or producing bodily harm or which may be used to inflict self-injury including, but not limited to:  any firearm, whether

loaded or unloaded; pneumatic guns, including but not limited to, pellet, BB, airsoft and paintball guns; knives; blades; clubs; metal/brass knuckles; nunchucks; throwing stars; explosive, incendiary or poisonous gas; any combustible or flammable liquid; fireworks; mace and other propellants; stun guns; ammunition; poisons; chains; arrows; objects that have been modified to serve as a weapon; or any other item which is used to threaten, strike terror, or cause bodily harm or death even though it is normally considered to not present a danger to others

·         Items that can be considered weapons, and subject to confiscation/discipline include:

o   Chains, as jewelry or on wallets

o   Razors and blades

o   Cap guns

Should a knife or other implement be brought to school by mistake, the student MUST bring it to the office immediately and explain the situation. It is extremely important for students to refrain from making this mistake, as “zero tolerance” requires harsh punishment that could result in a one-year expulsion from school.

STUDENT SEARCHES

Student searches must be justified at their inception by reasonable suspicion that policy or law has been violated or is being violated and that evidence of the violation will be disclosed by the search, and the search actually conducted must be reasonable related in scope to the circumstances which justified the search at its inception. 

School district administrators are authorized, under circumstances justifying such a search as described above, to require students or other persons under the administrator’s jurisdiction to submit to a thorough search of their person and personal belongings including, but not limited to, clothing, shoes, handbags, backpacks and wallets to seize any unauthorized materials. 

Any individual/student who refuses to comply or cooperate with these expectations will result in parent/guardian and local law enforcement contact, as well as possible suspension from school and subject to other disciplinary action. If a more extensive search is required it will be conducted by local law enforcement.

Lockers can also be searched based upon the above criteria and held to the same expectations.                                              

ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT POLICY

Students are not permitted to bring iPods, radios, walkmans, portable CD players, MP3 players or tape recorders to school unless the equipment is part of a classroom presentation. In addition, laser light pointers and electronic games, such as Nintendo Game Boys, are not permitted in school.

Students may possess cellular telephones on school district property and at school district events provided; however, that such phone shall be turned off when students enter the building and/or event. They shall be used only in a manner that is not disruptive to the school and its educational activities. Principals may, in addition, adopt and enforce reasonable rules and regulations thereto, and as situations may warrant, including but not being limited to revoking such privileges for any and all students. The district shall not be liable for the loss, damage or misuse of any electronic device brought to school by a student.

ELECTRONIC DEVICE SEARCHES

Electronic Device searches must be justified at their inception by reasonable suspicion that policy or law has been violated or is being violated and that evidence of the violation will be disclosed by the search, and the search actually conducted must be reasonable related in scope to the circumstances which justified the search at its inception. 

School district administrators are authorized, under circumstances justifying such a search as described above, to require students or other persons under the administrator’s jurisdiction to submit to a thorough search of their electronic device. Electronic Devices are defined in Board Policy 237. 

DISCIPLINARY CODE

Observance of the rules and regulations that govern all phases of school life is expected of all students attending the Bellefonte Area Elementary Schools. Some of the most common types of disciplinary problems and the procedures for dealing with them are described in the following section. It’s understood that the disciplinary actions described herein represent minimal penalties and are intended to only act as a guide for administrative action. In all cases, the student's past record, attitude, and willingness to cooperate in correcting behavior problems will be considered. This disciplinary code has been approved by the Bellefonte Board of Education and will be implemented by the administration.

The chart detailed on the next two pages notes and defines the disciplinary actions addressed by the code, as well as the consequences for first, second, and subsequent occurrences. Students and parents/guardians are advised to familiarize themselves with the disciplinary code. 

**Students/individuals who incite a disciplinary incident are also subject to disciplinary consequences.**

BELLEFONTEELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

DISCIPLINEINFRACTIONS MATRIX

Detention* (Because some elementaryschools do not have a detention program in place, recess time will be takenaway from the student.  The amount oftime will be determined by the classroom teacher and/or Principal/AssistantPrincipal).

In-School Suspension** (Student willdo his/her regular class work for the day(s) involved and will be directlyunder the supervision of the Principal/Assistant Principal).

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BASD ACCEPTABLE USE OF COMPUTER NETWORK AND INTERNET ACCESS

The Bellefonte Area School District has made available to students access to the BASD.net network and the Internet.  Individuals requesting access to the Internet through School District resources (BASD.net) are required to read the Acceptable Use of Computer Network and Internet Access and to understand the rights and responsibilities associated with being granted this access.  Students and their parents will be asked to sign the associated agreement form to obtain an account.

The use of BASD.net is a privilege, not a right.  Students using BASD.net resources and equipment are expected to exhibit appropriate behavior.  Inappropriate use of Internet and Computer Network resources may result in a cancellation of computer and network privileges along with appropriate school disciplinary action and/or appropriate legal action as defined by Pennsylvania law.

With rights and privileges of membership in the BASD.net community come certain responsibilities:

¨          Each user of the BASD.net is responsible for any and all activity initiated by his or her account.

¨          Users are responsible for selecting a secure password for their account and for keeping the password a secret at all times.

¨          Users are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette.  These include, but are not limited to, the following:  Be polite.  Use appropriate language.  Abusive messages and the use of vulgarities or other inappropriate language is not permitted. Students must never reveal personal information about themselves or of others (address, phone number, etc.).

¨          Users are responsible for using BASD.net facilities in a manner that is ethical, legal, and not harmful to others.

¨          Use of the BASD.net must be in support of the education program in which the user is enrolled.

Students could have their BASD.net use privileges revoked for any of the following reasons:

¨          Impersonation of other users

¨          Misrepresentation of self to others

¨          Using pseudonyms

¨          Participation in any activity which is illegal, unethical, or causes harm to others.

¨          Participating in for profit activities

¨          Sending of hate or harassing e-mail

¨          Obtaining or sending obscene or pornographic material

¨          Obtaining/modifying files or other data belonging to other users

¨          Fraudulent or illegal copying

¨          Tampering with or vandalism of computer hardware or software

¨          Unauthorized entry into networks

¨          Intentionally damaging the integrity of data or creating misinformation

¨          Transferring or creating computer viruses

¨          Loading or using unauthorized games, programs, and/or files

¨          Illegal use of copyrighted software

¨          Using the network to disrupt the work of others

Students also need to know that:

¨          The sending or receiving of Email or other forms of electronic communication without the specific approval of a teacher or administration is not permitted.

¨          Immediate termination of a user’s account may result from any violation of the User Agreement for Network and Internet Access.

¨          Electronic mail and files stored on BASD.net servers are not guaranteed to be private and may be accessed by school authorities or their agents.

¨          Participating in any activities involving BASD.net that are in violation of school rules or in violation of local, state, and/or federal laws will be reported to the proper authorities.

¨          The same standards of intellectual and academic honesty and plagiarism apply to electronic information as to other forms of published work.  All internet sources used in student work need to be appropriately cited.

¨          Appropriate administrative sanctions may be imposed upon students who violate Internet polices.

¨          BASD employees or the Bellefonte Area School District cannot be held liable for any loss of data arising directly or indirectly from the failure of hardware, software, or from human error.

BASD Policy 815 (2/1/2005) can be found at http://www.basd.net/technology/

PART 6: BUS TRANSPORTATION

BUS TRANSPORTATION POLICY

Safety requires enforcement of rules for school bus conduct. Parents are asked to familiarize their children with the obligations and courtesies of public transportation. According to Pennsylvania Public School Code, the bus driver has the same authority over the pupil, while on the bus, as the teacher has in the classroom.

The school bus driver is authorized to enforce safety and social standards on his/her bus. He/She determines the degree of talking and activity permissible, conforming with policies set by the bus contractor and the Bellefonte Area School District. School bus rules are to be posted at the front of each bus. School bus rules and expectations are also listed in student handbooks throughout the district. Onboard surveillance cameras are installed on every bus. A list of pupils assigned to the bus is kept by the driver, bus contractor, Director of Transportation and school principal/assistant principal.

It is understood that emergencies arise creating a need to change a child’s normal transportation assignment. Frequent changes can be stressful for a child especially at dismissal. Please maintain a routine for the student so that leaving school each day is a pleasant experience. To ensure the safety of the children, please be advised of the following:

Students will have only one Pick-up and drop off bus stop.Beginning with this school year, there will be no bus passes issued from transportation office or school main office.

Transportation of students to and from school is provided as a privilege for those students residing outside of each school’s walking area. Due to insurance regulations, students who are classified as walkers are not permitted to ride a school bus at any time. Students assigned as bus riders may not change to other buses.

Students are expected to obey bus regulations as outlined by the district bus policy. Actions that distract a driver are considered dangerous to the welfare of the other students. Such actions and other violations will be referred to the appropriate building principal for disciplinary procedures which will include contacting parents. Serious or repeated student infractions will result in the suspension of the student’s bus riding privileges. The bus rides to and from school are considered part of the school day and the same discipline code covers the behavior of students on the bus as in the school building. 

Bus drivers will report misbehavior to the building principal after warnings are given to the student. The building principal will work with the parents to ensure the proper conduct of the student on the bus. It is our sincere hope that the behaviors will never escalate to the point where a student’s bus privileges will have to be suspended in order to protect the safety of all students on the bus.

SCHOOL BUS VIDEO SURVEILLANCE

For the safety of students and to maintain proper standards of conduct, a video surveillance system is in use on district school buses. This system is intended to assist the administration, bus contractors, and drivers in observing behavior and preventing violation of bus rules and regulations. Student behavior may be recorded and disciplinary action may be taken based on the behaviors recorded.

MINOR VIOLATIONS

First Offense – Warning to offender or offenders by driver

Second Offense – Report by driver to school Principal/Assistant Principal of the school where he or she attends. Disciplinary action taken by administrator. (This may include assignment of detention, in accordance with the attending school discipline policy, or revocation of privileges during the school day such as recess activities for elementary students.) School official notifies parents, preferably by phone. A copy of the report and action taken is forwarded by the administrator to the Transportation Office; the administrator will also forward a copy of the report to the student’s parents or guardians.

Third and Subsequent Offense – Will have the same consideration as a major offense.

MAJOR VIOLATIONS

First Offense – Riding privileges are suspended for up to one week. A greater number of days are possible, depending on the nature and severity of the offense, as decided by the building administrator and the Supervisor of Transportation Services. Driver may recommend removal of offender from the bus at school building or his/her stop. Driver reports infraction immediately to school principal/assistant principal who notifies parents. Following a suspension from riding privileges the student shall assure the driver that no further problems will occur. Transportation to and from school during a suspension of riding privileges will become the responsibility of the parents/guardians. Students are NOT permitted to ride another bus during suspension.

Second and Subsequent Offense – Same as above with extension of suspension period, as agreed on by the administration/driver and Supervisor of Transportation.

Typical Minor Violations:

Insubordination, eating, drinking, littering, stands or changes seats while bus is in motion, rude, discourteous, annoying, pushing, tripping.

Typical Major Violations:

Fighting, smoking or using tobacco, spitting, destruction of property, violation of safety procedures, throwing objects, unacceptable language.

PART 7: MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

CAFETERIA INFORMATION

The Bellefonte Area School District uses a computerized meal system that allows you to deposit money into your child’s individual account. All deposits should be made on at least a weekly basis before school in the cafeteria. Your child’s money is then used to pay for breakfast and/or lunch each day. The cafeteria staff understands that sometimes your child forgets his/her lunch money. When you send a payment in, any charges are repaid first and the balance is placed on your child’s account for future purchases. Please remember that breakfast charges are not allowed. If you would like your child to purchase breakfast, please plan accordingly.

There is also a free and reduced lunch program available to families who qualify. Applications for free and reduced lunches will be sent home at the beginning of each school year. Kindergarten snacks are not included in the free and reduced lunch program and vary from school to school and teacher to teacher.

Parents are invited to eat lunch with their children. If you would like to eat lunch with your child please notify the school cafeteria of your order before 9:00 am. If you wish to join your child more than one time throughout the school year, please contact your building principal to ensure there are no space limitations. Keep in mind some buildings are very limited in space and one visit per year may be necessary to ensure other parents can also visit. When joining your child, we ask you to assist us by modeling positive communication skills and table manners. We welcome the additional support in the cafeteria during the lunch period.

If you pack your child’s lunch please be sure it is ready to eat. Children do not have access to a microwave. 

*Carbonated beverages are not permitted in the cafeteria during meal times.

 INTRAMURALS

Intramural activities are provided for intermediate grade students after school hour. Each school provides a program that is uniquely tailored to student interest. Written parent permission is required prior to participating. Transportation is the responsibility of the parents.

 

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 DRESS POLICY   

The following guidelines have been adopted by the BASD School Board and are copied from the Middle School policies. Because our elementary children may not be physically similar to adolescents and are often dressed by their parents, some administrative discretion may prevail. In addition, open-toed shoes and flip flops may present a safety risk for students. Students will not be permitted to wear these types of shoes in areas that could have inherited safety risks, such as the playground, or during physical education classes.

Students are not permitted to wear clothing that might cause a disruption of the educational process or that might send an inappropriate message to others. Good judgment should prevail on a student’s part by not wearing clothing that:

·         calls a great deal of attention to the student

·         displays obscene or suggestive words

·         promotes the use of alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs

·         constitutes a health or safety hazard

Specifically, the following parameters must be met regarding school apparel:

·         Footwear must be secured to the foot. Closed-toe shoes are preferred. Open-toe shoes must have a wide band across the heel or across the instep (the area right in front of the ankle). Flip flops and sports slides are permitted.

·         Shorts, skirts, and dresses must be below the individual student’s fingertips when arms are hanging down the student’s sides.

·         NO clothing is permitted to be worn that has:

o   Cigarette or alcohol logos

o   Depictions of drugs, drug use, or drug innuendo

o   Inappropriate words, pictures, language, or sexual connotations

o   Advertisements for establishments that contain alcohol or sexual innuendo (i.e., Hooters) 

o   The words bar, lounge, or tavern on it

·         Shirt length must allow for the raising of a student’s arms over one’s head with no bare skin visible around the midriff (back or front).

·         No tank tops, shirts with spaghetti straps, muscle shirts, or halter tops are permitted. A “sleeveless” shirt must have a collar.

·         Pants or jeans must be worn so that no skin or underwear is exposed.

·         Headwear, to include hats, hoods, and bandanas, is not permitted in the building. Bandanas are not accepted as “headbands” for female students.

The dress policy will be enforced throughout the school day and at all school functions.

Students will be required to change inappropriate clothing. Disciplinary action will be taken against those who repeatedly violate this policy.

RECESS

It is important for students to have the opportunity to participate in some form of physical activity during the school day. A twenty minute outdoor recess is provided to the students when the actual or real feel temperature is 20 degrees or above. When additional inclement weather conditions exist students may have indoor recess.

 

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FIELD TRIPS

In an effort to expand on classroom instruction, teachers, at times, offer a chance for students to partake in educational field trips. These trips are truly worthwhile trips for the youngsters, as they receive first-hand experiences that relate to concepts they have been learning about in school. Parents will be notified in advance of any trip, and will be asked to complete permission slips in order for their child to go on the trip. Children not permitted to go on field trips, for whatever reason, should still report to school. These children will be sent, with assignments, to another classroom in the school.

When planning for field trips, teachers will use the guideline of 1 adult for every 10 primary students (K-3) and 1 adult for every 15 intermediate students (4-5). In some situations other school employees will act as chaperones on field trips. When this occurs other adults may not be invited as chaperones. This will be at the discretion of the building principal.

Occasionally, parents may also be asked to chaperone field trips. Any individual who acts as a chaperone for a field trip must be a “registered volunteer” in the district. There will be no exceptions. (Please refer to the Volunteer Policy Guidelines located in the appendix for more information) If you are asked, your cooperation will be appreciated so that we can have a better adult/child ratio on the trip. If you are able to chaperone, please make arrangements for younger siblings to stay at home.                              

Your undivided attention is needed for our students. Field trips provide enrichment and extension activities for the classroom. Students must maintain both academic and behavioral standards to be able to participate in the field trips. Teachers will communicate with both students and parents if there is a concern about a student not being able to participate in a field trip.

NOTE: Administration can permit or deny a student the field trip based on individual circumstances.

 

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 PARTIES

Classroom parties are held throughout the year for special themes or events. You may be asked to contribute items for these parties. Children truly look forward to these occasions, so if you are able to donate items, when asked, your cooperation would be greatly appreciated. A suggested list of appropriate food items will be provided to you by the classroom teacher.

Parents may request that their child not participate in a party if it conflicts with beliefs at home. Such a request should be sent to the child’s teacher. The teacher will make other arrangements for the child by consulting with the school principal. These arrangements will not penalize your child in any way.

At times, parents wish to send in food to celebrate a child’s birthday. These recognitions must be coordinated with the classroom teacher. Food items should be limited to one per child and adhere to the district Wellness Policy. Please do not send in treat bags, favors, hats, ballons or small gifts.

NON-DISCRIMINATION NOTICE

The Bellefonte Area School District is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or handicap in its activities, programs, or employment practices as required by Title VI, Title IX and Section 504.   

For information regarding civil rights or grievance procedures, services, activities, and facilities accessible to and useable by handicapped persons, contact Dr. Michell  Saylor, Compliance Officer, at 318 North Allegheny Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823-1679 (814-355-4814 x 3004)

Notification Letter for Parents or Guardians

                 (To be sent to all parents or guardians of students enrolled in the school at the beginning of each school year).

The Bellefonte School District uses an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach for the managing insects, rodents and weeds. Our IPM approach focuses on making the school building and grounds an unfavorable habitat for these pests by removing food and water sources and eliminating their hiding and breeding places. We accomplish this through routine cleaning and maintenance. We routinely monitor the school building and grounds to detect any pests that are present. The pest monitoring team consists of our building maintenance, office, and teaching staff and includes our students. Pest sightings are reported to our IPM coordinator who evaluates the “pest problem” and determines the appropriate pest management techniques to use to address the problem. The techniques can include increased sanitation, modifying storage practices, sealing entry points, physically removing the pests, etc. 

From time to time, it may be necessary to use the chemicals to control a pest problem. Chemicals will only be used when necessary, and will not be routinely applied. When chemicals are used, the school will try to use the least toxic products when possible. Applications will be made only when unauthorized persons do not have access to the area(s) being treated. Applications are always made after 4:00 p.m. on weekdays and on weekends only. Notices will be posted in these areas 72 hours prior to application and for two days following the application.

Parents or guardians of students enrolled in the school may request prior notification of specific pesticide applications made at the school. To receive notification, you must be placed on the school’s notification registry. If you would like to be placed on this registry, please complete the enclosed form. 

If a chemical application must be made to control an emergency pest problem, notice will be provided by telephone to any parent or guardian who has requested such notification. Exemptions to this notification include disinfectants and antimicrobial products; self-containerized baits placed in areas not accessible to students, and gel type baits placed in cracks, crevices or voids; and swimming pool maintenance chemicals.

Each year the district will prepare a new notification registry.

If you have any questions, please contact Aaron Barto, IPM Coordinator.

Sincerely,

Aaron Barto 

Bellefonte Area School District

Pesticide Notification Registry Form

If you want to be notified, please fill out this form and return to your child’s teacher or follow the directions below to e-mail us the information. No response is necessary if you do not need to be notified. (Please make sure that mailing addresses are complete, or the form will be returned to you.)

Student Name___________________________________________________________

Parents / Guardians Name_________________________________________________________________

______Yes I want to be notified of Pesticide Applications

            _____Notify me via U.S. Mail at the following address:

__________________________________________________________

                        __________________________________________________________

            _____Notify me via telephone (Emergency applications only) _______________

Please fill in the appropriate school(s) that your child/children attend to receive notification about a pesticide application:

 ________________________________________________________________ School         

*          If you would like to be notified via e-mail, please e-mail a request to: jripka@basd.net       In the subject line type “Pesticide Notification”

We need your name, your child’s/children’s name and the school(s) they attend.

               Specific Pesticide Application Notification

Dear Parent or Guardian,

As you requested, we are writing to notify you of specific pesticide application at

___________________School. If you have any questions, please contact

Aaron Barto, IPM Coordinator, at 355-4814 x 3006.

Sincerely,

Aaron Barto

                       Notice of Pesticide Application

________________________________________________School

Applicator’s name:______________________________________

Applicator’s address:____________________________________

Applicator’s phone:_____________________________________

Planned date/time of pesticide application:___________________

Location of planned pesticide application:____________________

Pesticide to be applied:___________________________________

AU Policy PDF Version 

Bellefonte Area School District

Please return this entire page/form to YOur Child’s teacher by 09/14/2012

***RETURN THE ENTIRE PAGE***

Elementary School Handbook Review and Agreement

By signing this form I indicate that I do understand the Elementary School Handbook.  I agree to follow the rules contained in the handbook.  I understand that if I violate these rules I will face disciplinary action.

Parent or Guardian Section

By signing this form I indicate that I do understand the Elementary School Handbook in regards to my son or daughter, and I further agree that my son or daughter will abide by the regulations set forth.

(Initial) ________  I will read and utilize the on-line Elementary School Handbook and do not need a copy of the handbook.

(Initial)  ________  I request a hard copy of the Elementary School Handbook for our use.

Acceptable Use of Network and Internet Agreement Student Review and Agreement

I have read the District’s Acceptable Use of Computer Network and Internet Access, and agree to follow the rules contained in this document.  I understand that if I violate this agreement that my account may be terminated and that I may be accountable to the respective building disciplinary code that is published to students.

Acceptable Use of Network and Internet Agreement

Parent/Guardian Review and Agreement

As the parent or legal guardian of the student signing, I have read the BASD’s Acceptable Use of Computer Network and Internet Access and grant permission for my child to access the district’s network and Internet.  I understand that the District’s network resources are designed for educational purposes.  I also understand that it is impossible for the Bellefonte Area School District to restrict access to all controversial materials and I will not hold them responsible for such materials acquired on the network.  I hereby give permission for my child to be issued an account and accept the liabilities for my child for violations to this agreement.

Signature for Elementary School Handbook, Acceptable Use, and

Internet Agreement for 2012-2013 school year:

Student Name (please print) ___________________________________   Grade__________      

Student Signature ___________________________________________   Date_____________

Parent/Guardian Name  _______________________________________   Date___________

Parent/Guardian Signature ____________________________________

Home Address ______________________________________________________

Phone___________________________