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Fulton Elementary

School

Student Handbook

“No Better Place to Learn”

2016-2017

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2016-2017 Fulton Elementary School Calendar

August 29 - September 1 ........... Teacher Professional Development Days

August 30 .................................. 1st through 6th grade Open House/Ice Cream

Social 5:30 to 7:00 PM

August 31 .................................. Kindergarten Orientation 5:30 to 7:00 PM

September 5 .............................. Labor Day

September 6 ............................... Classes begin for K-12 students

September 13 - 16...................... 6th Grade Camp

October 18 & 20 ........................ Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences

October 21 ................................. 1/2 day teachers & students

November 4 ............................... End of the 1st Marking Period

November 7 ............................... 2nd Marking Period begins

November 15 ............................. No School (Deer Opener)

November 23 ............................. 1/2 day teachers & students

November 24 - 25 ...................... Thanksgiving Break

December 22.............................. First day of Christmas Break

January 3 ................................... Classes resume (Monday)

January 20 ................................. End of the 2nd Marking Period (1/2 day for

students / Records day)

January 23 ................................. 3rd Marking Period begins

February 20 ............................... Presidents Day / Winter Break – NO SCHOOL

March 9 ..................................... Spring Parent Teacher Conferences (1/2 day for

students)

March 10 ................................... 1/2 day teachers & students

March 31 ................................... 3rd Marking Period ends (1/2 day forstudents)

April 3 ....................................... First day of Spring Break

April 10 ..................................... Classes resume/4th Marking Period begins

April 14 ..................................... Good Friday – No School

May 26 ....................................... ½ day students/1/2 day teacher PD

May 29 ....................................... Memorial Day Break – NO SCHOOL

June 9 ......................................... 1/2 day for students

June 10 ....................................... 1/2 day for students – LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

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Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome to the 2016-2017 school year. Here at Fulton Elementary we

are committed to offering your child a high quality education in a safe and caring

environment. We believe it when we say, Fulton Schools --

“No Better Place to Learn!”

Parent involvement is powerful and we as educators value it greatly.

Because of this, we encourage you to sit down with your child to review the rules and

guidelines in this handbook. We believe this will help assure your child’s success at

school. If you have questions or concerns throughout the year, please do not hesitate to

call. The office number is 989-236-7234 or our web page is www.fultonpirates.net

Mission Statement

Fulton Schools Mission The Fulton Schools, in alliance with our communities, ensures that all students will learn

skills and gain knowledge to lay the foundation for rewarding careers, responsible

citizenship, life-long learning and success in dealing with life’s challenges by providing

a safe environment, education and business partnerships, continuous career guidance and

exploration, effective use of technology, and ongoing evaluation of goals and objectives.

Fulton Elementary Mission The staff, parents, and community of Fulton Elementary School will provide an

educational foundation to ensure our students become successful, life-long learners

through an environment that is safe, caring, and non-threatening, varied instruction and

practice to meet individual needs, measurement of academic skills, modeling responsible

citizenship and social behavior, awareness of career opportunities, access to current

technology, experiences in art, music, and physical education.

Elastic Clause

The Administration reserves the right to amend any provision in this handbook that s/he

deems to be in the best interest of the educational process. Furthermore, the principal

retains the right to issue penalties for acts of discipline not specifically stated herein and

to alter penalties, as he considers necessary.

Office Contact Information Dismissal Requests – elem.dismissal@fultonpirates.net

Telephone – 989-236-7234

Fax – 989-236-5607

Webpage – www.fultonpirates.net

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Transportation – 989-236-7676

GENERAL PARENT INFORMATION

School Day Schedules

Students arriving before 7:30 a.m. will report to Latch Key.

7:30 a.m. - 7:40 a.m. Students report to the Gymnasium

7:30 a.m. Breakfast served

7:52 a.m. First bell rings

7:55 a.m. Classes begin (Tardy bell rings)

11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Lunch and recess

2:50 p.m. -2:55 p.m. Dismissal for Kindergarten

through Sixth Grade

2:55 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. This period may be used for parents

and teachers to conference either by

phone or in person about individual

student needs. Calling ahead, if

possible, is greatly appreciated.

School Closings and Delays

If school is closed or delayed, Power Announcement will notify you. Please make sure

that you have your current contact information up to date in Power School.

You may also check the following media sources for school closing or delay

information:

Television – TV 6, TV 10, TV 12 and TV 25/46

Radio – WFYC/WQBX 1280 am/104.9, WCFX 95.3, WFMK 99.1, WJIM

97.5/1240 am, WITL 100.7, WMMQ 94.9, and WJSZ 92.5.

If school is delayed for two hours classes will begin at10:00 a.m.

On school closing days, there will be no Latch Key services. On days that are delayed,

Latch Key will operate on a normal schedule.

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Attendance

Daily attendance of all students who are enrolled at Fulton Elementary is required in

accordance with state laws and rules set forth by our Board of Education. School

attendance and school success are inseparable. We encourage regular school attendance.

If families encounter difficulty with attendance, the school office will contact them. If a

satisfactory resolution to the problem is not found, it may be necessary to involve the

Truancy Officer from the Gratiot-Isabella Regional Service District or the Gratiot

County Truancy Intervention Program.

Any student that arrives after the 7:55 a.m. bell will be considered tardy. Tardy students

must report to the office and get a pass to class. Parents are expected to sign students

into the office in the event that students are tardy.

Any student that leaves school between 1:30 and the end of the day will be marked Left

Early (LE). Left Early will be counted the same as a Tardy for attendance purposes.

Any student that arrives after 9:30 a.m. or leaves prior to 1:30 p.m. will be counted as

absent for a ½ day of school, and entered into the attendance system as PA (partial

absence).

Reporting Absences

If your child is absent from school, or will be tardy, please call the school office at

989-236-7234 before 8:30 a.m., or send a note to school with another child, friend, or

neighbor. If we do not receive a call from you, you will receive a call from our

automated calling system. This is done to assure both you, and the school, that your

child has reached the school safely.

Students who have excessive absences during any 9-week marking period will be

reported to the Gratiot-Isabella Regional Education Service District’s Truancy Officer or

the Gratiot County Truancy Intervention Program.

Homework Requests

Parents of absent students may request homework for their children by calling the office

before 11:00 a.m. Because teachers are not always able to put together homework

during the day, all requested homework would be available after 3:00 p.m. Parents can

pick up homework in the office after 3:00 p.m. (It is not always possible for neighbor

children to deliver your child’s homework.)

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Early Release

School will be released at 2:00 on the second Wednesday of every month due to staff

departmental meetings. This will be in effect from September through May.

Transportation

The students of Fulton Schools have the right to safe transportation to and from school.

Bus drivers have the right to safely transport students, without distraction. It is a

privilege to ride the school bus, and this privilege may be suspended if students exhibit

inappropriate behavior. In addition to the bus behavior rules, the following policies also

apply:

1. Phone calls during the day for a bus drop-off will not be permitted. Bus

changes must be written notes, (signed and dated) faxes, or emails by the

parent or guardian for the safety of the children.

2. For children up to 4th grade an adult needs to be visible for drop-off. If an adult

is not visible the student will be brought back to the Latch Key program at a

charge to the parent of $3.50 per hour, and a one time registration fee of $20.

Permission may be granted to drop your child off without you being there, but

a signed permission slip must first be on file with the school.

3. Large groups of children, for birthday parties or sleepovers, will not be

permitted to change normal bus assignments due to possible overcrowding of

the school bus.

4. There will be no more than 2 scheduled drop off points per family. If this

cannot be accomplished, parents will be responsible for arranging pickup at

one of the drop off points.

5. Buses may be equipped with video recorders, which may be recording at

anytime.

6. No living pet or animal may be transported on the school bus at anytime.

7. Non-regular riders must have a written note from their parents or guardian to

present at the office. A bus pass, signed by office personnel, will be issued and

must be presented to the bus driver when boarding the bus.

8. All permanent bus changes will take THREE business days to be processed

before the change can take place.

Fulton Schools takes seriously the safe transportation of its students and

drivers; therefore, these rules and responsibilities must be adhered to.

Student Drop-Off and Pick-Up

Morning Drop-Off All students arriving on school grounds before 7:30 a.m. will need to report to the Latch

Key room for Latch Key services. (A charge of $3.50 per hour will occur.) Students

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that arrive on school grounds between 7:30 a.m. and 7:40 a.m. must report to the

gymnasium. At 7:40 a.m. students will be dismissed to their classrooms.

Breakfast services will be available starting at 7:30 a.m. If your child is eating

breakfast, they should report to the breakfast area anytime after 7:30 a.m.

During the School Day A student may not leave the school without permission after having been in attendance.

Parents desiring to take their children out of class are required to make their request

through the office. Under no circumstances will teachers permit adults to take students

from classes without specific authorization. Students leaving the building must have a

pass issued by the office. We request that all parents come to the office and sign their

children out of school. After the student is signed out, we will call them from class.

Afternoon Pick-Up Students that stay on campus after dismissal from school will need to report to the Latch

Key program for Latch Key services. (A charge of $3.50 per hour will occur, plus a one

time registration fee of $20) Any student that is staying for staff tutoring will need to be

in direct supervision of their staff tutor at all times. Students who have youth sports

practices should arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before practice times.

From the Bus Parents picking up students who normally ride the bus after school must check

student(s) out from the office. Parents will need to arrive at the school before 2:30 p.m.

to allow the office to communicate transportation changes to the classroom teachers.

If buses are leaving school prior to parents arriving in the office, parents will need to

pick their students up at their regular scheduled bus stop. Buses will not be called back

to drop off students. Please make sure that you have given yourself enough time to get a

pass from the office on the day that you will pick up your student(s) who normally ride

the bus.

STUDENT DISMISSAL PROCEDURE In an effort to streamline the dismissal process and provide better information for the

staff at the Elementary School, Latch Key, and the Transportation Department, Fulton

Elementary has implemented the following options for dismissal:

OPTION A

Bus / Latch Key / Walkers

Dismissed at 2:50 p.m. daily. (With the exception of half-days and early release

days).

Grade level teachers will escort students out of the building and/or to Latch Key.

Custodial parents picking students up at the conclusion of the day will be asked

to wait in the parking lot until all buses have departed.

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OPTION B1

Pick Up – By Custodial Parent or Designated Non-Custodial Individual (DNCI)

Grade level teachers will escort students at the end of the school day to the

gymnasium.

After the buses have left, at approximately 2:57 PM, students can be picked up

in the gymnasium.

o Custodial parents/(DNCI) picking their students up at the end of the day

will be asked to wait in the parking lot until all buses have departed.

o After buses have left, custodial parents/(DNCI) may pick students up in

the gymnasium.

o Entrance to the school will be through the main doorway and the east

hallway to enter the gym.

o Students will be grouped by grade level.

o Grade level teachers will release students to custodial parents/(DNCI) in

the gymnasium, organized by grade level. (Custodial parents/(DNCI)

may be asked to show pictured I.D. until teachers are familiar with

them).

OPTION B2

Pick Up – By Non-Custodial Parent or Other Individuals

Grade level teachers will escort students at the end of the school day to the

office.

After the buses have left, at approximately 2:57 PM, students can be picked up

in the office.

o Individuals, identified in a note to the school, picking students up at the

end of the day, will be asked to wait in the parking lot until after all the

buses have departed.

o The office MUST receive written notification with the name of the

person picking up the child and the date that your child will be picked up.

o Notes must be provided in writing, the day of, (or the first day of multi-

day changes in any given week), or faxed to (989)-236-5607 with a

confirmation phone call, or emailed to

elem.dismissal@fultonpirates.net, and must be received in the office no

later than one hour prior to the end of the school day.

o A picture I.D. will need to be provided prior to students being released.

STUDENTS WILL NOT BE RELEASED FROM THE BUS AT THE END OF

THE DAY.

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Visitors

Although adult visitors are always welcome at Fulton Elementary School, we ask all

visitors to follow a few procedures to ensure a safe and positive experience while

visiting our school. We request that all visitors stop by the office to sign in and pick up

a visitor’s badge. It is also Board policy that visitors request classroom visits twenty-

four hours before a planned visitation. Due to the disruption to the school day, school-

age friends and relatives from out of town are not to attend school with our students.

Volunteers

Any person that is volunteering to help in the classroom or who will have supervision

responsibilities will need to have an ICHAT background check completed prior to

helping in the classroom. The form for this is available in the Elementary Office.

Lice and Communicable Diseases

Students sent to the office for illness will be sent home if there is evidence of vomiting,

a fever at or above 100 degrees, skin rash or other health concerns.

The Health Department suggests children who have had the following communicable

diseases may return to school according to the following time table:

Chicken Pox – When the skin is clear of active lesions, but not less than 7 days

or more than 10 days from the first crop of vesicles.

Scarlet Fever, Scar Latina, Fifth Disease, or other rashes – Doctor authorization.

Streptococcal (Strep) Sore Throat – Doctor authorization.

Head Lice – When treated appropriately and all signs of lice and nits have been

removed. Children with nits or live lice will be sent home from school.

When a student returns to school, a Parent/Guardian must accompany the child

to school.

Parents are requested to call the school office to report any of the above.

Medication

Fulton Schools believes that it is more desirable for medication to be administered in the

home. However, any pupil who is required to take medication during the regular school

day must comply with the school regulations, which follow:

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1. The original prescription bottle or original package with the name of the

drug, dosage, time interval medication is taken, must be provided to the

office.

2. Proper completion of the Fulton Schools Parent Authorization for

Medication/Treatment form and/or Physician Statement. (for prescription

medication)

3. Prescription or over the counter medication must be brought to the school

office immediately upon arrival of the student or by the parent or guardian in

a container appropriately labeled by the pharmacy or manufacturer.

4. All medication must be administered by and consumed in the presence of an

adult in the school office.

Students with severe asthma needing to carry an inhaler must have written permission

from a physician to keep their inhaler with them. Please notify the office and classroom

teacher if your student has a food or bee allergy and provide an Epi-pen as necessary.

Power Announcement

Fulton Elementary School uses the Power Announcement notification system, within

Power School, to communicate important information to students and parents. Parents

are able to manage their account by logging onto their students’ Power School Account.

Setting up your preferences for contact is your responsibility. Within your students’

account you can set up your contact information to receive phone calls, text messages

and emails. You may also have the system alert child care providers and relatives. If

you do not have Internet access and/or need assistance please feel free to contact the

office.

Enrollment and Transfer

Most enrollment forms are available on our webpage at www.fultonpirates.net

Parents who want to enroll their children at Fulton Elementary School will need to

complete an enrollment form, request for records form, transportation form, free family

meals form, home language form, and a free and reduced lunch application. They will

be required to provide proof of residency, copies of immunization records, and birth

certificates, as well as providing information about special services. At this time they

can register for Power School and Power Announcement and meet with the Principal.

Students may not attend school until all information is complete and verified.

Students transferring to other districts must complete a request for records form at the

school they are transferring to.

Classroom Assignments

The Principal will assign each student to the appropriate classroom and program. Each

spring parents will receive a student traits form to complete. This form is not a teacher

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request form, but it will provide information to assist in the proper placement of each

student. Any questions or concerns about classroom assignments should be addressed

to the Principal. Classroom assignments will be posted on the doors of the main

entrance to school in late August.

Inside/Outside Recess

Be sure to dress your child adequately for cold weather. Warm clothing such as

mittens/gloves, hats, boots, a warm coat that zips or buttons, and snow pants are

suggested for all students. Students will be sent outside for recess unless it is raining

hard, the wind chill is at or below zero degrees Fahrenheit, or the temperature is at or

below 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

Also note that students are allowed to remain inside for recess only if the student is ill

and has a note from home (2 days maximum) or at the direction of a physician.

Testing

Each Spring the students at Fulton Elementary in grades 3-6 participate in the M-STEP

test. This test is a statewide test that evaluates student performance in the areas of

reading, writing, math, science and social studies. The test takes approximately three

weeks to complete, and it is important that students are in attendance during months.

Please try to limit absences during the M-STEP testing cycle.

Students will also take local assessments to evaluate performance in the areas of reading,

writing and math. The tests used may include: DIBELS, DRA, Common Assessments,

unit and chapter tests. This information may be collected in a local data warehouse to

evaluate the long-term result of education.

Pets

Fulton Schools has a no pets on campus policy. This policy includes bringing pets to

sporting events, school activities and the classrooms for show and tell.

School Meals

Each day the kitchen staff will serve breakfast from 7:30 a.m.-7:55 a.m. Students can

purchase breakfast for $1.25 ($0.30 for reduced). Milk can be purchased for $0.40 each.

Breakfast has cold cereal choices and a hot breakfast choice each day. Lunch is served

from 11:00 a.m.-12:15 p.m. each day and can be purchased at the rate of $2.50 ($0.40

for reduced). Each day there are two choices for lunch for students in grades K-4 and

three choices for 5th and 6th grade students.

The monthly menu is sent home with students and posted on line. In addition, the

weekly menu is included in our weekly newsletter.

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Free and reduced lunch applications are available in the office. Parents of all students

are encouraged to apply for free and/or reduced meals. If you qualify for free and/or

reduced meals your child will qualify for both breakfast and lunch. If you have more

than one child at Fulton, you only need to fill out one form.

Your student’s account can be maintained on-line at www.sendmoneytoschool.com

This web page will allow you to make deposits into your student’s account and view

their purchases here at school. You will need to have your child’s student number.

Please call the Food Service Department at 989-236-5642.

If you send lunch money to school with your child please make sure that it is in a sealed

envelope with your child’s name, teacher’s name, and amount enclosed printed on it.

Lunch money should be taken directly to the lunchroom upon arrival at school.

All students are encouraged to eat a nutritional lunch on a daily basis. Unfortunately,

students can only charge up to $5.00 on their lunch account. If your child’s account falls

to a negative balance you will be notified of the situation. Please make sure that the

account is paid up to ensure that your student is able to get a lunch.

Addressing School Concerns

If a student or parent has a concern about a school policy or an employee, the following

procedure should be followed in order to resolve the problem as quickly as possible:

1. Student should contact the person with whom there is a complaint to discuss

the issue. A meeting should be scheduled to discuss the issue.

2. Parent should contact the person with whom there is a complaint to discuss

the issue. A meeting should be scheduled to discuss the issue.

3. If the problem still is not resolved or still exists contact the Principal.

4. If the Principal does not resolve the problem, contact the Superintendent.

Field Trips

Field trips may be taken from time to time throughout the year. All trips will be based

on education. Students who do not attend a given field trip may be required to complete

an alternative assignment.

Bus requests for field trips are based on student/teacher count. No buses will be

requested to transport chaperones. If there is room on the bus for chaperones,

chaperones will be able to ride on the bus with the students. If room does not allow for

extra passengers, chaperones will have to provide their own transportation. Chaperones

need to be biological or custodial parents and/or custodial grandparents only. Adults

chaperoning trips should be able to concentrate on the task at hand and be able to ensure

proper behavior and safety of an assigned group. No younger siblings will be allowed

on school trips. All chaperones must successfully complete an ICHAT background

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check and follow all school rules. The number of chaperones needed for a given trip

will vary, and it will be at the instructor’s discretion to determine the number of

chaperones necessary for each trip.

Immunizations

Each student must have the immunizations required by law or have an authorized

waiver. Without the proper immunizations the Principal may remove the student or

require compliance with the set deadline. This is for the safety of all students and in

accordance with State law.

Pictures and Digital Images

Individual pictures of all students will be taken in the fall. These pictures are available

for purchase but there is no obligation to do so.

It is common practice for the Fulton Elementary to release student pictures to the

newspaper, our own newsletter, and our webpage for recognition for various

accomplishments. Any parent or guardian who does NOT want their child’s picture to

be released should send a written request stating so to the Elementary School Office.

Abuse and Neglect Reporting

Section 3, Number 1, of the Child Protection Law States: A social worker, school

administrator, school counselor, teacher or etc. who has reasonable cause to suspect

child abuse or neglect shall make immediately, by telephone or otherwise, an oral report,

or cause an oral report to be made, of the suspected child abuse or neglect to the

Department of Social Services. Within 72 hours after making the oral report the

reporting person shall file a written report as required by law.

Section 8, Number 8, of the Child Protection Law States: Schools and other institutions

shall cooperate with the department during an investigation on a report of child abuse or

neglect. Cooperation includes allowing access to the child without parental consent, if

access is necessary to complete the investigation.

Please be aware that the school cannot contact parents when making a referral of abuse

or neglect to the Department of Social Services.

Limited English Proficiency

Students identified, as having limited English proficiency will be provided additional

support and instruction to assist them in gaining English proficiency and in accessing the

educational and extra-curricular programs offered at Fulton Elementary. Contact

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Mrs. Clara Perez-Soto at 616-794-4753 to inquire about evaluation procedures and

programs.

Fees and Charges

A $5.00 Activity Fee will be collected at the beginning of the year from all students in

Kindergarten through Sixth Grade. The fee helps offset the expense of school wide

activities such as assemblies. Students who participate in the Spring Fun Run will

NOT have to pay an Activity Fee.

Valuables

Students are responsible for the care of their own personal property. The school will not

be responsible for personal property. Valuables such as toys, jewelry, electronics,

games, phones, or irreplaceable items should not be brought to school. The school will

not be liable for loss or damage to personal valuables.

Student Information and Conduct

Dress Code

While fashions change, the reason for being in school does not. Students are in school

to learn. Any fashion that disrupts the educational process or presents a safety risk will

not be permitted. During school hours students are not allowed to wear hats or hoods in

the hallways or classrooms. Short shorts, crop-tops, belly shirts, homemade sleeveless

shirts, spaghetti straps, ripped/torn, and see through clothing is not allowed at school.

Students must wear shoes at all times while in school. Items that advertise tobacco,

alcohol, adult humor or sexually related material are unacceptable for school.

Students should come dressed appropriately for the weather. In winter, layers of

clothing are appropriate. During warm weather, shorts are appropriate as long as they

are fingertip in length. Jackets, coats, and the like are not allowed to be worn in

classrooms at any time. Please make sure that your student has a long sleeve shirt,

sweater, or sweatshirt in their locker. Shoes with wheels are prohibited.

The building Principal will have the final authority in determining whether or not a

violation of these rules exists. Student may be given a change of clothes or call home to

have appropriate clothing brought to school.

Visitors

School aged friends and family members are not allowed to attend school with students

enrolled at Fulton Elementary.

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Personal Items Students are encouraged to leave personal belongings at home. If students do bring

personal items, such as video games, cell phones, toys, cameras, etc., the items are the

responsibility of the students. The school is not responsible for items that are lost,

damaged, or stolen at school.

Bus Conduct

The students of Fulton Schools have the right to safe transportation to and from school.

Bus drivers have the right to safely transport students, without distraction. It is a

privilege to ride the school bus, and this privilege may be suspended if students exhibit

inappropriate behavior. Bus conduct rules are as follows:

1. Follow the driver's directions the first time given.

2. No eating or drinking on the bus. Keep the bus clean.

3. Stay in your seat and face forward.

4. Keep your hands and feet to yourself.

5. Do not throw items out the window. Keep the aisles clean and free of objects.

6. No refusing to share seat space.

7. No throwing of objects.

8. No degrading or abusive language or gestures, and no loud or excessive noise.

9. No tobacco, drugs, or weapons of any kind.

10. Students are to be at the designated pickup location, on time and ready to board

the bus when it arrives.

11. In the event that the student will not need to be transported, it is requested that

you call the bus garage at 989-236-7676 by 6:30 a.m.

12. Students that cross in front of the bus must wait for the driver’s signal to cross.

13. Students will be held financially responsible for damage to school vehicles.

Bus Discipline Procedures:

1st Offense - Warning and a call home to the parent.

2nd Offense - 2-day bus suspension and communication with parent.

3rd Offense - Up to a 5-day bus suspension and communication with parent.

4th Offense - Up to a 10-day bus suspension and communication with parent.

5th Offense - Permanent bus suspension.

The severity of the punishment will be determined by the severity of the offense.

Fulton Schools takes seriously the safe transportation of its students and drivers;

therefore, these rules and responsibilities must be adhered to.

Cell Phones and Electronics

Students may possess cell phones and electronic devices at school. Students are NOT

permitted to use these items during the school day. All cell phones and electronics must

be turned off and stored in student lockers until after school. At their own risk students

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may use cell phones (not for texting, internet, or phone services) mp3 players and video

games during recess and staff approved times. The school cannot be responsible for loss

or damage to cell phones or electronics.

The first time a student is caught using cell phones or electronics during the school day

the cell phone or electronics will be turned into the office and returned to the student at

the end of the day. The second violation will result in losing the device until parents can

pick up the device. Any further violations will result in loss of the device for 1 week.

Field Trips

Field trips are taken as a regular part of classroom studies. Work in the classroom

before and after the field trip makes it a meaningful, worthwhile and an enriching

experience.

As you are a representative of Fulton Schools on all field trips, all school rules apply

during your field trip. Please remember to obey all bus rules, stay with your supervising

adult, follow instructions of adults, and avoid dangerous situations.

Lockers and Desks

Lockers and desks are school property provided for the convenience of our students.

Lockers and desks are inspected periodically and should be kept clean, orderly and

damage free. Lockers do not lock in all grades. Please keep valuables at home. If there

is reasonable suspicion student lockers and desks may be searched by school personnel.

Acceptable User Policy for Computer/Internet/Technology

Use of the School District’s education technology is limited to legitimate education

purposes to support and enhance the School District’s curriculum and in a manner which

is consistent with the School District’s mission statement. The following uses are

strictly prohibited and may subject the offender to restriction, suspension or termination

of educational technology privileges, and to appropriate disciplinary sanctions, such

conduct to include, but not be limited to:

1. Unauthorized entry into a file, whether to use, read, change or for any other

purpose.

2. Unauthorized transfer, deletion, or duplication of a file.

3. Unauthorized use of another individual’s identification or password.

4. Unauthorized access to telecommunications files or facilities.

5. Use of computing facilities, which interfere with the work of another student,

faculty member, or school official.

6. Use of computing facilities to draft, send or receive

inappropriate communications including, but not limited to, communications

which are indecent, obscene, profane, vulgar, threatening or otherwise prohibited

by law.

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7. Use of computing facilities, including telecommunications facilities, to interfere

with the operation of the School District’s computing system.

8. Violation of copyright, trademark trade secrets or licensing agreement.

9. Use of computing facilities for the purchase, sale, and/or advertisement of goods

or services.

10. Use of computing facilities to interfere with the normal operation of the School

District’s computing system. Users may be required to make full financial

restitution for any damages to educational technology or unauthorized expenses

incurred through the use of educational technology.

Phone Usage

Students will only be allowed to use the phone to call home in emergency situations.

The office will determine if the situation is deemed an emergency. Students may not

receive phone calls at school. If it is necessary to get information to your student, please

call the office, and we will get a note to your student in emergency situations.

Playground

The playground at Fulton Elementary is a place that we expect students to play and have

fun on. A part of those expectations are for students to follow the established

playground rules. Rules are as follows:

1. Students are to treat others with respect. Cursing and obscene gestures are

forbidden. Bullying, intimidation and threats will not be tolerated.

2. Students will follow all directions from the playground supervisor.

3. Any activity that might cause injury to another person is not permitted.

Games that involve wrestling, tripping, grabbing, tackling, or pushing will

not be allowed: examples are crack-the-whip, tackle football, bumper cars,

etc.

4. Students are not allowed to have food, drinks on the playground.

5. Any equipment brought from home to use on the playground must have the

playground supervisor’s approval.

6. All students are to remain within the playground boundaries and are not to

reenter the building without permission.

7. Students are not to play on the grassy area between the sidewalk and the

school building or in the fence row.

8. Students are not to throw anything on the school roof. Balls being kicked

should be kept a good distance away from the building.

9. Students are not allowed to throw or kick stones, snow or snowballs.

10. Students are encouraged not to play on the ice or in puddles.

11. Students will use play equipment with good, common sense.

12. Students will not stand on slides, sleds, or swing seats, and no jumping from

the swings.

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Students are expected to report any concerns or issues from the playground to an adult in

charge on the playground immediately.

Playground Infractions may carry the following discipline: verbal warning, removal

from specified activities, time out on the bench, or referral to the Principal.

Discipline

Students, like everyone else in school, have the responsibility of treating others with

respect and fairness and to show common sense in all situations. These include:

1. Students have the responsibility to keep themselves informed about school in

general (rules, rights, policies, due process, and other information in the

handbook).

2. Students have the responsibility to protect their private property and to

respect the private property of others.

3. Students are constantly representatives of Fulton Elementary School, and

therefore, proper behavior should be shown at all times during athletic

contests, assemblies, and field trips.

Discipline in the classroom is the responsibility of the teachers and the students.

Disruptive conduct by students in a classroom can result in various discipline measures

such as contacting parents, disciplinary reports, detention, and in-school suspensions

assigned by the classroom teacher.

The following lists are given as examples of potential behavior violations and are not

intended to be an all-inclusive list of unacceptable behaviors. Depending on the severity

of the offense, levels may be skipped.

Level One Infractions may include:

1. Forgery/falsifying/cheating

2. Insubordination

3. Language

4. Misuse of books and school supplies

5. Mild harassment

6. Unsafe behaviors

7. Computer violations

8. Spitting

9. Disorder/disruption

10. Excessive absence/tardy

11. Abuse of staff or substitute

12. Classroom rules violations

Level One Infractions may carry the following discipline: verbal warning, missed recess,

lunch detentions, after-school detention, and suspension from school.

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Level Two Infractions may include:

1. Fighting

2. Theft up to $20

3. Harassment/bullying

4. Possession of lighters/matches

5. Public displays of affection

6. Skipping

7. Threats

8. Extortion/black mail

9. Property damage

10. Language towards staff

11. Gambling

Level Two Infractions may carry the following discipline: Lunch detention, after school

detention, or suspension.

Level Three Infractions may include:

1. Arson - The intentional setting of fire or attempt.

2. Assault - Physical threats or violence to persons.

3. Theft - Stealing of school or personal property greater than $20.

4. Explosives - Explosives or threat to use explosives of any kind are not

permitted on school property, or at any school sponsored events. This includes

fireworks of any kind.

5. Firearms – Firearms or look-a-likes are prohibited on school property or at

school sponsored events.

6. Vandalism - Property damage.

7. Sale, use, or possession of alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs.

8. Trespass - Being present in an unauthorized place or refusing to leave when

ordered to do so.

9. Unlawful interference with school authorities - Interference with

administrators, teachers, or staff by force, violence, or threat of force or violence.

10. Possession of weapon/knife.

Level Three Infractions may carry the following discipline:

1st Offense – Up to 10 days suspension with consideration of expulsion

The commission of, or participation in such activities in a school building, on school

property, or at school sponsored events is prohibited. The police will be contacted and

asked to assist in dealing with these activities.

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The school, regardless of whether or not criminal charges result, will take disciplinary

action. In addition, any student with knowledge of criminal activity is required to report

the activity to a staff member. Otherwise, the students may be considered an accessory

to the crime and be disciplined accordingly.

Appeals to Discipline

Appeals to Discipline should be addressed as follows:

Parents may request a conference with the Principal. Such requests shall be made within

the period of separation or suspension. The Principal shall affirm or modify the term of

his action within two (2) school days from the date of the conference. The Principal’s

decision in case of temporary separation shall be final.

Within five (5) school days from the Principal’s decision the parent may appeal such

decision to the Superintendent of Schools or his designee. The Superintendent shall

affirm or modify the decision of the Principal within two (2) school days from hearing

the appeal.

The Superintendent's decision shall be considered final. The parents may appeal to the

School Board only in cases of alleged violation of due process by the Superintendent. In

such cases, the appeal shall be made in writing to the Board President within two (2)

school days after the parents' receipt of the decision and shall include a statement of the

alleged violation of the policy. The Board shall notify the parents of its decision within

ten (10) school days of receipt of the written request.

Academics

Power School The staff at Fulton Elementary uses the Power School program for grading and

attendance. Parents can access student information 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

Parents are encouraged to sign-up; please contact the office for further details. Parents

can view current grading and attendance information from any phone or computer with

Internet access.

Make-Up Work

Students who have an excused absence from school shall be given the opportunity to

make up work that has been missed. The student should contact his/her teacher as soon

as possible to obtain assignments. Students will be given the number of days of excused

absence within which to make-up work. If a student misses a test due to an excused

absence, he/she may make arrangements with the teacher to take the test.

Report Cards

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Report cards are sent home 4 times a year. Report cards will be sent home with your

child one week after the conclusion of marking periods 1, 2, and 3. Fourth marking

period report cards will be mailed home one week after the close of school.

Progress Reports

Progress Reports will be sent home with students a minimum of 4 times a year.

Approximately half way through each marking period a Progress Report will be sent

home with your child.

Grading Scales

For students in Kindergarten and 1st Grade grades are as follows:

1 Area of Concern

2 Beginning

3 Progressing

4 Secure

* Blank Spaces mean that the skill has not yet been assessed.

For students in Grades 2-6 grades are as follows:

A+ 97-100% C+ 77-79%

A 93-96% C 73-76%

A- 90-92% C- 70-72%

B+ 87-89% D+ 67-69%

B 83-86% D 65-66%

B- 80-82% F below 65%

Promotion, Placement and Retention

Promotion to the next grade (or level) is based on the following criteria:

1. Current level of achievement

2. Potential for success at the next level

3. Emotional, physical, and/or social maturity

Awards

Attendance –A student achieving perfect attendance for the entire year will be awarded

a perfect attendance award at the end of the school year. Certificates will be distributed

in each primary classroom. Students in grades 3-6 will receive their certificates at the

Awards Assembly at the end of the school year. Students are eligible to receive perfect

attendance as long as they have zero absences and have no more than one Left Early in

each nine week marking period.

Lions Club Good Citizen – Every year each grade level Kindergarten through sixth

grade nominates a single student as their Lions Club Good Citizen. This student will be

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honored at Lions Clubs meeting and will be taken to dinner with one parent at the

expense of the Lions Club. The student will also receive a savings bond for their efforts.

Student of the Month – Each month classroom teachers will nominate a student as

Student of the Month. Students will be honored at a monthly party and have their names

posted on the front office windows for the month.

Physical Fitness – Each year physical education students participate in the Physical

Fitness test. Students are tested on muscular strength, muscular endurance,

cardiovascular fitness, and flexibility. Those students who pass the Physical Fitness test

earn certificates at the end of the year awards program.

Homework Requests

Parents of absent students may request homework for their children by calling the office

before 11:00 a.m. Because teachers are not always able to put together homework

during the day, all requested homework would be available after 3:00 p.m. Parents can

pick up homework in the office after 3:00 p.m.

Services

PowerSchool

Fulton Elementary School uses the Power School electronic record book system for

keeping classroom grades in grades 1-6. Teachers update records on a regular basis and

parents are encouraged to monitor student progress frequently

Parent Teacher Conferences

Parent Teacher Conferences are held each year in the fall and the spring. Parents are

strongly encouraged to attend these meeting to discuss your student’s progress

throughout the year. If you are unable to attend scheduled conferences, please make

every effort to contact your child’s teacher and make arrangements for an alternative

meeting time and date.

Newsletters

Each Friday a newsletter will be posted on the Fulton Elementary website and the Fulton

PTO Facebook Page. This information will keep you up to date on most events

happening in the school. Please refer to the newsletter for current information.

Announcements/Postings

Fulton Elementary has a community bulletin board for posting community events. If

you have a community event that you would like to get the word out on, please bring a

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copy of the posting to the office and we will post it for you. Clubs or groups interested

in getting information to students may drop off handouts and the school will provide

students access to the handouts.

SendMoneytoSchool.Com

Your student’s account can be maintained online at www.sendmoneytoschool.com

This web page will allow you to make deposits into your student’s account and view

their purchases here at school. You will need to have your child’s student number.

Please call the Food Service Department at 989-236-5642.

RESD Services

In cooperation with the Gratiot-Isabella RESD, Fulton Elementary is able to provide the

following services to students who qualify:

Speech – Speech services are available up to 3 days a week at Fulton Elementary.

OT – Occupational Therapy services are available one day a week at Fulton Elementary.

PT – Physical Therapy services are available one day a week at Fulton Elementary.

Social Work – Social work is available one day a week at Fulton Elementary.

Resource Room

Our Special Education program operates from the resource room. Students who qualify

for services are scheduled for “pull-out” sessions in the resource room. Students receive

individual based instruction from the certified teacher and who has support from a para-

professional. Students work to achieve IEP goals in the areas of reading, writing, math,

social studies, and science.

Title I

The Title I Program is designed to assist children in need of remediation, primarily in

reading and math. Para-professionals and the Title I teacher arrange their schedules to

offer services to every elementary classroom on a daily basis. Students receive

additional instruction within the classroom setting or in the Learning Zone; the "home"

of Title I. Children receive services based on a number of factors. These include,

teacher recommendation, test scores, and parent requests. Instruction in the Learning

Garden takes place in a variety of ways. Some children work in small groups, others

work individually with our Title I personnel. Supplemental books, hands-on activities,

computer programs, and commercial products are available for instruction.

Special Classes

Art

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Classroom art is part of the curriculum at Fulton Schools. Each student receives

instructions for thirty to sixty minutes every week. Students will learn basic art

concepts, theory, and art history.

Physical Education At Fulton Elementary School we believe physical education plays an important role in

curriculum development. During physical education instruction, students learn the

skills, knowledge, attitude, and behaviors necessary to live a healthy and productive life.

In order to participate fully in physical education classes, students must be prepared to

be involved in physical activity. Proper gym shoes and dress facilitate full participation.

Sandals, crocs, dress shoes, and any shoe that does not offer the proper support for safe

participation are not considered acceptable for physical education class. Children are

expected to have clean shoes for class so that dirt is not tracked into the gymnasium,

which makes the floor slippery and unsafe. Female students who wear skirts or dresses

to school should bring in shorts or sweatpants to wear during Physical Education class.

Participation in physical education is expected on a daily basis. In most cases, a child

who is healthy enough to attend school should be able to participate in physical

education class. Children who are unable to participate due to health reasons must have

a written note from a parent or guardian excusing the student for that day. Due to the

busy schedule of the office staff, phone calls are not accepted to excuse students from

participation. If a student is required to refrain from class participation for more than

two days, a doctor’s note is required. A date for re-admittance to class must be included

for a child to resume activity. Students may be required to complete an alternative

assignment during the time they are not physically participating in class.

Students in Grades 5 and 6 will receive a grade of A, B, C, D, or F based on their

participation, effort, and skill performance shown in class. For these students, a grading

scale and expectations will be handed out at the beginning of each school year.

Music

Classroom music is part of the curriculum at Fulton Schools. Each student receives

instructions for thirty to sixty minutes every week. Students will learn basic music

concepts, theory, music history, music of different cultures, concepts in vocal music, and

learn about the many different instruments.

Band Fifth and sixth grade Band is offered to students on a daily basis. In fifth grade, Band

students will learn beginning and basic skills while playing on a wind (brass or

woodwind) or percussion instrument. In sixth grade students will continue to master

skills on the wind and percussion instruments. During the school year the band will

perform in two concerts. Private lessons are not required for members of the band,

however they are highly recommended. Band is a class that is offered during the entire

school year and students must make a semester commitment.

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PTO

The staff and students of Fulton Elementary are very proud of our PTO! Through its

service and support the PTO is an important part of the success we have experienced

here at Fulton. They strive to help us make Fulton Elementary a better school for all

children. Each of our PTO projects and activities are geared to assist our Fulton

communities. This past year the PTO helped by providing support and money for

Science Night, Kindergarten Readiness Bags, Rainy Day Funds, March is Reading

Month, Open House, Spring Carnival, Grandparents’ Day, Teacher Appreciation,

purchased new welcome monitor, purchased new headphones, purchased radios for

recess use, and much more. As you can see PTO is more than pouring coffee and

baking cookies. We hope that you will become an active member in our group. We

urge you to help strengthen the Fulton Elementary PTO through your support and

participation. The PTO meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the

elementary conference rooms. You are encouraged to attend these meetings. The PTO

can be as strong and productive as our volunteers make it. There is great joy in serving

the Fulton educational community. Make plans to join us this fall.

Building Use

The Fulton Elementary school building is available for use to the public. If you have a

need to use the building, please stop in the office to get the appropriate forms. Forms

are also available on our website at www.fultonpirates.net. All forms must be filled out

and then approved by the building Principal. Any fees due must be paid before using

the facility.

Safety Drills

Each year Fulton Elementary practices a variety of emergency situation drills. These

drills include: Fire, Tornado, Lockdown, and Evacuations. The Drills are conducted

both announced and unannounced. Students are expected to be cooperative and act

appropriately throughout any drill or practice that is taking place.

Guidance and Counseling

Bi-weekly visits to the classrooms discussing conflict management, study skills, career

awareness, substance abuse, internet safety, and strategies for being or making friends

enables students to learn resolutions to situations before they actually encounter them.

Individual counseling is available to all students by referral from students, parents,

and/or staff. Weekly counseling services need verbal or written permission from a

parent or guardian.

Anti-Harassment

Harassment of students is prohibited, and will not be tolerated. This includes

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inappropriate conduct by other students as well as any other person in the school

environment, including employees, Board members, parents, guests, contractors,

vendors, and volunteers. It is the policy of the District to provide a safe nurturing

educational environment for all of its students. This policy applies to all activities on

school property and to all school-sponsored activities whether on or off school property.

Harassment is defined as inappropriate conduct that is repeated enough, or serious

enough, to negatively impact a student’s educational, physical, or emotional well being.

This would include harassment based on any of the legally protected characteristics,

such as sex, race, color, national origin, religion, height, weight, marital status, or

disability. This policy, however, is not limited to these legal categories and includes any

harassment that would negatively impact students. This would include such activities as

stalking, bullying, name-calling, taunting, hazing, and other disruptive behaviors.

Bullying

Bullying is deliberate and hurtful behavior meant to belittle, frighten, hurt or exclude

someone. Bullying usually does not happen just once. It continues to happen over and

over. To stop bullying you need to report it to an adult immediately.

Reporting: Students can report bullying to the building administrator or counselor in

person or via the Report Bullying link available on the school website

www.fultonpirates.net

False Reporting: Making intentionally false reports about bullying/aggressive behavior

for the purpose of getting someone in trouble is similarly prohibited and will not be

tolerated. Retaliation and intentionally false reports may result in disciplinary action as

indicated above.

See Board Policy 5517 for complete policy statement. Board Policy can be found in the

link on our web-page www.fultonpirates.net

Non-Discrimination and Access to Equal Educational Opportunity

These guidelines shall be used to ensure that the Board of Education's policy on non-

discrimination (Policy 2260) is implemented properly and in compliance with Federal

and State laws and regulations, particularly Part 104 of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation

Act of 1973 (34 C.F.R.). A copy of Part 104 is provided as AG 2260A.

The policy states: The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of

religion, race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs, activities, or

employment. The following person(s) have been designated to handle inquiries

regarding the non-discrimination policies of the District or to address any complaint of

discrimination: Mr. Daymond Grifka, Superintendent Fulton Schools 8060 Ely Hwy.

Middleton, MI 48856 989-236-7300