Kachina Country Day School
Student- Parent Handbook
School Attendance is ultimately the responsibility of the students and his/her family. Students should be absent from school only when absolutely necessary. Much of the classroom activity cannot be made up; the benefit of lectures, discussion and participation is lost forever to those who are absent. It must be emphasized that regular attendance is the key to much of the success a student may gain from his/her educational program. Excessive absences may require a doctor's note for readmission to class. Students out for three consecutive days must bring a doctor's release to be readmitted to class.
Arizona State Law highlights that it is unlawful for any child between the ages of six and sixteen to fail to attend school during the hours school is in session, unless there is a valid excuse. The child will be considered truant when there is not a valid reason for absence. Vacations and out of town visitors are not valid reasons for absenteeism. Determination of what constitutes "good or valid reasons" shall be at the discretion of the administration. If a parent fails to ensure that the child attends school, the law states that they are guilty of Class III Misdemeanor. When a parent does not provide a valid excuse for the child's absence, a law enforcement officer may cite the student, parent, or custodian directly into court for violating the state truancy law. (Re: ARS s15-802, 15-803, and 15-804).
ATTENDANCE- ABSENCES- LATE ARRIVALS
It is the obligation of the parent to telephone the school prior to or on the actual day of each absence, Advising the teacher of absences does not complete this obligation. You must speak directly with the office personnel. All absences, including excused and unexcused, must be telephoned into the school office daily by 9:00 AM. If a call is not received by this time, a call will be made home by the office staff. If no contact is made to the school within 24 hours, the absence will be considered unexcused. At the time of the call in, all parents are expected to verify the reasons for and the dates of absence.
When a parent wishes to have a student excused before the close of the day, the main office must be informed prior to the student's departure. Early departures are granted for medical and dental appointments only.
The curriculum, presented to your child at Kachina is challenging, extensive, and time intensive. This year's procedures related to tardy/absent behaviors have been revised and will be duly enforced. The following outlines such procedures:
a. The responsible party, your student's driver, will need to come into the school office and fill in a form which will require information regarding why tardiness occurred. If responsible party does not park and walk in to SIGN IN, then a call will be made to you to come to the school and sigh your child in before he/she may be admitted in to class. NO EXCEPTIONS.
b. Your student will not be admitted to class until you sign your student in on a tardy form. This form will then be included in your student's records. Ten tardy days = one absence. Grade retention may result from being absent on 10 semester days and/or 20 days for the school year.
c. The proper authorities will be alerted if a number of tardys or absences exceed ten percent (18) of the number of required days prescribed in section 15-802, subsection B, paragraph 1 (175). This is in compliance with the Arizona Revised Statues.
According to the U.S.F.R., upon (10) consecutive days of absence, the student can be dropped from the attendance register. After twenty (20) days of absence during the school year, the student will be retained in their current grade. Excused absences for illness require a doctor's excuse for returning students with three days of absence.
STUDENT DROP OFF/SIGN-IN/SIGN-OUT
AM care students should be signed in on the AM care list in the AM care room by a parent or responsible party. Students not enrolled in AM care that are dropped off prior to 15 minutes before school starts will need to sign-in at the AM care room. Students may not go to their classroom prior to 8:15am unless it has been pre-approved by their teacher. Students remaining after the school day will be signed in to aftercare at 3:40 PM and must be signed out by a parent or responsible party.
No students will be allowed to leave campus early unless they are accompanied by an authorized person. Each student must be signed out in the main office.
If you wish your child to picked up by anyone other than an authorized person (names listed on the Emergency Card), you must provide written permission to the school prior to pick-up. For the safety of all children, we will not release a child to anyone not authorized.
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL & MORNING DROP-OFF REMINDERS
A student may register at school any time during the school year. However, a student is not enrolled until they physically attend class for the first time. Therefore, students registered for the beginning of the school year are not officially enrolled until the student's first day of attendance.
In the event of a waiting list for any given grade level, students who are registered and do not attend the first scheduled day of school are not considered enrolled and may forfeit their position in the school.
We welcome parents/families ti join in the morning flag ceremonies at 8:30am. After the flag ceremony, school will begin and parents are expected to leave teh school grounds. This is not an appropriate time to converse with teachers. Please schedule a meeting after school for this. Please inform the teacher and administration should you wish your child not to participate in the morning flag ceremony.
DISCIPLINE
Children succeed in school when the environment is positive and expectations are clearly understood by students and their families. At the beginning of each school year, the students and teacher together develop a set of classroom rules designed to ensure every student's right to an education. The rules are kept to a minimum and are posted in each classroom.
Elementary age children are old enough to understand cause and effect. If a child behaves contrary tot he rules established by the group, a predictable sequence will result.
1. The student will be reminded of the rule. If the reminder is sufficient, the matter will be dropped.
2. If misbehavior continues or occurs a second time, the student will be removed from the group activity to a "time out" within the classroom. after having the opportunity to think about the behavior and the consequences, the student is allowed to rejoin the group when the teacher deems it appropriate.
3. If misbehavior occurs a 3rd time the teacher will write a report to accompany the student to the office to meet the Principal and work on behavior management. Upon acknowledgment of the behavior reported and forming a plan to resolve the misbehavior, the student will be returned to his/her classroom activities.
4. If the student continues to exhibit inappropriate behaviors, he/she will be sent to the Principal's office and be sent home. The parents will be required to have a conference with the Principal/Director before the child may return to class.
5. Spitting, swearing,and physical aggression will not be tolerated. The student will be sent home for the day.
Kachina administration reserves the right to suspend a student for a situation independent of the ones listed. A parent is called and the student goes home for the day.
If a student demonstrates consistent behavior problems, the teacher and teh principal, will talk with the parents and encourage them to participate int he discipline process. We need to share insights and present children with a consistent view of behavior and the consequences which logically accompany it. A behavior report may be used to help the student follow the rules.
EXPULSION
The Board of Directors may expel any student whose conduct endangers persons or property or is seriously disruptive of the educational process or violates a policy of the Board.
1. Grounds for expulsion if occurring on school property, school transportation vehicles, or any school sponsored activity shall include, but not be limited to:
-Willfully striking or assulting a student, volunteer or any other member of the school staff.
-Possession of any kind of weapon, dangerous instrument, or destructive devices, such as but not limited to a pistol, knife, blackjack, etc.
-Possession, distribution, selling, or consumption of dangerous drugs, narcotics or alcoholic beverages.
-Any serious, repeated violations of school policies or rules.
2. Grounds for expulsion, if occurring off school property or outside school activities, shall include but not be limited to:
-Conduct leading to a felony arrest, if that conduct is determined to pose a danger to the student himself/herself, school employees or school property.
-Adjudication as a delinquent or a youthful offender as the result of a felony, if the conduct leading to the adjudication is determined to pose a danger to the student himself/herself, other students, school employees, or school property.
3. A special education student's handicapping conditions shall be considered before making a decision to expel.
4. Any student under 16 who is expelled shall be offered an alternative educational opportunity during the period of expulsion according to the terms of the law.
5. The period of expulsion shall not extend beyond a period of 180 consecutive school days. Such period of expulsion may extend into the next school year.
6. A student may be expelled before the formal hearing provided that an emergency exists, bu tin this case, the hearing shall be held as soon after the expulsion as possible.
7. The notice of formal hearing shall be given to the parents/guardians of the student.
GRADES
Students in Kindergarten will receive learning benchmarks:
O- Outstanding P- Progressive N- Needs Improvement I- Incomplete Qualifying comments will accompany
Students in First through eight grade will receive letter grades with validating comments. Letter grades are based on points and points are converted to percent.
A- 90%-100% B- 80%-89% C- 70%-79% D -60%-69% F- Below 60%
Students with deficiencies or excessive absences will receive an incomplete and may be subject to grade retention.
VISITORS & PARENTS ON CAMPUS
Due to our CLOSED CAMPUS POLICY & safety of students, it is mandatory for all visitors and parents to go directly to the school main office upon arrival (except during the flag program) to show proper identification and sign-in. A visitor's badge will be issued and should be returned upon leaving. All entry/exit doors remain locked throughout the day.
SAFETY TO AND FROM SCHOOL
Drop-off time is from 8:15 am- 8:25 am with flag ceremony starting promptly at 8:30 am. Parents dropping off earlier than 8:15am must sign in their child into the AM care and pay the appropriate fee ($7 hour per student if not enrolled in a monthly plan)
Pick up time is 3:30 Pm Monday through Thursday and 12:30pm on Fridays. Children picked up after 3:40 pm will be responsible to pick their child up from the after care program and pay the appropriate fee ($7 an hour per student if not enrolled in a monthly plan).
To ensure the safety of our children, please obey traffic signs and drive slowly. Car pools are encouraged and welcomed. If you car pool, car seats must be provided for all children up to 6 years AND 60 pounds. Seat belts must be used by all children.
PHOTOGRAPH CONSENT
Kachina, the press and media personnel often wish to photograph our students. We need parental consent to have your child's picture released to the media. If approval is granted, photographs and interviews, or portions thereof, may be used by the School and/or members of the media. Please sign and return one copy of the Parental/Student Agreement and indicate your preference.
UNIFORMS
Kachina Country Day School uniform policy is intended to project a positive image and learning environment for our students. Students are expected to keep themselves well-groomed and neatly dressed, including shoes & socks. Shoes are to be closed toe, tennis or sneakers. Absolutely no heels, sandals, heelies or flip-flops of any kind are allowed. Shoes must tie or fasten with velcro.
GIRLS- Blue/black/tan pants, shorts, skirts, skorts. Blue/white Kachina logo polo shirt. Blue sweater with Kachina logo. Cargo pants are not permitted.
BOYS- Blue/black/ tan pants or shorts. Blue/White Kachina logo polo shirt. Blue sweater with Kachina Logo. Cargo pants are not permitted.
All students are required to wear the Kachina Country Day School uniform, unless there is a designated non-uniform day. Students are to arrive on campus in uniform and remain in uniform all day until they leave campus. Students may not cover, camouflage, or alter their uniform by wearing unapproved outerwear. Students and parents should plan ahead and purchase enough uniforms to have a backup in case of emergency. Students not in uniform will be provided uniform clothing from the school uniform supplies before admission to classes. Borrowed used uniforms are to be laundered and returned to school.
School uniform may be purchased from the main office during regular office hours.
FIELD TRIPS
Throughout the school year, students will go approximately sic field trips. The estimated expense of these field trips will be $100 for the year. You are welcome to pay in advance for these field trips by visiting the main office where the money will be attributed to your field trip account. Any remaining money will be refunded to you at the end of the school year.
CELL PHONES, IPODS, GAMING SYSTEMS
We encourage you not to send your students with cell phones, ipods, or game systems such as Nintendo DS, or PSPs. They cause problems for the students, teachers, and administrators which takes away valuable time from the learning process. Kachina is not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items. Please only allow your child(ren) to bring a cell phone to school in an emergency. You may contact the main office should you need to get a message to your child(ren).
LUNCHES-COLD
Due to safety, there will be no microwaves in the cafeteria for heating up food. Please only send nutritous food which does not require heating. If a student fails to bring a lunch to school, you will be called so that you may bring a lunch for them. Alternatively, the office will provide a sandwich for the student, for which you will be billed $2.
YEARBOOKS
Yearbooks will only be available through pre-ordering them. You will have plentiful opportunities to order them but once the final deadline has passes, you will not be able to pre-order a yearbook. Please take the time to order your yearbook in advance to avoid disappointment.
FUNDRAISING
The PTO have decided to reduce the number of fundraising projects. There will be a silent auction event for our school in February which we will hold at Cactus Park during a family BBQ evening. There will also be two book fairs during the school year. The main focus for fundraising will be through the ECA Tax Credit Program.
CHILDFIND INFORMATION
Childfind information is available in the main office. Please check this out to obtain valuable information on you child(ren)'s development.
PEDICUOSIS (HEAD LICE)
Students with pedicuosis shall be excluded from school until treatment specific for pedicuosis has been initiated. A box top from a head lice treatment kit will need to be shown as proof of treatment.
"NO NIT" POLICY
The School's "No Nit" Policy is an administrative method to assist in the management of this communicable disease. Specifically, children will be excluded from school until all lice and both viable and nonviable lice eggs (nits) have been removed from the hair after treatment with the appropriate medication. The primartypurpose of the "No Nit" Policy is to allow the School to return the responsibility of lice control to the parents, who have the resources to handle it.
To learn more about Pedicuosis, how to handle and treat it, or to learn more about the "No Nit" Policy please visit http://www.azdhs.gov/als/guides/headlice.pf
ECA TAX CREDIT PROGRAM
We are not asking for a donation. This is not a donation! You will either receive this money back, or it will be applied as a full, dollar for dollar credit, when you file your 2008 taxes in 2009. It will not cost you a penny and our school will continue to deliver a quality education to the students!
If you pay state taxes, then you will pay this money anyway. It just gives you the opportunity of directing the money to the school of your choice, Kachina Country Day School. If you do not pay state taxes, then this money will be refunded to you, dollar for dollar, when you file taxes. You have a choice. Give your money to the state lie you normally would do, and have no input as to where the money is spent, or, give your tax money directly to our school, knowing that it is being used to help your children.
Taxpayers who file individually may give up to a maximum of $250, and taxpayers filing a joint return, may give up to a maximum of $400. In addition to this, you may also ask family members and friends, to give their tax money to Kachina in the same way.
Please help our school by taking control of where your tax money is being spent! Please make checks payable to KCDS. Credit cards are also accepted.
The aim is to have 100% participation from each family that attends Kachina. Everyone knows a friend, neighbor, or a family member who is able to contribute to this phenomenal program. PLEASE,PLEASE,PLEASE PARTICIPATE!
ADDITIONAL SERVICES K-8th GRADE
Kachina Country Day School offers before and after school care. You may elect to enroll in any of these programs. If you are interested in enrolling you must complete a Registration for services form. Payment is due at the time of registration and payable on a monthly basis.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION
The following documentation must either be sent to our office or delivered to the school office before a student will be allowed to attend classes.
BIRTH CERTIFICATE
According to the 1999 Educational code Title XV and 2006 Kachina Country Day School Policy, we require a copy of your child's birth certificate before student may begin classes.
VERIFIED & UPDATED IMMUNIZATION RECORDS
Arizona student's enrolled for the 2007-2008 school year must meet new immunization requirements prior to entry in grade Kindergarten through 8th grade. These included a second dose of measles. mumps, rubella (MMR), Varicella (chickenpox) and begin a 3-dose series of hepatitis B vaccine. The hepatitis B vaccine series will take a minimum of 4 months to complete.
HEALTH
To preserve the health of all children, we ask that you not send a sick child to school. Small children in particular are prone to infection because their immune systems are not fully developed. One sick child in the classroom places all the other children and the teachers at risk. In addition, the sick child typically has a miserable day. You may be called to pick up your child if the office staff deems him or her too sick to be at school.
A child who has a fever should not be sent to school under any circumstances. A child who is listless or shows active signs of illness also should be kept at home. A good rule of thumb is to keep your child at home if you observe any of the following symptoms: (1) Persistent stomach ache, any diarrhea or vomiting; (2) deep or hacking cough even if fever is not present; (3) continuous runny nose; (4) yellowish or greenish mucus; (5) a rash that has not been diagnosed.
A child may return to school when (1) fever is gone and temperature has been normal for at least 24 hours; (2) energy level has returned to normal for at least 24 hours; (3) active signs of illness are no loner present. Children do not have to remain home until all secondary symptoms disappear. Some nasal and bronchial congestion may linger for several weeks following a cold or flu, but the child generally is no longer contagious. Consult your physician if you are unsure as to whether or not your child should return to school.
Medications may be administered at school under the following conditions. The Parent must supply the medication in its original container and complete a medical instruction form which allows school personnel to administer the medication. This form may be effective for a maximum of one semester. the medication must be stored in the school office and administered by a First Aid Certified staff member. Medication can be kept at school for a maximum of one week.
Please tell us if your child has been exposed to a contagious disease so that the teacher can be alerted for early symptoms. If your child becomes ill while at school, we will notify you. It is essential that you provide us with current home, office, and emergency telephone numbers for this purpose. We may recommend that you take your child home or that you seek medical care.
Annual notice to all parents of students currently enrolled and in attendance as well as of eligible students shall be disseminated in order to inform them of their rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). The annual notice for Kachina Country Day School shall include a statement that the parent or eligible student has a right to:
1. Inspect and review their student's educational records
2. Request amendments of the student's education records to ensure that they are not inaccurate, misleading or otherwise in violation of the student's privacy or other right.
3. Consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's educational records, except to the extent that the Act and regulations in this part authorizes disclosure without consent.
4. File with the United States Department of education under Reg.34 CFR 99.64 concerning alleged failures by the agency or institution to comply with the requirements under this part
5. Obtain a copy of the confidentiality policy and list of places where copies of policy are located.
Furthermore Kachina Country Day School shall ensure that it is effectively providing annual notice to parents of students as having a primary home language other than English.