Family Handbook  
2019-2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5545 Kennison Avenue 
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND 21215 
 
New Location Coming Soon: 3501 Hillsdale Rd. Baltimore, Md. 21207  
 
 
OFFICE (410) 396-0940 FAX (410) 396-0854 
 
 
PRINCIPAL    SAMUEL RATHER II 
 
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL  LEIGH GOLDEN-WILLIAMS 
 
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL    BRYAN THOMAS 
 
PRINCIPAL RESIDENT CHARLETTE VASS, KAREN STARLIPIER    
 TABLE OF CONTENTS 
School Information...........................................................................................................................3-4 

Who Was Calvin M. 

Rodwell………………………………………………...……………...5 

Daily and Modified 

Schedules..........................................................................................................6-7 
  
Dismissal Procedures............................................................................................................................8 
  
Cafeteria Service ...................................................................................................................................8 
  
Grading Policy ……………………………………………...…..………………………….9 
  
Coach Class ………...........................................................................................................................10 
  
Reassessment Policy 
...........................................................................................................................10 
  
Campus Portal.................................................................................................................................... 11 
  
CREMS Student Essentials ..............................................................................................................13 
  
CREMS and the Code of Conduct.............................................................................................13-16 
  
Cell Phone Policy ...................................................................................................................15 
  
Uniforms …............................................................................................................................16 
 
Emergency Procedures ……………………………………………………..………….…18 
 
School/Class Visitation …………………………………………………….……………..19 
 
Communication ……………………………………………………………..……………19 
 
Parent Organization Group …………………………………………………….…….…...19 
 
Parent/Student Acknowledgement Statement ………..…………………………....……....20  

​PREFACE 

 
This  handbook  is  designed  to  serve  as  a  compilation  of  those  routines,  procedures 
and policies that are vital to the smooth operation of the school. 
 
To  provide  an  orderly  atmosphere  conducive  to  teaching  and  learning  at  Calvin  M. 
Rodwell  Elementary/Middle  School,  the  cooperation  of  every  staff  member  is 
needed  and  everyone  must  work  together  for  the  good  of  the  students and all school 
programs  and  activities.  A  high  level  of  accountability  is  achieved  when  all  school 
based  staff  and  support  service  providers  put  forth  a  concerted  effort  to  have  a 
well-organized  school.  No  one  person can do it alone.  The operation of a building is 
a team endeavor that utilizes the abilities of many. 
 
It  is  important  that  every  staff  member  takes  time  to  read  this  handbook. 
Information that is important to the operation of the school is included.   
 
This  handbook  will  only  be  updated  from  year  to  year  and  may  contain  an 
addendum.  
   
 Mission: ​CREMS Family will build a school community where 
students are equally loved, protected and educated so they can realize the 
beauty and power they have within to become lifelong learners and 
leaders. 
 
Vision:​ ​All stakeholders will aid students in becoming lifelong learners 
and leaders by: 
 
-Supporting students in embracing challenges as apart of the learning 
process  
-Bringing the world into the classroom through creative and authentic 
learning experiences  
-Encouraging student voice and choice by fostering confidence 
-Developing the whole child socially, emotionally and academically  
-Providing leadership opportunities for students, teachers, parents and 
community members 
 
 
CORE VALUES- HARD WORK, RESPECT, COURAGE  
 
CREMS Spirit and Pride:   
 
SCHOOL COLORS – BURGUNDY AND WHITE/BEIGE 
SCHOOL MASCOT – THE MUSTANG 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 History of Calvin Rodwell Elementary Middle School  
 
 

 
 
Officer Calvin M. Rodwell​ served with the Baltimore City Police 
Department for 13 years. He was a scout master and served with the 
Big Brothers of Baltimore to help local youth. Ofc. Rodwell was 
participating in a program with the Baltimore City Police Department 
created to allow off duty officers to work as cab drivers in an attempt to 
prevent robberies of cab drivers. While driving in his cab, Police Officer 
Rodwell was unfortunately shot and killed by an armed suspect near 
the intersection of Aisquith Street and Fayette Street. 
 

Off. Rodwell is survived by a wife and 3 children. Our school now bears 
his name in memory. 

 
 
 
   
 Daily Life at Calvin Rodwell Elementary/Middle School  
 
DAILY SCHEDULE 
 
Breakfast  7:10-7:25 AM 

Morning Announcements   7:40 AM 

Dismissal   Pre-K & K:​ 2:00 PM 

1st - 5th:​ 2:05 PM 
6th - 8th:​ 2:10 PM 

Teacher Dismissal   2:20 PM 

ADJUSTED SCHEDULES 
 
2 – Hour Early Dismissal Lunch Schedule 

K & 1​st​:  9:30 AM – 10:00 AM 

2​nd​ & 3​rd​:  10:05 AM – 10:35 AM 

4​th​ & 5​th​:  10:40 AM – 11:10 AM 

6​th​ & 7​th​:  11:15 AM – 11:45 AM 

7​th​ & 8​th​:  11:50 AM – 12:10 PM 

*We will continue to follow our same tiered release 

schedule, dialed back to still have everyone (​including all 
6​th​ – 8​th​) being dismissed at 12:10 PM.* 

 
 3 – Hour Early Dismissal Lunch Schedule 

K & 1​st​:  8:20 AM – 8:50 AM 

2​nd​ & 3​rd​:  8:55 AM – 9:25 AM 

4​th​ & 5​th​:  9:30 AM – 10:00 AM 

6​th​ & 7​th​:  10:05 AM – 10:35 AM 

7​th​ & 8​th​:  10:40 AM – 11:10 AM 

*We will continue to follow our same tiered release 

schedule, dialed back to still have everyone (​including all 
6​th​ – 8th​ )​ being dismissed at 11:10 PM.* 

2 – HOUR DELAY LUNCH SCHEDULE 

On  a  2  –  Hour  Delay,  there  will  be  no  breakfast  and  the  lunch  schedule  will  follow  the  regular 
schedule. Dismissal is not disrupted.  
 
  
   
STUDENT DISMISSAL 
 
Students are to line up and the teachers and teacher assistants are to accompany them to the proper 
exit door and see them out of the door. ​Students are not to be dismissed from the room 
unattended​. 
 
Each class will use the following designated location for dismissal 
● Grades 1 & 2:​ Poremski/Platt, Dieringer, Patton, Knox, Speer, Kolarek ​Front Door  
● Pre K & K: ​ Inyangson, Taylor, Kessler, Waddell, Willamson, McCarty ​Pre-K Side 
Door (Families MUST sign students out)  
● Grades 3-5:​ Exit will be dismissed from the intermediate building from the Elderon 
Avenue side.  
● Grades 6-8:​ Exit the portables and dismiss on to the black top 
 
 
EARLY DISMISSAL 
 
There will be no early dismissals after 1:45pm​. If you need an early dismissal, please call before 
1:45 or send a note to school with your child to be left in the main office that morning. 
 
Pre-K and kindergarten students will be dismissed at 2:00 pm and students in grades 1-8 will be 
dismissed at 2:10 pm. 
 
Buses drop-off and pick up on Elderon. 
 
**All parents MUST enter through the main doors on Kennison and go to the office to sign out 
children if it is before 2:10 pm! 
 
CAFETERIA SERVICE  
 
● BREAKFAST PROGRAM​ 7:10-​7:25 am 
● LUNCH PROGRAM 
o 2, 3, & 4:  10:05-10:50 
o PreK, K, & 1: 10:55-11:40 
o 5, 6, & 7-01:  11:50-12:30 
o 7th & 8th:  12:35-1:15 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GRADING 
 
Reporting;  Report Distribution 
Progress Report  October 9, 2019 
Report Card  November 14, 2019 
Progress Report   December 19, 2019 
Report Card  January 31, 2020 
Progress Report   Mar. 6, 2020 
Report Card  Apr. 16, 2020 (Parent 
teacher conference) 
Progress Report   May 20, 2020 
Report Card  June 19, 2020 
 
K- 8 GRADING POLICY*  

The following category weights will be used to determine a students quarterly grades. Within all K-8 
classes, you will see the following categories and grade weights in  

Assessments (70%​):​ ​This category includes both formative (ongoing) and summative 
(ending) ways of assessing student learning with the goal of supporting student growth and 
success. No single component assessment should be weighted in a manner that it alone 
could cause a student to fail. 

Classwork (15%):​ This includes work completed in the classroom setting.  

​

Participation (10%):​ This includes, but is not limited to, participation in classroom 
discussion, group work, and activities. 

Homework (5%):​ This includes all work completed outside the classroom.   
​

Teachers are required to enter at least one participation or assessment grade each week for 
each content area.  

Math & Science teachers are required to do a science project quarterly that ties in with the Common Core Math 
Standards.  
Literacy & Social Studies teachers are required to do a social studies project that ties in with the Common Core 
Literacy Standards 
 
*Pre-K Grading Policy:  
 
Grade Entry​-Teachers will use the Skills, Knowledge, and Behavior (SKB) rubric to note 
and rate students progress within each quarter. Based on students ratings, students progress 
will be shared with parents using the ‘Pre-K’ grading system of P - Proficient, I - In Process, 
N - Needs Development, or NTQ - Not Taught this Quarter. Scores/ ratings will be 
updated at the end of each quarter.  
*maintaining regular communication with your child's teacher is critical to monitor your students 
progress and provide home support.  

Progress Reports-​ students will not receive ‘traditional’ progress reports  

 
Final Grade Calculations-​ Final grades will be based on the last term grade not an average 
of all terms.
 
COACH CLASS 

Teachers are required to hold coach class once per week to give students who need it extra 
assistance. Coach class should be a minimum of 45 minutes. Coach class schedules should be 
posted outside of your classrooms and on Class Dojo.  

REASSESSMENT POLICY  
 
We understand that students may demonstrate improved content mastery within the course of a 
grading term. With the teacher’s agreement, a student may take an assessment that covers the same 
content that was covered in a prior assessment, and that grade can replace the previous grade. The 
specific questions will not be the same as the prior exam, and the reassessment must occur in the 
same quarter, prior to the midterm or final examination.  
  
To be eligible for reassessment, students must meet the following criteria:   
  
● Complete the original assessment  
● Complete required assignments  
● Complete reteaching/relearning activities identified by the teacher  
● Formally request a reassessment with some reflection incorporated prior to teachers   
granting a reassessment  
● A new assessment, with a new format testing the same objectives will be provided  
if the above criteria are met.  

   
INFINITE CAMPUS PORTAL 
 
To stay up to date with your schedule, attendance, grades, missing assignments, and other important 
information related to your performance, you will need to check Infinite Campus daily.  
 
If you’re a student: your account is automatically set up. Use your Office 365 username and 
password to log in 

If you’re a parent: you will receive your own activation key/letter at the start of the school year 
which will include a log-in code and directions on how to log-in. 

All parents and guardians should follow the steps below to activate a new Campus Portal account. 

1. Go to www.baltimorecityschools.org/campus. 

2. Click on “Activate my account”. 

3. Click the orange “Help” button. 

4. Click "If you have been assigned a Campus Portal Activation Key, click here". 

5. Insert your personal Activation Key (found on your school letter). Click “Submit.” The 
Activation Key was created just for you and should not be shared.  
◦ You may receive several copies of this letter (especially if you have more than one child 
in  the district). However, you only need to activate your account once. 

6. Create a username. (City Schools recommends that you use an email address.) 

7. Create a password. (Include at least eight alphanumeric characters with at least one capital letter 
and one number.) 

8. Click “Yes” when asked to “Update your security preferences.” This will allow you to recover 
your password in case you forget it later. 

Questions? The videos and fact sheet at www.baltimorecityschools.org/campus will show you how 
easy it is to use Campus Portal. You can also contact your school for more details or to let your 
school know about missing or incorrect information in your account 

 
 CREMS Student Essentials
  

1. Respond respectfully to adults when addressed

2. Make eye contact when speaking to people

3. Respect other students’ comments, ideas, and opinions

4. Always stay respectful, to everyone

5. Always say thank you when given something

6. Greet visitors and make them feel welcome

7. Clean up behind yourself in the cafeteria

8. Say excuse me if you enter someone’s personal space

9. Use appropriate language at all times

10. Apologize if you need to

11. Be helpful to all CREMS students, staff and parents

12. Be forgiving

13. Complete all tasks to the best of your ability

14. Do all homework and study

15. Be kind

16. ALWAYS have S.W.A.G.

 
  
 
 

   
CREMS AND THE BCPSS CODE OF CONDUCT  

In  order  to  strengthen  the  learning  environment,  students  are  expected  to  adhere  to  City  Schools’ 
and Calvin M. Rodwell’s expectations for student behavior. 

City Schools’ Code of Conduct Principles for Student Behavior 

● My words, actions, and attitudes demonstrate respect for myself and others 
at all times. 
 
● I demonstrate pride in myself, in my future, and in my school by arriving on 
time, dressing appropriately, and preparing to focus on my studies. 
 
● I always seek the most peaceful means of resolving conflict and I obtain the 
assistance of teachers, administrators, or school staff when I am unable to 
resolve conflicts on my own. 
 
● I take pride in promoting a safe and clean learning environment at my 
school. 
 
● I seek positive relationships with all members of the school community, and 
I help restore relationships with school community members that are 
affected by my conduct. 

   
BULLYING, HARASSMENT & INTIMIDATION 

Bullying  is  defined  as  a  pattern  of  behavior  when  a  person  repeatedly  uses  power  in  an 
intentional  manner  against  one  or  more  students.  Harassment  includes  actual  or  perceived 
negative  actions  that  offend,  ridicule,  or  demean  another  individual.  Intimidation is defined 
as  subjecting  an  individual  to  intentional action that seriously threatens or induces a sense of 
fear or inferiority. 

At Calvin M. Rodwell, all students have the right to a safe, supportive learning environment.  

Bullying,  harassment,  and  intimidation  will  not  be  tolerated.  Students  and  families  are 
encouraged  to  share  any  concerns  with  the  middle  school  team  before  situations  escalate 
without fear of harmful consequences. 

In  addition,  students,  parents/guardians  of  students,  and  close  adult  relatives  may  report 
bullying,  harassment,  or  intimidation  by  completing  a  Bullying,  Harassment, or Intimidation 
Reporting  Form  and  submitting  it  to  the  principal.  For  more  information  about  bullying, 
harassment, and intimidation, please visit​ ​https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/bullying​. 

CELL PHONE POLICY 

In  accordance  with  City  Schools’  Student  Use  of  Portable  Electronic  Communication 
Devices  policy,  middle  school  students  may  possess  portable  electronic  communication 
devices  while  on  school  grounds  if  they  have  a  parent  or  guardian  signature  on  the 
Student/Parent Contract.However,  these  devices  must  be  turned  off  and  secured  per 
individual school protocol. 

In  addition,  students are forbidden from taking or posting pictures, videos, or recordings, on 

school  grounds  or  at  school-sponsored  activities,  in  accordance  with  this  policy  and  City 
Schools’  Code  of Conduct.  Students found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to 
consequences as outlined in the Code of Conduct. 

In  an  effort  to  curb  concerns  regarding  the  use  of  portable  electronic  communication 
devices,  students  will  turn  in  their  cell  phones  at  the  beginning  of  each class period and will 
receive  them  back  at  the  conclusion  of class.  Students found to be in violation of the policy 
will  face  the  appropriate  consequences  outlined  in  the  Student/Parent  Contract  and/or  the 
Code of Conduct. 

 
UNIFORM POLICY 
Calvin M. Rodwell is a uniform school. All students are required to wear a uniform each day of the 
week. If a student comes to your class out of uniform, please send him/her to the main office. 
After a student’s third occasion of being out of uniform, the student will receive an after-school 
detention.   

The uniform requirements for students are as follows:    

Female ​s  Male 

Pre K- 5th   Pre K-5th  

Light blue button down shirt (long/short  Light blue button down shirt (long/short 
sleeve)   sleeve)  

Khaki skirt/skorts  Khaki pants/shorts  

Khaki pants (NO jeggings)   Blue tie  

Blue cross tie   Navy vest  

Navy vest    

Navy/white socks or tights  

6th-8th  6th-8th  

White button-down shirt (long/short  White oxford button-down shirt 

sleeve)  (long/short sleeve) 

Khaki skirts/skorts  Khaki pants/shorts 

Khaki pants (no jeggings)  Blue tie 

Blue cross or regular tie  Navy vest 

Navy vest 

Navy/white socks or tights 

 
 For  additional  information  about  requirements  for  City  Schools’  student  dress  code,  please 
visit​ ​https://www.baltimorecityschools.org/code-conduct​. 

Please  be  aware  that  students  who  are  out  of  uniform  will  be  cited  for  each 
occurrence.  In the event that the student accumulates three occurrences, they will be 
issued a detention. 

TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY 

At  Calvin  M.  Rodwell,  we  recognize  the  ever-increasing  importance  of  technology  in 
students’  lives  and  the  beneficial  role  it  can  play  with  responsible  use.  Access  to  City 
Schools’  communication  systems  is  provided  to  students  throughout  the  school  year. 
Annually,  students  agree  to  the  Technology  Acceptable  Use  Policy  before  gaining  access  to 
City Schools’ devices. 

Students  are  bound  to  this  policy,  and  expected to act as safe, secure, and responsible digital 

citizens.  There  should  be  no  expectation  of  privacy  in  relation  to  online  activity. 
Furthermore,  it  is  understood  that  violations  of  this  policy  may  result  in  disciplinary  action, 
including the loss of students’ privileges to use City Schools’ communication systems. 

In  addition,  students  are  expected  to take care of any devices in their possession.  If a device 

is  damaged  when  the  student  receives  it,  it  must be reported to a staff member immediately. 
Damage  done  to  devices  while  in  the  students’  possession  can  result  in  students, 
parents  and/or  guardians  being  responsible  for  repair  or  restitution  some  instances 
may  require  the  application  of  disciplinary  actions  as outlined in the BCPSS Code of 
Conduct. 

 
RESTORATIVE PRACTICES 

This  year at CREMS, the goal is to teach students how to effectively communicate and relate to each 
other,  and how to respectfully and effectively resolve conflicts. To that end, we will have daily circles 
wherein students are explicitly taught how to communicate and express themselves in a safe space.   

·  There  should  be  a  talking  piece  passed  around;  only  the  person  holding  the  talking  piece  has 
permission to speak, but the person with the talking piece may pass it without speaking 

Circle are based on the premise that: 

· We all want to be connected in a positive way 

· We are all valued members of our school family and House 

· We all have a right to our beliefs 

· We can have difficult conversations and be connected and respectful even if we disagree 

· We can find common ground 

 
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:  
Fire Drill:​When the fire alarm sounds, the following are required procedures: 
 
1. Stop all work immediately and prepare to evacuate the building. Leave ​ALL belongings, do 
not stop to grab anything! If in the restroom finish immediately and exit the building 
to join your class.   
 
2. With your teacher leading, exit the building in an orderly manner- moving SWIFTLY and 
safely with your classmates.  
 
3. Teachers are to explain to students that they will not always be in their classrooms when the 
fire alarm sounds. Students are not to return to classrooms seeking their teacher's class, they 
are to exit and remain with the class nearest them and take their position in their class' 
assigned area after their teacher and class have assembled. 
 
4. Students are not to return to the building in any case until the return signal has been sounded. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SCHOOL AND CLASS VISITATIONS 
 
▪ All visitors to classrooms are to get a pass from the office. No visitors are allowed to travel 
through the building without a visitation pass  
▪ All visitors must enter through the Main building Front entrance.  
▪ Parents may come to the classrooms for observation as long as they have a pass from the 
office; however, teachers can not stop instruction to provide student updates or conference 
with a parent or guardian.   
▪ Parent conferences must be scheduled in advance. Teachers can not stop instruction to 
confer with parents.   

COMMUNICATION 

Maintaining  an  open  line  of  communication  between  home  and  school  is  crucial  for  student 
achievement.  Families  should  join  Class  Dojo  to  keep  abreast  of  all  class  communications.  If  you 
were  previously  on  Class  Dojo,  your  information  should  roll  over  into  the  new school year.  If not, 
please  be  sure  to  provide  an  up-to-date  email  address  or  phone number so that an invitation can be 
sent.  In  addition,  you  may  contact  the  teachers  directly  using  their  Baltimore  City  Schools’  email 
address.  

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION & PHONE NUMBER CHANGE 

It  is  imperative  that  the  school  maintains  current  phone  numbers  and  contact  information  for  all 
students.  This  is  incredibly  vital  when  school  staff  needs  to  reach  a  student’s  family  or  listed 
emergency contact.  

Please  also  ensure  that  all  students  emergency  contacts/pick-ups  are  up  to  date  as  well,  specifically 
when a student needs to be released for an early dismissal.  

 
 
CREMS PARENT ORGANIZATION GROUP(POG) 
 
The POG is a family of community stakeholders with a vested interest in the overall success of 
Calvin Rodwell Elementary Middle School. The group will work together to establish a healthy 
relationship with school staff and will help out with all projects, fundraising, and other school based 
projects. The purpose of the CREMS POG is to develop and sustain a working partnership with 
Calvin Rodwell Elementary Middle School that:  
(1) Aligns with the school’s vision and initiatives 
(2) Fosters academic and social growth of the school community  
(3) Serves as the liaison between the school staff and the community-at-large  
(4) Leverages resources and external partnerships that promote the uplifting of the CREMS  
community 
 
 Parent/Student Acknowledgement Statement  
 
Please sign and date below to acknowledge that you have received, reviewed, and accept 
responsibility for the information contained in the 2019-2020 Calvin Rodwell Elementary/ Middle 
School #256 Student Handbook. 

___________________________________________ _________________

Student Name (Print) Grade/Section 

____________________________________________ _________________

Student Signature  Date 

____________________________________________ _________________

Parent/Guardian Name (Print)  Phone Number 

____________________________________________ _________________

Parent/Guardian Signature  Date