ALBION ELEMENTARY SCHOOLParent Handbook 2017-2018

ALBION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

“Inspire and Empower Learners”

9360 Albion RoadNorth Royalton, Ohio 44133

Phone (440) 582-9060Fax # (440) 230-5100

Web Site www.northroyaltonsd.org

A PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME TO ALL

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We welcome you to our community of learners at Albion Elementary School. You will soon find your child engaged in a school year of academic and personal growth in an environment that carries a proud history of educating students in North Royalton. Our district mission is that “we inspire and empower learners”. You will find that all activities, both academic and extracurricular, are centered around this concept to bring out the very best in each individual child that attends our school.

The following pages have been put together to form the Albion School Parent Handbook, that contains information about our practices and procedures. Please review it with your child and use it as a guide throughout the year. It is important that both you and your child know and understand the expectations we have at Albion so that a positive learning atmosphere can be maintained. Should you have a question about any information in the handbook, or at any time throughout the school year, do not hesitate to contact me so we can discuss it. I encourage you to be involved in the learning process of your child by not only assisting with their academic needs at home, but also by modeling responsibility. Attend meetings, check backpacks, conference with teachers and ask questions so that you can help them be prepared for a successful school day each and every day.

Parents and educational staff members working together as a team impacts children positively and ultimately affects their success and attitude toward learning. We value your partnership, and together can foster our children to become self-confident individuals that respect and appreciate the opinions and contributions of those around them. With your assistance we can challenge our students’ efforts toward their own education, as well as enhance their citizenship within the Albion and North Royalton community.

We look forward to participating with you to make an exciting school year for your child. Sincerely,

Vince KettererPrincipal

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2017-2018 ALBION CALENDAR

August14 Board of Education Meeting 7:00 High School Community Room15 New Student Orientation 10:00 am Albion Gym 17 Class lists will be emailed from InfoSnap22 Kdg. Open House23 Grades 1-4 Open House24 First Day of School24-25 KG “Meet The Teacher” (Assessments)/Dibels/DRA By Appointment Only28-29 KG “Meet The Teacher” (Assessments)/Dibels/DRA By Appointment Only28 Summer Reading Game Boards due30 1st Day for All Day & M/W Kindergarten31 1st Day for T/R Kindergarten

September4 Labor Day – No School5 Fundraiser Kick-Off5 Gifted (EELA) Open House 6-7 pm at Albion8 MVP Party (Summer Reading Completers)11 Patriot Day 11 Board of Education Meeting 7:00 High School Community Room15 Picture Day15 Fundraiser Ends19 4th Grade Football Spirit Night @ NRMS 4:00-6:0027 Bear Breakfast28 Bear Breakfast (T/Th Kdg.)

October6 Education Foundation Pasta Dinner 5:00 Middle School9 Board of Education Meeting 7:00 pm High School Community Room11 Book Fair Delivery12 Book Fair Teacher Preview13 NEOEA Day – No School16-20 Right to Read Week16 Book Fair Preview17-20 Book Fair19 Book Fair Family Night / Literacy Night20 Picture Re-Take Day23-27 Red Ribbon Week24 Title One Parent Meeting 8:30 am Media Center25 Bear Breakfast26 Bear Breakfast (T/Th Kdg.)

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26 End of First Quarter27 Professional Development Day - No School30 Halloween Community Night 5:30-7:00 pm High School30 Halloween Party for M/W Kdg.31 Halloween Parade/Party November2 Taste of North Royalton 5:30-8:00 pm6 Board of Education Meeting 7:00pm High School Community Room7 Election Day - Regular school day8 Parent Teacher Conferences 4:30-7:00 pm10 Veterans Day Assembly16 Parent Teacher Conferences 4:30-7:00 pm22-24 Thanksgiving Break – No School27 Classes Resume December5 4th Grade Concert Practice 9:15 High School PAC5 4th Grade Concert 7:00 High School PAC11 Board of Education Meeting 7:00 pm High School Community Room13 Holiday Shop 21 High School Concert here18 Holiday Parties (M/W and All Day Kdg.)19 Holiday Parties (T/Th Kdg. and Grades 1-4)20-31 Winter Break – No School January3 Classes Resume5 Group Pictures & Candids Albion Media Center15 Martin Luther King Jr. Day – No School18 End of 2nd Quarter19 Teacher-In-Service Day – No School23 Breakfast with a Buddy 8:15 Last names A-B24 Breakfast with a Buddy 8:15 Last names C-E25 Breakfast with a Buddy 8:15 Last names F-H February13 Valentine Parties T/Th Kdg14 Valentine Parties19 President’s Day – No School22 Gr. 3 Square Dance 6:00-7:30 Middle School Purple Gym28 Breakfast with a Buddy 8:15 Last names I-L

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March1 Breakfast with a Buddy 8:15 Last names M-O2 Breakfast with a Buddy 8:15 Last names P-R7 Art Show and Fundraiser Pick Up 6 pm20 Breakfast with a Buddy 8:15 Last name S21 Breakfast with a Buddy 8:15 Last names T-Z22 End of 3rd Quarter23 Teacher Professional Development - No School29 Report Cards go home30 Good Friday, No School30- 4/8 Spring Break April9 Classes Resume12 AIR Test Gr. 3 ELA Unit 113 AIR Test Gr. 4 ELA Unit 116 AIR Test Gr. 3 ELA Unit 217 AIR Test Gr. 4 ELA Unit 223 AIR Test Gr. 3 Math Unit 124 AIR Test Gr. 4 Math Unit 124 NREF Reception25 AIR Test Gr. 3 Math Unit 226 AIR Test Gr. 4 Math Unit 227 Spring Pictures and Panoramic 4th Grade Picture30 AIR Test Gr. 4 Social Studies Unit 1

May9 *Tentative Date* Grade 2 concert practice 9:15 HS PAC9 *Tentative Date* Grade 2 concert 7:00 HS PAC11 Grade 4 Memory Day (in afternoon)25 Field Day28 Memorial Day – No School29 Rain Date for Field Day June1 *Tentative Date* Carnival Day4 Last Bear Huddle w/ K-3 Recognition5 End of Year Parties (Kdg. T/Th and grades 1-4)6 End of Year Parties (M/W, All Day Kdg.)6 Last Day of School 4th Grade Awards Assembly 2:00 pm Clap-out to follow Report Cards Go Home with Students

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“The Albion Way”Positive School Climate and Behavior

The “Albion Way” is the heart and soul of our Albion community. It is the code that students, staff and families follow. It is the manner in which we carry ourselves, perform our school duties, and interact with each other. “The Albion Way” is the umbrella for Albion’s positive behavior supports and interventions. We are dedicated to supporting all children and youth by focusing on positive decision making, providing a system of leveled supports and taking a proactive yet balanced approach to student behavior. The following information will explain the core components of our building plan.

Core Components

● Supportive Structure○ Individual student incentives ○ Classroom recognition and incentives for positive behavior○ Cafeteria and recess- Individual, Class and Grade Level

reinforcement● Clear Expectations

○ Overarching Behavioral Expectations and Character Traits● Connections

○ Commitment by students, families and staff○ Reinforcement of desired behaviors by adults

● Acknowledging and Correcting Behaviors○ Consistency in acknowledging positive behaviors and correcting

behavior errors through:~ active supervision~ incentives and reinforcement~ logical consequences and clear office referral procedures

● Comprehensive Instruction○ Common vocabulary ○ Explicit instruction from parents and staff○ Full integration into all aspects of school

*At the start of each school year staff, students and families will be provided with a detailed packet. All stakeholders will

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be asked to become familiar with “The Albion Way” and pledge to be part of the movement.*

Correcting Behavior and Promoting Good Decision Making

At Albion we are dedicated to teaching the behaviors we expect. Positive behaviors are rewarded but in addition, consequences are provided for negative behaviors. We strongly believe that poor choices and mistakes are learning opportunities.

STUDENT MANAGEMENT

1. Students are expected, with the help of the adults to resolve their own conflict and take responsibility in resolving the problems they create. Students are expected to be knowledgeable of the student code of conduct and expectations of the classroom and building.

2. Teachers are expected to establish classroom expectations and handle student management with logical consequences and communicate with parents regarding negative behaviors.

3. Parents are expected to be knowledgeable and supportive of school expectations and assist in the explanation of and the understanding of the student code of conduct.

4. The principal is expected to handle school wide problems, repeat problems, and more serious incidents. Parent contact, teacher communication and logical consequences will take place.

CONSEQUENCES

Consequences from the Albion Office will never be issued without discussion. An explanation will always be provided to our students if a consequence is earned. Consequences may vary depending upon the severity and the frequency of the negative behaviors.

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STUDENT CONDUCT

Violation of any one or more of the following rules of conduct on school grounds, at school activities or events on or off of school grounds may result in disciplinary action, including suspension, emergency removal from class or school, expulsion and/or permanent exclusion. These rules and disciplinary actions are not meant to be all-inclusive; a building administrator may use other options if they are deemed more appropriate. Some misconduct may constitute violations of State Law and can be referred to the Police in addition to school discipline.

1. Disruption of School: A student shall not, by use of violence, force, noise, coercion, threat, harassment, insubordination, or repeated acts of misbehavior, cause disruption or obstruction to the school or the educational process including all curricular and extracurricular activities. Additionally, a student will not engage in conduct which is detrimental to the health and safety of others.

Forms of disruption may include, but is not limited to:A. Continuously making noise or acting in any manner as to interfere with the

Instructor’s ability to conduct the class or activity.B. A student shall not engage in inappropriate physical contact, including public

displays of affection.C. Regardless of intent, students shall not engage in any “horseplay” (pushing,

tripping, grabbing, etc.) on school property as “horseplay” may possibly cause more serious issues or potential injury.

D. A student must have permission to be in any area of the school that does not have district staff supervision. Leaving or failing to be in the designated area as indicated by the student’s pass may result in disciplinary action.

E. Unauthorized use or possession of any electronic device.F. Use of verbal or non-verbal threats, cyber bullying, intimidation, harassment, or

sexual harassment.

2. Destruction of School or Private Property: A student shall not cause or attempt to cause damage, destruction, or defacement of school property (including vehicles owned by the Board) or private property while on school premises or while attending school sponsored activities on or off school property.

3. Unauthorized Physical Contact (Fighting, Attacking, Assaulting and/or Threatening): A student shall not engage in (or threaten to engage in) any unauthorized physical contact towards another student. A student shall not physically attack or threaten to attack any person. A student shall not cause or attempt to cause physical injury or behave in such a manner that could cause physical injury to another person at school or a school function including, but not limited to, pushing, shoving, throwing objects, and similar offenses which could result in injury to others.

4. Dangerous Weapons, Instruments and Objects: A student shall not possess, handle, transmit, or conceal any object which could reasonably be considered a dangerous

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weapon or instrument capable of harming another person onto any property owned by or controlled by, or to any activity held under the auspice of a school. The list of such objects includes, but is not limited to, knives, guns, chains, clubs, and explosives.

5. Narcotics, Alcoholic Beverages, and Drugs: A student shall not possess, use, transmit, or conceal any alcoholic beverage or controlled substance, including, but not limited to, narcotics, mood altering drugs, counterfeit controlled substances, look-a-likes, over-the-counter stimulants, or depressants, anabolic steroids, or drug-related paraphernalia.

* Whenever a student is suspended or expelled from school in accordance with O.R.C. 3313.66 for the use or possession of alcohol and/or drugs, the superintendent may notify the Registrar of Motor Vehicles and the juvenile court of the county of the suspension or expulsion. The notification shall be given within two (2) weeks after the suspension or expulsion. After receiving such notification the Registrar of Motor Vehicles is required to suspend the temporary instruction permit or driver’s license of the student who is the subject of the notice. If a temporary permit or license has not been issued for that student, the Registrar is prohibited from issuing a temporary permit or license. Driving privileges may be restored once the superintendent notifies the Registrar that the student has satisfied any conditions established by the superintendent.

Notification to the Registrar of Motor Vehicles and the county court must comply with O.R.C. 3321.13 and 3319.321 and with the U.S. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and accompanying regulations.

In compliance with Ohio law, a student whose driving privileges have been denied can file a petition with the juvenile court in which he/she resides.

6. Smoking/Tobacco Products: Students are prohibited from smoking, using or possessing tobacco products in school buildings, on school grounds or at any school-related activity. This prohibition includes using or possessing matches or lighters or electronic cigarettes.

* Students under 18 may be subject to prosecution pursuant to Section 2151.87 of the Ohio Revised Code. Students over 18 may still be subject to school discipline for offenses on school property or at school-related events.

7. Profanity and/or Obscenity: A student shall not, by written, verbal, gestural, or other means, annoy or humiliate others or disrupt the educational process by using profanity or obscenity.

8. Truancy and Tardiness: A student will comply with the compulsory school attendance laws. When a student is absent from school without a legal excuse, it constitutes truancy or tardiness. This includes unexcused absences from study hall, class, or any other properly assigned activity. Repeated tardiness is also considered a serious offense.

9. Insubordination: A student shall comply with the directions of authorized school personnel during any period of time the student is properly under the

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authority of the school. Willful failure to respond or carry out a reasonable request by authorized school personnel is prohibited. The use of indecent or obscene language toward a school employee or official will be treated as insubordination.

10. Inappropriate Dress: A student shall not dress or appear in a fashion that:A. Interferes with the student’s health or welfare or that of others; orB. Causes disruption or directly interferes with the educational process

11. Theft/Stealing: A student shall not take, steal or attempt to take into possession the public property or equipment of the District or the personal property of another. Students shall not possess stolen goods or property.

12. Extortion: A student shall not obtain or attempt to obtain another person’s property, either by implied or expressed threat.

13. Forgery: A student shall not falsify in writing the name of another person, times, dates, grades, addresses, or other data on school forms or correspondence directed to the school or school personnel.

14. Trespassing or Loitering: A student shall not be present in a school building or on school grounds at unauthorized times or when his/her presence may cause disruption of an activity, function, or the educational process.

15. False Identification: A student shall not use or attempt to use false identification to mislead school personnel.

16. Breaking and Entering: A student shall not break and enter, or attempt to break and enter, school or private property either on school grounds or at any school activity, function, or event off school grounds.

17. Failure to Abide: A student shall obey other rules that may be established from time to time by the School Board, superintendent, principal, or staff.

18. Cheating/Plagiarism: A student shall not engage in cheating or plagiarism.

Cheating includes but is not limited to:A. Copying homework from another student;B. Securing answers in a dishonest manner;C. Allowing his/her work to be copied by another;D. Transmitting answers from one class to another; andE. Obtaining copies or digital images of tests/exams without teacher approval.

Plagiarism is taking and using as his/her own thoughts, writings, drawings, etc. of another. Plagiarism includes but is not limited to:A. Failure to document with quotation marks any material copied from other sourcesB. Failure to acknowledge paraphrased materials (from someone else’s ideas)

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C. Failure to provide a bibliography; D. Failure to provide sources for any visual drawing, sketch, painting, etc..

The above mentioned points include works taken from the internet, software, published or non-published works and computer disks and/or files. Individual teachers may adapt this policy to include course-specific requirements.

19. Computer, Network, and Internet Usage: A student shall comply with all provisions of the School Board’s Internet Acceptable Use Policy. Failure to comply with the policy may result in loss of computer/network/Internet privileges and/or other disciplinary action.

20. Gambling: Students shall not engage in games of chance or other forms of gambling for money or valuables.

21. Transportation: A student shall comply with all rules established for the use of school transportation. These rules apply to regularly scheduled runs as well as to co-curricular and extracurricular activities.

22. Hazing: No student, including leaders of student organizations shall plan, encourage, or engage in any hazing. Hazing is defined as doing any act or coercing another, including the victim, to do ny act of initiation into any student or other organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person. Permission consent, negligence, or assumption of risk by an individual subject to hazing does not lessen the prohibition contained in this rule.

23. Misconduct Affecting School Officials, Employees, and Other Students: Students shall refrain from acts which may cause injury to, or embarrassment to, or the loss or damage to the property of, other students or school district officials or employees whether on or off school property. Students shall comply with all state laws and municipal ordinances with regard to their conduct toward the person or property of school officials, employees, or other students.

Bullying, Intimidation, Harassment: The Board of Education is committed to providing a safe, positive, productive, and nurturing educational environment for all of its students. The Board encourages the promotion of positive interpersonal relations between members of the school community. Harassment, intimidation, or bullying toward a student, whether by other students, staff, or third parties is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. This prohibition includes aggressive behavior, physical, verbal, and psychological abuse. The Board of Education will not tolerate any gestures, comments, threats, or actions which cause or threaten to cause bodily harm or personal degradation. This policy has been developed in consultation with parents, District employees, volunteers, students, and community members as prescribed in O.R.C. 3313.666 and the State Board of Education’s Model Policy. Harassment, intimidation, or bullying means any intentional written, verbal, electronic, graphic, or physical act that a student or group of students exhibits toward another particular student(s) more than once and the behavior both causes mental or physical harm to the other student(s) and is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening

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or abusive environment for the other student. Aggressive behavior 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 type of behavior is a form of intimidation and harassment, although it need not be based on any of the legally protected characteristics, such as sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, or disability. It would include, but not be limited to, such behaviors as stalking, inappropriate texting (sexting) cyber-bullying, bullying, coercion, and intimidating, menacing, name-calling. Electronic Act means an act committed through the use of a cellular telephone, computer, pager, personal communication device, or other electronic means. Additionally dating violence is defined as a “pattern of behavior where a person uses or threatens physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse to control the person’s dating partner”. A “dating partner” is any person, regardless of gender involved in an intimate relationship with another (person) primarily characterized by the expectation of affectionate involvement whether casual, serious, or long-term.

Students and/or their parents/guardians may file reports regarding suspected harassment, intimidation, or bullying. Such reports shall be reasonably specific including person(s) involved, number of times and places of the alleged conduct, the target of suspected harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying, and the names of any potential student or staff witnesses. Such reports may be filed with any school staff member or administrator, and they shall be promptly forwarded to the building principal for review, investigation, and action. Reporting forms are available from a classroom teacher or in the main office of each building.

24. Aiding and Abetting: Students shall not support, help, and/or encourage each other in a manner that is detrimental to another student, the school, or the learning process. Aiding a student(s) in a way that is not in agreement with the school handbook may result in a disciplinary consequence.

25. Other: Other student conduct reaching the seriousness of the above will also serve as grounds for disciplinary action (i.e., accumulation of detentions, failure to serve detentions, excessive tardiness to school, etc.)

THE SCHOOL DAY

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SCHOOL HOURS AND EARLY ARRIVALThe school day begins promptly at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. Students are expected to be in their classrooms and prepared to participate in opening and closing activities. Tardiness and early release will adversely affect your child and our efforts to achieve our improvement goals. Students arriving after 9:00 a.m. are tardy and must be signed in at the office before going to class. Children arriving after 10:30 a.m. will be marked absent 1/2 day (a.m.) and children leaving before 2:00 p.m. will be marked absent 1/2 day (p.m.). Any tardiness or absences will count against perfect attendance.

ARRIVAL PROCEDUREBuses will pull to the north end of the building and line up along the building. Students will enter through the north doors (baseball field end of the building) or the main entrance at 8:45 a.m., no sooner.

Adults will drop off students in front of the school. Students may enter through the main entrance. This should not be done prior to 8:45 a.m. There is no stopping and waiting in front of the school or entering with your child. If you are early, park in the parking lot and then walk your child to the main door. Do not walk your child to his/her locker or classroom. Parents coming for morning meetings should not park along side the building and must sign in at the office.

Students will go directly to their lockers and classroom, and announcements will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m.

YMCA BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL CAREThe YMCA provides a before and after-school care program housed at Valley Vista School. Transportation is available from Valley Vista to Albion and back to the program after school. Please call the YMCA Before/After School Care Program (871-6885) for information.

DISMISSAL PROCEDURE – “PICK-UP PASS”Children will be released to custodial parents only, unless the school is otherwise informed.

Key aspects of the “Pick-up Pass” procedure include:1. A “Pick-up Pass” for each child with the adult’s picture on the back and student’s picture

on the front will be made. When a family has more than one child, multiple passes can be stapled together.

2. Parents report to the gym to sign, find their passes, meet the students, and check out with the staff member at the double gym doors near the main entrance.

3. No parents enter the building before 3:25 and no one enters the gym until the double doors are open.

4. Parents should not wait in the hallway area for their child.5. No student should be pulled out of line by a parent if they have not been properly signed

out of the building.13

Parents who pick up their children occasionally, will have to send in a note to the teacher and wait for them to be called to the gym. Students will still be picked up in the gym. Students on the "Pick-up Pass" List will be kept in the gym until the parent arrives unless the parent calls the school office by 3:00 p.m. to notify us of the change of plan.

If a different person is coming for your child, the office must be notified by 3:00 p.m. That person must report to the office and present a photo I.D. before the student is released to their care. Parents will also be required to show a photo I.D. if they are not known to staff members.

For students riding the bus:All students should be ready to board the bus on time. Please keep quiet enough in the classroom to hear the dismissal announcements.

Students may only ride another bus home with a friend or get off at a different stop in an emergency situation. This needs to be approved by the Transportation Department in advance. They can be reached at 440-582-9051. No permission will be given for student play dates after school.

No child should be pulled out of the bus line unless properly signed out in the office.

CONSTANT CONTACTNorth Royalton City Schools has started to communicate with its school parents and community through constantcontact.com eblasts. For district and school news and information delivered to your email, sign-up today on the www.northroyaltonsd.org home page. Look for the “Stay Connected” box and click on “Sign Up Today” and follow the instructions.

INFOSNAPThe district uses an on-line registration system called “InfoSnap”. The goal each school year will be to have every family in the district complete the registration process. Simply go to the North Royalton School District website at http://northroyaltonsd.org and click on the registration link. Once parents complete the registration, they will be able to complete emergency medical forms, Internet usage forms, food safety forms, photo release forms, and many others. There will be many benefits for both parents and the district. The registration process will only need to be completed once and can be updated at any point in the school year. Information will be easily accessible, transfer from year to year, building to building and most importantly eliminate massive paper/form collection. Another source of communication that will be utilized by the building and district is “Constant Contact”. This link can also be found on the North Royalton School District website. It is a very quick and easy process that takes minimal time to complete.

VISITORS AND VOLUNTEERSAll people must enter our building through the main entrance. If visiting various classes or areas, or attending a meeting for your child, you must sign in the office

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and obtain a badge for the day.

ATTENDANCEThe educational program offered by this District is predicated upon the presence of the student and requires continuity of instruction and classroom participation. Attendance shall be required of all students enrolled in the schools during the days and hours that the school is in session. In accordance with the statute, the Superintendent shall require, from the parent of each student of compulsory school age or from an adult student who has been absent from school or from class for any reason, a (written) statement of the cause for such absence. North Royalton City Schools reserves the right to verify such statements and to investigate the cause of each single absence or prolonged absence.

The Ohio law and Board Policy consider the following factors to be reasonable excuses for time missed at school:

● Personal illness (a written) physician’s statement verifying the illness may be required).● Illness in the family necessitating the presence of the child● Quarantine of the home● Death in the family● Necessary work at home due to absence or incapacity of parent(s)/guardian(s)● Observation or celebration of a bona fide religious holiday● Out of state travel (up to a maximum of 4 days per school year) to participate in a

district approved enrichment or extracurricular activity. Any classroom assignment missed due to the absences shall be completed by the student.

A student will be considered to have excessive absences when they have missed, with or without an excuse:

● 38 or more hours in a month● 65 or more hours in a school year.

Parents will be notified prior to these hours being reached and within 7 days after the date of reaching one of the above indicated measures. Under Ohio Statute, ODE will also be notified of a child’s excessive absences.

A student will be considered to be habitually truant when he/she has missed any of the hours listed below without a legitimate excuse:

● 30 or more consecutive hours (5 days)● 42 or more hours in a school month (7 days)● 72 or more hours in a school year (12 days)

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Parents will be notified prior to these hours being reached and within 7 days after the date of reaching one of the above indicated measures. Under Ohio Statute, ODE will also be notified of a child’s attendance when it meets the definition of habitually truant.

In addition, your child (in collaboration with the school and parent) may be placed on an attendance intervention plan to further address these concerns. Should the plan be ineffective, charges may be filed in juvenile court to further assist in a child’s attendance at school.

MAKE-UP WORKIn general, students who are absent for one day can make up work upon returning to school. In the case of an extended absence (3 days or more) which is due to an illness or other extreme emergency, at least one day’s notice is requested so that the teacher can prepare make-up work. The school is not responsible for lessons missed by a child because of late entrance or vacations which do not coincide with the regular school calendar. For family vacations, teachers are not required to provide lessons/work ahead of time. Students may have the same number of days missed because of the vacation to make up the work.

“KID CALL” For each day a child is absent, a parent or guardian must call the school at 582-9060 before 9:00 a.m. If the school is not notified by 9:30 a.m., the student will be marked unexcused and you will be called. It is also the parent’s responsibility to send a written excuse with the child upon his/her return to school.

APPROPRIATE CLOTHINGThe parents, staff and administration of Albion Elementary School believe that school dress and grooming should ensure the health, welfare and safety of the students and enhance a positive image of our young people and school. Any form of dress or grooming which attracts undue attention or violates the previous statement is unacceptable. By students adhering to the dress code, the following goals will be supported: (1) students will experience pride in their appearance, which will be accompanied by improved attitudes; (2) students will be relieved of peer pressure to “dress the part”; (3) research shows that when students dress better, they perform better, so learning and conduct should improve.

Clothing should be suitable to enable the child to participate in class work and playground activities. Shorts are permitted during warm days. Clothing should be appropriate for the weather conditions, since outdoor recess is held whenever weather permits. Items such as jackets, sweaters, coats, boots, hats, gloves, gym shorts and gym shoes should be labeled with your child’s name to prevent loss. Flip Flops, spaghetti straps and midriff tops, and short skirts/ shorts are not appropriate school attire.

Students found in violation of the dress code may be prevented from returning to class until 16

they correct their attire. Students will be given an opportunity to call home for appropriate clothing. When appropriate attire cannot be made available in a timely manner, the office may provide acceptable clothing for the remainder of the school day. This may result in lost class time and possible disciplinary action. Administration reserves the right to revise, assess and review this code at any time.

LUNCH PROGRAMThe student lunch price is $3.00. Albion utilizes a computerized Point of Sale payment system for all school meals purchased in our cafeteria. Parents can deposit money into a personal lunch account for their student. This can take place by setting up a PayPal account through a website called myschoolbucks.com (detailed information and access instructions are available in the school office) or by sending a check or cash in an envelope marked with the child’s name, teacher, and number of desired meals to be purchased. Monies paid into a student account can only be used for the purchase of regular meals and milk. Cash must be used for all ala carte items and snacks. This system allows students to charge lunches only if there is money in their account – we can’t allow any negative balances to occur. In order to keep you informed of your child’s balance, you will receive a note home when the account balance is two lunches or less than ($6.00). This will allow you adequate time to send additional monies in to credit the account. If a child does not have a positive balance in their account and attempts to buy lunch, a lunch, consisting of a cheese sandwich and milk will be substituted for a regular lunch that day. There will be no borrowing of monies from the cafeteria or lunch aides. Prepaid lunches can be purchased in any amount. In order to simplify the processing of checks and cash sent in, we recommend the following prepayment amounts:

$15.00 for five prepaid lunches $30.00 for ten prepaid lunches$60.00 for twenty prepaid lunches $120.00 for forty prepaid lunches

If your student has qualified for free or reduced price lunches, this information is securely contained within the system and the meal will be processed just as it is for all other students. There is no need to be concerned for a potentially uncomfortable situation for the student. Families that meet the criteria for receiving support through the federal lunch program are encouraged to complete the forms and take advantage of this program to help meet your needs and that of your child.

If you are concerned about a food allergy that your student has, please notify the cafeteria with this information. A warning will appear on the cashier’s screen for a quick review of the items on the student’s meal tray.

If you ever want to inquire about your account balance or have any other questions, you may call our Cafeteria Manager, Beth Schneider at 582-9060, extension 3109, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. She will be happy to assist you. Please do not call after those hours as she will be involved in setting up and serving our children their lunches.

3 WAYS TO PURCHASE MEALS

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PRE-PAYMENTS ONLINETo pay online go to myschoolbuck.com. You need your student’s ID number to set up the account. Allow 24 hours for credit card payments to be received. You can make a payment using your Visa, MasterCard, and Discover credit card or debit card. You may also make payment using an e-check payment directly from your bank account. You may sign up for many different features using myschoolbucks.com such as: low balance notification, 90 day purchase history, scheduled recurring payments, or automatic deposits. For detailed information see learnmyschoolbuck.com.

CHECKIf applying money by check, please make it payable to Albion Cafeteria and include the student’s name(s) and room on the check, and if splitting among multiple students, the amount to post to each account. A fee will be applied for any check returned for nonsufficient funds. We appreciate checks in weekly amounts. Lunch for one week=$15.00

CASHSending in cash with elementary age students is not recommended, but accepted. We are not responsible for lost or stolen cash. If sending in cash, please seal it in an envelope with your student's name, room number and “Lunch Money” on it.

SNACK PURCHASESNutritionists recommend that students eat small meals and healthy snacks throughout the day in order to keep energy levels at the maximum. Therefore, teachers allow snacks to be eaten at various times during the day. All snacks meet the healthy snack guidelines recommended for schools. Students will need cash for snack purchase. A complete list of snacks is available in the school office. Due to allergy and others concerns, students are not permitted to purchase snacks for other students.

SHARED FOOD/SNACK PROCEDUREThe North Royalton City School District does not allow homemade or home-baked food items to be served as a “shared snack” to other students in Grades PK through Grade 4 during school hour events (birthday treats, classroom parties) and non-school hour events (after-school socials, weekend roller skating parties). All shared foods/snacks provided during school hour events must be selected from the approved and recently updated Safe Snack List posted on the District website, be store-bought, and display an ingredient label for food allergen verification. The approved and updated Safe Snack List is also available in any of the four elementary school offices, or by accessing the district website. All shared foods/snacks provided during NON-school hour events must be store-bought and display an ingredient label for food allergen verification.

INDOOR/OUTDOOR RECESS18

Students have recess, either indoors or outdoors, weather permitting, every day. Recess is held outdoors unless it is raining or the temperature/wind-chill is below 20o. Recess is an important part of a child’s school day. It provides a time for physical exercise and social interaction. All students are expected to participate in outdoor recess, and, therefore, should come to school dressed for the weather. Hats, gloves, coats, scarves, and boots are a necessity on most winter days. If it becomes necessary for a child to stay indoors for one day, a note addressed to the teacher explaining the reason is required.

In the event that a child must stay indoors for more than one day, a doctor’s note is necessary. Notes from the doctor can be faxed to (440)230-5100.

Playground and recess equipment, as well as blacktop games, are provided for your child’s recreation. Therefore, there is no need for students to bring toys, balls, cards, or other playthings from home.

HAND HYGIENE PROCDURESNorth Royalton City Schools recognize the health of all students and staff is directly related to personal hygiene and cleanliness. Studies have shown that hand washing and personal hygiene are the most important measures a person can use to prevent illness and communicable disease. To support good health and well-being, the district has established practices to help reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses that can cause these illnesses.

Purpose of Hand Washing:Handwashing with soap and warm water for a minimum of twenty (20) seconds, paying close attention to the surfaces between the fingers and on the back of the hands, is best for removing the dirt and germs that cause illnesses.

Hand Washing Recommendations:-Students and staff will wash their hands with soap and water:

1. After using the restroom2. If their hands are visibly soiled3. If the student or staff member has encountered chemicals or other items

found in science labs, art rooms, or other school environments.4. Before and after each task when preparing food in any class5. After athletic practices and games6. If the student or staff member has encountered bodily fluids (ex. blood, nasal

discharge, vomit, etc.)7. After sneezing or coughing8. Before and after eating9. After recess 10.After engaging in any activity that contaminates the hands

Compliance/Evaluation/Monitoring:19

-Restrooms will be sanitary and equipped with adequate soap, warm water, and paper towels or air dryers.-Hand washing posters will be posted in all restrooms, clinics, and kitchens.-Hand hygiene procedures will be distributed to all staff yearly and reinforced to students in the classroom curriculum

Principals, teachers, school nurses, and parents/guardians make a significant contribution when reinforcing proper personal hygiene practices. It is essential that the entire school community embrace the practices of proper hand washing. Preventing illness can decrease staff and student absenteeism. Students who are present at school on a regular basis benefit from increased instruction and learning. North Royalton City Schools are committed to providing an environment that promotes good health and wellbeing for all.

IN CASE OF ILLNESSFor the welfare of your child and classmates, if he or she shows any of the following symptoms which may indicate the onset of a communicable disease, please keep him/her home and consult your physician:

● nausea/vomiting and/or diarrhea● fever● persistent cough● watering eyes (pink-eye, allergies)● sore throat (possible strep)● skin rash, poison ivy (unmedicated)● discharge from nose● swollen glands● head lice, ringworm, scabies

*If your child vomits or has a temperature above 99˚, please keep him/her home and consult your physician.Children who complain about not feeling well in school will be given the opportunity to lie down for several minutes to see if the sickness passes. If there is no improvement, a call to the home will be placed. If you have any health information which might be helpful, please share it with us. A conference is advised in cases where a pupil regularly or frequently complains of illness in school.

A child is not permitted to return to school after having had streptococcal infections, including scarlet fever, meningitis, or a staph infection, unless the child has been seen by a physician. In the event the student is suffering from a serious disease/infection or injury causing physical limitations, a physician’s written release is required. Contact the principal in cases of prolonged absence; the North Royalton School System may provide a tutor.

INJURY AT SCHOOLEven though safety is a primary concern and we do everything in our power to keep your child safe, an accident or injury at school may occur. The following injuries will result in a phone call

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to the parent to make a decision regarding the child: injuries to the head, suspected fracture, unconsciousness, unusual pain or discomfort, and any doubtful situation.

*** IN AN EMERGENCY, THE RESCUE SQUAD WILL BE NOTIFIED TO ASSIST IN THE CARE AND SAFETY OF YOUR CHILD, OR TO TRANSPORT YOUR CHILD TO THE NEAREST HOSPITAL.In the event of a student injury or accident: 1. The custodial parent(s) will be called at home or work; if we are unable to make

contact, then 2. The first person listed on the emergency sheet will be contacted; if we are unable

to make contact, then 3. The second person listed on the emergency sheet will be called.

*** PLEASE NOTE: IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ON YOUR CHILD’S EMERGENCY MEDICAL FORM IS COMPLETE AND UP TO DATE.

If a minor accident occurs, first aid will be administered. School personnel are not permitted to administer medication or treatment other than emergency first aid, (ex, ice on bumps or swollen areas, and bandages for cuts).

ADMINISTERING MEDICINE TO STUDENTSThe administration of any drug without the order of the physician and the permission of the parent/guardian could be interpreted as practicing medicine and is prohibited by law.

If, however, a student needs medication during the school day, we will cooperate with the parent and assist in providing that medication under the following conditions:

1. PRESCRIPTION DRUGS: A request form must be completed and signed by the physician and parent or guardian. 2. OVER-THE-COUNTER-DRUGS: A request form must be completed and signed by the parent/guardian. 3. All medication should be brought to school by the parent or guardian and should be appropriately labeled by the pharmacist or physician. The label should contain the student’s name, dosage, and time to be taken. Over the- counter medication should be labeled with student’s name. Recommended dosage on box will be given if needed.4. Please check weight or age of child. If dosage exceeds amount on medicine container or box, it must be requested by an MD only on the proper form. 5. The principal or appointed representative will supervise the dispensing of

the medication in the absence of the school nurse. 6. After the medication is dispensed, a medication log will be completed. The student’s name, name of the medication, dosage, time, and the initials of the person dispensing the medication are recorded in this log.

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7. Any changes in medication must be submitted on a new request form. 8. Please check the expiration date of all medication sent in. Expired medication will not be given. 9. New request forms must be submitted for each school year.

PLEASE NOTE: Medication not properly labeled and/or not accompanied by the proper physician's statement and/or parent/guardian permission cannot be administered to the student.

BUS TRANSPORTATIONParents/guardians will be limited to designate two AM pick-up points and two PM drop-off points for children. These stops must be consistent each week through the school year. All students must be picked up at a consistent location Monday through Friday (Example: home on T, R and day care M, W) and /or dropped off at a consistent location Monday through Friday (Example: home on T, R and day care on M, W). Daily changes cannot be accommodated. Emergency situations require authorization from the transportation supervisor. All bus transportation will be based on the student’s home address unless an Alternate Transportation Form has been filed out with the Transportation Office by July 25th of each year.

Transportation services are provided as a privilege by the North Royalton Board of Education. Pupils who ride the buses are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly manner at all times. Loud talking, yelling, or the creation of any unnecessary disturbance could distract the driver and cause a serious accident. When a child receives a bus report from the driver, he/she will be called to the office by the principal. The child will be asked to explain his/her actions and will review appropriate and expected behavior. Additional consequences will be determined as they relate to the rule which was broken. Pupils who repeatedly fail to comply with the established bus rules will be denied the privilege of riding the school bus.

WRITTEN PERMISSION & SPECIAL SITUATIONSWritten permission is required for the following:

1. To be dismissed from school early.2. To be picked up by someone other than the parent or guardian.3. To accompany a class on a field trip.4. To stay after school for Cub Scouts, Brownies, etc.

PERSONAL ITEMS AT SCHOOLStudents are not permitted to bring toys, trading cards, or cell phones to school.

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CURRICULUM AND SERVICES

The foundation of a child’s educational experience starts here. Our goal is to offer educational experiences that will provide for individual differences intellectually, socially, physically, and emotionally.

Our CURRICULUM is not merely an acquisition of facts and skills, but also the development of basic concepts which will help the child to utilize critical thinking skills, build positive ideals, and appropriate behavior. Through social studies, science, art, music, and physical education, as well as language arts and mathematics, each child will develop the understanding and concepts which are basic to successful living.

The curriculum at your elementary school is under continuous study to keep current and to ensure that the best overall educational methods, equipment, and materials are being provided. Each content area has an approved written course of study which determines what is taught in that area. Courses of study are written by teachers under the supervision of the Director of Curriculum and Instruction and are recommended by the district’s Curriculum Advisory Council for Board of Education approval. Other SERVICES are available beyond the general courses of study.

The following is a listing of curriculum and services offered:

ARTThe Art Program concerns itself basically with four major avenues of personal growth and development:

1. The growth of aesthetic awareness and sensitivities2. The acquisition of art skills3. Creative and critical thinking4. Individual personal expression

COMPUTERSComputers and technology are available at all elementary buildings and are used for instruction. Students are required to purchase their own headphones for class use.

FIELD TRIPSField trips are scheduled to enrich and enhance the learning which takes place in the classroom. Children going on such trips must return parent-signed permission forms to the teacher indicating parental approval. The students will not be permitted to take the trip without parent approval or if their InfoSnap account is not up to date.

Apparel for field trips should be appropriate for the type of field trips the student will be going on. Parents are occasionally asked to chaperone the field trips. If you do not wish your child to participate in a field trip, please contact the office.

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RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION (RtI)The North Royalton City School District is participating in the researched-based Response to Intervention (RtI) system to support students by providing high quality instruction and intervention to meet student needs. In Ohio, RtI is implemented through the Ohio Integrated Systems Model (OISM) which utilizes three tiers of support to assure that student needs are met. Tier One is the core curriculum, Tier Two has targeted interventions for a small percentage of students who need additional support and Tier Three is for a very small percentage of students whose needs are more intense. In Grades K-6, Dibels is utilized as a universal screening tool, which indicates reading fluency, and in Grade 3-6, AIMSweb screening is used for comprehension. The data from these screenings is used to make decisions about students needs. If your child is having difficulties, the school will contact you and begin monitoring your child’s data more closely and, possibly, have you participate in a BAT (Building Assistance Team) meeting if needed.

GIFTED SERVICESThe goal of the North Royalton City Schools and the Gifted Services Program is to develop each student to the highest degree possible as an individual and a valuable member of a democratic society.Elementary Gifted Services may be offered in an inclusion setting or pull out for grades 3 and 4. At all grade levels collaboration between general education classroom teachers and the gifted specialist occurs to address the needs of the gifted students.

Identification of students is determined by scores on annual standardized assessments and based upon specific criteria that is determined by North Royalton Schools and state mandates. For specific criteria requirements, our district Gifted Coordinator can be contacted at 582-9144.

There is a support group, the North Royalton Association for the Gifted and Talented (NRAGT), for parents with children who are identified as gifted. NRAGT welcomes your attendance at their monthly meetings.

MEDIA CENTERThe purpose of the Media Center is: 1) to operate as a support service for the instructional program, and 2) to provide materials which are timely and which correlate with the curriculum. During time in the media center, classes are exposed to a planned activity which encompasses library/research skills and literature appreciation. A student may visit the Media Center during unscheduled times with permission from his/her classroom teacher.

Fines are not charged for overdue books; however, books MUST be returned on the date due or be renewed with the book in hand. Overdue notices are issued each week that the book is overdue. After three weeks and three notices, we consider the book lost and the student must pay the purchase price of the book.

By working together, we can keep our library books circulating so that all students will be able to enjoy and appreciate good books and reading.

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MUSIC PROGRAMThe music program is designed to teach the basic music skills while promoting a joy and appreciation of music. Every student is encouraged to participate completely in our music classes. It is sincerely hoped that they feel that music is an integral part of their school life. During their K-4 education, children will participate in various concert experiences.

PARENT VOLUNTEER PROGRAM Parent volunteers offer assistance to teachers in a number of ways. Some parents tutor individual students while others may work with a small group of children and review or practice skills introduced in the classroom. Volunteers may also help by reading to children and listening to children read. Occasionally volunteers help teachers by photocopying materials or preparing visual aids which are used later in the classroom. At the beginning of the year, the PTA asks parents to volunteer. Days, times, and assignments are determined together.

PHYSICAL EDUCATIONStudents are required to wear tennis shoes for physical education. Girls may wear shorts under their dresses. Clothes should be comfortable and should not restrict activity. Field Day is held at the end of the school year.* Note: A doctor’s note is needed for students to be excused from gym classes.

SCHOOL-TO-CAREER (S-T-C)As part of a comprehensive (K-12) S-T-C system, career education is integrated throughout our curriculum on an on-going basis. Special resources are provided by the S-T-C office at the Cuyahoga County Career Center. An elementary career specialist works with teachers and students, often inviting parents and others from various professions to speak about their careers and demonstrate their skills.

SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMSSpecial education programs offer individual and/or small group instruction in general education and/or resource room settings. The extent and type of participation are determined by individual need as outlined in each student’s Individual Education Plan (I.E.P.).

SPEECH AND LANGUAGEThe speech and language pathologists work with students who have speech, language, and hearing difficulties. Students are given tests in these areas. Students can be referred by teachers or parents. The students have scheduled times to receive these services. Eligible students have an Individualized Education Plan (I.E.P) which outlines their goals, objectives, and participation in the program.

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COUNSELING Our guidance program at Albion School offers a plethora of services for students, parents, and teachers. These include teaching parenting classes, working with students individually or in small groups, conducting classroom guidance sessions, and training students to be conflict managers.

Each of these programs is designed to help our students be successful both academically and socially, and to enhance each child’s elementary experience at Albion. Specific information about these programs will appear in the PTA newsletter or on our district web page throughout the school year.

Students may request an appointment to speak with the counselor or to inquire about our programs. Parents, teachers or other staff members may also initiate a referral to the school counselor. Parent permission is not required for the counselor to speak with a child. However, every effort is made to notify the parents through personal and/or telephone conferences should the counselor meet with your child.

You are welcome to contact the school counselor to make an appointment, to arrange for her to speak with your child, or to address any other concerns. The number is 582-9060, extension 3104.

CONFLICT MANAGERSConflict Managers are students who are trained to help other students solve conflicts peacefully. They are available during recess and lunch periods to help students solve problems with peers and classmates.

Each year the teachers select one student from each homeroom in grades 2 through 4 to become a Conflict Manager. These students volunteer their time to attend an after school training program to learn peacemaking skills. These include being a good listener, seeing both sides of a conflict, brainstorming for solutions, and completing a conflict contract. These students work with the school counselor to help classmates solve conflicts peacefully. Additionally, the Conflict Managers select a story each year that illustrates peacemaking and conflict resolution techniques, and read the story to the other students in their respective classrooms. This activity helps the other students understand the role of the Conflict Manager and teaches them how to make a referral to meet with a Conflict Manager.

This program helps students deal with everyday conflicts that occur at school in a peaceful and positive way. If your child is having a problem with another student at Albion School, you might want to encourage him/her to seek out our Conflict Managers to help solve the problem.

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OTHER MATTERS OF IMPORTANCE

BULLYINGThe Board of Education is committed to providing a safe, positive, productive, and nurturing educational environment for all of its students. The Board encourages the promotion of positive interpersonal relations between members of the school community.

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying toward a student, whether by other students, staff, or third parties is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. This prohibition includes aggressive behavior, physical, verbal, and psychological abuse. The Board of Education will not tolerate any gestures, comments, threats, or actions which cause or threaten to cause bodily harm or personal degradation.

This policy has been developed in consultation with parents, District employees, volunteers, students, and community members as prescribed in R.C. 3313.666 and the State Board of Education's Model Policy.

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying means any intentional written, verbal, graphic, or physical act that a student or group of students exhibits toward another particular student(s) more than once and the behavior both causes mental or physical harm to the other student(s) and is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for the other student(s). Aggressive behavior 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 type of behavior is a form of intimidation and harassment, although it need not be based on any of the legally protected characteristics, such as sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, or disability. It would include, but not be limited to, such behaviors as stalking, bullying/cyber bullying, intimidating, menacing, coercion, name-calling, taunting, making threats, and hazing.

Harassment, intimidation, or bullying also means electronically transmitted acts (ex, internet, e-mail, cellular telephone, personal digital assistance (PDA), or wireless hand-held device) that a student(s) or a group of students exhibits toward another particular student(s) more than once and the behavior both causes mental and physical harm to the other student and is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for the other student(s).

Students and/or their parents/guardians may file reports regarding suspected harassment, intimidation, or bullying. Such reports shall be reasonably specific including person(s) involved, number of times and places of the alleged conduct, the target of suspected harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying, and the names of any potential student or staff witnesses. Such reports may be filed with any school staff member or administrator, and they shall be promptly forwarded to the building principal for review, investigation, and action. Reporting forms are available from a classroom teacher or in the main office of each building.

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CONFERENCESCommunication between school and home plays an important role in the success of your child’s education. Scheduled conference days are established each school year. Parents are encouraged to initiate conferences with the classroom teacher at any time.

REPORTING TO PARENTSThe North Royalton City Schools have adopted a quarterly system of reporting pupil progress utilizing ProgressBook, a classroom management system that allows parents and students to access classroom information using the internet. Accessing ProgressBook will enable you to view your child’s classroom grades and progress regularly and his /her report card every nine week grading period. Complete instructions about how to access your child’s grade on ProgressBook, as well as your personal parent login and password, will be sent home in September. If you do not have access to the internet, please let your child’s teacher know and a paper copy will be sent home. We are excited to share this with you and hope you find it to be a valuable resource.

In the case of a possible retention, notices are sent out in March and final notices of retention are mailed in May.

DIRECTORY INFORMATIONDirectory information which includes name, address, and phone number will be provided by the office upon request, unless otherwise instructed by parents. A request to withhold this information, (ex: unlisted phone numbers) should be submitted to the office in writing. Lists of student names and phone numbers will not be given out for purposes of planning birthday or home parties.

EMERGENCY DAYSIf the school must close due to inclement weather or other emergency, an official announcement will be made on the major Cleveland radio and television stations, as well as on the North Royalton School Channel #22 (Adelphia) or Channel #18 (Wide Open West). Always assume that the schools will be open unless an official announcement has been made.

BLACKBOARD CONNECT / ALERTNOW SERVICEKeeping you informed is a top priority for the North Royalton City Schools. That’s why we have adopted the Blackboard Connect/AlertNow Rapid Notification Service which will allow us to send a telephone message to you providing important information about school events or emergencies. We anticipate using the Blackboard Connect/AlertNow Notification System, along with the local media, to notify you of school delays or cancellations. We can also use Blackboard Connect/AlertNow to remind you about important school events. In the event of an emergency at school, you can have peace of mind knowing that you will be informed immediately by phone.

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FEESGeneral Fees: Student fees are collected to provide for a variety of resources for your child (workbooks, magazines, and club fees, etc.). These fees are collected near the start of the school year.

Activity Fees: An Activity Fee of $15 will be charged to each student for clubs and activities, such as intramurals and math club. This fee is capped at $15 per student per school year regardless of the number of activities in which the student participates.

There are several options for you to pay these fees, including:1. You may pay the fee by check, payable to North Royalton City Schools.

2. If you need to use a payment plan, you may do this as well, paying by check, made payable to North Royalton City Schools.

3. Online Payment System North Royalton City Schools offers an online payment option for families to use for a variety of school fees. Our provider is PayForIt.net. It is a secure system which allows you to manage your student’s fee accounts directly. This is a service provided by the District for your convenience. Should you choose to access this service, there is a fee charged by PayForIt.net associated with each transaction. You will need your child’s student ID number to access the PayForIt.net system, and you can obtain this number by calling the Valley Vista Office.

If you are seeking free/reduced lunch support, do not pay any fees until you have received notification that you have qualified, as this impacts your fee payments as well.

LOCKERSLockers are the property of the North Royalton Board of Education. Therefore, the school retains the right to inspect lockers and contents at any time. The following items are not permitted to decorate or accessorize student lockers: whiteboards, markers, mirrors, posters, stickers, pictures or any items that are not relevant to education. Personal items within lockers have a tendency to cause conflicts among students, damage to school property, jammed lockers, tardiness to class and dismissal to busses, as well as other disruptions. Lockers are to be used for book bags, books, jackets, boots and other cold-weather apparel, as well as supplies or materials needed for their classrooms. We ask that students keep their lockers clean. Students should not store glass/beverage containers or open food items in their locker. Any student causing damage to a locker will be responsible for the cost of replacement or repairs. Students are not permitted to use personal locks on school lockers. The North Royalton School District will not be responsible for lost or stolen items.

EMERGENCY DRILLSA fire drill must be held at least once a month in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code. The building must be completely evacuated during these drills. Order, as well as speed, is

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essential. Teachers and pupils have been thoroughly instructed regarding proper routes and procedures of exit during these drills. Instructions are also posted in each room. Absolute quiet is essential. Tornado drills are held on a monthly basis from March-June. A lock-down drill is also mandated three times a year. There will be two scheduled and one unscheduled drill annually. Parents will be notified regarding these incidents.

PARTIESParties coordinated by the PTA and your child’s teacher are held for Halloween, before the winter holidays, and at the end of the school year. Games, activities, and refreshments are planned for each occasion. A nominal fee is collected by the PTA room mothers to defray any costs incurred. If you do not want your child to participate, please contact the office or your child’s teacher.

PETSStudents may, with the written consent of the teachers, bring pets to school for a short period to enrich the learning experience of others in the room. All animals must be properly caged and/or leashed and the necessary precautions taken to ensure the safety of both the pet and children at school. The school cannot assume responsibility for the safety of pets. Due to various student allergies and other circumstances, it may be necessary for a teacher to determine that pets are not appropriate for their classroom. Parents should not bring pets or any animals on to the school property unless it is for a show-and-tell type activity. PLEASE NOTE: Pets are not permitted on the school bus. Parents must transport the pet to and from school and remain with it while at school. All pets must have necessary shots.Since we have many students with allergies to animals (as well as fears), NO animals may accompany parents into the building or the sidewalk area when dropping off or picking up students. Additionally, the Board of Education guidelines require very careful checks of “visiting” pet health status so as not to endanger students or staff. Obviously, this is impossible to do during entry or dismissal.

REPORTING TO POLICEThe following actions will be immediately reported to the North Royalton Police Department: a. suspicion of child abuse b. possession of, or under the influence of mood altering chemicals c. major theft d. major assault e. possession of a weaponParents have the right to notify the police if there is a violation of criminal law.

NO SMOKING POLICY Effective August 1, 2007, smoking and tobacco use (including smokeless tobacco) will be prohibited at all times on all North Royalton City School District owned and/or leased locations/premises; all internal and external areas, parking areas/lots; all entrances and exits; and all District owned and/or leased vehicles.  This policy affects all students, staff, visitors and

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guests.WITHDRAWAL FROM THE NORTH ROYALTON SCHOOL SYSTEMIf your child is leaving Albion Elementary School to attend another school, please notify our office to complete the North Royalton City Schools Student Withdrawal Form. This form must be completed in the presence of the secretary of the building from which the student is being withdrawn. If needed, a copy of your child’s last report card, health records and birth certificate can be provided to you to submit to your new school. Any additional data may be requested by the new school after a Release of Information Form is signed and received.

NON-DISCRIMINATIONThe school district affirms that no person shall, on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, or handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity conducted under its auspices. Inquiries concerning the application of this policy may be referred to the superintendent or designated coordinator. This policy shall prevail in all Board policies concerning school employees and students. Complaints of discrimination should be referred to: Director of Personnel, 6579 Royalton Rd, North Royalton, OH 44133 (440-237-8800).

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