School Handbook

Birthdays: We know that birthdays can be exciting to celebrate, but we have a few guidelines for birthdays at school:

• Food: We cannot accept food items for birthday celebrations. This is to ensure the safety and inclusion of all students, especially those with allergies or dietary restrictions.

• Trinkets/Gifts: Trinkets/gifts should not be sent to school as they become a distraction, and not all students celebrate birthdays. Instead, you can consider donating a book to the class library.

Celebrations: We have moved away from solely celebrating traditional Christian and commercialized holidays to be more inclusive. We celebrate academic unit completions and seasonal changes. Teachers collaborate with families to incorporate cultural traditions, festivals, and holidays into the classroom learning experience.

Cell Phones: Cell phones are prohibited during school hours. Devices need to be off, away, and out of sight. Social media/picture access is not permitted. Students are strongly advised to leave electronic sound and communication devices at home. 

Caregivers needing to reach a student should call the main office. The office will contact the student immediately. A phone in the main office and classrooms is available for students to contact their parents in the case of an emergency.

If a student is found using a cell phone, the cell phone will need to be stored in the student’s backpack for the remainder of the day. If the cell phone use continues after being placed in the student’s backpack, it will be held in the school office. Caregivers will then need to pick up the cell phone at their earliest convenience.

Change in Pick-Up Plan: It is preferred that you maintain a consistent pick-up plan for how your student will go home, but we understand that plans will change. Always call the office with a change to how students will go home because teachers may not see your message since they are teaching. Make sure to call the office 45 minutes before dismissal with any changes (1:30 PM on M/Tu/Th/F and 1:15 PM on Wednesdays).

Classroom Placement: Classroom placement decisions are made by teachers and staff in late spring for the following school year. Please note that these assignments may change before or after the school year begins. Adjustments are made based on enrollment numbers before the start of school, the actual number of students who attend during the first weeks, and changes in staffing. 

Dogs on School Grounds: Dogs are not allowed on school grounds during drop-off, dismissal, or at any time during the day when students are here. This is regardless of size/breed and whether or not they are on a leash.

Earbuds: Earbuds should be off and away out of sight during the academic school day.

Latex-Free School: For health and safety reasons, we are a completely latex-free school. Items such as balloons are not allowed in the building.

Lost and Found: Our Lost and Found is located in the hallway by the gym. Small items, jewelry, and money are held in the school office. Label your children's belongings to minimize losses. Unclaimed items are donated.

Lunches: If you would like to bring a lunch that is not packed from home, you will need to check your child out to eat outside or in a car or take them for lunch. It is difficult for the office staff to get students their lunches at the correct time, and lunches not packed from home can create a distraction.

Smart Watches: We understand that smart watches can be useful tools, but they can also become a distraction at school. Smart watches can only be used as a watch. If a student is found using a smart watch in a way that distracts from their own learning or the learning of others, the watch will need to be stored in the student’s backpack for the remainder of the day.

If a smart watch continues to cause distractions after being placed in the student’s backpack, it will be held in the school office. Caregivers will then need to pick up the watch at their earliest convenience.

Technology (Personal): Cell phones, iPods, speakers, and all other communication or auditory devices not needed for educational access are prohibited during school hours. Devices need to be off, away, and out of sight. Our goal is to maintain a classroom environment where every student can focus and thrive. We appreciate your support in helping us achieve this by reinforcing these guidelines with your child. Please see the cell phone and smartwatch section for more information. 

Visitors and Volunteers: Arrange all visits with classroom teachers or staff before arriving. Visitors and volunteers must sign in and wear a visitors/volunteer badge.

• Volunteers: All volunteers must have a completed background check.

• Visitors: Visitors must remain  within sight and sound of a licensed staff member at all times.