Attendance Policy & Procedures
Truancy
Vacations
Code of Conduct
Saturday School
Care Of Books, Valuables, and Property
Schedules
School Closings
Early Dismissals
Kindergarten School Delays
Registration
Transfers
Grading Scale
Grade Cards
School Lunch Program
Health and Safety

Attendance

State law requires prompt and regular attendance of school age children.

There are five reasons for an excused absence, as indicated in the Bluffton Exempted Village Schools’ Board Policy Handbook. They are as follows, but are not limited to:

1. Personal illness of the student
2. Illness in the student’s family
3. Death in the family
4. Quarantine for contagious disease
5. Religious reasons

Absence Notification Policy

Parent(s)/guardian(s) must notify the school on the day a student is absent unless previous notification had been given. To do so you must call the school office at 358-7951 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. When you call you should give the following information:

1. Student’s name, grade, and teacher.
2. Your name and relationship to the student.
3. Reason why student will be absent.

This must be done EACH DAY the student is absent. Bluffton Elementary School is responsible by State Statute to account daily for each child as a result of the Missing Child Act. Therefore, should you not call by 8:30 a.m. and the student is not in attendance, the school shall:

1. Call the home to notify the parent.
2. If no answer, call the work place of the parents.
3. Notify the home by mail.

Unexcused Absences

Schoolwork missed during an unexcused absence cannot be made up, and the student will be given a “0”. Unexcused absences usually include, but are not limited to:

1. Needed at home
2. Oversleeping/missed the school bus
3. Car trouble of any kind
4. Running non-emergency errands.

Personal reasons will also be unexcused unless specific reasons are given to and prior approval is obtained from the principal. If a student’s absences exceed nine days within any nine-week grading period or 18 days within a school year, a medical certificate will be required from a doctor if the additional absences are to be excused.

Truancy

The following criteria is used to determine truancy:

A “habitual” truant is any child of compulsory age who is absent without a legitimate excuse for five or more consecutive school days, seven or more school days in one month, or twelve or more school days in a school year.

A “chronic” truant is any child of compulsory school age who is absent without a legitimate excuse for seven or more consecutive school days, ten or more school days in one month, or fifteen or more school days in a school year.

All students who are habitually or chronically truant from school according to the above guidelines, will have a complaint filed in juvenile court against the parent as required by ORC 3321.03-04; 3321.07-09; 3321.22;3321.38; 3313.63.

Vacations

Excused vacations will be restricted to a maximum total of 10 days per year, and five days in any semester. If a vacation is planned during the school year, students must have a “Permission to be Out of School” form completed and returned no later than 24 hours prior to leaving (when the absence exceeds one day) if their absence is to be excused.

Generally, students will not be excused from school for a family vacation during a testing week. However, special provisions may be made if in the opinion of the principal they are warranted.

Code of Conduct

Discipline should be a tool for building positive character in our students. Our goal is for students to be self-disciplined individuals who function successfully in society. The developing of this self-discipline is a shared responsibility of parents and school personnel.

It is essential to have appropriate communication among staff, parents, and administration when disciplinary action is required. Any parent concerned about student conduct and discipline will be referred to the appropriate teacher as the first step in resolving the situation. If additional communication is needed, a conference involving parents, teacher, and building principal may be requested by any involved party. The student involved in the incident may be involved in the conference if requested.

Therefore, the Board of Education in compliance with State Law has adopted a Code of Conduct. Violation of this code may result in a student being considered for Saturday School or removal, suspension, or expulsion from school or school related activities. The following are examples of serious student misconduct.

1. Setting fire or damaging any school building or property.
2. Bringing a weapon to school (this includes a pocketknife).
3. Using obscene language or vulgar gestures.
4. Stealing or attempting to steal school and/or personal property.
5. Damaging another student’s property
6. Assault or attempted assault
7. Fighting or threatening to fight.
8. Threats (Verbal & Written)
9. Using or bringing to school tobacco, narcotics, alcoholic beverages and stimulant drugs. The only exception is use of a drug authorized by a medical prescription from a registered physician.
10. Repeated failure to comply with directions of school personnel.
11. Disruption of School
12. Disrespectful behavior towards a staff member on the school grounds or in public.
13. Harassment (General/Racial/Sexual)
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Saturday School

The principal can assign extra class time from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. on a Saturday for severe or repeated behavior problems. Excessive tardiness and repeated failure to finish homework may also result in Saturday school.

Care of Books, Valuables, and Property

Students are responsible for the proper care of all textbooks and library books. If books are lost or damaged, the student is responsible for their replacement or repair.

Each student is expected to assume responsibility for the care of all school property. Students who damage property accidentally are responsible for paying for the damage. Disciplinary action will be taken by the school concerning malicious behavior that results in damages.

Students are urged to keep anything valuable at home and are responsible for their personal property at school. The school cannot be responsible for the loss of valuable items of students.

Schedules

The school does not provide supervision on the playground or in the hallways before classes start and after 3:00 p.m. Therefore, students are not to arrive before 8:00 a.m., and after school they are expected to go directly home.

8:00 a.m. Students enter school

8:15 a.m. School begins

9:45 – 10:00 a.m. Grade 1 recess

10:00 – 10:15 a.m. Grade 2 recess

10:15 – 10:30 a.m. Grade 3 recess

10:55 a.m. Lunch begins

11:00 a.m. A.M. Kindergarten ends

12:15 p.m. P.M. Kindergarten begins

12:15 p.m. Lunch ends

1:15 – 1:30 p.m. Grade 1 recess

1:35 – 1:50 p.m. Grade 2 recess

1:55 – 2:05 p.m. Grade 3 recess

2:05 – 2:15 p.m. Grade 4 recess

2:15 – 2:30 p.m. Kindergarten recess

2:55 p.m. Bus riders are dismissed

2:59 p.m. Walkers/Car riders are dismissed

LUNCH SCHEDULE (enter times) (may leave the lunchroom) (noon recess over)

Grade 1 10:55 & 11:00 11:15 11:30

Grade 2 11:10 & 11:15 11:30 11:45

Grade 3 11:25 & 11:30 11:45 12:00

Grade 4 11:40 & 11:45 12:00 12:15

Grade 5 11:55 & 12:00 12:15 12:30

School Closings

When it is necessary to close school due to bad weather, announcements will be made over Lima Radio (WIMA) and Findlay (WFIN). School closings may also be televised on WLIO TV 35 (LIMA). Please use these resources to find out if the school day has been altered. Students are strongly discouraged for calling the school for this reason. It is imperative that the phone line stays open on bad weather days in the event of an emergency situation. Your reinforcement of this with your child(ren) is greatly appreciated.

Early Dismissals

During inclement weather or at the time of special emergencies or events, it may be necessary to dismiss school early. This will usually be announced over the same radio and TV stations as listed for school closings. Parents should have arrangements made with their children about where to go in such an emergency. Parents will need to provide the school with this information. (Please see insert at the end of the handbook.)

Kindergarten School Delays

When school is delayed for two hours, the radio announcement will include that Bluffton kindergarten will go to Plan B.

This means that the morning kindergarten students will attend school, but will stay in school one hour later than usual.

Dismissal for walkers and bus students will be around 12:00 noon.

The noon bus will be one hour delayed for both drop off and pick up.

The afternoon students, both walkers and bus students, will begin school one hour later than usual. Dismissal will be at the regular time.

Registration

Kindergarten – Children must be 5 years old on or before August 1^st to be admitted to kindergarten. All entering kindergarten are tested before admission.

New Students – Students moving into the Bluffton School District must register as soon as possible.

Transfers

When transferring to another school, inform our office to assure accurate recording of information. Records will be forwarded to the child’s new school when we receive an official request.

Grading Scale

Grades 2-5:

A+ = 100 + C = 77 - 80

A = 96 – 99 C- = 74 - 76

A - = 93- 95 D+ = 71 - 73

B+ = 90 – 92 D = 68 - 70

B = 87 – 89 D- = 65 - 67

B- = 84 – 86 F = 64 - 0

C+ = 81 – 83

Kindergarten and first grades use a non-graded system.

Grade Cards

Grade cards are issued four times a year for grades one through five and three times a year for kindergarten. These reports provide the parents with a record of their child’s progress and achievement. Parents are asked to sign and return these cards. Signing the card does not mean that the parent is in agreement with the marks given, but it does indicate that they have had the opportunity to see the report card.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-teacher conference information will be sent to parents in the fall following the first nine-week grading period. We encourage all parents to return the conference schedules. Parents wishing to schedule a conference at other times during the school year should contact the office to arrange for an appointment.

Class Assignments

Room assignments are determined by the principal based on several factors. In priority these are:

1. Academic Level – The school will attempt to make the average academic level the same for each homeroom within a grade level.

2. The number of boys and girls in each classroom.

3. Teacher recommendations – These recommendations are primarily to separate students who need to be in different classrooms for one year.

Once class lists are posted in August there will be no changes.

School Lunch Program

A class “A” lunch is prepared for children daily, with menus published once a month. The price of lunch including milk is $1.50. A carton of milk purchased separately is 35 cents. The homeroom teacher will sell lunch tickets on the first school day of the week.

10-day ticket - $15.00 only

If possible, please write a check for the amount, with the child’s name and teacher’s name.

We are glad to help students who have lost or forgotten their lunch money, but sometimes we have too many charges. Please remember that lunch charges are for emergencies only. After a student accumulates a charge, they will be provided a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and milk until the charge is paid.

Children may carry lunch to school and eat in the dining area with those who purchased the school lunch. The lunch period is supervised.

When children arrive at school they are expected to remain on school property throughout the day.

Children are expected to go outside in the fresh air following lunch, except during severe cold or inclement weather. If a medical reason exists prohibiting a child to go outside at noon, a note explaining the reason should be presented.

Playground Rules

These rules are in effect during school hours.

1. No throwing of objects, which would injure other students.

2. No pushing, tripping, wrestling, fighting, or causing physical injury to another person. Gymnastics involving being upside down is not allowed. Playing Red Rover is not permitted.

3. Use all playground equipment safely.

A. No jumping from swings until they have stopped swinging.

B. One student to a swing – sitting down.

C. Stand away from people swinging.

D. Come down the sliding board feet first when it is clear to slide.

E. Don’t roll in or play with the black rubber.

F. Horse swings are for K-2 students only.

4. Remain on school property unless given permission to leave by a teacher, monitor, or the principal.

5. The following places are off limits during school hours, except when school personnel have given permission.

A. The bicycle rack.

B. The alley.

C. The steps to the furnace room.

D. The meter near the first grade rooms.

E. Climbing the fence or trees.

6. Don’t play with other students’ clothing (e.g. snatching someone’s hat or scarf).

7. No skateboards, roller blades, Frisbees, bicycles, or baseball bats are permitted on the playground.

8. No contact sports. This includes: war ball and tackle football.

9. No kicking of balls except during organized games.

10. The only balls permitted are foam balls, Whiffle balls, basketballs, and regular school playground balls.

11. No swearing or spitting.

12. No snowball throwing or sliding on ice.

13. Obey all school personnel.

14. Any violation of these rules constitutes a violation of the Student Code of Conduct Rule #10.

Transportations

Because of insurance, students who walk to school may not use the school bus to get a ride to a friend’s house.

In order to insure maximum safety in the operation of our school transportation system, the following regulations have been adopted as administrative guidelines.

Bus drivers are responsible for discipline on their bus and will be supported by the administration when student behavior is deemed to be inappropriate. Students who refuse to conduct themselves properly may be deprived of their transportation.

We encourage parents of bus students to discuss the following rules with their children.

1. Students shall arrive at the bus stop before the bus is scheduled to arrive.

2. Students must wait in a location clear of traffic and away from the bus stop.

3. Students at school bus stops must not threaten individuals or property of any individual.

4. Students must go directly to an available or assigned seat.

5. Students must remain seated, keep aisles and exits clear.

6. Students must observe classroom conduct and obey the driver promptly and respectfully.

7. Students must not use profane language.

8. Students must refrain from eating and drinking on the bus.

9. Students must not use tobacco on the bus.

10. Students must not have alcohol or drugs in their possession on the bus, except for prescription medication required for a student.

11. Students must not throw or pass objects on, from, or into the bus.

12. Students may carry on the bus only objects that can be held in their laps.

13. Students must not put head or arms out of the bus windows.

Information about busing or late buses, call the transportation supervisor, Rich Mitterholzer, at 358-7961(school) or 358-1387(home).

Health and Safety

A school nurse is in our building Monday through Friday, usually between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. She works closely with physicians and health authorities and assists in carrying out the health policies of Bluffton Schools. Individual health records are kept on each student.

Students must have prior permission from the school to bring their own medicine. A medication request form is available at the school and must be completed by a physician. The medicine must be sent to school in the original bottle. No medication will be given unless sent in the original bottle with the proper form. Aspirin is not available in the school.

Also, students are also not permitted to wear sandals without heel straps.

Parent Volunteers

Parent tutoring can be an important factor in helping children. We will be soliciting your help this year. If you have some free time and would like to help, please contact the principal’s office or indicate your area of interest on the PTO fall survey.

Visitors

All visitors/volunteers are required to sign in at the office before going to the classroom. This is for the protection of our children as well as for the protection of our visitors and guests.

Fire and Tornado Drills

Fire drills are conducted once a month for all students. Tornado practice is held monthly in March, April, and May. We also have an annual inspection by the State Fire Marshall and Health Inspector.

Field Trips

In an effort to offer a variety of experiences for your child, a number of educational trips are taken throughout the year. Pupils are transported by bus. Parents will be asked to sign permission slips. The parent’s signature acknowledges that the parent is aware that the child will be away from school and aware of the nature and purpose of the trip. Students whose parents have signed permission slips will be permitted to participate in planned field trips.

Supplies and Fees

A school fee is charged each pupil to cover the cost of consumable supplies such as workbooks, etc. Parents will receive a billing early in the school year. Please make your remittance as soon as possible.

Physical Education

A written note should be brought from home if a child is to be excused from participation in gym for one or two days. Please provide a note from a doctor if your child needs to be excused for more than one week.

In addition, students are to wear rubber-soled shoes for physical education classes.

School Pictures

Students will have an opportunity to have pictures taken each school year. Pre-schoolers may also take advantage of this opportunity.

Flowers and Balloons

We prefer not to disrupt classroom instruction by delivering balloons or flowers to individual students. However, in very special situations we can call students to the office for pick up at the end of the day. Please keep in mind that glass vases and large flower arrangements may not be allowed on the bus.

Telephones

We ask the students not to use the office phone except for emergencies. We also would appreciate your not asking us to call a student to the phone except in case of emergency.