Proof of Residency
In order to maintain current records and optimize enrollment sizes in our K-7 classrooms, we are requiringall in-district families to provide proof of residency. Verification can be emailed, faxed or brought into school via your student, or shown to our office staff. Examples—utility bill issued within the past 3 months, or driver’s license. The verification process needs to be completed by the end of September.
School Day
The school day is from 8:15 am to 2:45 pm. It is important that your child arrives at school on time and stays until the end of the day. When students arrive late or leave early, the disruption affects all of the students in class. The first bell will ring at 8:10 am to signal students that it is time to line up for class. All students should be on campus prior to this first bell. Tardy slips are issued to any student not in class by the second bell at 8:15 a.m. If tardiness and absenteeism become persistent problems a meeting will be arranged between the parents, administration and school counselor to develop a plan to improve attendance. If attendance and tardiness do not improve, the student may be reported to the court as required by state law.
Arrival Procedures
Students are to be in their seats and ready to begin the day promptly at 8:15 a.m. Students should arrive on the school grounds no earlier than 7:50 a.m. No one is available to supervise them and ensure their safety before that time. Any student who arrives earlier than 7:50 a.m. should report to the office. Parents will be notified by phone and reminded of the arrival time. If the problem persists, parents will be notified in writing and a conference will be held with the administration.
Drop-Off/Pick-Up Procedures
Parents who drive their students to and from school should use the designated pick-up and drop-off areas only. Students entering a vehicle should only enter from the waiting area. At no time should a student cross in front of a vehicle while reporting to or leaving the school grounds unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. We also ask that adults refrain from smoking while picking students up and/or dropping them off. These procedures are in place to ensure the safety of our students. Your cooperation in following them is greatly appreciated.
After School Activities Pick Up
Transportation home from after school activities should be arranged in advance. Students should be picked up promptly when after school activities are completed. If a student is repeatedly not picked up on time, the student may not be allowed to participate in after school programs. Only those students actually participating in after school activities should remain after school. Siblings and friends need to have other arrangements and may not wait after school, as there is no one to supervise them.
Early School Departure
If it becomes necessary for your child to be excused early, please send a note of explanation to the school office. When picking your child up early, you will need to come to the school office and sign your child out. Please do not go directly to the classroom. Following this procedure enables school staff to ensure that students are released to the proper persons.
Walking
There are no defined sidewalks or pathways in the area of our school, but with written notice from the parent, students are allowed to walk to and from the school campus. Parents are encouraged to instruct their children in proper walking safety. All students who walk must remember that they must not arrive before 7:50 a.m. as no supervision is available and school buildings are not unlocked until then.
Bicycle Safety
Bus transportation is available for Southside students. With written notice from the parent, however, students may ride bicycles to school. The school will not accept responsibility for the safety of the bicycles. Students should dismount their bikes and walk them onto the school grounds when arriving at school and walk them off the grounds before mounting. A bicycle rack is available to park the bikes during the school day. Motorized bikes, skateboards and roller blades are not permitted. PLEASE HAVE YOUR CHILD WEAR A HELMET.
Breakfast and Lunch
Breakfast will be served daily to those students who desire to have breakfast at school. Reduced/free breakfast and lunch application forms are included in the first day packet. If you feel you qualify for this program please complete the form and return it to school as soon as possible. New forms must be completed annually. The application form pertains to both breakfast and lunch. We suggest you pay for lunches a week at a time. This greatly eases the record keeping. We are unable to extend any credit (charges) for either lunch or milk. Milk will be available for those who wish to purchase it, either during the breakfast serving time or lunch service time. If parents or other guests are planning to have lunch at school, we must be notified no later than 9:15 a.m. on the day you plan to have lunch. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Parking
For those parents whoneed to come inside the building for a few minutes, spaces are generally available in the parking lot. In consideration of others, please do not park in the student drop-off zone.
Drills: Fire, Earthquake, and other Emergencies
Students and staff shall participate in emergency drills or rapid dismissal for fire, earthquakes or other emergencies at least once a month during the school year. When the alarm is sounded, students must follow the direction of staff quickly, quietly, and in an orderly manner.
Emergency School Closing Information
In case of hazardous or emergency conditions, the superintendent may alter district and transportation schedules as are appropriate to the particular condition. Such alterations include closure of school or grade levels, delayed openings of school and early dismissal of students. In case of an emergency early release we will call parents of all students in grades kindergarten through fourth. All students in grades five through seventh will be expected to follow the procedure on their EMERGENCY INFORMATION FORM. Please tune in to your local radio station, KMAS 1030 AM during extreme weather for information on school schedule changes.
Student Recognition
Perhaps one of the most important aspects in creating an effective school learning climate is setting up a recognition system that clearly honors students for academic success and good citizenship.
There are a variety of strategies that will be used to recognize students and we welcome your ideas and participation in our recognition program. Strategies may include but are not limited to:
- Praise and encouragement. The Principal and staff will provide sincere praise for positive achievements that are related to the goals of the school.
- Classroom reinforcement programs will be utilized.
- School-wide recognition at our Spirit Assemblies
Use of the Internet and other Technology
Use of the internet and other technology are for legitimate educational purposes only. Students shall adhere strictly to district policies regarding its use (please see the “Permission to use the Internet” form in the first day packet). Misuse may result in revocation of privileges and or disciplinary actions.
Program Exemptions
Students may be excused from a state required program or learning activity for reasons of religion, disability or other reasons deemed appropriate by the district. An alternative program or learning activity for credit may be required. All requests should be directed to the principal by the parent/legal guardian in writing and include the reason for the request.
Money
Children should only bring money to school for specific reasons. Money is often lost, misplaced, or stolen and this causes the child to worry and be upset. The school can not be responsible for lost money. Large sums of money should never be sent to school. If money is sent for field trips or classroom activities, please put it in a sealed envelope with your child’s name on it.
Lost and Found
Articles of clothing or other items found on the school grounds are brought to the lost and found, which is located in the main building hallway. Any article marked with a child’s name is immediately returned to her/him. All personal belongings, including clothing that can be removed (sweatshirts, jackets), should be plainly marked. Periodic notices will be sent home reminding families to check the lost and found for misplaced items.
Theft and Vandalism
Our school building and equipment represents a sizable investment on the part of the taxpayer. If your child should happen to damage something by accident or witness the damage of school property, it should be reported to a teacher or the office immediately. Students who destroy or vandalize school property will be required to pay for losses and damages. If a student wilfully destroys school property, suspension may be necessary.
Special Programs
Southside School offers special programs such as learning support and enrichment activities. Look for information on these programs to come home as they are offered throughout the year.
Withdrawals
Please notify the office in advance when you know you will be moving from our school service area. Giving us advanced notice will help this transition go more smoothly for you and your child.
Change of Records
Please keep the office informed of any changes in address, phone numbers, parent’s employment, guardianship, and emergency information. If you plan to move, please let the office and teacher know as soon as possible.
Special Education Public Participation / Notice of Availability
The district welcomes public participation and input regarding the planning and operating of the district’s special education program. Any application and any required policies, procedures, evaluations, plans, and reports relating to the district’s special education program are available for public review and comment through the district’s special education and superintendent offices. Please contact Paul Wieneke for further information.
Provision for Hearing to Challenge Content of Educational Records
Parents/legal guardians of a minor or eligible student (if 18 or older) may inspect and review the student’s education records and request a correction if the records are inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy or other rights. If the district refuses the request to amend the contents of the records, the requester has the right to a hearing as follows:
1. Parent/legal guardian shall make a request for hearing in which the objections
are specified in writing to the principal:
2. The principal shall establish a date and location for the hearing agreeable to both
parties.
3. The hearing panel shall consist of the following:
a. The principal or designated representative;
b. A member chosen by the parent/legal guardian.
c. A disinterested, qualified third party appointed by the school board
4. The hearing shall be private. Persons other than the student, parent or legal
guardians, witnesses and counsel shall not be admitted.
The principal or designated representative shall preside over the panel. He/she shall hear from the staff and from the parents/legal guardians to determine the point or points of disagreement regarding the education records. The panel shall make a determination after hearing the evidence and determine what steps, if any, are to be taken to correct the education record. Such actions are to be made in writing to the parents/legal guardians.
If, after such a hearing is held as described above, the parents/legal guardians are not satisfied with the recommended action, the parents/legal guardians may appeal to the School Board where the action of the hearings panel may be reviewed and affirmed, reversed or modified. Procedure for the appeal beyond the local board follows the prescribed actions as set forth in federal regulations. The parent/legal guardians or eligible student may file a complaint with the Federal Family Compliance Office, United States Department of Education regarding an alleged violation of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act. File complaints with the Family Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, Washington D.C., 20202.
