Dear Williams Families,
Welcome to Edwin F. Williams Intermediate, the proud home of the Superstars.
It is my hope that this handbook will provide you with an easy reference to our school policies and procedures.
In addition to the policies and procedures found in this handbook, I would like to share some of the philosophy concerning your children and education. Basically, we feel very strongly that communication between the parent and the teachers is the key to a successful educational experience for the child. We encourage you to call any time we can be of assistance to you and your child. You can count on all personnel of Edwin F. Williams Intermediate to be respectful, honest and fair with your child. We care a great deal about our students, and we want their school experiences to be positive, challenging, and rewarding.
We make a commitment to you, the parents, to provide prompt information about our many school activities. We hope to continue to improve communication with each parent. At the first of each month, you should receive an activities calendar for that month. Special events will be announced by special notes sent by the principal. We also encourage each of you to make a habit reading the Perryton Herald and listening to KEYE for additional information concerning our school.
Please understand the importance we place on your input and support. Good things happen for children when school and the home work together. Please join us in this effort.
Mission Statement
P.R.I.D.E.
The goal of Edwin F. Williams Intermediate School is to provide a quality education in a safe, caring environment where high expectations for success in learning exist. The diversity of the students, teachers and community is recognized and respected.
We strive to provide a meaningful, educational experience that will ensure unlimited choices in each student’s future.
PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT
Each child should have a feeling or security and self-worth. Teachers should establish a learning environment that will promote and ensure physical and emotional well-being for all students.
TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) should be taught at the proper grade level and an integrated curriculum should exist for all grades.
ACCIDENTS AND ILLNESS AT SCHOOL
If, in the judgment of the school principal and/or nurse, the pupil is in immediate danger and the parent or guardian cannot be located to assume responsibility, and there is no official parental authorization, the principal or the school nurse shall have the pupil taken to the emergency room of the Ochiltree General Hospital. The person taking the pupil to the hospital shall remain until the parent or guardian arrives.
ASBESTOS
Perryton I.S.D is working hard to maintain compliance with federal and state regulations concerning asbestos. Should you desire to review to asbestos management plan for your child’s school, a copy of the plan is available in the principal’s office as well as the school administration office.
If you have any questions about the plan or this federally mandated program, please contact Bruce Cowan at 435-5478 ext. 228.
ATTENDENCE
General Information
Regular attendance and punctuality are required or every student, and students are required by law to attend school from age 6 through their 18th birthday. Students who have good attendance usually achieve higher grades, enjoy school more, and are much more employable after leaving high school. The Perryton ISD expects all students to attend school regularly and to be on time for classes in order to benefit from instructional program and to develop habits of punctuality, self-discipline, and responsibility.
State laws in effect since September 1, 1987, require all reason for absences to be stated in a written note from the parent or guardian to the teacher. Excused and unexcused absences will then be determined according to the school policy.
Parents who know in advance that the student is to be absent, should contact the school secretary in advance. We appreciate being kept informed in the manner. We encourage parents to continue to call our office before 8:10 a.m. on the day of each absence.
Remember- When a student must be absent from school, the student-upon returning to school-must bring at note, signed by the parents, that describes that reason for the absence. A note signed by the student, even with parent’s permission, will not be accepted. An absence automatically becomes unexcused if a note is not received within two school days from the time the student returns following an absence. An excused absence is based on personal sickness or death in the family, quarantine, weather or road conditions making travel dangerous, and any other unusual cause acceptable to Perryton ISD.
Compulsory Attendance
Students who are at least six years of age, or have been previously enrolled in first grade, and who have not yet reached their 18th birthday shall attend school for the entire period the program is offered, unless exempted as indicated below. Students enrolled in pre-kindergarten or kindergarten shall attend school. You may inquire in the office concerning exceptions to this law.
(EDUCATION CODE 25.085, Board Policy FDC)
Attendance for Credit
A student shall not be given credit for a class if he or she has been in attendance less than 90 percent of the days the class is offered, unless an attendance committee appointed by the Board guidelines for determining what constitutes extenuating circumstances and shall establish alternative ways for students with unexcused absence to observe religious holy days. (EDUCATION CODE 25.085, Board Policy FDD)
For students in all grades, absences shall be aggregated on the basis of 90 percent of the days the class is offer, whether a semester, a scholastic year, or an alternative time frame, 19 TAC 61.43 (f)
Appeal
If a student is denied credit for a class by an attendance committee, the student may appeal the decision to the Board. (EDUCATION CODE 25.092 (d) Board Policy FDD)
All Students…………………………………………………………………….7:30 a.m. – 7:55 a.m.
Breakfast prices: Visitors (Adult/Child) - $ 1.25 Students- $1.00 Reduced - $.30
Students may either bring their lunches or eat the hot lunch served in the cafeteria. Extra milk or juice may be purchased for 25 cents (limit 2). When students have parents or grandparents visit for lunch, the student may ask only one other student to join them.
Lunches are $1.25 each ($6.25 per week or $12.50 for 2 weeks). Lunch money will be paid in the cafeteria. A cafeteria employee will be set up in the schools cafeteria each morning between 7:35 and 8:05 to take lunch money. All visitors’ lunches are $3.00 each and teachers’ lunches are $2.50.
The district makes buses available to all students living two or more miles from the school. Buses are also made available to students living in areas of the city that require the use of or the crossing of major roadways (Hwy. 15, Main Street and the Loop Road). Information concerning bus routes and behavioral rules for this school year is provided upon registration. Further information may be obtained by calling the PISD Director of Transportation, at 435-5478.
To protect children from contagious illnesses, students infected with certain diseases are not allowed to com to school while contagious. Parents of the student with a communicable or contagious disease should phone the school nurse or principal so that other students who have been exposed to the disease can be alerted. Some of the most common of these diseases are: chicken pox, head lice (pediculosis), impetigo, pinkeye (conjunctivitis), and ringworm of the scalp.
For complete list, contact our school nurse Donna Mann.
District resources have been invested in computer technology to broaden instruction and to prepare students for an increasingly computerized society. Use of these resources is restricted to students working under a teacher’s supervision and to be approved instructional purposes only.
(SECTION 504 REHABILITAION ACT OF 1973)
Each year the Perryton ISD will undertake to identify every qualified disabled student within the school district who is not receiving appropriate education and benefits due to him or her under Section 504 or the 1073 Rehabilitation Act. The following procedures are instituted to implement Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act and benefits compatible to those provided to non-disabled students. These procedures are applicable only to Section 504. Parents and students seeking services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the procedures for implementing the disabled student’s educational program shall be followed under the IDA. At any point in the 504 evaluation process, the 504 committee may refer a child to the Special Education Department if warranted.
The PISD will provide each eligible student with an education need, as determined by the PISD, with a free appropriate public educational need, as determined by the PISD, with free appropriate public education regardless of the nature of the handicap.
A free appropriate public education is defined under 504 guidelines as special instruction, related services and/or reasonable modifications to the academic, non-academic, and extracurricular portions of the educational program appropriate for particular child.
Please see the PISD Discipline Management Plan and Student Code of Conduct Handbook.
The District’s dress code is established to each grooming and hygiene, instill discipline, prevent disruption, avoid safety hazards and teach respect for authority. The full dress code for the PISD is stated in the PISD Cod of Conduct. The code listed in the handbook is specific for elementary. Judgment concerning compliance with grooming requirements and modes of dress not specifically mentioned, will be made by the school administration.
1. Clothing should be designed, constructed and worn in a manner which is not suggestive or indecent and which will promote proper decorum in school.
2. Cleanliness of body, hair, and clothing is to be maintained at all times
3. Mesh, see – through, underwear-type or tank type shirts shall not be worn as outside clothing. No sleeveless shirts are to be worn unless designed as such.
4. The District prohibits clothing with emblems, pictures or writings which are lewd, offensive, vulgar, obscene, which advertise or depict tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, drugs or any other substance prohibited under local policy FNCR (L)
5. Any combination of clothing which, upon guidance from law enforcement agencies, is considered gang related (these may change)- i.e. hair net, headscarves of any color, size or shape may not be carried or displayed on campus or at any school activity. Gang-related personalization is not permitted on hats, on items of clothing, or on one’s person. Dangling belts for chain accessories will not be worn.
6. Unnatural hair color is permitted.
7. Cutoffs are not permitted.
8. Footwear shall be a part of regular attire. No rubber wicker thongs will be allowed.
9. Bicycle shorts should not be visible beneath acceptable apparel.
10. No bandannas will be worn.
11. No hats or caps will be allowed.
12. No gang related clothing will be worn.
1. Strapless dresses or sun dresses, unless covered by a jacket or top, see-through blouses without proper under garments, bare midriffs or low cute dresses will not be worn. Halter tops, spaghetti straps, or shoulder straps less than 2” wide will not be worn.
2. The length of dresses, skirts, pants, dresses and shorts must extend past the fingertips when the arms are placed by the student’s side and the fingertips are extended downward.
3. Excessive make-up is not considered appropriate for school
4. Earrings may only be worn on the ears.
5. Other body piercing will not be permitted (nose, tongue, eyebrow, naval, etc.)
The Principal, in cooperation with the sponsor, coach or other person in charge of an extracurricular activity, may regulate the dress and grooming of students who participate in the activity. Students who violate these standards may be removed or excluded from the activity for a period determined by the principal or sponsor and may be subject to other disciplinary action.
From time to time, students, teachers, and other district employees will participate in drills of emergency procedures. When the alarm is sounded, students should follow the direction of teachers or others in charge quickly, quietly, and in a orderly manner.
Your child will participate in tornado and fire drills for maximum safety. Many times weather such blizzard condition arrives suddenly. Parents are asked to stay informed on suspect days by listening to our local radio station, KEYE 1400 will be informed as soon as a decision to dismiss early has been made. Please stay tuned to the local media coverage when abrupt weather occurs for quick and complete information.
Field trips are taken by the classes, during the school year. Students are required to have signed parental permission in order to participate. This from is usually signed by the parent at registration. As necessary, the teachers will request chaperons to accompany classes for field trips. Because of the responsibility of watching the class, it is required that preschoolers not accompany the chaperon.
Perryton Independent School District strives to provide a free, appropriate, public education for all students. Pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, IDEA, and the Texas State Board of Education Rules, PISD does not discriminate on the basis of handicap. Parents and students seeking services under these programs should contact the District’s designated contact person, 504 Coordinator, Perryton ISD Administration Office (806) 435-5478.
Perryton Independent School District supports a gifted and talented program that stresses the development of leadership ability and general intellect ability. The primary goal of the gifted and talented program is to develop self-directed learners by providing an instructional program that integrates the cognitive, affective and divergent thinking process. Nominations for the program, which are processed twice a year, are accepted from various sources including teachers, parents, students, counselors, administrative, and community members.
All 4th and 5th grade students who attain an average of 89.5 or above each six weeks will be recognized as honor roll students for the six weeks period.
Lockers remain under the jurisdiction of the school even when assigned to an individual student.
The School reserves the right to inspect all lockers. Searches of locker may be conducted at any time there is reasonable cause to do so, whether or not a student is present. No lock may be used unless the combination has been given to the teacher and the office. If key locks are used, and extra key much be given to the office.
1. Medication must be sent in original containers. Please do not send medicines in plastic baggies, unlabeled bottles, etc.
2. Parents need to keep enough medicine at home in case the child forgets to bring the medicine home. It is the child’s or parent’s responsibility to pick up the medicine in the afternoon. (Two small bottles other medication might be a solution. This way the child could leave the medication at school for duration of the treatment period.)
3. Notes will the date(s) the medicine is to be given, the dosage, and the time of day must be sent with the medication. The note must have a parental signature. (Form notes are given during enrollment and are available in the office.) This is a state law, and no medication will be given without a written permission.
PLEASE READ THE SEPARATE NOTE GIVEN DURING ENROLLEMENT STATING OUR MEDICATION POLICY.
When a student is registering in the Perryton ISD for the first time, it will be necessary to have a birth certificate, immunization records, report cards from the previous school, and proof of address. Students will also need to bring their social security card .
Immunizations required are DPT, Polio, Rubella (German Measles), Rubella (Red Measles) and Mumps for ages 5-10 and TB Skin test for grades 1-7. By their 12th birthday students must have Hepatitis B and Varicella (chicken pox) vaccinations. A signed parent note stating the month and year the child had chicken pox may be sent in lieu of the Varicella vaccine.
It is absolutely necessary that we have your correct address and telephone number at all times. We also need to know your current place of employment. If your address or place of employment changes during the year, please send the information to the office.
There will be four (4) parties per class during the school year. These will include Christmas, Valentine’s Day (students & teachers only), Easter, and Movie Day in May. Holidays and other special occasions will be acknowledged through the children’s curriculum such at art, music, and social studies. Birthday parties should be celebrated in the home. Invitations to, and treats for such, SHOULD NOT be given at school.
This school occasionally applies for pesticides. Information concerning these applications maybe obtained from Bruce Cowan (435-5478, ext. 228). A copy of the law can be obtained upon request in the Williams Intermediate Office. (Information provided as requirements mandated by Texas Pest Control Act 135b06. This program went into effect September 1, 1995.)
Physical activity is essential to the child’s complete development. Physical fitness goes hand in hand with mental fitness. Students are required and encouraged to participate in P.E. We need a signed written statement from the parent to excuse a pupil from physical exercise. If it is necessary to have a child excused for more than three successive P.E. periods or permanently, we need a signed statement from your physician. Please remember this includes both 4th and 5th graders.
Parents have the right to inspect all instructional materials. Including teacher’s manuals, films, tapes, or other supplementary material, that will be used in connection with any survey, analysis, or evaluation as part of any program funded in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Education. Please contact your child’s principal if you desire and appointment to review such material.
If your children are under the age of 18, they will not be required to participate in a survey, analysis, or evaluation as part of any program funded in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Education that reveals information concerning the following topics funded in whole or in part by the U.S. Department of Education that reveals information concerning the following topics without our prior written consent.
1. Political affiliations
2. Mental and psychological problems potentially embarrassing to the student or his/her family
3. Sexual behavior and attitudes
4. Illegal, anti-social, self- incriminating, and demeaning behavior
5. Critical appraisals of other individuals with whom students have close family relationships
6. Legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians, and ministers
7. Income (other than that required to determine a child’s eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such a program)
If your children are 18 or older or are emancipated minors, they will have the opportunity to give or withhold consent to participation in the survey, analysis, or evaluation.
Students in Grades 4 and 5 will receive report cards each six weeks. Three week reports are mailed to parents of students whose grades have fallen to near 70 or below.
All returned checks will be handled by the Administrative Office. THERE WILL BE A $ 15.00 CHARGE ON EACH RETURNED CHECK.
Please do not vacate your car while waiting for your child unless it is property parked in a parking space.
Please bring and pick up students in our pick-up areas off S.W. 19th Avenue.
Please DO NOT bring or pick up students at any other point other than the front of our school. (DO NOT use Jefferson Street, teacher parking lot off Jefferson, or the parking area of the administration building, or parking areas behind new cafeteria.) Only extreme emergencies that have been approved by the principal will be exceptions to this policy. Do not double park when leaving or picking up children. Please keep the left lane open for traffic flow at all times. Students should not play or ride bicycles around buses. Students should use crosswalks when crossing all streets bordering Williams-Wright schools.
Students should never accept rides from strangers. Students should respect other people’s property by not walking or playing in private yards on the way to and from school.
REMEMBER- WE CANNOT, FOR SAFETY REASONS, CHANGE YOUR CHILD’S NORMAN DISMISSAL ROUTINE WITHOUT A NOTE OR CALL FROM THE PARENT. CHILDREN AKSING TO WALK WHEN NORMALLY RIDING BUS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO CHANGE UNLESS WE HAVE VERIFICATION FROM THE PARENT/GUARDIAN OR CONTACT IN CHARGE. ACCORDINGLY, STUDENTS WISHING TO RIDE THE BUS WHO NORMALLY WALK NOT KNOWLINGLY BE ALLOWED TO CHANGE WITHOUT PROPER ADULT NOTIFICATION. STUDENTS MAY NOT CALL AFTER SCHOOL TO MAKE PLANS WITH FRIENDS. THIS MUST BE TAKEN CARE OF BEFORE THE STUDENT COMES TO SCHOOL.
Unless otherwise notified, your child will be dismissed promptly at dismissal time. For reasons of safety and supervision, the children should go directly home. All except bus students will be dismissed at the front door. Students meeting brothers and sisters will do so at the front door. Students whose ride is not here by 3:20 p.m. will be sent to bus recess (so they can be supervised while on campus.)
Students arriving at school before 8:00 a.m. should not play on the playground; instead, they should go directly to the gym. Running and playing in the halls is absolutely prohibited. If you bring your child to school, please say good-bye at the front door. The children can go to the assigned area by themselves. Students arriving after 8:00 a.m. should go directly to the office to check in.
If, in the event of an emergency, it may be necessary for your child to leave school early, we ask the parent to come by or call the office. When a child is picked up, a parent will need to come by the office and sign the child out using our check-out sheet. If your child arrives at school during the school day after 8:00 a.m. or returns to the school after signing out (for doctor’s appointment, etc.), he or she must sign into school in the office (on same sheet as sign-out).
We must have your cooperation for your child’s safety and accurate record keeping.
A school nurse is assigned to our school and is available in case of emergency during that time. If your child becomes ill at school, we will notify you to come and get your child. Be absolutely certain we have a working number where we can contact you at any time.
Students participating in activities which are sponsored by the school or sanctioned by the Texas Education Agency and are commensurate with the school’s basic program will be counted in attendance. Students not in attendance at activities, such as field trips, will be considered unexcused unless excused under provisions of the Board Policy Manual.
Selling or trading by the children is strictly forbidden. Such activities often lead to unhappiness after the transaction has transpired. Transactions that become known to the principal may be voided if the principal determines that any student involved was shorted in the transaction. Disciplinary actions may be taken against all involved parties.
STUDENT RECORDS
A student’s school records are confidential and are protected from unauthorized inspection or use. A cumulative record is maintained for each student enters the district until the time the student withdraws or graduates. This record moves with the student from school to school.
By law, both parents, whether married, separated, or divorced have access to the records of a student who is under 18 or dependent for tax purposes. A parent whose rights have been legally terminated will be denied access to the records if the school is given a copy of the court order terminating these rights.
Children are expected to provide for their own expendable supplies such as paper, pencils, crayons, etc. Each teacher will tell pupils the supplies needed. Local merchants (Alco, United, etc.) have the official list for supply needs at Williams Intermediate.
In addition to routine testing and other measures of achievement, students in 4th and 5th grades will take the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) test in the spring semester each year:
· Reading, mathematics, and writing – grade 4
· Reading, mathematics, and science – grade 5
The State of Texas furnishes textbooks to the students. The school is held in strict accountability for these books; therefore, children are held responsible for the books issued to them. Textbooks must be covered at all times. Covers are supplied to the pupils free of charge. Students will be fined for damaged textbooks beyond normal wear. Students may be required to pay the price listed by the State for any textbook lost.
Toys should not be brought to school. Exceptions to this rule occur only if a teacher should request such items in connection with a special unity of study. Various kinds of balls that may be used at recess may be brought to school with the teacher’s permission and given to the teacher. The teacher may then check the balls out for recess as needed.
Tutorial sessions will be offered during the school day and are mandatory for all students failing or near failing in any subject. Tutorials are also mandatory for students who did not pass each part of last spring’s TAKS. Students may also be required to stay if they scored low on last year’s TAKS.
Parents and other interested citizens are invited to visit the school to observe instructional programs and/or other school related activities. Additionally, parents are encouraged to confer with the principal and teachers concerning their children’s progress in school. School age boys and girls from other schools are not permitted to attend the school or visit the classrooms during the school day without specific clearance by the building principal.
Except in emergencies, the principal will not permit visitors to interrupt the work of a teacher, teacher’s aide, or a pupil.
When a student is going to withdraw, please notify the office at least one day in advance, or sooner, if possible. This is necessary so that proper records can be processed. Textbooks, library record, lunch records, and activity records must be cleared before official withdrawal. Parents will receive a withdrawal form to present to the next school the student is to attend. Official records will be sent by mail. Official records cannot be carried to the next school by parents or guardians.