Onekama Consolidated Schools

Parent – Student

Handbook

2011-2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Forward......................................................................................................... 3

General Information

Building and District Information…………………………………………………………………… 4

School Staff…………………………………………………………………………………………………5

Daily Schedule……………………………………………………………………………………………..6

Support Services.............................................................................................. 7

Special Education

Title I

Speech Therapist

Outside Recess & Lunch....................................................................................... 8

Curriculum......................................................................................................... 9-10

Library

Book Care

Athletic Offerings

Band

Homework

Parties & Social Events

Assemblies

Field Trips

Clubs

School WEB Policy

Student Registration Information

Elementary Discipline Code................................................................................... 11-14

School Rules

Buses

Responsible Thinking Process (R.T.P.)

Safe Environment

Police Liaison Officer

Harassment and Intimidation

Use of Physical Force

Detention

Suspension

Search and Seizure

Bullying

Other Important Information……………………………………………………………………………………… 15-21

Absences and Attendance

Attendance Policy for Extra-Curricular Activities

Late to School? Leaving Early?

Cancellation of School

Emergency Procedures

Dress Policy

Bicycles

Conferences

Items Not to Bring to School

Cell Phones and Electronic Communication Devices

Lost and Found

Newsletters and Fliers

Report Cards

Telephone Usage at School

Visits to School

P.T.O.

Hearing & Vision Screening Civil Rights/Nondiscrimination in Education

Drug Free School

Illness and accidents at School

Immunization and Exclusion Policy

Medicines at School and Health Policies

FORWARD FROM THE PRINCIPAL

TO PARENTS:

On behalf of the Onekama Consolidated School faculty and staff, I welcome you to another year. The purpose of this Student Handbook is to make both the student and parent aware of the policies and regulations that make our school operate efficiently. We would like to work with you in providing the best possible education for your child.

The Onekama Consolidated School District believes that school exists to serve the communities, which foster and support them. We are dedicated to meeting the diverse needs and expectations of our students and parents and expect to be held accountable for serving you to the best of our abilities and talents. We believe that our standard should be one of excellence and we commit ourselves to that belief.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding Onekama Elementary School, please feel free to discuss them with me. The Onekama Elementary office phone number is 231-889-9674.

TO STUDENTS:

The whole program of the Onekama Elementary School is planned for young people of your age. It is a program, which recognizes that you are ready to explore various fields so that you may plan for middle and high-school programs that best fit your talents and interests. This program also recognizes that you are responsible for your own behavior.

As you read this handbook, you will become aware of many subjects and activities available. I urge you to participate vigorously in every aspect of the life of your school.

Please remember that, students, teachers, counselors, and administrators have the obligation to help develop talents. You also must remember that you have an obligation to study and behave in a way that will make your education meaningful.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding Onekama Elementary School, please feel free to discuss them with me. The Student Services Office phone number is 889-5521.

Best wishes for a successful school year.

Ms. Gina Hagen

Elementary Principal

DISTRICT AND BUILDING INFORMATION

School Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Onekama Elementary School

5016 Main Street

Onekama, MI 49675

(231/889-5521)

District Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Onekama Consolidated School

5016 Main Street

Onekama, MI 49675

(231/889-4251)

Board of Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sally Koon (President)

Leslie Acton (Vice-President)

Dennis Zupin (Secretary)

Amy Hilliard-Fitch (Treasurer)

Kevin Miller (Trustee)

Karl Domres (Trustee)

Lynn Mathieu (Trustee)

Superintendent of Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kevin P. Hughes

………………..Call Us!………………..

We would rather nip a problem in the bud

than wait until we have a serious situation

with complications. Please give us a call

(either principal or teacher) if the things

you hear about school do not seem to fit

together. Usually there is an explanation,

and if there isn’t, we should know about it.

Specific commendations or concerns regarding

school personnel must be put in writing,

signed, and addressed to the appropriate

administrator.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STAFF

CLASSROOM TEACHERS

Young Fives/Kindergarten Mr. Kudlack

First Grade Mrs. Lyman

Second Grade Mr. Mauntler

Third Grade Mrs. Catanese

Fourth Grade Mrs. Bennett

Fifth Grade Mrs. Brown

Elementary Staff Ms. Eichberger

Title I Mrs. Niederstadt

ENRICHMENT/SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS

Resource Room Mrs. Bromley

Art Teacher Ms. Woolman

Music Teacher Mrs. Joseph

Physical Education Mr. Bromley

SUPPORT STAFF

Paraprofessional Aides Ms. April Schmidt

Ms. Cindy Pruyne

Mrs. Janet Reininger

Library Aide Mrs. Chelle Hrachovinia

Classroom Aide Mrs. Laura Petrosky

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Principal Ms. Hagen

Secretary Mrs. Chandler & Mrs. Milarch

Onekama Elementary

2011-2012

Daily Schedule

7:45 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Breakfast

8:00 a.m. School Begins (Y5-5^th Grades)

(Y5’s attend school Monday, Wednesday, &

Friday – All Day)

9:30 am. – 9:45 a.m. Recess, Young 5’s, K, 1st^, 2^nd, and 3^rd

11:00 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. Lunch & Recess

1:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Recess, Young 5’s, K and 1^st

1:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Recess, 2^nd, 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th

3:03 p.m. Dismissal

SUPPORT SERVICES

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Special Education support services that are provided for the elementary student who qualified are the following; school social work services, psychological evaluation, occupation therapy, speech therapy, physical and health impaired services and resource room/inclusive education instruction. Students participating in the resource room/inclusive education program receive individualized instruction for a part of each day, focusing on the areas that need improvement. If you desire further information about these programs, please contact the school office.

TITLE I

Title I is a federally funded program that enables us to give special help to those children who are experiencing difficulty in reading and/or math. In some cases, small group or individual instruction is provided as a supplement to the regular classroom instruction to those who qualify; otherwise, all elementary students will be receiving additional instruction in the classroom. It is the goal of the district to provide all children with a high-quality education and a fair and equal opportunity to obtain such an education.

SPEECH THERAPIST

A speech therapist services our school and meets individually or in small groups with children who have been diagnosed as needing assistance with articulation, fluency, or quality of language. Occasionally the therapist will visit the early elementary classrooms to provide a general awareness of effective communication methods for all students.

OUTSIDE RECESS AND LUNCH

BEFORE SCHOOL

Elementary students are permitted to enter the building at 7:45 a.m. each morning. Students are to wait outside until this time unless the weather is severely inclement or they have prior permission from their teacher to enter early. Please have your child dress appropriately for the weather conditions.

RECESS

Children will be outside on their lunch period and assigned recess periods on a daily basis unless weather is severe. This outside activity produces more alert productive students. Please have your children dress appropriately for the weather conditions.

Requests for youngsters to remain inside are limited to illness situations for short-tern periods, and should be sent to the school office for review. Requests for exemption from recess or other physical education activities for an extended period of time require a written physician’s statement.

AFTER SCHOOL

When students who walk home are dismissed at 3:03 p.m. from Onekama, they are expected to leave the school grounds. Students should not remain in the building unless they are involved in an approved school activity. Students will not be kept after school unless the teacher has arranged with the parent for the child to stay. Students will not be permitted to “roam the halls” after school. Michigan law states that no child under six shall be left unsupervised. Children 7-12 need to only be left at home for a short duration of time.

BREAKFAST & LUNCH

Breakfast is offered daily at Onekama. All students wishing to buy breakfast are to go to the cafeteria immediately upon arrival at school.

The charge for breakfast is $1.30 and lunch is $2.30 for grades K-5. Students who are eligible for free or reduced price meals must have a new application on file each year. These are sent home at the beginning of each school year. Reduced price is $.30 for breakfast, $.40 for lunch.

Lunch at our elementary school is approximately 40 minutes long. Students spend half of that time in the cafeteria eating lunch. The other half is spent for recreation. We have a lunchroom and recess aide assigned to supervise each group of elementary students during the noon hour. Students are expected to listen to the lunchroom and recess aides and follow their directions.

Hot lunch and milk tickets are sold daily, between 7:30 am and 7:45 am, in the Onekama cafeteria.

CURRICULUM

OVERVIEW

At the elementary school level, we look at the whole child. One of the primary responsibilities of our education program at Onekama Elementary School is to help each student maintain a positive self-image and attain maximum academic growth and achievement. The focus of our program begins with four core subjects; mathematics, social studies, language arts, and science. All students receive instruction in these areas. In addition, each elementary student participates weekly in a vocal music/band, art, and physical education program taught by teachers certified in these areas.

Exemptions from physical education classes for medical reasons require a letter from your family physician. Parents wishing to excuse their children from participation in P.E. for one or two class periods due to a severe cold or temporary injury must send a note to the teacher prior to the class.

LIBRARY

The elementary library program is designed to help elementary students discover the joy of reading for pleasure and information. Library services are available to the students weekly. Library skills are taught through small group instruction following a planned curriculum.

BOOK CARE

No deposit or fee will be required for textbooks and workbooks. However, students will be held responsible for their care and return. Fines will be assessed to any student who has damaged or lost a book.

ATHLETIC OFFERINGS

The goals for the athletic program at the elementary school level include: having fun, encouraging all team members to participate, and teaching basic skills. 5^th grade boys and girls may choose to participate in basketball and cheerleading. Ski club is available to 5^th grade students (or younger if accompanied by their parents.) This program is an excellent opportunity for students and their parents to ski once a week at a very reasonable price. Notes will be sent home in November explaining the program. Volunteer coaches are always appreciated for any of the above activities.

BAND

Band is an elective available to all 6^th-12^th grade students at Onekama Consolidated School. All 5^th grade students are required to participate in band to help expose them to instrumental music.

HOMEWORK

If your child is absent from school for one or two days, the teacher will try to help him/her cover the missed material. If your vacation plans need to be made during the school year, please contact the classroom teacher prior to the trip and make arrangements for make-up work.

PARTIES AND SOCIAL EVENTS

Elementary students celebrate three holidays with classroom parties each year: Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day. Other special parties may be planned around certain units of study. Birthday treats are allowed, but not mandatory. Parents are encouraged to participate.

ASSEMBLIES

Throughout the school year, periodic assemblies may be held. These are a worthwhile part of a student’s education and are designed to be both entertaining and educational.

FIELD TRIPS

Well planned field trips that enrich the classroom curriculum are a valuable part of our educational program at the elementary school level. During bus field trips, the chaperones in charge will be faculty, staff members, and parents. The bus will return all students to the school. Parents must be prompt to pick up students at school when the bus returns from a field trip and students will only be released to a parent or a prearranged parent designee. Students will be expected to observe the same rules on field trips as they do in the classroom. Permission slips are always required before a student will be allowed to take part in a field trip.

CLUBS

Clubs can be organized for almost any area of interest, if there is enough participation and if a leader can be found. We encourage students and parents to take the initiative and organize clubs of their interest. After school activities include: Cub/Boy Scouts, Brownie/Girl Scouts, Science Olympiad, Book Bowl (5^th grade), and Quiz Bowl (5^th grade.) Volunteer team leaders are needed.

SCHOOL WEB POLICY

1. No last names of children will be listed on WEB pages.
2. Names and pictures not necessarily matched.
3. If you do not want your child’s picture on the school WEB, send a written request to his/her classroom teacher.

STUDENT REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Students’ names and phone numbers may be obtained for class directories by contacting the elementary office. If you do not want your child’s information published, send a written request to his/her classroom teacher.

ELEMENTARY DISCIPLINE CODE

The three purposes of the Discipline Code are: 1) to help children assume responsibility for themselves and learn to live together; 2) to provide order in classrooms; and 3) to insure the safety of students.

This code applies to behavior not only in classrooms and on the playground, but also in the lunchroom, library, hallways, restrooms, and at the bus stop and on the bus.

SCHOOL RULE

1. Respect school property.

2. Be kind to each other.

3. Walk when inside the building and use quiet voices.

4. Be courteous and follow the instructions of teachers and aides.

5. Use playground equipment safely and properly.

6. Tackling and rough play or fighting are not allowed.

7. Do not throw stones, sticks, sand, snowballs, or any other dangerous objects.

8. All students must follow individual classroom rules.

9. Most teachers discourage gum chewing during the school day.

BUSES

Riding the school bus is a privilege offered to the majority of students in the Onekama Consolidated School system. The students should view the buses as extensions of the school and follow all the rules and regulations set forth by the bus drivers.

Students ordinarily receive a list of bus rules the first week of school. Parents and teachers are reminded that failure to follow bus rules result in suspension or bus riding privileges for a period of time.

Students intending to ride a bus, or get off at a stop other then their own, must bring a permission note from their parents to the school office to be recorded and co-signed by office personnel.

Students who miss the bus at the end of the day should report immediately to the office. Under no circumstances should a child simply walk home without office or parent approval.

Parents, if your child does not arrive at home with the bus as expected, call the office immediately. We will help you find him/her.

School busses are to be used as transportation to/from school for your child’s education: Birthday parties, sleepovers and other social activities will not be allowed.

RESPONSIBLE THINKING PROCESS (RTP)

Our school is undertaking a new discipline program. After reviewing many programs and trying others, we have found the Responsible Thinking Process to be the most effective way for reducing disruption while enhancing the student’s ability to resolve problems.

Responsible Thinking Process (RTP) is a school discipline process that trains educators how to teach students to take responsibility for themselves by learning to think on their own, to respect the rights of others, to make effective plans, and to build self-confidence.

OUR DISCIPLINE PHILOSOPHY

We believe that all students are responsible for their own actions and must be taught to respect the rights of others. Teachers have a right to teach and students have a right to learn in a safe environment.

CLASSROOM RULES

No student is allowed to disrupt in class or anywhere else in school. When they do, they are given the choice of remaining where they are and following the rules or participate in the responsible thinking process.

When students are disrupting by not choosing to follow the rules, the following questions are asked:

What are you doing?

What are the rules? or Is that okay?

What happens when you break the rules?

Is this what you want to happen?

What do you want to do now?

What will happen if you disrupt again?

If Second Disruption Occurs:

What are you doing?

What did you say would happen the next time you disrupted?

I see you have chosen to leave.

In schools where this program has been successfully adopted, 65% of the students never use the RTP; 25% choose to disrupt only once, and, after making a successful plan for following school rules; never return to the RTP. For a small percentage of students who find difficulty in following rules, we plan to ask their parents to join us here at school so that we may work with them in helping their children to succeed in following school rules.

We have seen this process work in other schools with very positive results. We have found that students develop an increased sense of self-discipline, and in many cases, their grades improve. This process is based on the book Discipline for the Home and School by Edward E. Ford, which grew out of his work in several urban schools in Phoenix, Arizona. We have copies of the book available for you to borrow from our school library, and a video on the program is available on loan. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us here at school.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT

The administration and staff believes that students have the right to attend a school free of physical violence and abuse. All weapons such as guns, knives, stars, and other devices of physical violence are absolutely prohibited on the school grounds. Strict enforcement of the student disciplinary code will prevail. Law enforcement officials will also be notified when appropriate.

POLICE LIAISON OFFICER

The Onekama School now has a part time liaison officer supplied by the Manistee County Sheriffs office. His role is to be in and around the school and to build a good relationship with the student body. He will be in the classrooms instructing the children about safety issues. Also, the officer will be involved in helping in situations where a law officer is needed or requested. Parents will be notified about when and what the officer will be instructing the children in the classroom. Also, no child will be interviewed or meet with the officer unless parental permission is given.

HARASSMENT AND INTIMIDATION

Please be advised that it is against the law to make any kind of harassing, intimidating, discriminatory and/or sexual insult to another student or an adult. Sexual harassment is defined as such conduct that has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work or educational performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working or educational environment. If you feel anyone has broken this law with you, please report it immediately to your teacher, guidance counselor or principal. Any student who engages in discriminatory and/or sexual insults, intimidation, or harassment, shall be disciplined and counseled to retrain from such conduct.

USE OF PHYSICAL FORCE

It is the policy of the Onekama Consolidated School Board to avoid corporal punishment in dealing with students. However, physical force, reasonably employed, is recognized as possibly necessary to maintain discipline or to enforce school rules in the following situations:

1. Self-defense

2. Stopping a student from hurting his/herself or another student.

3. Removing a dangerous or unlawful object from a student.

4. Restraining a student from damaging school property.

5. Removing a disruptive student from a classroom.

Physical force, in the above situations, will only be used as a last resort when other corrective measures have been tried without success.

DETENTION

Generally, students are not kept after school. Parents will be notified in advance. In some cases, in school detention will be used during the school day.

SUSPENSION

Suspension is a last resort in the elementary school. The length of suspension will be determined by the school Principal and will reflect the offense committed.

Parents or guardians will be notified of the action taken and asked to work with their child in developing a plan to avoid future suspensions for similar actions. A suspended student may not appear on school property or at any school sponsored activity, at or away from school. A student will be readmitted to school after the suspension is served and parents and administration agree upon a satisfactory solution to his/her conduct.

SEARCH AND SEIZURE

Pursuant to Board of Education policy 5771, the principal may conduct a student search upon reasonable suspicion to suspect the presence of an illegal or dangerous substance or object, or anything contraband under school rules.

All lockers and other storage areas provided for student use remain the property of the District. A student using the locker or storage area has, by statute, no expectation of privacy in that locker or storage area or the contents contained therein. The principal may search student lockers and storage areas and the contents contained therein at any time for any justifiable reason.

Anything found in the course of a search which is evidence of a student violation of school rules or Federal/State laws may be seized and admitted as evidence in any suspension or expulsion proceeding. It may also be turned over to any law enforcement officer.

BULLYING

“Bullying, harassment or intimidation” means any gesture or written, verbal, or physical act that a reasonable person, under the circumstances, should know will have the effect or harming a student or damaging the student’s property, placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or damage to the student’s property, or that has the effect of insulting or demeaning any student or group of students in such a way as to disrupt or interfere with the school’s educational mission or the education of any student. Bullying, harassment or intimidation includes, but is not limited to, such a gesture or written, verbal, or physical act, that is reasonably perceived as being motivated by a student’s religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, height, weight, socioeconomic status, or by any other distinguishing characteristic. Any student who engages in this behavior shall be disciplined and counseled to restrain from this conduct.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

ABSENCES AND ATTENDANCE

The Elementary School requests parents to notify the school office by telephone prior to 9:00 am any day their child will be absent from school.

In the event the school does not hear from parents of absent children, school personnel will attempt to telephone the parents or other emergency contacts provided by the parent to verify the absence. A note from a parent should accompany the child upon the child’s return to school.

The Elementary School’s policy is that when a child has been absent seven times in any one semester, and these absences have not been consecutive, the principal will notify the parent by letter. If this becomes a chronic problem, a conference with the parents will be requested.

The Manistee Intermediate School District may ultimately be notified of any chronic absenteeism. The ISD Superintendent is the truant officer for the Manistee County Schools.

ATTENDANCE POLICY FOR EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Students who are not in attendance during the entire school day shall not be permitted to participate without the principal’s prior permission in any or all extra-curricular activities that day. This includes athletic practices, as well as parties and performances.

LATE TO SCHOOL? LEAVING EARLY?

Although we recognize that there are times when tardiness is unavoidable, we’ve found that, in the vast majorities of cases, tardiness is avoidable with little planning. Every time a student is tardy, the learning of other students (who were on time) is interrupted, and that is unfair. Please make the effort to see that your child arrives to school on time each day.

If a child needs to be excused from school during the day, parents are requested to send a note with the child in the morning stating when and why your child needs to be dismissed early so that he/she may be ready when you arrive. Parents must come to the office to sign out their child upon arrival.

CANCELLATION OF SCHOOL

In the event school must be delayed or canceled due to severe weather conditions or other emergency, announcements will be made by 7:00 am on the following local radio and television stations: WMTE, WVXM & WXYZ (Manistee), WKLA (Ludington), WZTU (Bear Lake), WBNZ (Frankfort), WIAA (Interlochen), WTCM & WGFM (Traverse City), WKJF (Cadillac), WWTV (Channel 9), WPBN (Channel 7), and Fox (Channel 33). Listen for the latest information. Please do not call the stations.

Delays will be made in increments of one hour to simplify bus pick-up times. For example, a one hour delay would mean school would start at 9:00 a.m. instead of 8:00 a.m. and children would be picked up one hour later than usual. It is unlikely that school would be delayed for more than two hours. In the event that school is delayed one or two hours in the morning, no breakfast will be served that day.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

By law, all schools are required to hold ten fire drills during the school year. When the alarm sounds, all students should exit the building in an orderly manner. Walking quickly and quietly they should proceed to the nearest exit and continue walking to the assigned class meeting site. Teachers are responsible for taking attendance at the designated meeting point.

When an intermittent siren sounds, this signifies a tornado drill. All students should exit their rooms and sit quietly on the floor next to an inside wall in the hall. Students should cover their heads and remain seated until the all-clear is sounded. In the event of a tornado “warning”, students are ordinarily kept in school and not sent home.

DRESS POLICY

Good grooming is a very important part of the general training of our young people and is a cooperative effort of the school, parents and student. Students are expected to dress and maintain a general appearance that is reasonable. Torn, frayed or raveled clothing or patches advertising alcoholic beverages, tobacco, profanity, vulgar suggestions, etc., is not permitted.

The following are also not acceptable:

1. Bare feet.

2. Bare midriffs, halters, tube or tank tops

3. Short shorts.

4. Immodest dress of any kind.

5. Poor etiquette (hats or sunglasses in the building).

Students wearing any of the above items or clothing that disrupts the educational process will be sent home to change clothing.

BICYCLES

Many students enjoy riding their bicycles to school, especially in warm weather. Bicycle racks are provided near the entrance of the school. Upon reaching the school, bikes must be walked to the bike racks. We suggest that students purchase a lock to secure their bike to the racks during the day. Wearing a recreational helmet while biking is not mandatory at this time, but is strongly encouraged for safety reasons.

CONFERENCES

Parents may request conferences with teachers, Principal or other school staff at any time during the school year if they have questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions. The most effective method is for parents to contact the person with whom they wish to speak and arrange a meeting time.

Two formal parent-teacher conference sessions for all parents are scheduled at the end of the 1^st marking period (by appointment) and 3^rd marking period (no appointment scheduled). During these times, all parents are encouraged to come to school and discuss their child’s progress with his/her teacher.

ITEMS NOT TO BRING TO SCHOOL

Radios, electronic games and toys of any nature tend to create a disturbance. Please bring such items to school only with your teacher’s permission. Any radios or toys used at times not permitted by the teacher or playground aide, may be impounded and returned upon parental request. Parents are requested to help students understand the necessity for such regulations. The school will not be responsible for the loss of such items.

CELL PHONES AND ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION DEVICES

A student may possess a cellular telephone or other electronic communication devices (ECD) and electronic storage devices (ESD) in school, on school property, at after school activities and at school-related functions, provided that during school non-instruction hours, school events and on a school vehicle its use is not disruptive or distracting to the educational process, the scheduled activity, or other participants and provided that during instructional hours the cell phone or other ECD/ESD remains off.

The unauthorized use of cellular phones and ECD/ESD to communicate or access information during classes or testing is prohibited.

Except as authorized under this policy, use of a cellular telephone or other electronic communication devices (ECD) and electronic storage devices (ESD) in school, on school property, at after school activities and at school-related functions will be subject to disciplinary action.

Also, during school activities when directed by the administrator or sponsor, cell phones and other ECD/ESD shall be turned off and stored away out of sight.

The use of cell phones and other ECD/ESD in locker rooms or restrooms is prohibited.

Possession of a cellular telephone or other ECD/ESD by a student is a privilege, which may be forfeited by any student who fails to abide by the terms of this policy, or otherwise engages in misuse of this privilege.

Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action against the student which may result in confiscation of the cellular telephone or ECD/ESD.

The student who possesses a cellular phone or ECD/ESD shall assume responsibility for its care. At no time shall the District be responsible for preventing theft, loss or damage to cell phones or ECD/ESD brought onto its property.

LOST AND FOUND

A lost and found area for misplaced student belongings will be located near the elementary office of each school. Students losing an item should inquire at the office to see if it has been found. Misplaced items may also be located by contacting the classroom teacher or bus driver.

NEWSLETTERS AND FLIERS

Parents can expect fliers to be sent home with students throughout the year along with the student’s work. Please take the time to go over your child’s work.

REPORT CARDS

Report cards are issued quarterly. The dates they are issued are listed in the calendar. Parents are encouraged to pick up the 1^st and 3^rd marking period cards personally during the Parent-Teacher conference.

TELEPHONE USE AT SCHOOL

The use of the school telephone is primarily for school business. Teachers and students cannot be called to the telephone during the school day with the exception of emergency situations. Students must be limited to only unusual circumstances. Therefore, after-school plans, activities and rides must be arranged in advance. A note giving permission to use the phone must be issued by the child’s teacher prior to its use.

VISITS TO SCHOOL

Parents are welcome to visit the Onekama School to observe classrooms while they are in session. Parent-teacher conference visits need to be scheduled before 8:00 am or after 3:00 pm. All visitors to school are required to sign-in in the office and obtain a visitors pass prior to visiting a classroom, having lunch with their child, etc. This enables us to know who is in the building at all times.

P.T.O.

Our parent group is a very active organization, which can do much to enrich your child’s school experience. We encourage you to participate. Your help can only make our school better.

Parent/school activities of the past have included: Santa’s Workshop, School Store, Read-A-Thon, Carnival, Book Fair, Spaghetti Dinner, Eagle Village Trip, Teacher Appreciation Day, Field Day, Crystal Mountain Behavior Day, support of Bond proposals, SNAPS (Students Non-Alcoholic Party Supporters), playground improvement, and parent volunteer program.

A variety of scheduled topics are discussed at the monthly meetings held in the Elementary Conference room. Meeting notices are sent home with the children.

CIVIL RIGHTS/NONDISCRIMINATION IN EDUCATION

If any person believes that the Onekama Consolidated School or any of the District’s staff has inadequately applied the principles and/or regulations of (1) Title II, Title VI, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, (2) Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972, (3) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, (4) The Age Act, and/or (5) The Americans with Disabilities Act, s/he may bring forward a complaint, which shall be referred to as a grievance, to the District’s Civil Rights Coordinator: Kevin P. Hughes, Superintendent, Onekama Consolidated School, 5016 Main Street, Onekama, MI 49675, (231) 889-9674.

The Board of Education declares it to be the policy of this District to provide an equal opportunity for all students, regardless of race, color, creed, age, disability, religion, gender, ancestry, national origin, place of residence within the boundaries of the District, or social or economic background, to learn through the curriculum offered in this District.

HEALTH POLICIES

DRUG FREE SCHOOL

The unlawful possession, use, or distribution of any drugs, alcohol, or their look-alikes, by students on school premises or as any part of any of its activities is strictly prohibited. Non-alcoholic beer and wine are prohibited. All over-the-counter substances and inhalants, which may produce abnormal behavior when misused, require written parental permission for specific individual possession or use. Penalties for the use of over-the counter substances, inhalants, or look-alike drugs without written parental permission will be the same as those for drug and alcohol violations.

Look-alike drugs are defined as any substance which substantially resembles an illegal drug or alcohol, is packaged or unpackaged in a manner normally used for illegal delivery of such substances (without FDA labeling in a baggie, envelope, gum wrapper, bottle, can, etc), or is being resold at a price that substantially exceeds the apparent value of the substance.

The school will attempt to educate all students, K-12, of the dangers involved in drug and alcohol use. The DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Program is currently being taught in grades K-5. The school provides counseling services for students and family members. The counselor will also provide a resource directory of substance abuse programs located in Northern Michigan. In addition to providing individual and group counseling, there is also a pro-active high school S.A.D.D. Chapter and a parent support group S.N.A.P.S. (Students Non-alcoholic Party Supporters) to assist the students and their families in becoming better informed regarding drugs and alcohol.

The Onekama Consolidated Schools is located in a Drug Free School Zone. This means any legal penalties associated with drug use, possession and/or distribution, will be doubled by the courts. The school, understanding the serious nature of drug and/or alcohol use, has a two week suspension for drug and/or alcohol use or possession in the school.

The school is not interested in punishing students for drug use, but is more interested in helping these students lead a drug free life. With this in mind, the school will offer an “Alternative to Suspension Program” for those students suspended for drug and/or alcohol use or possession. This program allows the student the option of cutting his/her suspension time in half, if they choose to attend a counseling program put on by the Manistee-Benzie Community Mental Health Services. This program is designed to provide substance abuse education and prevention to those students attending. If the students attend all 5 sessions, the suspension will be reduced by 50%; if, however, the student fails to attend any of the 5 sessions, the remaining days (1 week) of the suspension will be put in place.

Counseling and Treatment Programs:

Manistee-Benzie Community Mental Health, Manistee 723-6228

Paradigm Counseling Center of West Michigan, Manistee 723-0087

Alcoholics Anonymous, Manistee 723-3515

New Life Recovery and Prevention Services, Ludington 845-7573

National Inst. On Drug Abuse Information/Referral Line 800-662-HELP

National Council on Alcoholism 800-622-2255

ILLNESS AND ACCIDENTS AT SCHOOL

When a student becomes ill, every effort will be made to contact the parent. Should the school not be able to reach the family, an attempt will be made to contact the person listed on the student’s emergency information form. Please be sure your emergency numbers are correct and up to date.

In the event of a serious injury or symptoms of a serious illness, medical help will be contacted immediately. An ambulance may be called or the student may be taken to the hospital or doctor by school personnel while parents are notified, unless this action is restricted by a written parent statement.

If your child should contract anything contagious (i.e. chicken pox, head lice, or scabies), we would appreciate it if you would inform the school. It will help in preventing unnecessary spreading and assist us in making required reports to the Manistee County Health Department.

IMMUNIZATION AND EXCLUSION POLICY

In accordance with the Michigan Public Health Code (PA 368, Section 92, 1978, amended 1992):

1. To enter school, new students to the school district (K-12) must present proof of at least one dose of measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and hepatitis B vaccines. Students will be excluded until proof of immunization is shown.

2. To stay in school, new students (K-12) must have completed the required series of four DPT (diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus), three polio, and two each of mumps, measles, and rubella vaccines. Effective January 1, 2000, 3 doses of hepatitis B will also be required for students entering school. In addition, students must be vaccinated against chickenpox OR provide the date of having the disease. If the required series is not completed within four months, that student will be excluded until proof of completion is shown.

3. Students excluded from school because of immunization deficiencies will be reported to the local health department for follow-up.

MEDICINES AND DRUGS AT SCHOOL

It is the school’s policy that students are not to bring any medicine that they are required to take to the school. Parents are to drop off the prescription at school or give it to the bus drivers so they can drop it off at the office. The medicine will then be dispensed from the office. School personnel, by law, are not able to give any medicine (even tylenol) to a child without the parent’s permission.

Medication will be administered to children at school by an adult when the following conditions are met:

1. Short term, non-prescription medication will be administered with a signed parental permission note with directions.

2. Short term, prescription medication will be administered if sent in the original prescription bottle along with a signed parental permission note.

Long term, prescription medication will be administered if sent in the original prescription bottle along with a note from the parent.

HEARING AND VISION SCREENING

The local health department is required by law to provide hearing and vision screening to pre-school and school-age children. Technicians are in our school providing this service at certain grades throughout your child’s school experiences. Please notify the school if you do not wish your child to be screened for hearing & vision.