This handbook is intended to provide basic, quick reference information for the parents and students of Smith Elementary School. Please take a few minutes to go over this handbook with your child.

Included in this handbook is the Stockbridge Community Schools Technology Usage Policy and Acceptable Use Policy. You will need to sign and return the technology acceptance form that is located on the last pages of this handbook. In order for your child to fully participate in the Computer Lab, Media Center, and classroom it is important that we get this signature form returned. Feel free to contact your child’s teacher or the school office whenever you need additional information.

Smith Elementary School houses one Young 5’s, four Kindergarten, three first, four second, and four preschool programs (two GSRP). We also offer music, physical education, STEAM, Art, and special services. Our student enrollment is approximately 385.

Important Notices and Policies

Annual Notices

Board Policies

Attendance

Good attendance is an extremely important part of your child’s school career. When a student is absent or tardy they are missing important parts of their education. Further, regular attendance in school now is an important lesson to be learned for their future education and into the world of work. 20 or more absences will result in a notification from the attendance officer of the county.

Students who are absent should bring a note when returning to school. It isn't necessary to call the office unless the child has a communicable disease (head lice, chickenpox, etc.) Students arriving late should report to the office.

You can make arrangements to pick up homework or have it sent home with another student. Please give the staff sufficient time to prepare the information.

Students arriving after 8:50 a.m. and before 9:10 a.m. are marked tardy. Arrival between 9:10 a.m. and 10:10 a.m. will be marked 1⁄4 day absent. Students who leave between 1:01 p.m. and 2:20 p.m. are also marked 1⁄4 day absent. Students that arrive or leave between 9:31 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. will be marked 1⁄2 day absent.

Change of Address

If you have a change of address or phone number or add a P.O. Box, please let us know, so we can
update our records. A new Proof of Residency will be required in the office.

Communication

Tips for better home school communication:

Get to know the school principal and staff members. Attend school open houses, parent-teacher conferences, and other events.
Let the principal or staff member know when you are pleased about something, as well as when you are dissatisfied.
If an issue arises, communicate with the staff member or administrator closest to the situation.
Be aware that answers or solutions may not come right away. Sometimes follow-up activities are required to obtain all the information and to study the implications before a question or concern can be resolved in a way that is fair and reasonable.

Complaint/Grievance Procedure

If any person believes that the Stockbridge Community Schools or any part of the school
organization has inadequately applied the principles and/or regulations of 1) Title VI of the
Education Amendment Act of 1972, 2) Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972, and 3)
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, he/she may bring forward a complaint, which shall be referred to as a grievance, to the local Civil Rights Coordinator at the following address:

Brian Friddle, Supt.
305 W Elizabeth
Stockbridge, MI 49285

Discipline

Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible
We expect positive behavior to be used by all. Students will be taught, monitored, and acknowledged when positive choices are made.

Stockbridge Community Schools does not allow bullying per Policy 8260 which is posted in each building, available from the principal, and on the district website under Board of Education/Policies.

We are fond of the research and ideas that are coming out of the "Love and Logic Institute." Love and Logic has been used throughout the schools for many years. We are making a conscientious effort to increase the usage and understanding of these philosophies. In a nutshell:

Guidelines For Student Behavior

You may engage in any behavior that is Safe, Respectful, and Responsible. The behaviors must not create a problem for you or anyone else in the school.
If you find yourself with a problem, you may solve it by any means that does not cause a problem for anyone else in the school.
You may engage in any behavior that does not jeopardize the safety or learning of yourself or others. Unkind words and actions will not be tolerated

Childhood Misbehavior Is Treated As An Opportunity For Gaining Wisdom.

In a loving way, the adult holds the child accountable for solving his/her problems in a way that does not make a problem for others.
Children are offered choices with limits.
Adults use enforceable statements.
Adults provide delayed/extended consequences.
The adult’s empathy is “locked in” before consequences are delivered.

Two types of discipline are possible, minor and major.

Minor Discipline

Minor discipline takes place within the school and many times is handled by the teacher and may involve parent contact. Options include:

Loss of privilege (free-choice time, special class activity etc,)
Change of seating or location
Lunch-time in office
Review of Panther Pride
Job assigned

Major Discipline

A major discipline requires the student to meet with the principal to discuss the situation. Parents will be notified via a phone call or a Yellow Office Referral being sent home. It includes:

Loss of privilege (free-choice time, special class activity, etc.)
Loss of recess
Lunch-time in office
Panther Pride Pledge
In/out of school Suspension

This discipline policy is in compliance with Board Policy 5600 – other applicable policies.

Dress Code

Students are expected to dress in good taste. Apparel that is disruptive to the educational environment or process is prohibited. Shoes must be worn at all times. Longer type shorts can be worn on warm days. Rule of thumb: finger-tip length. Halter tops, tank tops, etc. are prohibited at all times. Rule of thumb: underarms should not be visible. Confederate flags shall not be worn on school grounds. This includes t-shirts, belt buckles, jackets, cups, pins, stickers, etc. Each student will need a pair of gym shoes that are clean, dry, and have a soft rubber sole. Hiking boots, snow boots, slippers, dress shoes, hard-soled shoes, sandals, flip flops, spikes, wrestling shoes, and stocking feet will not be allowed in gym class.

If a student violates the dress code, the student will be given the opportunity to correct the violation. School personnel will communicate with the student and his/her parent or guardian about the best means to correct the violation.

Emergency Information

On the first day of school or before we will send home several forms to be completed, including an Enrollment Card containing emergency information. This information is necessary so that we will know whom to contact if your child is injured or ill and you cannot be reached. It is important to let us know if there are any changes during the year. Please note the information regarding permission to have your child treated at a medical facility if you cannot be reached.

Also, be sure to indicate where your child should go if school is dismissed early due to inclement weather, and you are not home. Please discuss this with your child ahead of time. If the school does close early students must ride their usual bus. Because of the time factor, it is usually impossible for students to call their parents for instructions before leaving school.

Emergency

In case of a Homeland Security Advisory System - Level Red Alert directly impacting Ingham and the surrounding counties in our district the following steps listed below will be taken.

If the announcement regarding a specific threat that impacts Ingham County comes before or after school hours:

Schools will be closed.
All activities and events scheduled for any district facility will be canceled until further notice.
Normal school operations will remain closed until we are authorized to re-open.

If the announcement regarding a specific threat that impacts Ingham County comes during school hours:

All schools will be locked and access will be closely monitored.
Students will remain in programs until regular dismissal.
Parents and guardians may sign students out as preferred; however, students will only be released to those listed on the student’s emergency contact form.
Normal transportation procedures will be implemented for students (i.e. regular bus routes, walkers, student drives him/herself, or parent pickup) unless otherwise directed by local emergency management officials.
All activities and events scheduled for any district facility will be canceled until further notice.

Parents are encouraged to help with this matter by advising the school of any emergency contact information changes, refraining from calling the school during an emergency time so the phone lines may remain open and tuning into the local radio and television stations for updates.

Field Trips

With the approval of the administration, students will be allowed to take trips with their classes. Parental permission is required. The Field Trip Permission Form is included on the enrollment form. Parents are also encouraged to help chaperone students on trips. To be considered for chaperoning a field trip, parents/guardians must have an approved background done through the school. Background check forms must be turned in no later than 1 week prior to the trip. Forms are available in the main office and need to be returned to the main office.

Brothers, sisters, or other relatives under the age of 18 are prohibited from attending field trips. These activities are intended only for students who are in the class. Chaperones other than the child's parents need to be approved by the principal.

Food Services

Smith Elementary School Menus are updated monthly. We recommend that you look them over with your children and decide on lunches for the coming week.

Insurance

Students who do not have insurance can purchase a policy from First Agency for a nominal fee. Pamphlets are sent home on the first day of school. The school does not provide insurance for injured students.

Lost and Found

Items that are found will be put in a lost and found area, located in the lobby. Please check this area on a daily basis.

Medical Information

Stockbridge Community Schools Administrative Rules and Regulations for Administering and Dispensing Medication to Students are as follows:

No school staff member may dispense or administer medication of any kind, including non-prescription drugs such as aspirin, without a completed medical permission form.
For any student requiring medication at school, the parent/guardian will bring the authorization and medication in the original container to the office. Information regarding side effects is also requested. The school may request additional information about side effects as needed.
The administration of all medication will be witnessed by an adult in addition to the adult administering the medication, except in cases of emergency.
An individual record will be kept of each medication administered. The record should include student identification, date prescribed, name of medication, time and date given, the signature of person administering, and a section for comments.
The school staff will be advised annually to send any student exhibiting signs or symptoms of a medical reaction or illness to the office.
Medication not picked up by parents by one week after school ends will be discarded.

Injuries

Students, teachers, and supervisors are asked to report all school and playground accidents to the office. When necessary, an accident report is filled out. Any time the office is informed that a serious injury has occurred, the office will notify you.

Head lice

Head lice is a common condition that can be transmitted among people, especially among children whose hats and jackets are close together. Itching or scratching may be a sign of lice, but sometimes there are no signs until you look closely. Until a child is lice and nit free, they may not be able to ride the bus or attend school. A check will be required in the main office when the child returns.

Communicable Disease

Communicable disease control is an integral part of school health services. The school follows current public health practices and rules and regulations governing the control and prevention of communicable diseases that are set up by the State and County Health Departments. Please help us by keeping your child at home when the following symptoms appear coughing, sore throat, runny nose, chills, ear or eye discharge, upset stomach, fever, infected sores, swollen glands, or a contagious rash. If your child becomes ill during school hours, we will notify you. Please be sure we have the correct emergency numbers for your child.

Recommendations
Disease	May return to school	Approximate time
Fifth Disease (blushing)	May return with rash if no fever or distress	1-3 days
Common Cold	Reduction of cough and runny nose, no fever	1-6 days
Chicken Pox	No new eruptions or fever, may have old dry scabs	1 week
Hepatitis	Doctor permission only	Varies
Impetigo	Doctor permission or clearing of the condition	24 hours after first medication
Measles (Rubella)	No rash or fever, red eyes, red nose	4-10 days
Mumps	No swelling or fever	1-2 weeks
Pink Eye	Doctor permission or clear eyes evident	Varies
Pediculosis-Scabies Head/body lice	Until all lice and nits are gone	1-7 days
Strep Infection	Doctor permission, depends on severity of condition	Varies

*Students must be fever free and not vomited for 24 hours before returning to school.

Illness

In order to protect all children, parents are requested to provide a statement from the attending physician when a child returns to school from a serious illness or injury that indicates:

The exact nature of illness or injury.
The child’s present physical, mental, and emotional state.
Specific special needs that the child has. (i.e., special seating, rest periods, safety precautions)
Limitations for physical and mental activities.

Immunizations

Michigan schools are required to report immunization information. Any student who fails to meet the immunization requirements below shall not be admitted or participate in school classes.

In order for a student to attend school in Michigan, the Michigan Public Health Code requires the parent(s)/legal guardian(s) to have one of the following on file with the school:

A valid, current immunization record
A medical doctor’s (M.D./D.O.) signed the State of Michigan 2020 Medical Contraindication Form, which states the medical contraindication(s), the vaccines involved, and the time period during which the child is not able to get the vaccines
A current, certified State of Michigan 2020 Immunization Nonmedical Immunization Waiver Form required under Michigan Administrative Rules

Screenings

Michigan law requires that children entering Kindergarten have vision and hearing screening tests upon school entrance. Additional tests are provided at designated grade levels during the school year.

Parent Involvement

Volunteers

Parents are always encouraged to be active in school. Please let the office or classroom teacher know if you can give some of your time. All volunteers must have a background check on file prior to volunteering in the classroom.

Smith Watch D.O.G.S.

Please visit Smith Watch D.O.G.S. for more information regarding this innovative father-involvement program.

Personal Property

We discourage students from bringing valuable personal property to school because of possible loss or damage for which the school is not responsible.

Please do not send your child to school with large amounts of money.
Student possessions (outerwear, backpacks, etc.) should be labeled with the student’s name.
Personal items (toys, trading cards, electronic items, etc.) should NOT be brought to school.
Personal items brought to school for pre-approved educational purposes (sharing time or special projects) are to be kept in the classroom or in the office.

Pets

Occasionally a child has a pet, which he/she would like to have the class see. This can be arranged by contacting the teacher to make arrangements for the parent to bring the pet to school at a specific time and then take it home. Pets cannot be taken on the bus.

Recess

All students will participate in a morning and afternoon recess time of 15 minutes each. During the winter months, please have your child bring hats, heavy coats, boots, and gloves or mittens as we will be outside every day as weather permits. If you are unable to provide warm clothing, please contact the main office for assistance. During severe weather or cold (5 degrees actual or wind-chill or at the principal’s discretion) students will remain indoors for recess. A doctor’s statement is required for a child to be excused from outdoor recess.

Religious Release Time

Students that would like to participate in religious instruction will be released from school at the principal's discretion. Parents are requested to submit a schedule in writing to the office at least one week before classes are to begin.

Report cards

Report cards are issued twice a year (end of 1st semester and end of year) they will be sent home with the students following the end of the semester. Progress reports will be sent home twice a year as well during parent/teacher conferences.

School Closings and Delays

In the event of poor weather conditions school may be delayed, closed, or dismissed early, and buses may run on main roads only. Parents will be notified via school messenger (email and phone) in a timely manner when this will occur. Also, stay tuned in to the radio or tv for information on school day changes during times of bad weather.

Please note: Television stations carry school closing information earlier than radio stations. current delay/closing information will also be posted on our website and our social media channels. A school-wide phone call to parents/guardians will also be sent in these incidents.

Student records

Stockbridge community schools has compiled records on students for use in the provision of appropriate education programs and services. Federal and state legislation provide you with certain rights regarding the confidentiality of these records. These rights include the following:

Your right to access education records, which includes your right to inspect and to review them, to request explanation or interpretation of portions you do not fully understand, and to request copies of portions thereof. Copies will be provided at no cost or within 5 days. A fee for retrieval and search for educational records shall not be charged. Requests for access shall follow procedures specified in the agency policy.
Your right to request amendment to records if you think records or portions thereof are inaccurate and misleading and, therefore, violate their confidentiality, and your rights to a due process hearing. Notice of hearing and corresponding process shall follow procedures established in the agency policy.
Your right to limit disclosure of education records which includes the right to know persons or agencies that shall have access to records, together with specific records or portions thereof and proposed uses of records disclosed.
Your right to request the destruction of education records, if and when educational agency has decided that records are no longer needed for the educational and/or administrative purposes they were collected, including your right to be notified at such times as graduation or other forms of termination of enrollment, or when your child reaches age 26.
Your right to protest if you think that the administrative procedures of stockbridge community schools are not in compliance with the law, to:

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Office
Department of Education
15 Switzer Building, Room 4511
Washington, D.C., 20202
202-245-0233

Tobacco Products

The use of tobacco products is totally prohibited from all school buildings and facilities at any time of day. Violators will be subject to misdemeanor penalty punishment.

Transportation

Please notify Transportation of any address or pick-up/drop-off changes. If you have any questions regarding bus transportation, schedules, late buses, etc.

General Transportation Rules

Students who regularly ride a bus must ride the bus home unless they bring a note signed by a parent advising us of a change for that day. We cannot give students a bus pass for a different bus without written permission from a parent. No bus passes will be given during the first two weeks of school.
Students should bring notes to the office when they arrive at school, not at the end of the day. This procedure will help to avoid confusion and ensure that your child will be transported to the correct place.

Use Of School Facilities

The school district makes school facilities available during non-school hours for use by various community groups. All such use must be arranged in advance through the Community Education office.

Visitors

Parents and community members are encouraged to visit our school and participate in activities. If you plan on visiting please inform your child's teacher and sign in at the office. We discourage pets and friends from visiting school unless pre-arranged with the teacher and principal.

Weapons

Weapons are not allowed on school property at any time. Any weapon will be confiscated and turned over to the proper authorities. State law dictates action be taken.

Technology Acceptable Use Policy

Stockbridge Community Schools has developed a Technology Acceptable Use Policy for the Internet, school networks, computers and related equipment. Access and use of these is a privilege for the user.