Kennedy Elementary Handbook

Last Revised 8/10/2007

Welcome to Kennedy Elementary.  We appreciate your trust and confidence as we work together as a team to appropriately educate the children and prepare them for a world of learning.

Communication:   We ask you to encourage your child to faithfully bring notes, homework,  and other communications to your home so that we can communicate with you more effectively. 

Backpack:  We encourage each child to have a book bag or backpack for carrying texts, library books, assignments and other school communications back and forth between the school and home.  Please put your student's name on book bags, backpacks, coats, jackets, etc., so they can be returned to the student if they are lost and get turned into the office.

Expectations:  It would be very helpful to your child if you could take the time to sit down together to go over the student rules of conduct listed below and express to your child your expectations that the rules be followed.  Your support and encouragement in this area is most helpful..

Questions:  Please call us if there is ever a question concerning the school (359-3325). Rumors are most quickly dispelled by checking at the source. 

Kennedy Elementary exists for the benefit of children.  We are committed to seeking excellence in all that occurs in our school.

We believe that everyone who is a member of the school community (i.e. students, teachers, staff, administrators and parents) is in a state of becoming and can, with effort, commitment and assistance, excel.

We further believe that it is in the pursuit of excellence, rather than in the avoidance of effort, or in the maintenance of the status quo, that each member of the school community will find the greatest growth, satisfaction and happiness.

We believe that learning should be a life-long endeavor. We see our responsibility as one of teaching basic skills and acquainting children with the vast array of knowledge which is available to them as they proceed through life.

We also seek to help children develop the courage and skills necessary to solve problems, and be able to communicate their ideas and feelings appropriately and in an articulate manner.

Above all, we seek to nurture students' desire to learn, and to help preserve the sense of wonder that lives within every child.

Responsibility and Problem Solving

Parents are responsible for the home environment which establishes a student's basic physical, mental and emotional makeup. Students are responsible for their actions and/or behavior at school. Teachers and staff are responsible for their performance, actions and attitudes as they effect students and others. The principal is responsible for everything that happens within the school.

Problems should not be allowed to exist or perpetuate although a "wait and see" strategy may sometimes be appropriate. Should parents have a question or complaint regarding any classroom occurrence they should make an appointment to see the teacher to discuss the matter. This can be a very positive experience. If, after the parents have met with the teacher, there are still unresolved issues, the parents may wish to discuss the matter with the principal. The principal will be happy to discuss with children or parents any general concerns or answer questions of a general nature. We welcome your suggestions.

Teachers will contact parents and request appointments with them when they feel there is a need. We feel that there should be a spirit of partnership between the home and school and believe that the more open and cooperative this partnership is, the greater will be the benefit to the student.

General Information

First Day of School:  Classes begin on Wednesday, August 22, 2007.

School Hours:  Students school hours are 8:25-2:25 daily - first bell at 8:20.  Kindergarten will be held from 8:25-11:00 for the morning session and 11:45-2:25 for the afternoon session. However, one day a month the Kindergartners will not have class so that their teachers may take part in In-service activities. In-service dates are listed on Pages 8 & 9. Mondays are early-out days at 1:30 for Grades 1-4 to allow In-service time for their teachers.
 

Absences:  If your student is absent for any reason, please call our office before 10:30 to let us know the reason for the absence as well as for requests to pick up work that will be missed. Homebound instruction is available for prolonged illnesses. If a student becomes ill during the day and must be taken home (or needs to leave for other reasons-doctor, dentist, etc.), the person picking them up must sign them out at the office. If it is a person other than the parent/guardian, the parent should call and let us know who will be picking the student up.
 

Recess and Lunch Schedule:  Recess and lunch times will vary according to grade level. Kindergarten classes will have a separate scheduled recess and Grades 1-4 will have a morning recess from 10:00-10:15. An afternoon recess for Grades 1-4 will be optional for each teacher.  Grades 1-2 will have lunchy from 11:25 - 12:15, grades 3-4 from 11:55 - 12:45.
 

School Lunch:  Lunches are $1.75 per day for children and adult lunches can be purchased for $2.75. If parents are coming for school lunch, please have your child ask his/her teacher to add you to the lunch count that is taken by 9:00 so that a lunch can be ordered for you. If you need to contact our School Lunch Supervisor, please call 359-3317. We also encourage you to complete an application for free or reduced lunch whether you choose to take advantage of this service or not. Availability of Title I funding for services for students is based on the percentage of students who qualify, not necessarily those who actually participate.  Please help our school by finding out if you qualify, even though you may not choose to participate.
 

Bussing:  Students living 1 ½ miles or more from school may ride the bus. All Kindergarten students may ride the bus if the parents request this in writing (form in the office). If a request is made, please do not make frequent changes as it is difficult for bus drivers to continually make changes in pick-up or drop-off destinations. Contact our Transportation Supervisor at 359-3300, Ext. #3021 with specific questions and information on bus routes. The school does not have this information.

Fees:  Kennedy Elementary has a voluntary $20.00 fee from parents to help provide each student with school supplies and to help pay for activities. Let us do the shopping and buy in bulk, which will save money and simplify the process in the long run.  Additionally, there will be a $12.00 fee for Kindergarten students, which pays for a small snack served each day.

Power School:  Parents may access information about student progress, attendance, lunch status or grades by clicking here.  When you register, students and parents will be issued a student ID number and password.  If you want the ID number or password so you can access Power School, please contact our office at 359-3325.

Discrimination:  It is the policy of Madison School District #321 not to discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex or disability.

Parents are welcome to arrange to visit their children's classes. We hope you will become acquainted with your children's teachers. As a matter of policy, teachers will not be called from their classrooms during school hours except in emergencies, but you may call at any time and leave a message for a teacher, who will return your call as soon as possible. The principal welcomes visits with parents, either in person or by telephone. All visitors should check in with the office when entering the building and obtain a "visitors badge." Classroom instruction should not be interrupted unless absolutely necessary.

Telephone Calls

Children will be encouraged to use the hall telephone in our front lobby to inform parents if they need to remain after school or in case of emergencies. (This telephone has the number 359-0970. If you should see this number on your Caller ID, please do not return calls to this phone. It is just for out-going calls and is not answered by our office staff.  Return calls to the 359-3325 number.) Social calls by children cannot be permitted because of the large number of students and the need to keep the lines clear. Children should be told before they leave home where they are to go after school, whether the parent will be picking them up or if they may bring a friend home. In the past, a number of children have made this type of telephone call daily. For calls placed during the school day, students will receive a "telephone pass" from their teacher who has helped them determine whether the call is an emergency or truly necessary. Please talk to your child about not using the telephone for non-essential reasons.

Our office maintains a Rolodex file using the cards you fill out at registration as well as records in the "Power School" system. Please let us know of any changes so that we will be able to locate you in emergencies or for other reasons. Current telephone numbers are critical. Your child's records are open to you. If you desire to review these records at any time, please call the principal for an appointment. You have the right to question any materials or information and recommend removal.

Even with the greatest precautions and the closest supervision, accidents can and do happen at school. They are a fact of life and a part of the growing-up process our children go through. Parents need to be aware of this and be prepared for possible medical expenses that may arise should their child be injured at school. The school district does not provide medical insurance to automatically pay for medical expenses when students are injured at school. This is the responsibility of the parents or legal guardians. The district carries only legal liability insurance. The district does make student medical insurance available to families for their individual purchase. Brochures outlining the coverage and premiums are handed out at the beginning of the school year (at registration) to parents who are interested and are available at the school office. Parents, please be prepared to pay for your child's possible medical expenses.

Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held at the middle of the first and second trimesters to discuss your child's progress in school. The staff is available to meet with parents on an individual basis on these dates. Appointments are made by the teacher. You will be notified of these times one week prior to the conference. With approximately 250 families at Kennedy, scheduling becomes very complicated. We ask that you make every effort to attend your conference at the appointed time. Please check the school calendar in the handbook (Pg. 8-9) for specific conference dates. Should the need arise for a conference at any time during the year. Please don't hesitate to contact your child's teacher for an appointment.

The Elementary schools are operating on a Trimester system similar to that of the Secondary schools in our district. Parents are invited to meet with the teachers in Parent/Teacher Conferences in October and January to review progress. Report cards will be sent home at the end of each trimester. Grades for the report cards are based on student performance and the teacher will be happy to explain this to you. Except in unusual circumstances, the student's grades reflect achievement in learning the concepts taught. Theoretically, it would be possible for all students to earn an "A." Parents need to take into account the motivation and ability of their child as well as his/her work habits, self-esteem and social adjustment before bringing pressure to bear on the child to earn higher grades. The teacher may be able to help you in making this assessment. Close cooperation between the parents and the teacher will often result in improved grades. Assistance to students at home is critical to their success.

All students will be taking tests of an academic nature as part of their regular classroom experience. They sometimes need help in seeing tests in their proper perspective. Some children become excessively anxious while others have difficulty in understanding the importance of doing a good job on tests and fail to see that one very poor test score can seriously damage their chances for a good grade. Standardized tests and direct writing and math assessments will be administered at some grade levels as required by State and District directives. Other tests may also be given to your child. Screening tests in Speech and Hearing are done at some grade levels and you may request them at other times. With your permission, psychological and academic tests of other kinds may also be given. Vision screenings may also be done. You are encouraged to follow up screenings of hearing, vision, etc., with a full-scale assessment with your private practitioner if problems are indicated.
 

Buses are used by approximately 1/3 of our regular students and almost all of our Kindergarten students. For the first few days of school, it is advisable to be ready early and watching for the bus as the arrival time tends to be somewhat erratic until the routes become established. Students are responsible for getting to their buses on time after school. If you would like to have your student get off the bus at a different stop, please send a note to the driver making this request. While the school is interested in the comfort and safety of our students, we are not directly involved in the bus routes or service. Please call our Transportation Supervisor at 359-3300, Ext. 3021 if you have questions. Bus Rules include:

1. Obey request of driver promptly and willingly.
2. Help in keeping bus clean.
3. Board and unload in a safe manner.
4. Find a seat immediately and stay seated.
5. Refrain from distracting/loud noises.

Students will be issued a ticket for inappropriate behavior as bus passengers. Parents will be contacted. Two tickets will result in a meeting and a third ticket will result in a hearing with the parents and the district bus personnel. Transportation privileges may be denied for the remainder of the school year.

Walking becomes an art when safety is considered. Please instruct your child in pedestrian safety and check to make sure that he/she is following your instructions. We will again have a crossing guard on the corner of Fifth West and Main Street and on Fifth West in front of the school. Students are expected to obey the crossing guards and behave in a safe manner. Please keep in mind that crossing guards are not on duty during the noon hour and are only there for about fifteen minutes before and after school. Children who come to school early or stay late will have to use extra care in crossing the street.

Bicycles are used most frequently in the Spring and Fall. We have a limited number of bicycle racks. If you allow your child to ride a bike to school, please see that the bike is locked up securely. Bikes are not to be ridden on the school grounds. Students are not allowed to play in the vicinity of the bike racks. We have had some bikes tampered with on occasion, however, and even stolen. The school cannot take responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged property of the students, so you may wish to take that into account when deciding whether to have your child take his/her bike to school.

Cars sometimes create a hazard in our parking area and surrounding street and driveways. Please be mindful of the potential for tragedy when you are near the school. DO NOT park in the bus areas at any time during the school day and honor parking signs, crossing guards and speed limit directions. Please encourage your child to use the crosswalk in crossing 5th West to go to your car.

The Resource Program is directed by certificated Special Education teachers and their assistants who instruct individuals and small groups usually within the regular classroom. This assistance is offered students needing special help in reading and/or math for 30-60 minutes per day. Enrollment is the result of teacher or parent referral and requires parent-signed permission. Student test scores as well as other federally mandated criteria are the basis of admission to the Resource Program.

Title I assistance in reading and math is offered to any student requiring extra help. Students work individually or in small groups, often using the materials from the regular classroom. Our goal in both the Resource Program and in the Title I Program is to provide whatever assistance is needed to help the child be able to work independently as soon as possible. We consider participation in both programs to be a privilege. Services are usually provided within the regular classroom.

Speech and Hearing Screening is available. This is done periodically (although not annually) for each child. You may request a screening if you feel it advisable. Speech therapy and language development help is provided by a specialist employed by the district. She works with students here at the school and is also assigned to several other schools.

Psychological testing and administration of other types of individual evaluations is available where deemed advisable by the schools Pre-Referral Team and with parent-signed consent. Interpretation of the tests and limited psychological counseling are also available. The psychologist assists the classroom teachers so they can work in such a way as to meet the needs of particular students and also helps parents in a similar manner. Our psychologist generally works with students and parents here at school. The services of a counselor are also available on a limited basis. This person works with families and school personnel to help students succeed at school.

After School classes are available through a grant received by our district. Many classes, such as swimming, cooking, gymnastics, sign language, dancing, wrestling, etc. are available through registration several times during the year. Watch for notes/registration forms coming home throughout the year that will explain classes and times available. Classes fill up quickly, so sign-ups must be turned in promptly if you want your child to participate.

F.A.M.E. (Fine Arts Mini-Experience) is a parent-led, school-wide program, designed to familiarize students with famous artists, composers and their works.

School Pictures are taken twice each year. Individual pictures are taken in the Fall and class groups in the Spring. Individual "Personality Portraits" are occasionally offered by our photographer in the Spring. In addition, the P.T.O. frequently has a project for selling family group pictures and school yearbooks.

Fees are collected from parents to defray the cost of school supplies furnished by the school and activities in and out of the classroom that directly effect children. There will be an additional fee for Kindergarten students to pay for a small daily snack. While the fees are voluntary, most parents pay them at the time of registration.  School fees are $20l00 per student.  An additional snack fee for kindergarten students is $12.00. 

The Lost and Found is located in the Center Wing hall outside the office. Please encourage your child to check there periodically for lost clothing, etc. Very small items may be claimed in the office. At Christmas break time and at the end of the school year, unclaimed items are donated to a local charity. You, as a parent, are also encouraged to check the Lost and Found, as numerous items remain unclaimed at the end of every school year.

We are pleased to have our school library available to the students. We encourage you to help your student feel a sense of responsibility to care for the books and return them on time. Replacement cost will be charged for lost books.

Immunization Records must be maintained by the school on each student. The state requires a report from each school on the status of each student in regard to minimum immunizations. Please keep your child's record current by notifying the school when new shots are received. If you are unable to have your child immunized for religious, medical or personal reasons, it is necessary that we have you sign an EXEMPT form at our school to be put in your child's file. Your family physician will also need to sign the form if exemption is for medical reasons. This exempt form or proof of adequate immunization against eight childhood diseases must be on file with the school before a child may attend school. In the case of an epidemic, students who are not adequately immunized, for whatever reason, must be excluded from school until the epidemic is over. These rules in regard to immunization are based on Idaho laws which have recently been reviewed and updated. Immunization requirements for attendance at school are:

5 Doses of DTP, DT or Td vaccine. The last dose (booster) should be on or after the fourth
birthday.
4 Doses of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) or 5 doses of Inactivated (Injectable) Polio Vaccine (IPV)
The last dose (booster) should be on or after the fourth birthday.
2 Doses of Measles, Rubella & Mumps (MMR). The last dose (booster) should be on or after
the fourth birthday.
3 Doses of Hepatitis B, Influenza (as of Fall,1997)

Bureau of Vital Statistics
State Department of Health & Welfare
P.O. Box 83720 (450 W. State Street)
Boise, Idaho 83720-0036
1-208-334-5988

When writing, please enclose the following: Full name of child, sex, parents' full names, mother's maiden name, month/day/year of child's birth, place of birth, hospital, city, county, state, purpose for obtaining this birth certificate and your relationship to the child. You will also need to enclose a $13.00 check or money order made out to Bureau of Vital Statistics along with a signed request and photocopy of your driver's license.

Because the lunch period is only 45 minutes or less, it may be difficult for some students to go home for lunch, but they are welcome to do so if the parent is aware that they will be doing this and the teacher is informed. It is necessary to return to school on time. If parents want to come to school to join their student(s) for lunch, please make sure your student asks the teacher to add you to the lunch count that is taken by 9:00 each morning so that a lunch can be ordered for you and/or any other siblings that might be coming with you. If you decide to join your student for lunch after he/she has left for school, please call the lunchroom directly at 359-3317 to order a lunch--by 10:30, if possible. Also, please use this telephone number for all inquiries regarding the school lunch program at Kennedy.

Lunches are $1.75 for students and $2.75 for adults. Lunch cards for free or reduced-price lunches MUST all be obtained from the district office and are only available after eligibility forms have been filed and approved. These forms are available in the school or district offices. Free and reduced-rate lunch cards are not recognizable from full-rate cards by anyone other than the lunch supervisor, so it is not necessary for even the child to know which his/her card is.

If sending money or checks to school for lunches, please follow the procedure below if buying more than one day's lunch:

Lunches may be purchased at the school on the first day of each week.
Check or cash should be given in a sealed envelope to the child's teacher
upon arriving in the morning. Please use this format for the front of the
envelope:  
Child's Name              Amount Enclosed $
Teacher's Name         # of lunches desired

The envelope will be sent to the kitchen and a cook will credit the amount of money to
your student's computer lunch record.

Children may not do things that are impolite such as shouting, throwing food, speaking rudely or deliberately making a mess. If they are not willing to be polite, they may lose the privilege of staying at school during the lunch period.

Repeated charging of lunches is discouraged.  At the same time, we will not let children go hungry.  . Please do not put your child in this position. If a child does not have a lunch card or sack lunch, we will ask him/her to call you. However, many times, students are unable to reach parents. If a child has charged three (3) times, they cannot charge again until their charged lunches have been paid in full. However, we will not let your student go hungry, because occasional problems do arise. If a student owes three (3) lunch tickets, he/she will be given a roll and a carton of milk but not a complete lunch. Please help your child be responsible for bringing a sack lunch, lunch money or informing you when they no longer have money credited to their lunch card.

2. Come to school ready to work hard and play hard. Have your books, paper, pencils and all tools that will help you be an outstanding student.

3. Come dressed for the weather. Wear coats, hats, gloves and boots as needed. The adults on duty will determine whether or not the weather allows children to go outside. Usually you will be taken outside to play. If your health on a certain day requires that you stay indoors, please bring a note from home. If you have a note to stay in at recess, you should take something to do in the designated place. Also, as a safety measure during warmer weather, short-shorts and tank tops should not be worn to school.

4. Come to school on time. Try not to come more than 15 minutes before school starts. If it is necessary to come earlier, please bring a note of explanation from your parent and plan to wait on the bench by the office or sit quietly by your classroom door, whichever your teacher prefers, until 15 minutes before school begins--at which time you may go to the playground until the bell rings.

5. Adults will be on duty on the playground 15 minutes before school and at recess times. After school you are to go directly home and not return to the playground until later, and only then with your parent's permission.

6. If a child becomes ill during the day and is unable to continue to work in school, he/she will be given permission to call a parent to take him/her home. The person who picks up the student must sign them out in the office. If the person is someone other than the parent, the parent needs to call and let us know who will be picking them up. If the parents want the child to walk home, they will need to talk directly to the teacher, principal or secretary.

7. Children who eat lunch at school are not permitted to leave the school grounds at noon recess.
Children may not go home with a friend for lunch unless their parents have given prior approval.

8. The phone for student use is located in the front lobby by the office. Students may obtain a pass from their teacher to use it when necessary. They will not be permitted to call about playing with friends after school. This should be arranged for at home before coming to school. Please encourage your student to only use the phone for important matters.

9. The school secretary will administer medication upon receipt of a signed note from the doctor and if the medication is sent to school in the original container. It is the responsibility of the student to come to the office when it is time to take the medication. *In case of any injury, minimal first-aid will be administered and parents contacted if the injury seems serious. If a family member or contact person cannot be located and moving the child could be dangerous, or if immediate assistance is required, an ambulance will be called and the parents billed by the ambulance company.
**No student will be given pain relieving compounds, or any over-the-counter medications by any staff member without the express written consent of the parent and the parent must provide the medication.

10. We expect the adults and students at school to treat each other with respect. Children are to follow the instructions of other adults as well as their own teacher. Adults are expected to be polite in their dealings with children and to avoid embarrassing or belittling them.

11. Teachers or aides who witness infractions of school rules may reprimand and/or remove students from play. It will then be up to the student's own teacher to determine what further punishment may be necessary.

12. Crossing guards are adults who are assigned to help students safely cross the street at designated crosswalks. Students who disobey a crossing guard may expect to be reported to their teacher and/or parent. Drivers failing to yield will be reported to the police.

13. Students who are absent will be expected to make up all significant work. Usually parents call for missed work just as soon as the child is well enough to begin doing it.

14. When students are late, they should check in with the office.  If they are having hot lunch that day and are over 20 minutes late, they need to go to the kitchen to order a lunch. If students are late following a recess, it is up to their own teacher rather than the duty teacher to decide what steps need to be taken.

15. Recess is a time for students to use the restrooms and to exercise and socialize. Unless they have temporary health problems, students should be encouraged to go out each day and dress for the weather.  Because of the health issues involved, students should not stay in restrooms longer than necessary. 

16. Play equipment should be used as designed. Ropes are for jumping, slides for sliding down, swings are for swinging--not twisting or jumping from etc., etc.

17. Take turns on playground equipment. Kick and throw balls away from the building. Play away from windows and doors. Stay out of mud and water.

18. Contact or carry games are not allowed nor are games where clothing is grabbed. Other items such as hard balls, golf balls, guns and knives of any kind or any weapon-like instrument are also not allowed at school.

19. Failure to follow playground rules may result in the loss of the privilege of going out for recess.

20. Use of book bags or back packs is strongly recommended for carrying lunches, texts, library books, notes, etc.

The School and School District are developing and implementing discipline guidelines and school/home compacts designed to inform and involve parents. We believe that although students have the right to a public education where they can be taught and treated fairly, they do not have the right to:

1. Interfere with another student's learning.
2. Engage in behavior that is not in their best interest or in the
best interest of others, or
3. Interfere in the teaching/learning process

We are strongly committed to encouraging all who are involved with the development and education of children to work together to make the school experience successful. Positive student behavior will be expected and misbehavior dealt with in an appropriate manner.

Madison School District #321

Emergency Closure Procedure

Provision has been made in state attendance regulations for two kinds of emergency closures:

1. Emergency closure due to facility failure;

2. Emergency closure due to weather.

In the case of emergency closure due to facility failure, advance notice will be given whenever possible using the media outlets listed on the next page. If such a failure occurs during the school day requiring school closure before the end of the regular day, appropriate media outlets will be notified as soon as possible so parents will be able to respond accordingly.

In the case of emergency closure due to weather, the following should be carefully noted:

1. Parents should make advance arrangements for their children to cover two eventualities:

a. School being canceled before the school day begins because of existing weather conditions;
b. School being canceled at some point during the school day because of worsening weather conditions.

2. At no point will the school administration attempt to substitute their own safety judgements for those of the parents. There may be times when, in the best judgement of the administration, school for the great majority of students is possible. With this determination, buses will run their regularly assigned routes. Nonetheless, if any parents determine to the contrary for their own children and choose not to send their children to school, the school should be notified so the absence can be recorded appropriately.

3. If school is not officially canceled, all buses will run all regular routes. Conditions in some parts of the school district may cause delays, however. If a bus is running substantially late, please do not call the district office or the school. Late buses will stop at all regular stops. Have students watch for the bus from a safe, comfortable place and proceed to the stop as soon as the bus comes into view.

4. All buses are radio equipped and are in constant contact with the central office. School transportation officials work closely with county road personnel whenever there is a question about road conditions or transportation safety issues.

The following weather conditions could result in the canceling of school:

1. Cold greater than 20 degrees below zero, as determined at several points in the district.

2. Blowing or drifting snow that could prevent buses from successfully completing the normal pick-up or delivery of students or increase the likelihood that a bus might become stranded.

An early morning cancellation will be announced as early as possible with a target time of no later than 6:30 a.m. The prevailing weather conditions may make a cancellation announcement later than 6:30 a.m. possible. We solicit the understanding and patience of our patrons under such circumstances.

Cancellation of school will be communicated through the following media outlets by 6 a.m. If no announcement is made through these outlets, school is officially in session for the day and buses will run. We encourage our patrons to rely on one of these media outlets for their emergency closure information and that they not find it necessary to call the district office or the schools directly.

Television Outlets: KIDK TV, Channel 3; KIFI TV, Channel 8; KPVI, Channel 6.

Local Radio Stations: KBYI FM Radio, Rexburg; KRXK FM Radio, Rexburg

Idaho Falls Radio Stations: KID AM Radio; KOSY FM Radio; KLCE FM Radio;
KZBQ FM Radio; KUPI FM Radio; KFTZ FM Radio.

Please have a pre-arranged plan for your children to follow in the event that school is dismissed early for some reason. It is not feasible to have them try to call you from school for instructions because of the considerable delay that would be encountered. We would suggest that you ask your children to call you as soon as they reach home (or wherever you tell them to go) and that you have a plan for siblings to meet at a certain location so that they can all go to the designated place together.

Student Placement

It is our policy to provide the best placement possible for your children, and we do not encourage parental requests for a child's placement with a specific teacher. Assignment of students is done through a conference between the principal, the student's present teacher, the other teachers on that grade level and, when it applies, the Special Education teachers. All teachers of the next year's grade level review the placements before the class groups are finalized. We try to provide excellent instruction and opportunities for learning and growth. Adjustment to a variety of teaching styles and personalities is a very important part of the whole process.

In keeping with that policy, we have carefully tried to match teachers and students. We solicit your support and cooperation in making the school year a success for everyone concerned, particularly your student.

Each year we have altered slightly the way we involve parents in the process, as we attempt to find the perfect method. Naturally, parents may wish to discuss their concerns regarding class placement with the student's present teacher, just as they do many other matters. Should you have a specific academic concern regarding your student, please submit a written letter to the principal by the first week in April.

Out-of-Kennedy-Zone/Out-of-District student placements are for one year only on a space available basis. Applications for students living within the boundaries of other schools in our district but wanting to attend Kennedy are available in our office and must be returned to us by May 15. Parents of students who are not in the Madison School District must fill out an application available from the district office and submit it to the Superintendent by May 15 of the previous school year.

Drug-Free Workplace

In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the Board of Trustees of Madison School District #321 make notification to all district employees of the following:

1. The unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol is prohibited on school premises or as part of any school activity.

2. Employees found in violation of the above stated prohibition will be reported to law enforcement authorities. Employment with Madison School District #321 for such employee could be terminated following appropriate due process procedures.

3. All employees of Madison School District #321 understand that, as a condition of employment, they will:

a. Abide by the prohibitions as stated above.
b. Notify the Board of Trustees of Madison School District #321 of any criminal drug or alcohol statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace or at a school related activity no later than five (5) days after such conviction.

Information is available for any employee concerning drug counseling or drug rehabilitation as well as information on area assistance programs. For more information, contact the Madison School District #321 office.

Our school exists for the benefit of children. We are committed to creating a situation where students want to learn and are enabled to do so, and where the whole child is nurtured. We seek to inculcate basic values of our society in each child.

We envision our school as a community of learners where all members of the school community--including students, staff, parents and other patrons--are continually learning and supporting the education process.

School Characteristics

All students are valued and meeting their educational goals both as individuals and as members of society. Lifelong learning and the acquisition of daily living and work force skills and habits are promoted.

An enriched, challenging, comprehensive and integrated curriculum is in place and fully implemented. All aspects of the curriculum are given appropriate emphasis and communication skills in their many forms are fostered.

Learning is facilitated by technology, exploratory learning experiences and resource materials and persons utilized.

Evaluation of student progress is closely aligned with curriculum goals and objectives.

The school is a safe, happy, and healthy place for all, within a functional environment that is convenient, comfortable and promotes learning. Personal, classroom and school-wide discipline is clearly defined and given a high value.

Responsibility for student learning is shared by all members of the school community.

Opportunities are readily available to all, including adult members of the school community, to have continuous learning experiences and to share their interests, talents and experiences in meaningful ways.

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