Table of Contents

STUDENT AND PARENT HANDBOOK

The purpose of this handbook is to inform students and parents of the major policies, services and information relating to Gardiner Elementary. It is hoped that this folder will be kept in a place where it can easily be located when needed at a later date. Periodically communications will come home that can be added to this folder.

In our school we pledge to encourage and cultivate an appreciation of reading, writing and math by stimulating the inquiring mind and developing the imagination of each student to reach his or her potential. Each student will be challenged to use his or her mind to broaden thinking skills, to solve problems, and to process new information.

We encourage students to always do their best and take pride in all that they do. We encourage parents to take an active role in their child’s education by visiting our school often, attending school events, participating in parent/teacher/student conferences, PTSO, Site Council, and seeking answers to questions that you may have concerning your child or our school program.

MISSION STATEMENT

All students will learn skills needed to reach future goals in a safe and supportive environment.

AFTER SCHOOL

According to the USD 259 policy, students may be kept after school for fifteen minutes for disciplinary reasons/or to complete work. In the event a child is to be kept after 4:10 p.m. the teacher will notify the parents prior to the action.

BOE POLICY ON SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

The parent or person acting as a parent of a pupil enrolled in a district school must notify the school the pupil attends either by telephone, letter, or in person when a pupil is absent. Notification should be made prior to the absence and must be made no later than 72 hours after the date of the absence.

Good attendance is important to your child’s progress in school. It is a parental responsibility to see that your child attends school on a regular basis. When your child is absent please notify the school by calling 973-1722. If you do not have a phone, send a note to the teacher when your child returns. It is the responsibility of the school to maintain appropriate attendance records and report to proper authorities those students who are habitually absent or whose absence is of a suspicious nature.

REPORTING STUDENT ABSENCES OR TARDIES

Have parent or guardian phone the school and inform the office of your absence before 10:00 a.m. of the day of the absence.

• Have parent or guardian write an excuse giving your name, date, days of absence, reason for absence and his/her signature.
• Present your written excuse to your teacher.
• Ask teacher for make-up assignments. Assignments that are not made up will be reflected in your grade. (Each student is responsible for seeing that make-up work is completed.)
• If absence is due to work, travel or some other reason, parents or guardians should notify the school prior to the absence.

Attendance is important and children should be in school every day unless ill or physically injured. Family vacations should be scheduled during school holidays or vacation breaks.

TRUANCIES

Children are required by law to attend school until they are sixteen years of age. Children are considered truant if they miss three (3) consecutive days of five (5) days in any one semester without a legitimate excuse. Excessive tardiness can also be considered truancy.

SCHOOL HOURS

8:30     Breakfast served                       11:50   Noon dismissal for AM Pre-K
8:50     First Bell-Morning Arrival         1:10     School begins-PM Pre-K
9:00     School begins                           4:10     School dismissed

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE FROM SCHOOL

Sometimes children who walk, ride bikes, or ride in private automobiles arrive at school much earlier than is necessary. We ask that students not arrive before 8:50 a.m. Supervision is not provided for students prior to these times.

All students will be escorted to the playground for dismissal at 4:10 p.m. We ask parents to wait outside for the final bell.

TAKING CHILDREN OUT OF SCHOOL

Parents wishing to take students out of school for doctor’s appointments, emergencies, etc. should call for students or make arrangements for them to be picked up through the office. If you know in advance that a student must leave, please send a note to the teacher requesting that the student be sent to the office at a specific time. No child can be dismissed during school hours without authorization from the office. All students must be checked out from the school in the office by signing the check out ledger.

MAKE-UP WORK FROM EXCUSED ABSENCES

Assignments given by the teacher are expected to be completed by the students within a reasonable amount of time (two days for every one missed). It is the responsibility of the student to do and turn in the assignments when completed. Unexcused absences will not receive make-up work. Teachers must be given adequate time to prepare make-up work.

USE OF THE SCHOOL PHONE

Parents are encouraged to call the school when the need arises. The school phone number is 973-1700. We discourage the use of the classroom telephone by students except in an emergency.

STUDENT DRESS CODE

In order to provide a quality-learning environment in our schools, appropriate student behavior/dress is necessary. The vast majority of students ARE appropriately dressed, and their efforts in this regard ARE appreciated. The staff members of the WEST HIGH CLUSTER SCHOOLS expect students and parents to realize that all students are expected to adhere to this shared code of STUDENT DRESS.

Students will NOT be allowed/permitted to wear the following:

• Clothing or items that advertise drugs, alcohol, tobacco products, contain references to sex or profanity; or show suggestive, vulgar, obscene writing, pictures or symbols, or attract attention to body parts (including writing across the rear of pants and shorts).
• Any shirt/top that exposes an excessive amount of skin such as halter tops, shirts with no sides, cut-off tank tops, bare midriffs, tube tops, etc. All shirts must cover the belt line at all times.
• No shorts/skirts above finger length when arms are at rest.
• Headwear in the building (hats, caps, bandannas, etc.).
• Dangling earrings and shoes with black soles/heels during physical education classes. Because of safety concerns, platform shoes and sandals are not recommended in the gym or on the playground. Roller skates (this includes those built into shoes) are not permitted.
• Underwear cannot be shown outside of regular attire.
• ANY clothing or items that give the impression of any gang affiliation are not allowed.
• Sagging pants and pants that drag on the ground are not permitted.
• No excessive make-up.
• Lycra biking shorts, body-conforming jersey leggings; unless worn under other appropriate clothing.
• Coats must be removed and placed in the closet/locker upon entering the building. Staff may determine that coats are allowed when the temperature is uncomfortable to the learning environment.

The above code/expectations will be applied fairly and equitably regardless of gender. Administration, teachers and other school staff may determine what constitutes inappropriate or unsafe dress. Any item that is deemed disruptive to the operation of the school or distracting to the learning environment will not be allowed. The decision of the building principal will be final in all disputes concerning student dress.

SAFETY

SAFETY TO AND FROM SCHOOL

Parents and teachers are responsible for teaching safety procedures for walking to and from school. Such rules are as follows and should be observed. Students should:

ü      Walk directly to or from school with no loitering along the way.

ü      Not accept rides or stop to talk with strangers.

ü      Not take short cuts across property of others.

ü      Not throw (or pick up) objects of any kind.

ü      Use school crosswalks or controlled lights when crossing streets.

Parents and students should determine together the approximate time that it takes to walk to and from school. If your child is not home within a reasonable time, please notify the school (973-1700).

AUTOMOBILE TRAFFIC SAFETY

Parents bringing children by car should load and unload their child(ren) on the side of the street where the school is located. This is in accordance with City Ordinance Section 11.52.020(19). Never park in the bus zone or “no parking” zones. Do not block residence driveways. (You must park 8 feet from a private drive).

BICYCLES

Students in grades 3-5 may ride bicycles to school if they live over ½ mile from school and if parents have signed a Bicycle Permit Slip available in the school office. Bicycles must be ridden to conform to local and state traffic regulations.

Each bicycle:

ü      Must have a current City of Wichita license.

ü      Must be ridden single.

ü      Must not be ridden on sidewalks or on the school grounds.

ü      Should be parked and locked in the designated parking areas.

Gardiner School assumes no responsibility for bicycles that are ridden to school.

SAFETY PATROL

The Safety Patrol is on duty at 8:50 a.m. and 4:05 p.m. All students who walk to school are to use the designated crosswalk areas on Mt. Vernon, Ida, and Laura Streets.

Fourth and Fifth grade students operate the Gardiner Safety Patrol. They are stationed at important intersections and crossings to guide children safely across the street. We ask your observance of these rules:

1. Obey the patrol signs.
2. Drive slowly near the school.
3. No U-turns near the school.
4. Do not risk your child’s life by letting him/her get out across the street.
5. Do not ask your child to cross the street to get into the car.
6. All children crossing Mt. Vernon Street are to use the crosswalk light.

CHANGING RESIDENCE OR PHONE NUMBER

Please notify the school any time any information is changed on the Pupil Information Form. If you plan to move out of the district, give the school office at least three days notice so withdrawal forms can be prepared. Final checkout for students transferring or withdrawing will be made through the office. Changes in home, work and emergency phone numbers should be reported immediately.

MAKE-UP TIME

Board of Education Policy 1475 states that a pupil may be required to report before or after regular school hours in order to resolve problems related to attendance, behavior or class work. If a child is to stay after school for more than 15 minutes the parents must be notified prior to the reporting time.

BUS INFORMATION

Bus routes are designed to pick students up near their homes. Bus schedules are distributed during the fall enrollment as well as information concerning bus safety. Parents are encouraged to discuss this information with their children before school starts in the fall. When problems arise on the bus, parents will be notified so that they, along with the administrator and driver, can work with the children to resolve the problem.

The following procedure will be in effect for those students at Gardiner who fail to follow the bus rules and regulations.

1^st   “Bus Incident Report”—Students will be counseled by the bus supervisor and    
         review bus rules.

2^nd  “Bus Incident Report”—Students will be counseled by the bus supervisor anD
        denied the privilege of riding the bus for one to three (1-3) days.

3^rd  “Bus Incident Report”—Students will be denied the privilege of riding the bus   
        for one to five (1-5) days.

Parents will receive written communication concerning each and every “Bus Incident Report” that is turned in by the bus driver.

Students with more than 3 bus behavior slips may be placed on a Bus Behavior Plan. Contact the office with questions regarding schedules or stops.

VISITING SCHOOL

Parents and other interested persons are encouraged to visit school during the year. This is YOUR school and we want you to become involved. However, for the safety and welfare of the children all visitors must report to the office before going to the classroom. Limit each visit to 60 minutes or less. This is in the best interest for your child. Please check with the teacher prior to visiting so that you may be made aware of the times students will be working on a certain subject. Pre-school children will not be allowed to visit older brothers or sisters at any time unless accompanied by a parent. Also students from other schools are not allowed to visit classrooms. This includes middle and high school brothers and sisters as well as out-of-town visitors. Do not plan visits during the first and last 2 weeks of school.

TEXTBOOK RENTAL FEES

Fees for textbook rental and kindergarten activities are set each year by the Board of Education. Textbook rental funds are used to purchase new textbooks, which are generally adopted every seven to ten years. Fees are prorated for students attending only a portion the year. A portion of the textbook rental fees may be cancelled if a student is qualified for Aid to Dependent Children, or other welfare assistance. If you cannot afford to pay fees, contact the school office to apply for assistance. A fee schedule will be available when you enroll.

Charges will be assessed to pupils who damage or lose books. If this situation occurs, the student is to be sent to the office to find out the cost of the book. The Assistant Commissioner for Finance at the State BOE has advised that there are no statutes anywhere which say that a district must issue a replacement textbook to a student who has not paid for the lost/damaged book.

STUDENT INSURANCE

Student insurance will be available during the first month of school. Forms and money should be returned directly to the insurance company.

POSSESSION OR USE OF WEAPONS

Board of Education Policy 1466 states that any pupil, kindergarten through 12 who brings a weapon to school, gun or look-a-like, bomb or explosive device, etc., shall receive a mandatory expulsion from the Wichita Public Schools for 186 days.

LATCHKEY PROGRAM

Gardiner offers latchkey child care services from 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. through the YMCA. Call 264-1610 ext. 259 for details.

LOST AND FOUND

A lost and found box is kept at school. Please encourage your child to check this box if he or she has lost something. Each child’s school items and personal clothing should be plainly marked with his/her name or other suitable information.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

All students participate in physical education. The program includes development of skills for team sports and stresses physical fitness.

STUDENT BEHAVIOR AND DISCIPLINE

Each student is expected to conduct himself/herself in an orderly manner at school. If a student experiences difficulty in complying with reasonable behavior standards established for the safety and well being of all students, he/she will be subject to disciplinary action. If behavioral problems do arise, the teacher and/or administrator will contact parents to discuss solutions to the problem. We hope that very close cooperation between school and home will be exercised in such manners.

All School Expectations

Always leave personal space
Teacher/Staff in charge
Follow classroom expectations
Keep school clean
Use words/actions that help others feel good

Arrival and Departure

School arrival at 8:50 a.m. and departure at 4:10 p.m.
Walk on sidewalk
Obey safety patrol
Promptly leave school grounds

Hallway Expectations

H-Hands hooked
A-All eyes forward
L-Low speed
L-Lips zipped
S-Straight lines to the right

Playground Expectations

Play safely
Stay within boundaries
When bell rings or whistle blows, line up quietly
Choose not to fight

Restroom Expectations
Keep our restrooms clean
Make wise use of supplies

Assembly Expectations
Listen courteously to the program
Show appropriate appreciation

NOTE: The event of severe student behavior will result in immediate involvement of the principal.

LIBRARY BOOKS

The library is on an open check out policy. Books are checked out when classes come to the library and on an individual basis when needed. They may be rechecked. If a student has lost or misplaced a book either at school, on the bus or at home, he/she is responsible for paying the replacement cost of that book.

HEALTH

Each student should visit their dentist at least once a year and should return a Dental Care Card signed by the dentist. Those students who do not return this card will receive a dental screening at school. However, this screening does not take the place of a dental examination in your dentist’s office.

Matters of health are an integral part of the educational program. We solicit your full cooperation in dealing with child health problems. If your child becomes ill while in school, you will be asked to pick up your child or they will be taken home by a school official after proper notification to a parent or authorized person in charge of the child. The professional staff takes every precaution for the welfare of your child in safety and health. The school nurse serves as a resource person to the school staff and to parents and children in matters of health problems. Gardiner has a nurse five days a week. Major components of the school health program include:

1. Maintenance of health records on each student (vision and hearing screening results, results of dental check ups and immunization records as provided to the school by the parent/guardian.)
2. Maintaining of health records on all students with health problems known to the school.
3. Counseling with pupils, parents, and staff regarding health, considering confidentiality and privacy.
4. Screening for vision, hearing problems with a system for rechecks and referral for further care as indicated by screening results.
5. Dental inspections by a licensed dentist for pupils not returning a dental card.
6. Prevention and control of communicable diseases.
7. Encouragement of periodic health and dental examinations for all children.
8. Emergency care for accidents and sudden illness of pupil until parents assume responsibility. Medical treatment is not provided unless ordered by a physician. First aid is provided for injuries.

If your child has a history of health problems or is taking medication, we would appreciate knowing.

Reference: KSA 65-1124, KAR 91-31-3, KAR 60-15-101 through 104

ILLNESS

Students should stay home until fever free, (99.6 or below) without medication, for 24 hours. Sending them to school sooner may slow their recovery and expose other children to unnecessary illness. Report illnesses daily to the absence line, 973-1700.

FIRST AID

The school attempts to provide a safe and accident free environment. However, if an accident or illness occurs, first aid will be administered and the parents notified if necessary. First aid is defined as immediate temporary care given in case of injury or sudden illness. Care beyond first aid is considered a parent’s responsibility. If at any time the school finds it necessary to send a child home, the parents will be notified at once. Every family is responsible to have up-to-date emergency information filed in the office. Any child running a temperature will not be allowed to remain at school any longer than necessary.

MEDICATION POLICY

BOARD POLICY:  Medication is given at school only upon written request from both a lawful custodian and a person who is licensed to practice medicine and surgery or dentistry in the state of Kansas and is prescribing the medication. These written requests are required before administration of any medication is initiated. It is the responsibility of the lawful custodian to provide and maintain an appropriate supply of medication needed for administration to their pupil during school hours.

The school nurse must review all medication requests prior to initiating their administration. The school nurse may designate and train a non-nurse school employee to administer them.

ü      Non-prescribed medicine—Students are not permitted to possess or consume any type of “patent”-non-prescribed medication at school. This included aspirin, cough drops, inhalants or similar types of medicine.

ü      Prescribed medicine—Students may be administered medication at school upon receipt of a request to administer medication at school, which has been filed out and signed by the physician and lawful custodian. This applies to prescription and non-prescription medications. These forms may be obtained from the school office or school nurse.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASE REGULATIONS

No person having an infection or contagious disease shall be admitted to any public, parochial, private school, or any public place.

1.   Any child who has any of the following diseases shall be excluded from school, other public places, and contact with other children
      until a written release is obtained from the Wichita-Sedgwick County Health Department.

ü      Whooping Cough

ü      Diphtheria

ü      Meningitis

ü      Typhoid Fever

ü      Tuberculosis

ü      Any unusual disease

2.   For the following diseases, no Health Department release is necessary. However, thechild shall be excluded from school, all other 
      public places and contact with other children according to the following regulations:

ü      Streptococcal disease, including strep throat:  excluded until 24 hours after appropriate antibiotic therapy has begun or for ten (10) days, if antibiotics are not administered. Antibiotics must be continued for a complete course of therapy. Inadequate therapy may cause rheumatic fever.

ü      Ringworm of the skin ad scalp:  excluded until child has been under active treatment by a physician, but should not participate in athletic activities involving skin to skin contact until lesions are completely healed.

ü      Chicken Pox/Shingles:  excluded until six (6) days after the first crop of eruptions. Scabs are not infectious.

ü      Hepatitis:  excluded until seven (7) days after onset of jaundice.

ü      Impetigo:  excluded until under medical treatment by a physician.

ü      Measles:  excluded until four (4) days after rash appears.

ü      Mumps:  excluded for ten (10) days from onset of illness.

ü      Pediculosis:  students infected with lice shall be excluded from school or childcare facilities until treated with an antiparasitic drug and until all nits have been removed. School officials will decide if a child is nit free.

ü      Pinkeye:  excluded until 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment.

ü      Rubella (German measles):  excluded for seven (7) days after onset of rash.

ü      Scabies:  excluded until adequately treated with scabicide.

ü      Shigella (Shigellosis): excluded until diarrhea has stopped and a negative stool culture obtained.

ü      Salmonella (Salmonellosis): excluded until diarrhea has stopped.

A child may be excluded for an additional period of time if the principal or other school personnel feel it is necessary for the child’s protection or for the protection of other children. A child excluded from school because of any contagious disease shall not attend movies, parties, or any public gatherings, or be in contact with other children. If a child is excluded because of a suspected communicable disease, certification by a licensed provider is required for re-admittance.

IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

In accordance with KSA 72-5208-5211 and KAR 28-1-20, any student entering a Kansas school must provide an immunization certificate (officially referred to as a Kansas Certificate of Immunization or KCI), signed by a physician or health department representative, listing the month, day and year that vaccines were given. Some legal alternatives are available. Students who have recently moved into this school district and who are awaiting the transfer of immunization records have 14 days to obtain records. Immunization information and KCI forms are available at schools, at most health care providers and at the Wichita-Sedgwick County Department of Community Health, 1900 E. 9^th, Wichita, KS 67214, or call 660-7300.

The KCI form must indicate that the student has completed the required immunizations and the form must note the month, day and year that vaccines were given. Or, the student must have documentation of a legal alternative. The legal alternatives that are documented by signature on the KCI must be one of the following.

• Physician-verified, MD or DO, medical reasons, indicating which vaccine is exempted and the expiration date.
• Pupil is of a religion whose teachings are opposed to immunizations-the school reserves the right to require verification by the clergy of the religious tenets that preclude immunizations.
• At least one dose of each required vaccine has been given immediately preceding enrollment. Parents must verify that the student is in progress of obtaining basic required levels and is awaiting the next available dose.

NOTE: During suspected vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks, any student who claims any of the exemptions will be subject to automatic exclusion from school. Call the school nurse or Health Services, 973-4475, for more information.

REPORTS OF STUDENT PROGRESS

A.  Grade cards

Grade cards are given to students at the conclusion of each nine-week period of instruction.

B.  Parent Teacher Conferences

Parents will have the privilege of at least two parent teacher conferences during the year. Additional conferences can be held at the request of the teacher or parents as needed.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS

A. Kindergarten

1. Five years of age on or before August 31.
2. Kansas Certificate of Immunization (KCI) signed by a medical doctor.
3. Birth certificate or some other document to show proof of date.
4. Social Security Number.

B.  All other students’ grade 1-5 (if new to Wichita)

1. Kansas Certificate of Immunization (KCI) signed by a medical doctor.
2. Payment of textbook rental fee.
3. Birth certificate or some document to show proof of date.
4. Grade card from last school attended.
5. Social Security Number.

GARDINER PARENT-TEACHER-STUDENT ORGANIZATION

Gardiner has a Parent-Teacher-Student Organization that is actively involved in various programs at school. The PTSO helps to organize and operate our Parent Volunteer Aids program as well as raising funds as needed for various student/school projects. This organization also helps provide room parents for each classroom. All parents are urged to participate in our Gardiner Parent-Teacher-Student Organization.

SITE COUNCIL

Board of Education Policy 2210 states that every school shall have a Site Council to identify, consider and discuss educational problems and issues in our local school. The membership of each council will include the principal, representatives of teachers and other school personnel, parents of pupils attending the school, representatives of the business community and other community groups. Members of the council will act as the communication link between the council and staff, students, parents and community. If you are interested in having more information about the school site council at Gardiner, contact the school office at 973-1700.

CRISIS PLAN

Gardiner has in place an emergency plan with specific responses to any crisis event within the school or outside of the school. Those responses include Shelter-In-Place, Lockdown and Evacuation.

SEVERE WEATHER

The United States Weather Bureau issues two types of storm warnings. The preliminary warning is a Tornado Watch,” intended to forecast a large area within which there is a predicted possibility of storms forming. A “Tornado Warning” is issued after a tornado has been sighted, indicating that the situation is serious and that people in the path of the storm should seek cover. It is when the “Tornado Warning” is issued that the necessary movements of students from the classrooms to safer confines of the inner rooms and halls will be conducted.

Severe Weather-Plan of Action

The alert system of the city:

1. The weather bureau will send a Teletype warning to the major agencies of the city.
2. Radio and television staff will repeat the warning over regular frequencies.
3. Siren signals will be activated.
4. School staff monitors the weather on a weather ban system in the office.

 In case such emergencies arise, all possible precautions will be taken to ensure the safety of your children. The following procedures will be followed at school:

1. All students will remain in the building unless called for by a parent.
2. Students will be moved near inner walls away from windows.
3. Persons in the building will remain until an “all clear” signal if given-this might be after regular dismissal time.
4. School will not be dismissed early unless authorized personnel prior to dismissal time notify parents.
5. Arrangements have been made to ensure the safety of those children riding the bus to and from school if an emergency should arise during the time the children are on the bus.

If a severe rain or snowstorm should be in progress at dismissal time, neighborhood children would be kept in the building until the storm lets up or an authorized person calls for them.

FIRE AND TORNADO DRILLS

Fire drills are held monthly. Tornado drills are held at least three times during the year usually during the months when tornadoes are most likely to occur. Bussed students also participate in drills at shelters along the routes to and from the school. During a tornado warning, students will be released only to an authorized person with the principal’s consent. Parents who are in the building will be strongly encouraged to remain until the all clear is given.

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAM

Gardiner will offer a Breakfast and Hot Lunch program as well as selling milk to students wishing to bring a sack lunch. The price of the food and drink will be established in the fall. Our computerized accounting system requires the following guidelines:

1. Breakfasts, lunches, milks, or juices may be purchased in advance for a minimum of 10 days-No Daily Sales.
2. Each child must pay in advance for meals or milk. No credit can be extended under this system.
3. We encourage students who have purchased breakfast and hot lunches to use them on a daily basis.

Breakfast Prices: reduced) .30    (full pay) .90
Lunch Prices:  (reduced) .40     (full pay) 1.65
Milk: ala carte:  .30

GUIDELINES FOR LUNCHROOM BEHAVIOR

We consider lunchroom to be a service provided to accommodate students and parents. We supervise approximately 470 students during lunchtime each day. This is done with a minimum amount of supervisory help. Generally our lunchroom aides are parents from the community who are paid to help in the program although teachers are generally supportive in the lunch program, they are not directly responsible for students during the 40 minute lunch period.

Children eating lunch at school will be expected to conduct themselves in an orderly manner. Conduct detrimental to the group while eating sack or hot lunches at school may result in withdrawal of the privilege of eating lunch at school. If children go home, they should return when the lunch period is over and not on the playground.

Our simple guidelines of staying seated, no talking and not throwing or trading food are used to control behavior in the lunchroom. It also assures us that students will have time to eat their lunch. We also request that students not bring carbonated drinks of any kind for lunch or any other food when they are eating a hot lunch. Students who do not wish to comply with these guidelines may lose their privileges in the lunch program.

Parents are invited to visit our lunchroom at any time. If a parent wishes to eat a school lunch, it is requested that the school office be notified one day in advance.

PARTY POLICY 

Everybody loves a party, and Gardiner students are no exception. However, a number of guidelines have been found to be necessary:

ü      Board policy permits two parties each year, 30 minutes long.

ü      We ask that birthday parties be arranged in advance with the teacher. Parties should be limited to 15 minutes.

ü      Special parties will be scheduled in advance with the assistance of the room parents.

ü      Student or parent planned surprise parties must be coordinated with the principal.

ü      Party invitations should not be distributed in the classroom unless every student receives one.

ü      Avoid treats with any kind of nut, especially peanuts or peanut butter. Exposure to nuts can be life threatening to some children.

RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT

 Under the provisions of the Family Rights and Privacy Act, parents are entitled to access of their child’s school records, and to not have their child’s records forwarded without written consent. Records to be maintained by the school include medical and health information, date of school entry, school transcripts, school grades, test results, personal data, family background information, and school activities.

FIELD TRIPS

ü      Field trips are an important part of our curriculum. Each child participating in a field trip must return the waiver slip signed by a parent or guardian. No phone permissions will be allowed.

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

Parents will be given a Parents School Calendar and Fact Sheet at the beginning of each school year or at enrollment time, that lists the official school holidays for that particular school year. Parents are encouraged to post this calendar in the home for reference regarding any days that school is not in session.

GARDINER NEWSLETTER

To insure the best possible communication to all families, it is our goal to publish the “Gardiner Thunderbird” once each month. You may expect it to come home with your child on the first school day of each month. Classroom newsletters will be sent home regularly to keep parents notified of classroom activities. Please be sure to check your child’s backpack each night. 

STRINGS-GRADE 5 ONLY

Students have music one hour a week or two 30 minute classes. One of the greatest disciplines that anyone can have is trying to perform and master a musical instrument. The band and string instructors strive to advance students as far as possible during the school year. We welcome your child into the instrumental program and are happy to talk to any parents who may have questions regarding the program.

The Wichita Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, handicap/disability, age or religion. Persons having inquiries may contact the ADA and Section 504 coordinator, 973-4096.

©2006 Wichita Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.