Student Handbooks
Rogers Elementary

General Information

Registration

The registration process begins in the spring.  Teachers provide data on each student which will allow the principal to assign students to classes for the following year.  Assignments are made to insure that each classroom has similar groups.  The process is completed in late July or August when parents finalize the registration by paying book rental, filing emergency data, picking up the student class assignments, and insuring medical records are complete.

Students transferring from other schools must make provisions with the principal for enrollment and placement.  All new students must provide a certified copy of the student's birth certificate, governmental documentation of the child's identity, or an affidavit explaining the inability to produce a copy of the birth certificate.

A medical examination for all Illinois students must be on file for grades K, 5, and 9.  Out of state students must have a medical exam which has been completed within one year prior to the entry of an Illinois school.    All students must provide proof of immunizations required by the State of Illinois.  These medical requirements are mandatory to be enrolled in Illinois Schools.  Noncompliance will result in exclusion from school.

Immunizations

All school children must have received proper immunization to protect them from:

Measles, Mumps, Rubella

The Illinois Department of Health states that all students in all grade levels must have two (2) measles vaccines.  The first dose must have been given at 12 months of age or older and the second dose 30 days or longer after the first. 

Students are only required to have one (1) mumps and rubella vaccine, however, this is usually given together with the measles vaccine (MMR).

Polio

All school children must be immune to polio.  Students should have at least 3 doses of the polio vaccine with the last dose being a booster and having been received on or after the 4th birthday.

Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus

All school children must be immune to diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus.  They are given four or more doses of DPT with the last dose being a booster and having been received on or after the 4th birthday. 

Hepatitis B

There is a state mandate for all students entering Pre-K and 5th grade to have the three dose series for Hepatitis B prevention.

Student Insurance

The school district provides an opportunity for students to purchase accident insurance through a private insurance company.  Student insurance is purchased from the insurance company and not the school district.  The school district merely facilitates the purchase of the insurance and the filing of accident claims so that all parents can have the advantages of a group insurance plan.  The school district accepts no direct responsibility for settling claims.  Student insurance is an option parents must decide upon.

Medicine

When a child requires medication, the responsibility for administering the medication rests solely with parents and guardians.  School employees will not undertake to administer medication without parental request.  Medication administered improperly (overdoses, failure to follow directions, etc.) could cause serious complications for the child.

If parents or guardians request the school nurse to supervise the administration of medicine to aid their child, they and school personnel must comply with the following:

1. No school personnel shall administer to any student, nor shall any student possess or consume any prescription or non-prescription medication until a completed and signed School Medication Authorization Form is filed.  The form shall be completed by the student's parents and physician and shall be on file at the school building which the child attends.  This form shall be filed prior to dispensation of any medication to a student and the form shall specify the times at which the medication must be dispensed and the appropriate dosage.
2. All student medication shall be left with the school nurse or the district's health aide during the school day.  If there is no school nurse or health aide in the building, then the medication shall be left with the person designated by the superintendent.
3. All such medication will be clearly marked with the student's name, doctor's name, contents and dosage in the original labeled pharmacy container.
4. All medication forms must be resubmitted each school year.

Closing of School

It is possible, particularly during winter months, that severe weather may force the closing of schools.  Radio station KMOX 1120 AM, and TV channels 2, 4, 5, & 30 will be notified directly of District No. 5 school closings, and will begin announcing at 5:30 A.M. or as soon as possible.

REMINDER:  Please do not call the district office or the bus garage to find out if school has been canceled.  Please listen to the radio, TV, or use the automated phone announcement system to find out if school has been canceled.

Sex Discrimination/Harrassment

Anyone wishing to present an allegation of sex discrimination shall contact the District Coordinator of Nondiscrimination, Mr. Tim Morris, and the grievance procedure will be explained and followed.  The Coordinator shall, upon receipt of a written grievance, investigate the grievance and render a written decision within 60 calendar days of receiving the grievance.  If either the complainant or the party charged is not satisfied with the decision rendered by the Coordinator, the decision may be appealed within 15 calendar days, to the School Board by submitting a written request for a hearing before the Board.  The Board shall render a written decision within 15 calendar days of the date the grievance was heard.  If either the grievant or the party charged is dissatisfied with this decision, appeal may be made first to the Superintendent of Education Service Region and finally to the State Superintendent of Schools.

Social Work Services

A certified School Social Worker is available to talk with any parent/guardian about concerns they may have with their child.  Behavior/ emotional issues and social skills are dealt with in small groups, or on a one-on-one level, depending upon the student’s individual situation.  If you feel that this service would benefit you and your child, please call the office at 939-3454 and request to be transferred to Mr. Nehre’s office.  All information is kept strictly confidential.     

Field Trips

Field trips provide students a unique opportunity to visit various museums or events in different areas.  Parent volunteers are often asked to assist teachers.  Students will be asked to pay a pro rata charge to cover transportation costs.  At times, money is requested for a special admission fee.  Money for refreshments and souvenirs is optional and should be kept to a minimum.                             

An  adult will be assigned to each bus.  Students are accountable to this person.  Students traveling to an event by school bus must return by school bus unless a parent obtains permission from the building principal or the teacher in charge for their child to return by another means.

Breakfast Program

Breakfast is offered every day that school is in full session.  Serving begins at 7:30 A.M., and all students must be finished eating and in their classrooms by the 8:00 A.M. bell.

Lunch Program 

Students eat their noon meal in the cafeteria, either one prepared by the cooks or one brought from home.

Please take advantage of our computerized lunch program.  Payments into your child's account may be made by cash or check using a printed envelope which is provided.   When the account reaches a balance of $3.30, a computer generated note will be sent home with your child along with a payment envelope to remind you that a deposit is needed.    It is the child’s responsibility to bring this letter home, although account balance information can be obtained by contacting the school cafeteria staff on any meal day.  In accordance with the district's lunch policy, your child will then no longer be able to use the account to purchase meals.  When a deposit is made, the account is reactivated, thereby allowing purchases and charges once again.   Responsibility for monitoring what a particular student charges in the cafeteria belongs to the student and parent.

We need full cooperation from parents and guardians with payment of lunches.  A program has been established for those in need, however, all too often students fail to bring the necessary funds and a charge is made.  After the limit is reached, a student will only be given whatever commodities are available at that time.  This practice will continue until payment is made.  Continual practice of nonpayment will result in a parent and student conference with the principal.

Our school participates in the Free and Reduced Lunch and Breakfast Program.  Applications for the program may be completed at anytime during the school year.  WE ENCOURAGE ALL THOSE STUDENTS ENTITLED TO FREE OR REDUCED MEALS TO UTILIZE THE BENEFIT AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE.  Please note that this entitlement includes 1 free/reduced breakfast and 1 free/reduced lunch per day.  Any purchase other than a full meal will be charged to the student’s account (i.e. extra milk).

Recess

The use of the playground for recess is a regularly scheduled part of the Rogers Elementary curriculum.  All students are expected to participate unless prevented by medical, academic, or disciplinary reasons.  Non-participation of recess greater than (2) days will normally require a physician's excuse.  Parents should dress children appropriately for the weather.  Recesses are scheduled to provide students with the physical exercise and relaxation appropriate to children at this age level and for them to practice the games and skills taught in physical education classes without the complete, immediate direction of the teacher.  At least one supervisor is to be on duty at all recess times.                                

School Property

All school property, including desks, books, boards, and rest rooms should be treated with the proper respect.  It is the responsibility of all students to keep all property in good condition.

Any destruction to school property will be considered a serious disciplinary act and will be dealt with as such.  Anyone causing destruction will be required to replace or pay for the replacement and/or repair of damaged material if such damage is done intentionally or if it was done accidentally while acting in violation of school rules.

Personal Appearance 

Waterloo Community Unit School District No. 5 fully reserves the right to disallow any mode or style of dress or appearance, that in the judgement of the school administrators,   is unclean,   unhealthy,   creates a disturbance

and/or disruption in the educational process, or is a factor in the safety and well- being of an individual student or students.  Proper dress for weather conditions is vital!!!  Children do play outside!

How a person presents herself/himself often leaves a lasting impression.  Our parents have exercised sound judgement in this regard in the past and student appearance has reflected well on the school, on parents, and on students. 

Lost and Found

Lost and found articles are placed in a container or kept in the office.  Students are asked to properly identify articles prior to claiming them.  Many items of value go unclaimed each year.  After a reasonable amount of time, all articles will be disposed of.

Telephone Usage

The office phone may be used for emergency or school business only.  A pay phone is available in the south foyer.

Bus Service

Students who live 1-1/2 or more miles from the school they attend are eligible for school bus service.

Students who are eligible for bus service will receive a bus assignment.  A student wishing to ride a different bus temporarily, must have a written pass from the building principal.  A written pass from the building principal may be issued only when  a note or phone call from the parent is received.

Book Rental and Fees

The textbooks are purchased by the school and rented to the student at a cost.  If a student withdraws during the first semester,  one-half of the book rental fee will be refunded.  No refunds are made for withdrawals during the second semester.  Students will be required to pay for lost or damaged books.  Such amount shall be based on the age and condition of the books at the time.

Parents with children eligible for free and reduced lunches may apply  for a waiver of textbook fees.

Neither textbooks, workbooks, or equivalent materials will be issued to students until said students have either paid book rental charges or parents have filed a written statement with the principal of intent to pay.  Failure to pay appropriate fees will be cause for holding grades.

Use of District Electronic Communications System

Access to the electronic communication system, including the Internet, is available to students and staff according to district regulations.  All users are responsible for abiding by these regulations, which may be accessed through the technology page of the district website.

Activity Participation

Students who are absent due to illness during the day will not be allowed to attend school sponsored evening activities.  This will also be the case for unexcused absences during the day.  Excused absences for reasons other than illness will not cause a student to miss evening activities.

Messages

It is important for all to understand that due to the number of students in attendance, messages are a monumental task.  Communication between the family, before coming to school, is needed and appreciated. 

Academics and Grade Reporting

Areas of Study

The Rogers Elementary School curriculum includes the following subject areas:   reading, spelling, language, handwriting, creative writing, math, science,

social studies, health, art, computer education, music, and physical education.  Curriculum committees periodically review the current areas of study.

Testing

I.Q. tests are given in Grade 4.  Achievement tests are administered annually for all students.  These results will be shared with parents during parent/teacher conferences or at the first convenient time available.  Illinois Goal Assessment tests are given each year at grades 3, 4, and 5.  Individual results are now available and will be provided to parents.

Report Cards

Report cards will be issued approximately one week after each quarter ends. 

Marks are given for areas  of specific skills in reading, math, language and spelling, handwriting, social studies, science, music, art, physical education and behavior work habits.  There is also a section to communicate if the student is working on, above, or below grade level and if the student is exhibiting good, satisfactory or poor effort.

There is a teacher and parent comment section for each grading period.  Parents are encouraged to write their opinions and questions to the teacher.

Grading Procedure

All teachers will be required to place on file the grading procedure used in their classroom.

Retention 

Students who fail two or more academic courses for the year will be evaluated by teacher and principal for possible retention after consultation with parents.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Parent/teacher conferences will be held in the fall.  Please check the district calendar issued at registration.    Parents are to call the school office two weeks prior to the conferences to set up an appointment with their child's teacher.  Conferences are not limited to these times.  Parents are encouraged to call and arrange a conference time with their child's teacher at the first sign of a problem or if they have any questions.  Our teachers are eager to help parents and students.

Visitors

When visiting the school for any reason, everyone is required to report to the office.  Safety is foremost. 

Classroom Reports

Classroom reports are sent out at midterm of each quarter.  The reports may reflect a student's outstanding work, notable improvement, or academic problem.  If an academic problem is indicated, parents are strongly encouraged to contact their child's teacher for a conference.  Plans for remediation can be discussed at that time.

Student Records

The principal maintains permanent records on all students.  Parents may view, release, and/or copy this material.  These records include personal, educational, attendance, health, activities, and awards information on each student.  This is the information that is forwarded to schools when a student transfers.   A signed release by parent or guardian is normally necessary for such release.  These records are maintained for a minimum of sixty (60) years.

Temporary records are anecdotal in nature and are not transferred.  These records are normally destroyed and not transferred unless specifically requested by the parent.

A completed copy of our records policy is available in the principal's office and will be furnished upon request.

Attendance Policies

Arrival and Dismissal of Students

Non-bus students should not arrive at school before 7:45 A.M. unless they choose to participate in the breakfast program.  Students arriving after 7:50 A.M. should proceed to their classrooms.  Prior to 7:50 A.M., students should report to area being supervised.

All students must be ready for instruction at 8:00 A.M. or they will be marked tardy.  Tardies are a disruption to the entire class.  Unexcused tardies are indications of an unbusiness-like approach to a time obligation.  Excessive tardies will be treated as a discipline problem and detentions will be assigned accordingly.

Students riding buses will be dismissed prior to those not riding buses.

Students not riding buses will be dismissed at approximately 3:05 P.M. and will be escorted to the main entrance when the buses have left. All students are expected to leave the school grounds before 3:15 P.M. unless participating in a scheduled school activity.

*A student must be at school no later than 9:10 A.M., and leave no earlier than 1:45 P.M. in order to be counted present for a full day.

Absences

When a student is absent,, the parents must notify the principal's office by 9:00 A.M. each day stating the reason for the absence.  This call is the parent's responsibility.  Calls made by the students are not acceptable.  Office personnel will call the home of those students who have not made their call.  Families who do not have a telephone must send a written statement stating the reason for the student's absence.  If a parent fails to call the school or send a written statement, the absence will be considered unexcused. 

**Please use our automated phone system to report an absence or illness.  The line is available 24 hours a day.

Parents must come to the office to sign a student out if the student is to leave school for any reason prior to dismissal.

When a student is absent anytime during the day and returns during that day, the student must report to the office before going to class.

Excused Absences

An excused absence allows all work to be made up without penalty, however, any absence from school that is not part of the school program will be recorded as an absence on the permanent record.  Excused absences are given for the following reasons:

1. Illness of the student; however, repeated illness could justify a medical excuse from a doctor being requested by the principal.
2. Death in the immediate family.
3. Emergency or Acts of God situations.
4. At the discretion of the principal.

Homework Make-Up Policy

A student is allotted the same number of days to complete make-up work as days absent.

Unexcused Absences

Unexcused absences are given to those students whose reasons do not fall into the categories of excused absences.  The classroom teacher may require missed work to be made up without credit.  An unexcused absence will result in a failing grade for the work missed.  The following are examples of unexcused absences, but not limited to:

1. Haircuts, beauty shop appointments
2. Babysitting
3. Oversleeping
4. Needed at home, must have approval from the principal to be excused.
5. Any absences during the school day if the student fails to check out through the office.
6. At the discretion of the principal.

Planned Absence

If parents are aware of a situation where their child will be absent for just cause, they must notify the office one week in advance.  A planned absence slip will be filled out to notify teachers of the coming absence.  This will allow the student to pick up advance assignments and make arrangements for make-up work.  The advanced assignments are due immediately upon the student’s return to school.  A planned absence may only be approved up to a maximum of five (5) days per school year.

Truancy

Truancy is defined as the absence from school without the knowledge of the parent or without justifiable excuse.  Students who are truant may be required to have the parent accompany them to the principal's office to discuss the problem, and the student will make up missed time in detention.  In cases of truancy where families are receiving public aid, funds may be withheld if the situation is not remediated.                                

Medical Appointments

Parents should make every effort to schedule student appointments after school hours or on Saturday when possible.

Physical Education Excuses

Students will not be excused from Physical Education without a note from a parent.  Absences greater than two (2) days will normally require a physician's excuse.

Discipline Policies

During the first week  of school, the general school rules, playground, cafeteria, bus and classroom rules will be clearly explained.  Limits will be clearly set and the positive and negative consequences will be communicated.  The rules will be consistently followed.  The rights of students and their best interests will in no way be violated.

Our school is a success oriented school.  Our goal is to create a positive learning environment.  This process includes parents, teachers, and students working together in support of one another.  Each teacher will pattern his/her classroom rules around this concept of discipline.  All teachers will place discipline plans on file with the principal.  We will do our best to maintain a positive and orderly climate to afford all students the opportunity to reach their potential.

Possible Types of Discipline

Warnings

Every attempt will be made by the staff to help students avoid breaking school rules.

Parent Contact 

Parents may be included in the discipline process thus keeping them informed of their student's behavior.

Dentention 

Faculty members and/or administrators may assign detentions for various lengths and reasons.  Failure for a student to serve a detention within the allotted time will result in an additional detention or suspension.  Parent contact must be made for the purpose of notification.

In-School Suspension

The student is to attend school.  Students who are on in-school suspension status are not permitted to attend extracurricular events.  All credit for work missed will be given  ½ credit if completed correctly.   They will be assigned to an area for the day and be given tasks to accomplish.

Out-of-School Suspension

The student is assigned to the parent.  Students who are on out-of-school suspension status are not permitted on school grounds either for class or extracurricular events.  All credit for work missed will be given ½ credit if completed correctly. (Refer to Board Policy 7:200.)

Expulsion 

Action taken by the Board of Education by prohibiting the student from attending school for a time period exceeding ten (10) days and not more than one (1) year;  loss of all academic credit.  (Refer to Board Policy 7:210.)

Rules and Discipline

The following is a partial list of behaviors that can result in suspension or expulsion from school.

1. Willful Disobedience -- refusing to obey a reasonable request by any adult on our staff
2. Disruptive Conduct --  fighting
3. Vandalism to either public or private property
4. Habitual Truancy --  irregular attendance
5. Vulgarity or Profanity
6. Sexual Harassment
7. The use/possession of tobacco on school campus
8. The use of, sale of, the possession of, the distribution of, or being under the influence of narcotics, dangerous drugs, or controlled substances, look-a-like drugs, or alcoholic beverages
9. Theft
10. The carrying or use of deadly weapons or dangerous objects
11. Failure to sign out of the main school office when leaving the school campus during school hours
12. Arson
13. Illegal entry
14. Tampering with school reports, records, passes, or falsifications of notes
15. Repeated minor offenses/incorrigible conduct

Refer to Board Policy 7:190.)

Vulgar and Abusive Language

Indecent gestures, profanity, and vulgar language are not to be used in school, or school property including buses and extracurricular events.   Students who direct such behavior toward teachers and other school employees, will be suspended 3 to 10 days and/or recommendation of expulsion will be submitted to the Board of Education.

Copies of board policies can be reviewed in the administration offices.

Behavioral Intervention Procedures (BIP)

For Students with Disabilities

W. C. U. S. D. #5 has a Board of Education approved BIP that is to be used with students who have disabilities.  The following summary describes the procedures.  A detailed copy of these procedures is available in each special education teacher's classroom and in each principal's office.

Procedure Summary

Behavior Intervention Summary - lists general procedures.

General Criteria - defines who shall have a written BIP.

Designation of Behavioral Interventions - provides the level of interventions that may be used from restrictive to most restrictive.

Behavior Intervention Committee - Summarizes duties and composition of the committee who will monitor the use of our interventions.

Behavior Intervention Plan - describes the elements of the plan, its implementation, maintenance, and evaluations.

Emergency Use of Restrictive Intervention - details, procedures, and documentation required for implementing emergency intervention.

Protection and Due Process Rights - informs parents of their rights of notification, documentation, and due process procedures.

Littering School Grounds

Students caught littering the school grounds and/or buildings in any way may have upcoming school privileges removed and placed on "beautification" detail.  This "beautification" detail may be served during and/or after school hours.

General School Rules 

The following rules have been established for the Rogers Elementary School:

1. Follow directions of all school personnel respectfully.
2. Treat others with kindness, courtesy, and respect.
3. Respect school property.
4. Walk quietly in the building.
5. No fighting.
6. Gum is not allowed.
7. No hats are to be worn in the building unless approved by administration.
8. Personal items such as electronic devices (radios, games, headphones, tape players, C.D.'s etc.)  are not to be brought to school unless permission is granted.

Classroom Rules

All teachers will determine the rules of their classrooms.  The rules will be taught and modeled to the students.  Positive and negative consequences will be clearly defined.  All teachers will send home their classroom rules and the positive and negative consequences so that parents can be fully aware of the classroom expectations. 

The focus of the classroom rules is to acknowledge students' appropriate behavior and to praise them for it, however, there may be times when a repeated student behavior problem may occur.  If this were to transpire, a conference will be held with the child, the teacher, and the principal to identify the problem and make plans for positive change.

Cafeteria Rules

The following rules apply to the cafeteria:

1. Line up as directed and follow the lines.
2. Use good table manners.
3. Take care of trays, plates, silverware, napkins, and paper containers.  See that the place where you have eaten is cleared.
4. Keep your voice low while in the lunch room.
5. Once seated, remain seated, unless given permission by a supervisor to leave.

Playground Rules

Students are expected to use the recess times in a healthful, positive manner.  They are expected to behave on the playground in such a way that they do not interfere with the well-being and rights of other children.  Students are expected to share the facilities, grounds and equipment fairly.  Students are expected to behave in such a manner that they will not damage the equipment or school grounds.

Playground specifics will be reviewed by home room teachers.  If a student breaks a rule or is unable to conduct  herself/himself in a socially acceptable way, he may be required to forfeit recess time or be sent to the principal. 

If a student brings game balls from home, they should be labeled.  No baseballs or hard balls are permissible.

Bus Rules

Each student will receive a list of bus rules from their bus driver.  Compliance with the bus rules will keep our children and buses safe.  Parents will be properly notified if their children are having difficulties.

Students are not permitted to walk to the High School  to catch a bus.  When missing a bus the student is to report to the office.

Policy on Leaving School

If a student is to go home other than the usual bus or town assignment at any time, a note must be sent to the school designating such.  The notes are to be taken to the office first thing in the morning.

Locker Search

At some point during the year, random locker inspections may  take place.  The district reserves the right to use canine units.

Special Programs and Activities

Puppy Tales

“Puppy Tales” is an activity newsletter for students and parents.   The newsletter communicates upcoming events, reports on past school events, acknowledges student achievements and keeps parents up-to-date on classroom activities.

Special Education 

We will periodically screen all students to identify those who have a special learning need.  We presently have instruction for learning disabilities and behavioral disorders within our own building.  Other services are available within the Perandoe Special Education District,  of which we are members.  Parents should notify a staff member if they have a child who they believe  needs special education services.

Speech and Language Services

We provide speech and language services to any child in the district who is in need of such services.  These services include, but are not limited to:

1. Routine screening of pre-school through 5th grade students to identify those with speech and/or language impairment.  Older students are screened by teacher or parent referral. 
2. Providing therapy for children with impairments of oral language, comprehension, production, or usage, including diagnosis of fluency, phonation, resonance, articulations, and oral language formation.
3. Consultation and counseling with teachers, other school personnel and parents.     

Rogers Elementary School Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide a safe and positive learning environment filled with educational opportunities that will assist each child in reaching his/her potential. 

Rogers Elementary School Belief Statements

WE BELIEVE:

All students can learn.

Each student is a valued individual with unique physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs.

Students learn in different ways and should be provided with a variety of instructional approaches to support their learning.

A safe and physically comfortable environment promotes student learning.

Teachers, administrators, parents, and the community share the responsibility for advancing the school’s mission.

The commitment to continuous improvement is imperative if our school is going to enable students to become confident, self-directed, lifelong learners.