Hallsville R-IV School District

Hallsville Primary Mission Statement

“Maximizing Student Learning and Achievement at Hallsville Primary”

We work hard to do our best
So we can rise above the rest!

Hallsville Primary Vision Statement

At Hallsville Primary, we envision a learning environment that will build a foundation for continued learning by:

• Working collaboratively to provide a nurturing, safe, and productive environment
• Demonstrating high expectations and thoughtful respect for individual differences and learning styles
• Using data to drive decision making based on common and formative assessments
• Ongoing communication between students, parents, faculty, and community
• Focusing on goals that foster academic success and independence

 

Welcome!

Dear Students and Parents,

On behalf of the faculty and staff, I would like to welcome you to Hallsville Primary School.  This handbook is designed to answer many of the questions you will have about the routines and expectations of our school day, and we hope that you find it helpful.  As you can see in our vision and mission statements, we are committed to student learning and achievement.  We are excited about the opportunities the 2011-2012 school year will bring, and we look forward to working with each of you.

Throughout the year, the parents in our community play a vital role in the success of our students.  The support you offer through volunteering in classroom and building projects, participating in the PTO, and reinforcing learning objectives at home makes it possible for our students to do their best.  Watch for newsletters and bulletins that will keep you informed about upcoming events and opportunities at school, and thank you for your partnership!

Sincerely,

 

Karen Jimerson
Primary School Principal

 

Hallsville Primary Faculty and Staff 2011-2012

Administrators                                  Assignment
Jimerson, Karen                                  Principal
Day, Emily                                          Special Programs Director
Classroom Teachers                         
Anderson, Jennifer                              First Grade
Bradshaw, Sarah                                 Kindergarten
Crossgrove, Joni                                  First Grade
Hague, Katy                                        Kindergarten
Heet, Cristina                                      First Grade
Linneman, Allyson                              Kindergarten
Nichols, Rachael                                 First Grade
Pemberton, Leigh                                Kindergarten
Shippee, Whitney                                Kindergarten
Strodtman, Kay                                  First Grade
Parents as Teachers Educators
            Kyd, Beth
            Smith, Karen
Special/Title Teachers                      
Fadler, Penny                                      Special Education
Klasing, Nicki                                     Title I Reading
Muckerman, Cindy                             Speech/Language Specialist
Malone, Amanda                                EC/ECSE Preschool
Turner, Shaunna                                  EC/ECSE Preschool
Departments/Programs                   
Anderson, Brian                                  Physical Education
Harris, Donna                                      Library
Jones, Cindy                                       Media Center Specialist
Kottwitz, Krista                                  Art
Nittler, Amanda                                  Music
Vroman, Torrie                                    At-Risk Program/Counseling
Williams, John                         PE/Health/Adaptive PE/OT/PT
Support Staff                                                
Adkins, Rosalind                                Early Childhood Paraprofessional
Alexander, Sandy                               Early Childhood Paraprofessional
Colley, Cindy                                      Secretary
Drown, Genie                                     Nurse
Fudge Thornton, Lisa                         Special Education Paraprofessional
Jensen, Karey                                      Special Education Paraprofessional
Nowlin, Rachelle                                Special Education Paraprofessional
Payne, D’Ann                                     Special Education Paraprofessional
Rock, Denise                                       Title I Paraprofessional
Schultz, Jessica                                   Early Childhood Paraprofessional
Scott, Pamela                                      Special Education Paraprofessional

Follow this link to the District Calendar List.

Student Drop-offs and Pick-ups/Visitor Parking

Buses will begin arriving at the primary building at 7:45 a.m. and will unload at the northeast entrance.  The gravel drive that goes behind the building will be for bus use only during arrival (7:45 – 8:10 a.m.) and dismissal (3:20 – 3:35 p.m.).  Parents who bring their children to school by car must enter the main parking lot in front of the building. Children who arrive by car should be dropped off at the front door or escorted from the front parking lot to the main school entrance.  Your cooperation in maintaining a safe environment as the children arrive will be appreciated.

Students who walk or ride bicycles to school will need to wait in front of the intermediate building where a bus will pick them up at 7:40 a.m. and transport them to the primary building.  Upon dismissal, they will get on a bus and ride back to the intermediate building, then proceed home. 

Parents picking up their children after school must park in the front parking lot, enter the building through the main entrance, and wait in the hallway near the conference room.  Children will be brought to the conference room at dismissal.  Teachers will escort the children to the dismissal area, and supervising staff members will dismiss children to their parents/guardians or authorized care givers at the conference room door.  Please do not ask to take children from the line as they are entering the conference room.  Students will be instructed to wait until the supervising staff member calls them to the door for dismissal.  Parents may choose to wait in the car line along the curb in front of the building.  Teachers will escort children to the cars in the order they arrive.  Children will be released only to individuals listed on the student information forms or to persons named in a written request signed by the parents.  These procedures have been established to help us ensure the safety of our children.  We know you share our concern and ask for your full cooperation.
 
When visiting the school throughout the day, parents and visitors are to park in the front parking lot and must enter through the front doors.  These doors are the only entrance authorized for visitors.

Attendance

The faculty, staff, and administration of Hallsville Primary School believe that students should be in attendance at school all day, each day, in order to best take advantage of the learning opportunities available to them.  School hours for a full day are 8:10 a.m.-3:20 p.m. for grades K-1, and 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. or 12:20 - 3:20 p.m. for ECSE preschool.  When illness prevents attendance, please phone the school office by 8:15 a.m. (696-5512, ext. 602) to report your child’s absence. 

Please establish a consistent plan for your child’s dismissal routine and refrain from calling the school office during the day to change the arrangements for that day.  When plans change after the school day begins, children are sometimes upset or confused.  Changes also result in extra attention from our office staff to ensure that all personnel involved in dismissal are aware of the change.  Your child’s teacher should be notified in writing when a change in routine is required.  If your child must leave school early, you should send a note including your signature to the teacher so that preparations may be made in advance to minimize disruption to the classroom.  If someone else is to pick up your child, include that person’s name in the note.  Adults who come to take children out of school early must come to the office, and whenever possible a school employee will go to the classroom to escort the student to the office.  This procedure is to honor the school day and to avoid disturbing the learning environment.    

When a student has accumulated ten absences or has been late for school ten times, a letter will be sent to the parents as a reminder of the importance of good school attendance.  The letter also states that continued school absences may result in the student being considered for retention and a child neglect report being filed with Missouri Department of Family Services.  Exceptions to this procedure shall be documented cases of extended illness.

 

School Hours, Recess, and Lunch Schedule

Classes begin at the primary building at 8:10 a.m.    Primary classes are dismissed at
3:20 p.m. 

Students are scheduled for two recess periods each day.  Only under adverse weather conditions do we keep the children indoors, so please make sure your child is dressed appropriately for the current weather conditions.  Students can only be excused from going outdoors to recess if there is an acceptable reason, such as illness or injury.  If a child should stay in, a note must be sent to the teacher each day stating the reason why the child should not go outside that day. 

Morning Recess Schedule
9:15 - 9:35 a.m. or 9:35 – 9:55 a.m.                Kindergarten
9:55 – 10:25 a.m.                                              Preschool                  
10:35 – 10:55 a.m. or 10:55 - 11:15 a.m.         First Grade  

Lunch Schedule
10:55 - 11:40       Kindergarten
11:20 - 12:00       First Grade

Afternoon Recess Schedule
12:15 - 12:35 p.m. or 12:35 - 12:55 p.m.       Kindergarten
12:55 - 1:15 p.m. or 1:15 - 1:35 p.m.             First Grade
2:15- 2:45 p.m.                                              Preschool

 

 

Visitors

After 8:15 a.m., all doors of the primary building are locked and will remain locked until 3:15 p.m.   Visitors must enter through the front door where office staff will “buzz” you in at the second door on the far right.  Visitors must report directly to the office, sign in, and obtain a visitor’s badge.  Volunteers must also sign in and obtain a volunteer badge.  Parents are always welcome to visit our school and their child’s classroom, but it is helpful for you to make arrangements with the classroom teacher in advance.

Extreme Weather Concerns

During extreme weather, it may be necessary to close school or release students early.  Parents will be notified by a new automated system, School Reach, on home and cell phones.  Announcements will also be given on radio stations KFRU, KBIA, KXEO-KWWR, KWIX, KRES, KFMZ, KCLR, television stations KOMU, channel 8 and KRCG, channel 13, and posted on our district website.  Parents should plan in advance where children are to go if school must be closed early and review with your child the procedures he/she is to follow, whether to ride the bus home, to a baby sitter, wait to be picked up, etc. since school phones are usually busy during these times.

Staying Informed

Being a member of the Hallsville Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) provides parents the opportunity to further communications between home and school.  PTO meets the third Monday of each month.  Notices of PTO meetings and events are sent home with students, and we encourage all parents to participate.  There are a number of other ways to stay informed about what is happening at school.  Here are a few:

Website
The Hallsville R-IV School District, located at www.hallsville.org, is developed and maintained by Suzanne Stillwell and various faculty members.  The site is continuously updated and contains a wide variety of information for students, parents, and staff.

Class Newsletters
Teachers will frequently send home class newsletters in the Friday folders that contain important class and building information.  Please take the time to read these and mark your calendars with important dates.

Principal Newsletter
Mrs. Jimerson will send home monthly newsletters through the students’ Friday folders, and the letters will be posted on the primary building website.  Please read these for monthly updates on school and district information.

Email and Telephone Messages 
Please note that teachers do not answer their telephones or respond to email messages while they are with their students.  Routinely, teachers will only check messages at the beginning and end of the day.  If you have information that a teacher needs to receive during the school day, please send a note to school, or in emergency situations, call the school office.   

 

Discipline

Classroom Discipline
Each classroom teacher will have classroom discipline procedures in place for her/his room.  Classroom rules and discipline procedures will be posted in each classroom and in classroom information provided to parents.

School-wide Rules

1. Use good manners
2. Follow directions
3. Keep your hands, feet, and other objects to yourself
4. Be respectful to others
5. Use school equipment and materials properly
6. No gum at school
7. Clean up after yourself
8. Walk quietly in the hallways
9. No toys, bats, balls, cards, Gameboys, etc. are to be brought to school
10. Use appropriate voice level in the building
11. No running in the hallway
12. Use appropriate language for school

Office Referrals
When students have a serious infraction or teachers have exhausted their classroom discipline procedures, students will receive an office referral form and be sent to the principal’s office.  A note or phone call home will let parents know about the incident.  If there is a need for immediate or direct communication, the principal will attempt to personally contact the parents.

 

Student Conduct

Good discipline begins at home.  You will be helping build good behavior habits and proper attitudes towards school by teaching your child respect for authority, by arranging for regular school attendance, by working with the school in carrying out recommendations made, and by showing an active interest in your child’s progress.  Your interest and support at home are important to your child and greatly appreciated by the teachers.

Discipline is guided by the district’s Code of Conduct.  A copy of this policy is given to parents at the beginning of the school year or time of enrollment.  As part of our comprehensive character education program, we teach the expectations for student behavior in all social contexts at school as manners rather than rules.  Here are the manners we expect a Hallsville Primary student to convey:

 

Classroom Manners

• Follow classroom rules and procedures established by the teacher
• Show respect for fellow students and teachers

Cafeteria Manners

• Always walk
• Keep trays at table until dismissed
• Stay seated unless you have permission
• Keep your food to yourself
• Use “inside voices”
• Be responsible for disposing of your own trash
• Push your chair in before leaving

Playground Manners

• Follow the directions of the playground supervisor
• Be respectful of others by keeping your hands and feet to yourself
• Use the equipment appropriately and safely
• Do not kick balls against the building
• Never throw woodchips
• Line up quickly, quietly, and orderly at the end of recess

Hallway Manners

• Walk
• Quiet, respectful voices
• Hands away from the walls
• Stay on the right side of the hallway in a single file line
• Respect school and personal property

Restroom Manners

• Enter and exit quietly
• Use facilities appropriately
• Flush the toilet
• Wash your hands with soap and water
• Promptly join your class

Assembly Manners

• Quiet, sit flat, hands in lap
• Eyes on the speaker
• Watch the show
• Respect is always the way to go
• Sing, cheer, or clap when asked
• And all our assemblies will be a blast!

 

School Meals

A breakfast and lunch program will be offered during the school year.  All students are eligible for the program and the cost will be:

Breakfast (7:45 – 8:05 a.m.)
Regular daily price:         $0.75
Reduced price:                 $0.25

Lunch (10:50 a.m.-12:00 p.m.)
Regular daily price:         $1.50
Reduced price:                 $0.40

Students wishing to purchase meals from the school district should deposit money in their accounts in advance.  No meals will be charged to the student’s account.  If a student’s account is insufficient at mealtime, he/she will be served a peanut butter sandwich.  Money may be deposited into the meal account on a daily, weekly, monthly, or semester basis. 

Note:  Students bringing their own lunches, please remember that we do not allow soda at lunchtime.

 

Student Dress Code

Primary school children are active and their clothing should be casual but appropriate for work and learning.  Children should dress comfortably and neatly, saving party clothes for special occasions.  Please follow these dress guidelines:

1. Hats should be removed in the building (except on special occasions).
2. Clothing should completely cover both stomach and back.
3. Underwear should be completely covered by outer clothing and not visible.
4. Spaghetti straps are not allowed.
5. No clothing with obscene language, alcohol, or drug/gang related advertisements may be worn.
6. For the safety of all students, shoes should be appropriate for playing outdoors each day.  Please do not allow your children to wear flip-flops to school.  Shoes without backs or platform shoes can be a hazard during physical education and on the playground.  Tennis shoes are always a good choice for daily school activities.   

P.E. Dress
Students will need athletic shoes for P.E. class.  Street shoes, cowboy boots, sandals, etc. are not safe for P.E. activities and can result in injuries.  A note is required if a student is to be excused from P.E.

 

Instructional Programs

The instructional program is guided by the district philosophy, mission, state performance standards, and curriculum goals and objectives.  An integrated instructional approach is used whenever possible.  A wide variety of learning activities actively involve students in the learning process. 

Communication Arts
The primary school uses the Four Block Model of Literacy to teach reading.  The kindergarten component of this program is Building Blocks.  The Four Block Model is a combined approach to teaching communication skills in reading, writing, and speaking.  A wide variety of resources are used, including literature sets, basic reading series, big books, computer programs, writing journals, and teacher developed activities.  In addition, math, science, and social studies concepts are integrated within the communications program.

Math
The Everyday Mathematics Program actively involves students in learning and using math concepts to solve “real life” problems.

Science and Social Studies
Science and social studies are integrated within math and communication or taught as individual units where appropriate.

Other Subjects
Students have regularly scheduled learning opportunities in the areas of physical education, music, art, and library/resource skills.

Guidance and Counseling
Students receive regularly scheduled guidance class instruction.  These classroom sessions are based on the Missouri Comprehensive Guidance curriculum.  The counselor also works with students individually and in small groups on an as needed basis.

Special Education Programs
Special education services are to provide to meet the needs of students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment.  Special education programs are provided for students who have the following handicapped conditions:  intellectually disabled, learning disabilities, behavioral disorders/emotionally disturbed, speech/language disorders, visually impaired, hearing impaired, physical/other health impaired, multi-handicapped, traumatic brain injury, and autism.  All children in the district have a right to a free and appropriate public education regardless of handicapping condition.

Title I Reading
Title I reading services are available to students who have been identified as not meeting the state’s Show-Me Standards in reading.  The multiple criteria used to identify children to be served are determined by each participating building
Health Room Services

Guarding the Health of Your Child
If your child has been vomiting or has otherwise been sick the night before, he/she should stay home the next morning.  Most viruses take at least 24 hours to get over.  If your child has had a fever, he/she should not return to school until the temperature has been below 99 degrees for 24 hours without fever-lowering medications. 

Medications
All medications to be administered at school must be in the original bottle/container with the current pharmacy prescription label.  The school nurse must function within the scope of practice for which they are licensed.  Nurses are not allowed to administer medications, including over the counter medications, without a doctor’s order.  Elementary students must give all medications brought to school to the school nurse.  A parent/guardian permission form must accompany all medications to be administered at school.

Health-Emergency Contact Card
It is important that the information on each student’s health-emergency contact card be current.  The cards will be updated at the beginning of each school year and kept on file in the school nurse’s office.  If any of the information changes during the school year, please notify the elementary office or school nurse.

Illness or Injury
Any child who becomes ill while at school will be seen by the school nurse.  Any child injured on school property during school hours will be given emergency first-aide care by the nurse or 911 Emergency Services as needed.  Emergency first-aide treatment may be given by teachers and other trained school personnel if the nurse is not available.  Anyone giving emergency first aide to a student will record such treatment briefly in the book provided in the school nurse’s office.

 

Report Cards

Report cards are sent home at the end of each nine weeks, four times a year.  In addition, midterm reports are sent home each quarter.  At other times, a teacher may send home a progress report, send an e-mail, or telephone a parent.  Parents are encouraged to check with the teacher or arrange for a conference if they have questions or problems concerning their child.

 

Classroom Assignments

The principal is responsible for assigning students to classroom teachers based on heterogeneous academic ability grouping, male/female ratios, social structures, special services, and teacher recommendations.  In order to equally serve the needs of all students, the principal asks that parents refrain from requesting specific teachers for their children.  If personal situations exist that might influence the success of students during the coming year, the principal should be informed in writing before the close of the current school year.

Promotion and Retention

Promotion will be based on the student’s mastery of necessary skills for the grade to which he is assigned and his/her readiness to work at the next grade level, especially with regard to reading ability.  In evaluating student achievement, each teacher will make use of all available information, including teacher-made tests, standardized test results, and teacher observation of student performance. 

When a student is considered for retention, the teacher and principal will meet to review the student’s file.  The principal will notify the parent in writing that it may be necessary to retain the student.  The parent will be invited to confer with the teacher and review the student’s progress.  The principal will make the final decision on promotion or retention. 

 

Factors considered in retention include:
Mental ability                                              Maturity
Emotional health                                         Absenteeism
Reading ability                                            Special problems
Physical size/age                                         Previous retention
Potential for Improvement                          Attitudes

 

School Parties

The classroom teachers will organize classroom parties, asking for parent volunteers to assist with the entertainment and provide refreshments.  Food items donated for the parties should be commercially prepared with the ingredient labels attached.  There will be three school parties for students (participation is voluntary). 

• Halloween – October 31 (2:30-3:10 p.m.)
• Christmas – December 20 (2:30-3:10 p.m.)
• Valentine’s Day – February 14 (2:30-3:10 p.m.)

 

Halloween Costume Guidelines:

1. Costumes are optional.  Students are not required to dress up for Halloween activities.
2. Costumes are to be worn only during the parade and party.  The costumes should be put on over school clothing.
3. Costumes should not take more than 5-10 minutes to put on (preferably in the classroom), and students should be able to dress themselves.
4. Costumes are not to be revealing or to represent violent characters.
5. No blood, fangs, claws, or weapons are permitted.
6. Costumes should not make fun of any other individual or group.
7. Students who wear inappropriate costumes will be required to remove them.

 

If you would like to recognize your child’s birthday at school by bringing a commercially prepared treat for the class, please contact your child’s teacher to schedule a good time for your visit.  With the safety and integrity of each child in mind, we ask that you not send/bring personal party invitations to school to be distributed. 

 

Notice Requirements for Missouri Schools

1. Surveys:  No student, as part of any federally funded program, without parent consent, shall be required to submit to a survey, analysis or evaluation that reveals: political affiliations; potentially embarrassing mental or psychological problems; sex behavior and attitudes; illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating and demeaning behavior; critical appraisals required for participation in the program; religious practices, affiliations or beliefs.  Instructional materials used in connection with any of the above are available for public inspection.

 

2. Searches:  The school district may search lockers and other school property used by students.  Drug dogs may be used to search lockers, backpacks, purses, and cars parked on school property.

3. Teacher Qualifications:  Parents may request information regarding the professional qualifications of their student’s classroom teacher.  This information will include whether the teacher is fully, partially, or provisionally certified by the state of Missouri, whether the person is teaching in his/her area of certification; whether the student is provided services by a paraprofessional and that person’s qualifications; and what degrees, endorsements or certifications are held by the teacher.

 

4. School District Policies:  Copies of the school district policies adopted by the Board of Education are available for public review in the administrative offices and media centers.