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WESTFIELD SCHOOL PARENT - STUDENT HANDBOOK 2011-2012

ASSEMBLIES
Various assemblies are planned throughout the school year. They occur during the school day and are free to the students. Themes may include cultural presentations, musical performances or educational games. PTC funds most of the assembly programs.

ATTENDANCE REPORTING & ABSENCES


Regular attendance is essential to a students success in school. It is regulated by State of Illinois rules, which state the following: Kindergarten: Since this is a half-day program, students who miss more than 30 minutes are considered absent for the day. Grade 1: Students who miss more than 75 minutes but less than 3 hours and 15 minutes are credited with a half-day of attendance. Grade 1: Students who miss 3 hours and 15 minutes or more will be considered absent for the full day. Grades 2-5: Students who miss more than 15 minutes but less than 2 hours and 45 minutes are credited with a half-day of attendance. Grade 2-5: Students who miss more than 2 hours and 45 minutes are considered absent for the full day. To report an absence, please call (630) 858-1222 and leave a message on the answering machine during the evening or early morning. Please include your childs name, grade, reason for absences and date(s). Attendance is monitored regularly throughout the school year. Parents will be notified by mail if there are attendance concerns.

ABSENCES DURING THE SCHOOL DAY


Whenever a child has a doctor or other such appointment during the school day, please send a note to school. When it is time to pick up your child, you will need to report to the office and sign your child out. Office staff will notify the classroom teacher and call your child to the office. Please remain in the office until your child arrives. For a scheduled absence, please contact your childs teacher and the school office.

BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS


Before and after school child care programs are offered at Westfield School. The program is sponsored by the YMCA. Information can be provided by calling the YMCA @ (630) 858-0100. Other local childcare programs currently provide bus transportation to/from Westfield.

BICYCLES, SKATEBOARDS & ROLLERBLADES


Students in Grades 3-5 are permitted to ride their bikes to school independently. Students in K-2 may ride their bikes to school, only if their parent/guardian rides with them to and from school. For safety, use of bike helmets is strongly encouraged. The school assumes no responsibility for bicycles. Students must walk their bikes once on school grounds and lock them in the school bike racks. Bikes must remain in

WESTFIELD SCHOOL PARENT - STUDENT HANDBOOK

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the bike rack and students may not play on or near them during the school day. Scooters, skateboards, rollerblades and heelies (shoes with wheels) are not allowed at school.

BIRTHDAY BOOKS
The PTC purchases books that the principal gives to each student to celebrate his or her birthday. Students with birthdays in June or July will receive his/her book at the end of the school year. August birthdays are honored at the beginning of the school year.

BIRTHDAY INVITATIONS
The school prefers that invitations to birthday and other parties are mailed home or handled in some way other than distribution at school. This avoids hurt feelings that may occur when some children within the class are not invited.

BIRTHDAY TREATS
Birthday treats are not permitted due to the district wellness policy. Students birthdays may be recognized in each class according to individual teacher guidelines.

BUS CONDUCT
The Westfield Wildcat Ways defines three student expectations: Respect, Responsibility and Safety. Behavioral expectations on the bus include the following: Respect o Listen to the bus driver, bus supervisors and safety patrols. o Use quiet voices. o Care for bus property. Responsibility o Get to the bus on time. o Enter and exit the bus appropriately. Safety o Remain seated. o Keep hands, feet and belongings to self.

BUS PASSES (ONLY FOR STUDENTS WHO RIDE THE SAME ROUTE)
If a student who rides a bus needs to get off at a stop other than their own stop, the school must receive a note from the parent/guardian notifying the office of this request. The office will write a pass to present to the driver. Students who are NOT assigned to a bus are not allowed to ride a bus with a friend due to safety and insurance considerations. For these same reasons, students may not switch buses.

CANCELLATION OF SCHOOL
Cancellation of school occurs only during extraordinary circumstances. Information is available on the district website www.ccsd89.org as soon as
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the decision is made. An automated telephone call is scheduled to be sent to each students home in the event of a school closing. Information may also be obtained through Chicago television and radio stations.

CELL PHONES (SENDING/RECEIVING VOICE OR TEXT)


Students may bring cell phones to school. Students are responsible for the safety of their phones. Westfield cannot assume responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged phones. Cell phone misuse may lead to disciplinary action. Appropriate Use Students may use cell phones: After normal school hours, only. During school hours, students must use a school phone. After a school-related event, such as a fun fair, party, sports activity, etc. Inappropriate Use Students may NOT use cell phones: On the bus. Buses include those used for field trips and any other school-related event. Before school, during normal school hours or after school while on school property.

CELL PHONES (USAGE IN SCHOOL ZONES)


Public Act 096-0131 went into effect January 1, 2010. According to this new law, A person, regardless of age, may not use a wireless telephone at any time while operating a motor vehicle on a roadway in a school speed zone.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR TELEPHONE


The school should be notified immediately if you have a change of address, phone number, employment or childcare services during the school year.

CLUBS
During and after school clubs may be available throughout the school year. These vary from year to year and are based on teacher and student interest. Watch for additional information throughout the year.

COMMUNICATIONS WITH STAFF/STUDENTS


Teachers are available to speak with parents when they are not with students. Each teacher has a voice mailbox and e-mail address. Information can be found in the directory or on the District website www.ccsd89.org .

CURRICULUM NIGHT
A Curriculum Night is held each school year sometime within the first few weeks of school. Parents and/or other adult family members are invited to attend to learn about the specific grade level curriculum expectations for their child. Sign-up for the November Parent/Teacher Conferences occurs during Curriculum Night.

DISCIPLINE GENERAL SCHOOL RULES FOR STUDENTS


The Westfield Wildcat Ways defines three student expectations: Respect, Responsibility and Safety. (Please refer to the PBIS Parent Student Handbook).
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DRESS CODE
Students, staff and parents should dress appropriately and in a manner that does not disrupt the learning environment. Clothing that advertises the use of tobacco, alcohol or drugs and/or suggests vulgar or anti-social values are not permitted. Also, clothing that is too revealing is not permitted. This includes, but is not limited to, baggy pants that expose undergarments, low cut tops, spaghetti straps or bare midriff. Hats and caps should not be worn inside the building without special permission. Students should wear shoes that are appropriate and safe for school; remember that heelies (shoes with wheels) are not allowed. Gym shoes are needed to participate in PE.

DROP OFF/PICK UP PROCEDURES


Please exercise patience and caution when bringing or picking up children from school. We have many vehicles at school before school begins and immediately at afternoon dismissal time. This increased traffic prompts us all to exercise extra caution. Therefore, during those periods of arrival and dismissal from school, please observe the following guidelines. Use the area in front of the school for pickup and drop off only. Please do not leave your car or sit and visit making it impossible for other parents to use the area for their children. Please heed the signs & traffic cones in the loading area; yellow curb indicates No Parking. Please note that the front of the school is a designated No Idling zone. Do not enter the area designated for school vans. The school parking lot is reserved for bus traffic. Tell your children to use the services of the crossing guard and the safety of the crosswalk to cross Mayfield Lane to meet parents parked across the road. Crossing guards, both adults and students, are positioned in front of school. Guards are on duty from 8:55 until 9:05 a.m. and after school until all walkers cross the street. Children riding a bus are supervised from the time they arrive at school in the morning and when they leave on the bus after school. Students who arrive before 9:00 will not be supervised. During bad weather, students enter school at 9:00 a.m. or as soon as their bus arrives. Students may enter either the main school entrance or the entrance on the east side of the building. Students should not arrive at school before 9:00 a.m. and should leave for home promptly at 3:30 p.m. Students may not remain at school to play on school grounds until they have gone home to report to their parents. Students remaining at school after dismissal are not supervised.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Each student is required to have on file at the school office the following information: Parent/Guardian(s) Names Address Phone numbers (home, work, cell) Two additional phone numbers of friends/relatives to contact in the event of an emergency
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Physicians name and phone number Medical alert information Please notify the school if there is a change in Emergency Contact information.

FEES FOR THE 2011-12 SCHOOL YEAR:


Grade Kindergarten Students Kindergarten 1st 5th 3rd 5th 4th-5th 5th & All Description New Headphone Fee Book Rental Book Rental Assignment Notebook Orchestra (optional) Band (optional) Amount $5.00 $40.00 $75.00 $4.00 $70.00 $70.00

Other school activities may require a fee for participation. No child will be denied participation based on his/her inability to pay. Parents who are unable to pay for any activity should contact the building principal so arrangements can be made.

FIELD TRIPS
A field trip is a school sponsored and school chaperoned activity, which is an extension of the classroom. Parents will receive advance notice of field trips, which shall include the trip date, destination and other necessary details. Parents will be asked to sign a permission form confirming their knowledge of the trip and approval for participation. Students are expected to accept the responsibility for their conduct on all field trips.

GAMES/TOYS
Games and toys should not be brought to school. These include (but are not limited to) stuffed animals, trading cards, video games, etc. These can disrupt the learning environment. Items can get lost, broken or stolen. Unless given special permission by their teacher, please do not let your child bring these items to school.

GAMES/TOYS (EXCEPTIONS)
Special consideration is given to those students who bring games and toys to school for use during before/after school care programs. Items MUST be kept in backpacks during school hours. Westfield cannot assume responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged items.

HEALTH SERVICES
The school nurse is located within the main office. The school nurse is responsible for the maintenance of health records, routine health checks, parental contact concerning health problems, care of minor injuries and assistance in health teaching and vision screening. Be sure to contact the nurse if your child has any health problems that should be addressed. Please call the school nurse if your child is absent from school due to a communicable disease i.e. chicken pox, mumps, head lice, H1N1, pink eye etc.

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HOMEWORK PRACTICES
Homework is an important activity, which contributes to a childs education and supports/enhances the learning process. Research and the National Education Association supports that a student should spend 10-15 minutes times their grade level per night completing homework. General guidelines for each grade level are listed on the next page. Kindergarten In Kindergarten we encourage the children to practice the formation of their letters, numbers and names at home through the use of a weekly assignment. Returning their library books and completing some home projects help them become more responsible and prepare them for first grade. 1st Grade Students may be asked to complete work at home not finished in school or complete a practice activity that supports classroom instruction. They may be asked to bring books or items for special classroom projects. Students are encouraged to read (or be read to) 10 minutes every night and practice math facts and spelling words weekly. 2nd Grade One or more pages of homework are routinely sent home Monday through Thursday nights. They will typically be worksheet pages, which reinforce previously taught skills. Children should be studying spelling words, practicing math facts and reading for 10-15 minutes each night. Beginning 2nd quarter, there will be an additional math fact sheet going home on Fridays. 3rd Grade Homework can be expected Monday through Thursday. It is intended to be practice, reinforcement or enrichment based on classroom instruction. Occasionally, unfinished classroom assignments will be sent home to be completed and returned the next school day. Work sent home will usually be checked in class. It may be reflected as a grade for effort and completion. Children are expected to practice spelling words and math flashcards each week at home. In addition to homework assignments, students should be reading for enjoyment. 4th Grade Homework includes completing work not finished in class and specific assignments to reinforce and/or enrich class instruction. Work is corrected by the teacher or together as a class. Work can be expected on average of four nights a week. Students should be reading 20 minutes every night, studying spelling words and math facts. 5th Grade Homework usually involves completing unfinished classwork or specific assignments such as long term projects. Students should expect homework 4 nights per week. The weekend may be used to complete any assignments remaining from the previous week. On nights when homework is finished in class, students are encouraged to use time at home to read, review basic math facts and skills, or practice spelling words to enrich classroom instruction.

ILLNESS & INJURY


In case of illness or injury, the school nurse, nurses aide or staff member will care for a child. If emergency medical treatment is necessary the parents will be contacted followed by individuals listed by the childs parents on the Emergency Information Card. If parents are not available the
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child will be taken to the emergency room at the hospital. An current emergency phone number where parents can be reached and the name and telephone number of the students family doctor must be on file at the school.

ISAT (ILLINOIS STANDARDS ACHIEVEMENT TESTS)


ISAT is administered in the spring of each year for the following grades. ISAT is scheduled for March 5 16, 2012. Grade 3rd 4th 5th Subjects Tested Reading & Math Reading, Math & Science Reading & Math

KINDERGARTEN INFORMATION ENROLLMENT - New Kindergarten students must be 5 years old on or

before September 1st of the school year in which they are enrolling. HALF DAYS - To balance out the Kindergarten time, early dismissal days alternate between AM or PM Kindergarten attendance. Student dismissal time is 12:15. The Kindergarten students ride home from school with the students in Grades 1-5. Parents who reside in the Lincoln Hill subdivision will need to provide transportation home for their Kindergarten student.

KINDERGARTEN HALF-DAY SCHEDULE


Students assigned to AM and PM rotate their attendance on early dismissal days. September 23, 2011 November 22, 2011 January 13, 2012 February 3, 2012 March 23, 2012 April 26, 2012 Morning attend Afternoon attend Morning attend Afternoon attend Morning attend Afternoon attend Sessions Sessions Sessions Sessions Sessions Sessions

9:00 Buses are scheduled to arrive at school and students report to their assigned locations 9:05 Students enter the building 9:15 Classes begin 12:15 All students (K-5) dismissed

LEAVING SCHOOL OR CHANGE IN RETURN HOME PLANS


Students are not allowed to leave during school hours for any reason without the knowledge and consent of their teacher. Parents who need to pick up their children during the day are asked to check in at the office and
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sign their child out of school. Teachers appreciate receiving a note from home alerting them to the fact that the child will leave early. This helps them plan for that child to be prepared to leave at the designated time. Parents who want their child to go home with another student (not riding a bus) or with a different adult must send a note with the child to the teacher or office outlining the details.

LOST & FOUND


Items found at school are placed in the Lost and Found containers by the office. Students and parents are encouraged to look for lost items. Please label items so they can be identified and returned. Any unclaimed items are donated to charity.

LUNCH PROGRAM
Students have the option of bringing their lunch to school or purchasing a hot lunch. Hot lunch accounts must be set up on-line to pay for the lunches. Milk is available and may be purchased at registration. The lunchtime is divided into two parts: 25 minutes to eat and 25 minutes for recess. Lunch/recess times are 12:00-12:25 and 12:25-12:50. The students eat in the gyms and are supervised by teacher aides.

MAILBOXES/DISTRIBUTION OF MATERIALS AT SCHOOL


Staff and student mailboxes are for school use only. Distribution of materials concerning scouts, park programs, sports activities, etc. may not be distributed without permission from the school district or principal. Materials should be given to the office staff for distribution. Information can also be found by accessing the E-Backpack on the District website.

MAP TESTING
STUDENTS IN GRADES 1-5 TAKE THE MEASURE OF ACADEMIC PROGRESS FROM NORTHWEST EDUCATION ASSOCIATION THREE TIMES A YEAR TO MEASURE THEIR GROWTH IN THE AREAS OF READING AND MATH. THIS DATA IS USED TO PROVIDE TEACHERS WITH VALUABLE INFORMATION
FOR PLANNING INSTRUCTION AND TO ALLOW THEM TO CLOSELY MONITOR THE PROGRESS OF THEIR STUDENTS. TESTING RESULTS ARE SHARED WITH PARENTS IN THE FALL AND IN THE SPRING. THE TESTING WINDOWS ARE AS FOLLOWS: SEPTEMBER 14-30, JANUARY 9-27, AND MAY 7-25.

MEDICATIONS AT SCHOOL
The following refers to all medication, both prescription and nonprescription (over the counter): 1. The school districts permission form must be completed by your physician and the parent or guardian for each medication. A copy of this form may be obtained from the school office 2. All medication must be brought to school in its original container, properly labeled with the childs name, the name of the medication and directions for administration. 3. All Medication Permission Forms must be updated at least yearly. 4. Parents should bring the completed Medication Permission Form and the medication to the nurses office. Students should not have medication in their possession during the school day.
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5. If the prescription changes during the school year, please send a note to that effect. If the dosage is changed, a doctors note will be required to attach to the original order. We hope these procedures, directions and explanations will prevent confusion and avoid missed doses of medication. Please call the school nurse, if you have any questions.

MUSIC ORCHESTRA begins in 4th grade. Students receive instruction in string

instruments. An Orientation/Recruitment Assembly is held during the first weeks of school for the students. Information is then sent home with the students. This is an optional program and a $70.00 fee is required.

BAND begins in 5th grade. Students receive instruction in band


instruments. An Orientation/Recruitment Assembly is held during the first weeks of school for the students. Information is then sent home with the students. This is an optional program and a $70.00 fee is required.

CHORUS is available to all interested students in 5th grade. They meet


twice per week during their lunch hour. Students perform in a Winter and Spring evening concert. This is an optional program and a $15.00 fee is required.

OPEN HOUSE/MEET THE TEACHER


Families of students in all grades will have an opportunity to Meet the Teacher prior to the first day of student attendance. Students should bring their school supplies with them.

OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Students in 5th Grade participate in a 3-day, 2-night outdoor education experience at Wonderland Camp in Wisconsin. The trip is supervised by staff and parent volunteers. Students participate in a variety of learning experiences including such activities as fishing, archery, and boating. There is a charge to the students but the majority of the trip is funded by PTC.

OUTDOOR RECESS GUIDELINES


Weather permitting, students have outside recess at lunch time. Decisions to have outside recess during cold weather depend upon the temperature and the wind chill factor. Students will have outdoor recess as long as the feels like temperature is greater than 10o as measured on www.weather.com . Please be sure that your child(ren) is dressed appropriately for the weather conditions. Coat, snow pants, boots, hat or hood, gloves or mittens are a must for playing in the snow.

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled for November following the end of the 1st quarter. Afternoon and evening times are available. All parents/guardians are encouraged to participate in this communication opportunity. Sign-up for these conferences occurs at Curriculum Night.
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Parent/Teacher Conferences are scheduled for February. Afternoon times are available and conferences are scheduled on an as needed basis. Please know that conferences can be arranged at other times throughout the school year if the need exists.

PARENT TEACHER CLUB (PTC)/PARENT INVOLVEMENT


When parents are enthusiastically involved in school programs, all children benefit. Westfield welcomes parent involvement and encourages each parent to find a means of becoming a part of the school community. The Westfield Parent Teacher Club (PTC) is an organization comprised of teachers and parents who work together to support our children. This support takes form in providing assemblies, class parties, special lunch programs and by purchasing equipment and material that would not be part of the schools budget. The PTC meets monthly. All parents are invited to join the PTC and participate in its meetings. At school registration, the PTC enlists volunteers and frequently asks for help on special projects throughout the year. A Welcome Back Coffee is scheduled during the first week of school. Volunteers may sign-up for committees at that time.

PTC NEWSLETTER HOTLINE


The HOTLINE is published by the PTC and is distributed on a monthly basis electronically, unless a paper copy is requested. The HOTLINE includes a Principals message as well as information regarding school events, PTC news and other items of interest. The HOTLINE can be found on the District website www.csd89.org . Parents have the option (and are encouraged) to receive the electronic version of the HOTLINE.

PARTIES/TREATS
The PTC sponsors three classroom parties: Halloween, Winter Holiday and Valentines Day. We ask that party treats represents a variety of food choices including those that have been identified as meeting the Wellness Policy Guidelines. This can be found on the District website www.ccsd89.org. Head room parents have specific information on appropriate food choices. Occasionally, individual classrooms may hold celebrations for a variety of reasons. These are coordinated and held in cooperation with the classroom teacher.

PETS AT SCHOOL
Pets are not allowed at school unless permission is given by the Classroom Teacher and Principal. This includes during arrival/dismissal or on the playground during school hours.

PHYSICAL AND DENTAL EXAMINATIONS


State law requires that every child who is admitted to public school show evidence of compliance with state laws regarding immunizations. More specific information on this topic can be found in the District Parent- 10 -

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Student Handbook & Calendar. A physical exam form is required upon entering school (Kindergarten) and for 6th grade. Students not in compliance by the October deadline set in the deficiency letter will not be allowed to continue in attendance at school. Dental exams are required for students entering in Kindergarten, 2nd and 6th grades. The appropriate state approved dental examination from is available in the office. Vision exams are required for students entering in Kindergarten. The appropriate state approved vision examination from is available in the office. Transfer students are allowed 45 days to comply with this requirement. Other students shall submit this information at time of registration. Parents will be notified by the nurse of any compliance issues concerning mandatory immunizations and exams.

PLAYGROUND
The playground is unsupervised before and after school. If you have young children who are not school age, please do not let them play on the equipment when school is in session.

POSITIVE BEHAVIOR INTERVENTIONS & SUPPORTS (PBIS)


Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS) is a proactive systems approach for creating and maintaining safe and effective learning environments in schools. PBIS emphasizes an instructional approach to discipline. Behavioral expectations are taught directly, practiced and acknowledged (just like academics). Westfield has developed behavioral lessons to guide classroom instruction and practice of behavioral expectations. School-wide systems have been developed to encourage, motivate and acknowledge expected behaviors. A complete list of the Schoolwide Expectations can be found in the PBIS Parent Student Handbook.

REPORT CARDS
Report cards are distributed four times during the school year following the completion of each marking period. The dates for the 2010-11 school year are: November 8, 2011 February 2, 2012 April 10, 2012 June 1, 2012 (or last day of school if emergency days are needed). Parents are encouraged to review your childs progress and contact the teacher if you have any questions.

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT TEAM


All District 89 schools have a School Improvement Team that is composed of parents and staff members whose central purpose is to guide the continuous improvement efforts as detailed by a yearly school improvement plan. Additionally, the School Improvement Team acts a communications vehicle and decision making body. Members serve a two-year term.
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SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS


The school office is open on days when school is in session from 8:15 a.m until 4:15 p.m. An answering machine is available to record student absences and at other times when office staff is not present.

SCHOOL PICTURES
All children are photographed for inclusion in the yearbook. Yearbook and picture packages are optional purchases. If you prefer for your child to be opted out of school photos, please check with the office that appropriate paperwork has been completed.

SCHOOL SAFETY & SECURITY


All school doors, including front entry and interior doors, are locked during the school day to monitor and to control entry to the building. To enter the building, use the bell at the main door. Visitors enter through the office. Visitors are asked to sign in upon arrival and out when leaving. Name badges are required throughout the visit. Parents who bring books, lunches, etc. to school are asked to bring them to the school office. They will be delivered to the student by the office staff.

SCHOOL SCHEDULE
Students should arrive at school no earlier than 9:00. Door supervisors, safety patrols and crossing guards begin their duties at 8:55. 9:00 Buses are scheduled to arrive and students report to their assigned locations 9:05 Students enter the building 9:15 Classes begin 11:45 AM Kindergarten dismissed 12:00-12:50 Lunch/Recess 12:50 PM Kindergarten students arrive 1:00 PM Kindergarten begins 3:30 Dismissal

SCHOOL SCHEDULE (HALF DAY)


9:00 Buses are scheduled to arrive and students report to their assigned locations 9:05 Students enter the building 9:15 Classes begin 12:15 All students (K-5) dismissed

SNOW DAYS
Snow days occur only under severe and unsafe conditions. Information is available on the district website www.ccsd89.org as soon as the decision is made. An automated telephone call is sent to each students home in the event of a school closing. Information may also be obtained through Chicago television and radio stations.

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SPIRIT WEAR
Students are encouraged to show their Westfield pride by wearing school colors (red & white) or spirit wear on every Friday. Westfield T-shirts, sweatshirts, etc. are available for purchase through the PTC.

STUDENT RECORDS
Maintenance of student records is governed by both state and federal regulations. Policy is available in the District Parent-Student Handbook & Calendar, which is distributed on a yearly basis.

STUDENT SUPPLIES & SCHOOL STORE


Each teacher will furnish his/her students with a list of supplies that students are asked to furnish. Lists are included in the registration materials. The school store is open weekly during the students lunch hour, on a day determined by PTC. The school store sells a variety of items from pencils to folders to other novelty items. All proceeds go to the Westfield PTC general fund.

STUDENT SUPPORT TEAM


The Student Support Team is available to assist students with social, emotional or academic problems that may interfere with their learning. The team meets on a weekly basis and offers an array of services such as social work, health, diagnostic, psychological and special education services. For more information, please contact the building principal.

TECHNOLOGY USE POLICY


Each students education is enhanced through use of available technology at school. The use of computers and other types of technology requires a responsible user. To promote responsible use of this technology, the school district has developed an Authorization for Technology Access Form that informs students and parents of what it means to be a responsible user. This form is signed upon initial registration and again at the start of third grade and sixth grade.

UNAUTHORIZED ARTICLES AT SCHOOL


Objects that create a safety hazard or which interfere with the learning environment, should not be brought to school. Students should not bring toys, electronic games, radios, CD players, I-Pods, etc. to school. For safety concerns, no play guns, knives, or other toys of a violent nature have a place at school. Such items may be confiscated. The school will assume no responsibility for the loss of these unauthorized items at school or on the school bus. Additionally, students should not bring large sums of money to school. Money sent for school store or any other classroom reason should be sent in an envelope noting the childs name and identifying its purpose.

VACATIONS DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR


Parents are discouraged from taking their children out of school for vacations or trips during the school year. However, if family vacations or trips are unavoidable, the school should be notified several days in advance, if possible. Having students present during the weeks when the Illinois
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Standards Achievement Tests (ISAT) are administered in grades 3-5 would be greatly appreciated. ISAT is scheduled for March 5 16, 2012. Students who are absent because of extended vacations will not receive homework assignments ahead of time nor remedial help upon return. Students who are absent eleven (11) consecutive days or more due to vacation, will be dropped from the enrollment.

VIDEOTAPING AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHING OF STUDENTS


During the course of the school year, your child may be involved in an activity that will be captured on video or photographed. Sometimes this image will be shared only within the classroom but at other times news media or outside organizations may film a demonstration or activity to share with others outside our school community. There is a section on the Registration Form to indicate if you do not want your child(ren) to be videotaped or photographed.

VISION/HEARING SCREENING
The Illinois Department of Health requires Vision and Hearing screenings on an annual basis. Hearing screening is performed on students in Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd Grades. Vision screening is performed on students in Kindergarten, 2nd, 4th Grades. Vision and Hearing screenings are performed on all new students, all special education and all foster students. Parents may request a Vision and/or Hearing screening in a non-mandated year.

VISITORS
Parents are welcome and encouraged to visit and volunteer at Westfield. To enter the building, use the intercom system at the main door. Visitors should report directly to the office. Visitors are asked to sign in upon arrival and out when leaving. Name badges are required throughout the visit. In order to maintain school safety and a productive learning environment, we ask that visitors follow the expectations posted in the office. We ask that the staff not be disturbed while they are supervising students.

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