Virden Elementary Handbook
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Virden Community Unit School District #4

Vision
To become a premier school district

Mission Statement
To challenge all students to encourage success in learning so they may reach their greatest potential

Core Values

Honesty
Integrity
Courtesy
Citizenship
Cooperation

Board of Education

Steve Furman, President

Richard Weerts, Vice-President

James Ringer, Secretary

Beth Kiel

Mitch Wernsing

Tami Ireland

Bob McCready

Administration

Ron Graham, Superintendent

Elementary Principal

Debra Bommarito

ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY

The administration reserves the right to make any rules that are necessary and proper to insure order and to protect the health, life, and safety of the faculty, employees, and the student body. Should it become necessary to make additions to this handbook or the discipline code, the additions will be properly displayed on a designated board near the office. The rule will be shared with the parents via a monthly newsletter. Those rules will become effective immediately upon their posting, after an announcement has been made over the public address system.
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ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

The Virden Elementary School administration, faculty, and staff shall not tolerate or condone academic dishonesty and/or disregard the principles of academic dishonesty as an action intended to obtain or assist in obtaining credit for work that is not one's own.
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ASBESTOS

Notification

All employees, students, parents, guardians and general public are hereby notified of the availability of the Inspection Report and Management plan concerning Asbestos containing building materials. These documents are available for review in the School Administrative Office.

All employees, students, parents, guardians, and the general public will be notified of inspections, response actions, post response actions, and other matters concerning any activity with Asbestos containing building materials by general newsletter.

I, the undersigned do hereby attest that the Notification, and Subsequent Notification, will be distributed to all employees, students, parents, guardians and general public by newsletter.

Signed__________________________School Administrator Dated 8/17/07
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ATTENDANCE POLICY

It is expected that students will be in regular attendance in accordance with the following rules and laws of the state of Illinois ILCS 105 5/26-2a. Participation in the classroom on a regular basis is of utmost importance. Regular classroom attendance is the legal responsibility of the parents/guardians. If a child misses 10% of the days in attendance or is absent from school on certain days and/or times of the week, the principal will notify the parents. She will remind the parents of the state code and rules of truancy. If poor attendance continues, the truancy officer at the Regional Office of Education in Carlinville will become involved.

Excused absences are those that fall into the categories listed below: For each excused absence the student can make up all work missed and receive full credit.

1.      Death in the immediate family (parents, brothers, sisters, or grandparents).
2.     Medical or dental appointment for the student that cannot be taken care of after school or on weekends. The students must present medical excuse signed by the doctor.
3.      Marriage within an immediate family.
4.      Obligation to church, family, friends to carry out part of a funeral service.
5.      Serious illness of a member of the immediate family requiring a student's presence at home.
6.      Personal illness.
7.      Family trips or vacations that include a parent, guardian or foster parent.
8.      Attending a funeral of a relative not in the immediate family.
9.      Emergency situations.

There are 2 ways a student will receive an excused admit for being absent.

1.      The parents or guardian must notify the school by phone on the day of the absence.
2.      The student must present a note form the parent or guardian the day of the student's return to school.

The note or phone call must state a specific reason for the absence. Absences due to family trips, or school approved trips, will only be approved by the office if all school work has been completed or arrangements have been made with the individual teacher. Otherwise, it will be considered an unexcused absence. Students are responsible for getting their assignments prior to going on field trips, family trips, etc.

Absences for other than the above reasons are considered inexcusable. The work missed on these days can be made up at the discretion of the teacher and/or the principal. When your child is absent for a short period of time, the teacher can send homework with a younger or older sibling or neighbor. If you desire to pick up your child's homework, or have it picked up, please notify the school before 11:00 a.m. so the teacher can have it ready when school is dismissed.

House Bill 51 and Senate Bill 210 requires schools to make a reasonable effort to telephone and notify the parent of a child enrolled in grade K-8 of the child's absence if the child is absent without valid cause.

We would like to have two numbers where you can be reached from 8:30 am to 10:30 a.m. We will be sending a form home to you asking for this information immediately after school starts.

You can also help us by calling the school between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. to notify us when your child will be unable to attend.

Kindergarten and First Grade: Must be in attendance for 240 minutes not counting the 30 minute lunch to be counted as a full day and 120 minutes to be counted as a half day.

Second through Fifth Grade: Must be in attendance for 300 minutes not counting the 30 minute lunch to be counted as a full day and 150 minutes for a half day.
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Automated External Defibrilator (AED): We currently have three AEDs located within the school district. There are many staff members trained to use them.
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BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTION

A copy of the policy for Behavioral Interventions for students with disabilities is available at the Elementary Office.
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BICYCLES/SCOOTERS

Students are allowed to ride bicycles and scooters to and from school each day. Students must walk bicycles and scooters along the sidewalks once they have arrived on school property.

Bicycles and scooters must be parked at the bicycle rack provided by the school. It is suggested that students lock their bicycle/scooter since the school cannot be responsible for any vandalism or theft. Students should immediately go to their designated area after parking their bicycle/scooter.
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BIO-METRIC

Virden CUSD #4 uses a fingerprinting scan for lunch accounts. Parents are required to sign the bio-metric form prior to each school year. After moving to sixth grade, the student’s bio-metric information at the elementary school will be destroyed.
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BULLYING/HAZING/HARASSMENT

Soliciting, encouraging, aiding, or engaging in hazing/bullying or harassment are prohibited. Hazing means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student by intimidating, forcing, or influencing a student to do an act, or failing to do an act against the student’s will for the purpose of being initiated into, affiliating with, or holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization, club, or athletic team, or activity which relates to a student’s standing by way of age, gender, class affiliation or relationship with other students. Bullying/harassment is any type of behavior that may cause physical or emotional harm to someone else and/or urging or other students to engage in such conduct. Bullying/harassment behaviors may include, but are not limited to behaviors in which another student, or group of students, harass or intimidate a student based upon student’s sex, color, race, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, etc. Examples of prohibited conduct include, but are not limited to: using derogatory slurs, wearing or possessing items depicting or implying hatred or prejudice of ones character or exclusion. Students engaging in hazing, bullying or harassment may be subject to one or more of the disciplinary actions outlined in the "student conduct policy" of the student handbook.

Students should report any type of hazing, bullying or harassment by other student(s) to a teacher, counselor, nurse, principal, coach or any other school personnel.
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BUS REGULATIONS

Bus transportation will be provided for all students living 1 1/2 miles from school. Students should be ready to get on the bus at the pick up point at the designated time the bus is to arrive. Once a student gets on the bus, he/she may not transfer to a car at another point without special permission. Also, students, school personnel and chaperones are the only persons eligible to ride the bus.

Bus rules are:

In summary, do what the bus driver asks you to. Bus drivers have authority to assign seats whenever necessary. Failure to obey the rules while on the bus may result in a student having his/her riding privileges rescinded temporarily or permanently if the situation warrants.

Virden CUSD #4 utilizes a video monitoring system on some district buses. When this video monitoring system is present, the camera will provide a visual and audible record of activities on the bus. The use of such systems will allow the driver to focus on the safe operation of the school bus vehicle. If a discipline problem is recorded, a VHS tape will be made for presentation. A presentation to parents of students shown in the tape and/or school board members will be conducted if necessary. Any tape filmed on a school vehicle will only be shown to the personnel of the school, students of parents of students shown in the tape. If criminal actions are recorded on the tape a copy of said tape may be provided to law enforcement personnel.
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CAFETERIA

Lunch and milk money will be collected on the first day of the week.

Breakfast- $5.00 per week    $1.00 per day

Lunch- $8.25 per week      $1.65 per day

Milk- The children who bring their lunch may buy milk for $.25 per carton.

Rules:

• Sodas with caffeine will NOT be permitted during lunchtime.
• Students are to file into the lunchroom in a mature and respectable manner. Talking is permitted once a student enters the cafeteria area from the hall.
• No cutting in line in front or back.
• Extra milk MUST be paid for daily.
• Students will sit at their assigned tables.
• If for some reason they need to get up, students raise their hand and will be given permission to get up. If they need to use the restroom, they will get a restroom pass.
• Students remain at their respective table until they are dismissed to empty their trays. Students will proceed in an orderly manner to line up for their return to class.
• Milk cartons and other paper products are to be disposed of properly.
• Because of safety reasons, no exchanging or trading of food will be allowed by students.
• For the safety of everyone, glass containers will not be permitted in the school or lunchroom.
• Parents, grandparents and/or legal guardians will be allowed to eat lunch in the cafeteria at any time by contacting the school the beginning of the week. We request all visitors eat our school lunch and not bring in special lunches.
• The school district will not allow a negative balance over $7.50 per individual and $20.00 per family. Should this occur, we will contact the
  parent and special arrangements will be made with that family.
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CHAIN OF COMMAND

If a parent/guardian has a concern, please use the proper chain of command. School personnel should be contacted in this order:

When you make a call with your concern, you will be asked if you followed the chain of command.
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CHEWING GUM

Students are not allowed to chew gum at Virden Elementary School. This applies to recess, before and after school while students are on school premises. This regulation is also in effect at any school-sponsored event off campus, such as field trips because of the potential mess. Parents are asked not to send chewing gum as birthday or party treats.
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CLOSED CAMPUS

The School Board has adopted a policy that requires all elementary school children in grades K-5 to remain within the school boundaries for the entire school day, including the lunch period unless express written permission has been requested and granted. This means that once your child has entered the school boundaries in the morning he/she will only be permitted to leave under the following conditions:
Signed written permission from you for your child to be dismissed for a specific purpose during the school day is required. The note requesting dismissal must be sent to the principal for approval and must contain the signature of the parent.
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DELIVERIES

Deliveries such as flowers and balloons made to the school for children on special occasions will remain at the school office and will be given to the child at the end of the school day. As a reminder, if the delivery contains latex or mylar helium balloons, they cannot be taken on the bus. We discourage the use of latex balloons due to student allergies.
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DISCIPLINE

The entire staff of Virden Elementary School has the goal of establishing an atmosphere throughout the school in which children will feel safe, secure, happy and, in addition, have a maximum opportunity to learn.

In an effort to accomplish this goal, we have developed a school-wide discipline plan. The plan specifies rules that cover behaviors we expect from the students. The plan also states that students who break the rules will receive negative consequences and students who follow the rules will receive positive reinforcement.

Our school-wide rules are:

If a student chooses to break a rule, one or more of the following consequences may be taken:

Students who behave will earn special recognition from their teacher and/or principal. More importantly, the students will have a more rewarding school experience. We are confident that such clearly stated and thorough school-wide and classroom discipline plans will teach our children to be responsible for their actions and make this school year a positive and motivating experience. We ask for your support in our efforts.

Students are attending school primarily for the purpose of obtaining the best education possible. If a student's misbehavior reaches the point that it interferes with the orderly learning process, a discipline notice will be sent home with the student for a signature by the parent. The parent will keep the pink copy, the classroom teacher will receive a signed yellow copy and the principal will keep the white copy of the notice. A phone call may be made home to the parent depending in the child's behavior and/or the situation. If the signed copy does not come back the next day, the child will receive a lunch referral and a phone call may be made to the parent to confirm receipt of the notice. The consequences of this notice will begin immediately or will be served according to the date on the notice.

When an inappropriate action occurs, school personnel will discuss the situation with the student. Students will be given an opportunity to present the facts as they see them and will be made aware of the charges against them. Disciplinary actions may include suspension of privileges such as recess, participation or attendance at special activities, or other privileges. Detention periods will often be used for minor disciplinary problems. More severe disturbances may result in the use of alternative education, in-school suspension, or out-of-school suspensions. The Board of Education may expel a student in cases of extreme disciplinary problems.

The goal of the disciplinary policy is to help each student develop responsible behavior, which is based on self-discipline; it is impossible to list all of the possibilities of disciplinary action that are available to classroom teachers. However, it is considered serious if your conduct is such that a teacher is forced to refer your case to the principal. Each disciplinary case will be considered in light of the following:

• Age, development and maturity levels of the parties involved
• Degree of harm
• Surrounding circumstances
• Nature and severity of the behavior(s)
• Incidences of past or continuing pattern(s) of behavior
• Relationship between the parties involved
• Context in which the alleged incident(s) occurred.

A teacher may remove a student from class when persistent disobedient conduct, in the opinion of the teacher, disrupts the educational process of the other students in the classroom, or a student has been disrespectful or defiant to the teacher.

BEHAVIOR CONTINUUM

Appropriate discipline will be used in each classroom. Specific guidelines will be sent out at the beginning of each year listing the consequences for each grade level. Contact your child's teacher if you have a concern or a question.

BULLYING

Bullying of any kind will not be tolerated at Virden Elementary School. If bullying occurs, all students are encouraged to report this to the teachers, aides and/or principal immediately. Appropriate discipline will be assigned to the bully or bullies.

CODE OF CONDUCT

The behaviors listed on these pages are considered more serious. In the event any of these behaviors occur, the students will be sent to the school administration for disciplinary action.

Each case will be considered on an individual basis and will use the following only as a guide.

Group One:

Offense: Acts of misconduct that disrupt the orderly process in the school or on the school grounds.

1.1)            Using inappropriate language.

1.2)            Cheating and/or copying the work of another student.

1.3)            Leaving the classroom without permission.

1.4)            Leaving the building without permission.

1.5)            Showing lack of respect towards building staff.

1.6)            Defying the authority of school personnel.

1.7)            Exhibiting hostile physical actions such as hitting, kicking, punching or choking.

1.8)            Persisting in serious acts of disobedience or misconduct.

1.9)            Any behavior that is seriously disruptive.

1.10)        Forgery.

1.11)        Theft of under $10.00

1.12)        Bullying, the use of violence, force, coercion, threats, intimidation, fear or other comparable conduct.

1.13)        Hazing.

1.14)        Engaging in gang activities.

Disciplinary Action: Could range from Detention, In-School Suspension, or Out-of-School Suspension

Group Two:

Offense: Acts of misconduct that include those student behaviors that seriously disrupt the orderly educational process in the classroom, in the school and/or on the school grounds.

2.1) Fighting

2.2) Use or possession of tobacco products, including lighters, matches, papers and other smoking paraphernalia.

2.3) Biting or spitting on someone

2.4) Using or publishing profane, obscene, indecent, immoral, libelous, or offensive language and/or gestures, or exhibiting sexual harassment.

Disciplinary Action: Automatic Suspension ranging from one to ten days.

Group Three:

Offense: Acts: Acts of misconduct that include those student behaviors that very seriously disrupt the orderly process in the classroom, in the school, and/or on the school grounds. In most cases, these behaviors are also illegal.

3.1) False activation of a fire alarm.

3.2) Extortion

3.3) Assault

3.4) Vandalism or criminal damage to property

3.5) Battery (intentionally causing bodily harm to another)

3.6) Fighting involving injury

3.7) Theft or possession of property not exceeding $150.00 in value.

3.8) Possession, use, or delivery of fireworks

3.9) Possession, use or delivery of pagers, cellular telephones, and or/other prohibited devices.

Disciplinary Action: Automatic five to ten day suspension and may be reported to police officials, with the possibility of expulsion.

Group Four:

Offense: Acts of misconduct that includes those illegal student behaviors that most seriously disrupt the orderly educational process in the classroom and the school and/or on the school grounds.

4.1) Aggravated assault

4.2) Arson

4.3) Bomb Threat

4.4) Use, possession, and/or concealment of a weapon, excluding firearm/destructive device.

4.4) Robbery

4.6) Burglary

4.7) Theft or possession of property exceeding $150.00 in value.

4.8) Use, possession, sale, or delivery of alcohol, illegal drugs, narcotics, controlled substances, or contraband.

4.9) Sex violations

4.10) Use of intimidation, coercion or force

4.11) Aggravated battery

4.12) Disorderly conduct

4.13) Trespassing

4.14) Engaging in any other illegal behavior

4.15) Gang activity

4.16) Gross disobedience

Disciplinary Action: Automatic ten-day suspension and/or police notification with the possibility of expulsion.

Group Five:

Offenses: Acts of misconduct that include the illegal student behavior that not only most seriously disrupts the orderly education process in the classroom and the school and/or on the school grounds but also by law requires the disciplinary action described below.

5.1) Use, possession and/or concealment of a firearm/destructive device.

Disciplinary Action: Police notification and/or arrest, suspension for ten days and a disciplinary hearing for expulsion.

Special Categories

Offense: Inappropriate use of a computer or use of inappropriate language on a computer.

Disciplinary Action: Loss of computer privileges for the remainder of the year.

Offense:  Inappropriate and/or disruptive behavior on a school bus

Disciplinary Action: Could range from warning and parent notification to removal of bus privileges.

DETENTIONS

A detention notice will be given to the student on the day of the infraction. The notice will list the detention date. The note will be signed by the parent and returned to school the next day. If the notice is not signed or returned, a lunch referral is given and a phone call is made to the parent. All after school detentions will take place from 3:09-4:00 at the school and will be supervised by a teacher or the principal. Parents are to provide transportation if a detention is issued. Children who fail to serve a detention will be given an AM in-school suspension.

ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION

Alternative Education assignments will be assigned for more severe or chronic behavior problems. Students assigned in-school suspensions will be allowed to complete assignments and earn credit but will be isolated from their peers for the period of the in-school suspension. The use of alternative education is an attempt to remedy serious disciplinary problems without excluding students from the school.

SUSPENSIONS

In accordance with provisions of the Illinois School Code, the Superintendent or the Principal may suspend a student who is guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct for a period not to exceed ten (10) days. Students who receive a suspension are not allowed to be on Virden School District grounds or at any extra-curricular activity during the period of suspension.

EXPULSIONS

Expulsion of students guilty of gross disobedience or misconduct will take place only after the parents have been requested to attend a meeting of the Board of Education to discuss the child's behavior.  Gross Disobedience and Misconduct will include but not be limited to the following.

1. Behavior, which is injurious to person or property that directly, threatens injury to person or property.
2. Behavior, which substantially and materially disrupts the educational process or discipline in the school.
3. Repeated minor incidents of misbehavior as described in the discipline code, which other disciplinary measures have failed to deter.
4. Gross disrespect that includes insubordination, intimidation, or attempting to intimidate school personnel or another students, fighting with or assaulting school personnel or other students, and verbal abuse or use of profanity or obscenities to school personnel or other students.
5. Smoking and/or possession of smoking materials on school buses, in school building, or on school grounds.
6. First and subsequent offenses when a student is found to be using, possessing or distributing alcohol or non-prescribed drugs.
7. Repeatedly failing to comply with directions of teachers, student teachers, substitute teachers, teacher's aides, principal, or other authorized personnel during any period of time when he/she is properly under the authority of such personnel.
8. Repeated truancies and/or unexcused absences which are detrimental to the welfare of the student and disruptive of the educational process.
9. Repeated tardiness which substantially disrupts the educational process.
10. Any other conduct of a student that interferes with or interrupts the educational process of Virden CUSD #4 or interferes with or disrupts the staff, employees or students of Virden Unit #4 School may result in suspension and/or expulsion.
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DIRECTORY INFORMATION

Basic information about a student contained in educational records that, if disclosed, would not generally be considered harmful or an invasion of property may be disclosed. Such information includes, but is not limited to, student's name, address, birthdate, dates of attendance, grade level, enrollment status, participation in activities and honors and awards. Parent(s) or guardian(s) who do not want such information released must notify the school in writing within 10 (ten) days of enrollment.
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DRESS AND APPEARANCE

Students are expected to use discretion in their dress and shall wear clothing that is decent, neat, and clean. Their appearance or clothing should not interrupt the learning process or distract others.

Shoes or some other appropriate footwear must be worn while students are on school grounds or involved in school activities. Example of footwear that is not acceptable: shoes with rollers, steel-toed shoes, flip flops, thongs, shoes and sandals with no heel straps, clogs, and any shoe that may fall off when the child is walking or running.

Clothing shall not be of a style nor shall it contain words or depictions that create a clear and present likelihood that it will cause a material and substantial disruption of the proper and orderly operation and discipline of the school or school activities. Clothing should not contain:

• Indecent, obscene or profane messages.

• Messages mentioning alcoholic beverages.

• Illegal, prescription drugs or tobacco products.

• Words or messages that are offensive to any individual or group as to be likely to create an immediate reaction disruptive to the orderly operation of school or school activities.

Properly fitting clothing is to be worn. Clothing with holes, ragged hems or cut-off hemlines, or made of transparent or fishnet fabric, are not to be worn to school. Clothing that exposes the chest, abdomen, genital area, buttocks, undergarments, or the legs above mid-thigh, shall not be worn in the buildings. Mini shorts and short tops are not permitted. Spaghetti strap shirts, muscle tank tops and no back shirts require another shirt be worn over them. (i.e. T-shirt underneath or a camp shirt over the shirt.) Oversized, extremely baggy clothing or improperly fitting clothing is not allowed. Pants, shorts, or skirts must be worn at the waist- "sagging" is prohibited.

For safety reasons, students are not to wear coats and sunglasses in the building during the school day. As a sign of respect, students are not allowed to wear hats in the school building.

Hair color that is unnatural or distracts from the learning process is not permitted. Children will be asked to remove the coloring or be sent home if needed.

Students who are in violation of these rules may be required to change clothes, wash off markings, or may be sent home for the remainder of the day. Such students will also be subjected to the regular discipline process. Any absence as a result of a violation of this rule will be counted as an unexcused absence from any class period missed.
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ELECTRONIC DEVICES ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

At no time shall a student have a pocket pager, cellular phone, personal music system or any similar electronic device turned on while on school property, unless use of such device by the student has been first expressly authorized by the building principal. We do not recommend that students bring such devices to school and are not responsible for any lost or stolen items. If a student is abusing the privilege, items will be taken to the principal's office and parents will be called to pick up the items.
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EMERGENCY PROCEDURE FORMS

You are asked to complete an emergency form which tells us who to contact and where, in case your child is involved in an emergency situation. If you do not have a telephone, please list a number of a neighbor or relative who can make contact with you. Please complete this form and return to your child's teacher as soon as possible.
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EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING

School may be closed because of inclement weather or other emergencies. When it is necessary to close school, announcements will be broadcast over the following stations: WIBI (91.1), WSMI (106), WNNS/WMAY (98.7), WTAX/WDBR (1240), WCVS/WSMB (96.7) KMOV/TV4, FOX 2, KSDK/TV 5 and WICS- CHANNEL 20 and the school website. Please do not call the school or the radio station. It shall be the policy to retain children at the school building in case of extreme emergency.
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ENROLLMENT

If you enroll a student who does not fall within one of the five types of custody discussed in section 10-20.12b of the school code; you are guilty of a Class C misdemeanor. The school district will charge you tuition for all of the time the student attended school in our district.
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EQUAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES

The Virden CUSD #4 insures that equal education opportunities are offered to students, regardless of race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion or handicap. Questions in reference to educational opportunities may be directed to the Superintendent's Office, 231 West Fortune Street, Virden.
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FAMILY ACCESS

Virden Community Unit School District #4 has PaC Family Access which allows parents to view grades, discipline, lunch accounts and attendance information. It is available through the red school house in the upper left corner of the web page. Each family has their own login and password.
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FIELD TRIPS

Participation on field trips and other special trips requires signing the beginning of the year permission slip. All school rules apply to field trips.

Reasons for non-participation on field trips:

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FIGHTING OR UNAUTHORIZED PHYSICAL CONTACT

This type of behavior will not be tolerated and will result in serious disciplinary action including possible suspension from school.
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FIRE ALARM AND DRILL

Turning on a false alarm is not only dangerous, it is illegal. Anyone who turns on a false alarm (pulls the alarm with intent), will be suspended from school for 5 days for a first offense and 10 days for a second offense.

There will be drills periodically. The procedure followed will be announced prior to the first drill. When the fire alarm sounds, everyone (students and faculty) will evacuate the building, walking as fast as possible (no running) to the designated exit. There should be absolutely no talking until the signal is sounded for the return to the building. The fire drills are very important, so pay attention and cooperate. What we do and learn in these drills could possibly save many lives in case of an actual disaster. Evacuation procedures, which will be posted in each classroom, will be followed.
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FREE AND REDUCED PRICE MEALS

Free and reduced price meals will be provided to all children whose family income falls within Federal Guidelines. Application for free and reduced price lunches is available in the school office. If you feel your income qualifies you for one of these programs, you may request an application. Completed applications should be turned in to the school office as soon as possible. Copies of check stubs or receipts for monies received should be attached to the application before processing will take place. The free and reduced price lunches cannot be given until the principal approves the application. Information concerning free and reduced price lunches will be sent to you upon request.
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GRADING SYSTEM

The following grading system is used for grades K-2: 

The following grade system is used for grades 3-5:

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HALL PASSES

Students will need a hall pass indicating their destination when they are traveling unsupervised in the elementary building.
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HANDS REFERRALS

The Student Assistance Team, known as the HANDS (Helping Address the Needs of Developing Students) will act as the Elementary School’s Response to Intervention team. If a teacher or parent is concerned about a student’s progress or behavior in class, a HANDS referral form will be filled out and given to the HANDS team for review. The HANDS team meets twice a month to provide suggestions for research-based interventions. The classroom teacher will try the interventions with the student and progress will be monitored by the team.
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HEAD LICE

Virden School District follows Nit-Free guidelines. Students who are sent home due to head lice will not be allowed back at school until the school nurse or authorized personnel check the student’s hair. Parents will be required to treat the hair for head lice and keep the student home until the following day or until there is no evidence of nits in the student’s hair.
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HOME SCHOOLING

Students who are accepted in part-time attendance who are enrolled in private schools or who are home-schooled are subject to placement at appropriate grade and class level by the district. Parents of students who are accepted for enrollment may be required to provide information related to the level of the student’s academic preparation and achievement sufficient to permit appropriate placement.
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HOMEWORK POLICY

Homework is an integral part of the learning process for students in grades four and five at Virden Elementary School. There are many reasons for successfully finishing homework assignments completely and on time. The most important of these reasons is learning. Grading is a measure of how successfully you can complete your learning. Homework helps you to develop skills more fully, to improve weaknesses and to make the possible use of your strengths.
Homework assignments are due at the regular class time each day. Late assignments may not be given full credit. Each grade has specific guidelines and consequences for incomplete assignments.  Consult your child's teacher if you have questions or concerns.
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HONOR ROLL

3^rd grade through 5^th grade use the following criteria for honor roll:

            All A's = High Honor Roll

            All A's and B’s = Honor Roll

            All B's = Honorable Mention

INTERNET

VIRDEN COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT #4
ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

Purpose

The purpose of the Virden Community Unit School District #4 computer network is to advance and promote educational opportunities, innovation and educational excellence, and to provide users access to a worldwide array of educational resources. Access to the resources of the network will improve learning and teaching through research, access to information, teacher training, collaboration and dissemination of successful educational practices, methods, and materials.

The Internet

The Internet is a vast, global network, linking computers with universities, schools, laboratories and other sites. Through the Internet, one can communicate with people all over the world through discussion forums and electronic mail. In addition, many educationally valuable files may be downloaded from the Internet. Due to its enormous size and resources, the Internet’s educational potential is boundless. Users need to be aware that not all sources on the Internet provide information that is accurate, complete, current, or legal. Virden Community Unit School District #4 is not responsible for assuring the accuracy or usability of any information found on external networks. For safety purposes, Virden Community Unit School District #4 employs both a filter and firewall. Virden Community Unit School District #4 maintains compliance with CIPA – Children’s Internet Protection Act. Users should take care to always protect personal information such as names, phone numbers, credit card information, etc. when using the Internet. Users of e-mail should be aware that in its present form, it cannot be secured and is, therefore, vulnerable to unauthorized access and modification.

User Access

Internet access is provided through the Virden Community Unit School District #4 network system. The use of the Internet and Virden network is a privilege, not a right, thus all users must submit a signed Acceptable Use Policy to gain access to the Internet and network. Use of the district computers and Internet is limited to those activities which support education, enrichment, and career development.

Grades K-6: Students in Grades K-6 will gain access to the Internet after they take part in a discussion of this policy with a teacher and a parent or guardian. A parent or guardian is required to sign the Acceptable Use Policy.

Grades 7-12: Students in Grades 7-12 will gain access to the Internet once the student and student’s parent or guardian has submitted a signed Acceptable Use Policy.

Virden Public School Staff and visitors will gain access to the Internet once they have submitted a signed Acceptable Use Policy.

The district assumes no responsibility for damage to storage mediums including but not limited to diskettes, USB storage devices, or non-district computers.

Users’ Responsibility

Your right to free speech applies to communication on the Internet. The Internet is considered a limited forum, similar to a school newspaper, and therefore the District may restrict speech for valid educational reasons. The District will not restrict your speech on the basis of a disagreement with the opinions you are expressing.

All student use of the Internet will be conducted under faculty