Parent Handbook

School Hours:

School hours are 9:00am until 3:30 pm. Children should begin arriving at school at 8:45. As a courtesy to our parents/guardians, we will open the doors at 8:30. The children will be supervised in the auditorium until the bell rings at 8:45. Children must stay with an adult until they are welcomed into the building at 8:30.

Arrival/Tardiness:

The school day begins promptly at 9:00am. It is extremely important to have your children here for the beginning of school. Our academic programs begin at the start of the school bell. If your child is late, it will interrupt the flow of the day and your child may be missing important learning opportunities.

If your child needs to be late for excused reasons, please be advised that your student must go to the office, accompanied by an adult, to receive a late pass. They will be asked for explanation of tardiness and a parent should be available to give the appropriate reason.

Dismissal:

Dismissal is a very hectic time of our day. Your child will be dismissed from the building at 3:30. Please be advised that teachers have a responsibility to assure that all children exit the building in an orderly and safe fashion. Each grade has a designated area for dismissal in the back parking lot. Parents are advised to meet and greet their children in these designated areas. Children will not be released to parents from the class unless advised by the office. If this is necessary, parents are asked to wait in the office and their child will be sent to them.

Absences:

The Board of Education requires that accurate records be kept of the attendance of each student. A student should not be absent without the parent or guardian’s knowledge and consent and without good reason, e.g. illness or family emergency. Verification of the reason for the absence must be submitted in writing by a parent, guardian or doctor (Stamford Board of Education Policy 5113). It is the student’s responsibility to make up any work or assignment missed due to absence. Whenever possible, family vacations should be during school recesses.

Homework Request:

When you would like to request homework for your child due to illness or vacation, we ask that the office have this request no later than 10am that morning. This allows ample time for our teachers to gather materials for your child without interrupting the flow of their day. We also ask that you pick these materials up after 2:00 that day. These materials will be in the office with your child’s name on it.

Reading Contracts:

Reading is essential in your child’s learning. As a school, we strive to encourage children to read with friends, family and independently. We ask that you assist us in developing active readers. Each night we require our students to read a minimum of 20 minutes. Your child can read silently, to an adult or have an adult read to them. Reading contracts will be collected daily/weekly and checked by your child’s teacher.

Special Dismissal:

If your child’s dismissal changes, the teacher and the office need to me notified. This notification should be in writing. Your child will not be allowed to leave with anyone else but the designated person unless we have notification.

If the change in dismissal is unexpected or an emergency, notify the office and they will communicate the new dismissal change to the classroom teacher

Parking:

As you know, arrival and dismissal can be a very busy time of the day. There are many children that need to arrive and leave safely. Therefore, please be aware of the designated areas for picking up your children and dropping them off. The front of the building is designated strictly for buses only. Parent and staff parking is in the rear of the building. Please, for the safety of your child, do not allow your children to enter a vehicle unless they are parked in the rear of the building. Allowing your children to enter cars on Glenbrook road is extremely dangerous and we strongly prohibit this. The rear parking is located at the end of Oscar Street.

*****Parents…. Please be advised that cars are to be parked in spaces when dropping off and picking up children. Please do not park in the center of the aisle, behind parked cars, or in the pick-up lines. We understand dismissal can be hectic but we also want to keep it safe.*****

Home-School Communication

Communication

It is most important for your child’s success that both the school and home work together. There will be scheduled Report Card conferences in December and March. There will also be one evening scheduled to accommodate working parents, In addition, teachers are always available to meet with you throughout the year to discuss any concerns you may have. Please send a note into school, or call the Main Office (977-4583) to contact your child’s classroom teacher.

Open House

Open House will be in September. Please check the school calendar for times and date. It is a wonderful opportunity to visit the classroom, meet the teacher, and learn about the expectations of your child’s current grade.

PFO Bulletin Board

Across from the Main Office is the PFO bulletin board. If you are unable to attend the monthly meeting, you can find minutes posted here. You can also find information about a variety of school events and activities here too.

Newsletters

Each month grade-level newsletters are sent home. These newsletters contain important information about curriculum, the calendar, and school activities. Please be sure to check your child’s book bag for this, and other flyers/notices that are sent home.

Stamford Elementary School Assessments

Test Description Grade(s) When

CMT Connecticut Mastery Test 3, 4, 5 March

DRA Developmental Reading Assessment K, 1, 2, 3 Sept.Jan.April

WRAP Writing & Reading Assessment Profile 4 Spring

DRP Degrees of Reading Power 2 Spring

KLRT Kindergarten Language Readiness Test K Spring

LAS Language Assessment ELL (K to 5) February

Math District Math Test 2 Spring

NNAT Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test K, 1 Spring

OLSAT Otis-Lennon School Ability Test 5 Spring

PFA Physical Fitness Assessment 4 Fall

Stanford Stanford Achievement Test 5 February

For general information about the Connecticut Mastery Test program:

www.state.ct.us/sde

For general information about district testing and assessment:

www.stamfordpublicschool.org

Stamford Public Schools Mission Statements

Constitutional Convention School-Wide Rules

Formulated by 2000-2001Constitutional Convention Delegates

1. Come to school with a positive attitude and always show self-control.

2. Respect others the way you want to be respected.

3. Be responsible and safe toward others and the school.

Stark Elementary School Mission Statement

The mission of Julia A. Stark School, in partnership with the family and community, is to educate all students to become responsible and productive learners. All available resources, including a quality-trained staff, will be utilized to create a safe environment where cooperation and responsibility lead to academic and social growth.

Stamford Public Schools Mission Statement

“The Stamford Public Schools prepares each and every student for higher education and success in the 21^st Century.”--Dr. Joshua P. Starr, Ed. D. Superintendent of Schools

Home School Compact: District Mission

The Mission of the Stamford Public Schools, in partnership with the home and community, is to educate all students to become responsible, productive citizens in our continuously changing world. The richness of our diversity, the broad array of our educational programs, our safe environment, and the quality of our staff serve to promote the academic, artistic, emotional, and physical and social development of our students.

A Home School Compact will be sent home with your child the first month of school. The compact clearly outlines the responsibilities of the teachers, the parents and of the students. We ask that you help your child develop obtainable goals for their school year. These goals will be measured by both their teacher and themselves. Please look for these compacts and instructions during the first few weeks of school.

Stamford Public Schools Report Card Mission Statement

A strong partnership between home and school is critical to your child’s learning. Being well informed allows you to better support your child’s growth.

The report card information addresses your child’s achievement of the Connecticut state Standards for Reading and Stamford Public Schools Standards for all other content areas. Please use this report card to celebrate your child’s learning success and to guide improvement.

The Responsive Classroom

In The Responsive Classroom, elementary students are taught a social curriculum in addition to a developmental curriculum. The social curriculum helps build “a learning community where high social and academic goals are both attained.” The principle of teaching social skills is developed through cooperation, assertion, responsibility, empathy and self-control (C.A.R.E.S.) The implementation of the components of The Responsive Classroom has been effective and has led to positive outcomes in our learning community.

Homework

Homework Policy: (Stamford Board of Education Policy 6154)

The board endorses homework as an integral part of student learning.

Homework assignment should be designed to:

*Reinforce skills taught in the classroom

*Increase student knowledge

*Develop reasoning

*Promote good study habits

*Enhance desire to learn

*Be completed within in a reasonable amount of time.

Homework assignments should never be used punitively.

Teacher should:

*Be certain that students understand how to do each assignment

*Keep accurate records of all homework assignments and grades

*Be prepared to review all assignments with students, parents and administrators

*Return corrected assignments

Building administrators should at the beginning of each school year:

*Review this policy with all teachers

*Inform each student’s parent(s)/guardian in writing of this policy

Building administrators should monitor the implementation of this policy.

Learning Standards

Math

Mathematics is the only universal language that is spoken and used throughout the world. Mathematics provides all students with a powerful means of communication. The mission of the Mathematics department is to give every graduate of the Stamford Public Schools the knowledge, understanding and skills they will need to compete in the 21^st century world economy. Students will not only develop a comprehensive understanding of Mathematics but also will learn to effectively apply these concepts in a variety of problem solving strategies for the rest of their lives.

Science

To be ready for tomorrow's global economy, all students will understand and apply essential concepts, principles, and theories of the main branches of science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Earth/Space Sciences. The interrelationships between the branches of science and technology and environmental concerns will form the basis of the science program.

Social Studies

The Stamford Public Schools' Social Studies continuum offers students an exciting exploration of local, state, and national affairs within both historical and current contexts The Elementary Social Studies curriculum serves as a foundation for children's social and affective understanding of themselves and others. Based on scaffolding techniques and progressive instruction theories, the elementary program provides the foundation for students' inquiry-based studies.

Literacy

Literacy is the backbone of our educational system. We define literacy as the ability and desire to read and interpret a wide variety of texts at a level that enables successful practice and promotes knowledgeable conversations. We further define literacy as the ability and desire to speak and write effectively to accomplish one’s goals.

Literate individuals read, write, and participate in conversations to increase their own and others’ understanding. Supported by high quality instruction that integrates reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and presenting, each and every student will be prepared for higher education and success in the 21st Century.

The reading strategies in the Cornerstone model to help students become more proficient in comprehending, interpreting, developing vocabulary and reading with fluency are: making connections, visualizing, questioning, inferring, determining importance, synthesizing and monitoring for meaning.

School Closings and Early Release Days

School Closing:

The Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent to close schools in the event of hazardous weather or other emergencies which presents threats to safety of students, staff or school property. School cancellations and/or early dismissals will be announced on the local radio stations and cablevision news 12. Listed below are additional stations and channels for information regarding early release and cancellations

AM RADIO FM RADIO Television

*WSTC 1400 *WEDW 88.5 *Cable channel 12

*WNLK 1350 *WKHL 96.7 *Cable channel 72

*WGCH 1490 *WEFX 95.9 *WTNH channel 8

*WICC 600 *WEZN 99.9

*WCBS 880 *WEBE 108

*WVIP 1310 *WAXB 105.5

*WRKI 95.1

STATUS LINE – 977-6600 (available 24/7)

www.starkschool.org

District Staff Development:

Certain Wednesday’s have been designated as early release days for staff development. Dismissal time on these days is 1:20pm. See the district calendar for these days

Report Card Conference Dates:

There will be three early release dates in December for first marking period report card conferences. There will also be three early release dates in March for second marking period report card conferences. Report card conferences will also be scheduled during one evening during the school year.

The Early Dismissal and Conference Dates for the school year are also on the district calendar

Curricular Programs

Art

Grades K through 5 have a formal art lesson every week serviced by one full time and one or two part time art teachers. Other art activities are carried on by the classroom teacher.

Computer Instruction

Instructions in the use of computers and software are given by both the classroom teacher and media specialist. Each child will receive hands-on experience and instruction designed to strengthen skills as well as promote computer literacy.

Enrichment Program

Classroom teachers and specialists- art, music, physical education, reading, media, speech and language, social worker, psychologist, E.S.L. and resource, will co-plan and co-teach enrichment lessons based on curriculum themes in that grade level.

Media Center

Stark School maintains a Media Center where a full range of printed and audio-visual media equipment and services are accessible to all students and teachers. It is headed by a full time Media Specialist. Pupils in kindergarten through grade five visit the Media Center on a weekly basis.

Music

A music teacher works with each class. All classes have music twice a week. In addition, students in grades 4 and 5 may join a choral group. A band teacher is also available for fourth and fifth graders.

Physical Education

Students are scheduled for Physical Education classes twice per week for a 30-minute period. Children are encouraged to wear clothing that allows for movement as well as rubber soled sneakers.

Any child who is to be excused from Physical Education for a period exceeding one week must present a note from his/her physician stating the reason and length of time of exclusion. Following any disabling condition, a note from a physician is required before a student may resume regular Physical Education activities.

Recess is scheduled for days when Physical Education classes are not held. Please encourage your child to wear rubber-soled sneakers on those days as well.

Field Trips

Field trips are utilized as an extension/expansion of the curriculum. They are an outgrowth of the goals and objectives of the program. Parents will receive a written description of the trip being proposed, the teacher in charge, and the length of the trip; signed parental permission will be requested.

Stark School Stars

Stark School offers a variety of enrichment programs for students before and after school throughout the school year. Notices will be sent home with your child. Please check his/her book bag.

School Activities

Art Show Open House

Author Day Plant Sale

Book Fair P. F. O Fundraisers

Connecticut Mastery Testing School Pictures

Field Day Science Fair

Flag Day Spelling Bee

Grade 5 Awards Program Spring Concert

Grade 5 Class Day Storybook Character Parade

Holiday Food Drive Veteran’s Day Program

Kindergarten Follies Volunteer Readers

Kindergarten Grandparents’ Day Volunteer Tea

Kindergarten Orientation/Story hour Winter Concert

P.F.O.

The Stark School Parent/Faculty Organization (P.F.O.) meets on a monthly basis and encourages the participation of all families. Volunteers are needed for the many fund raising activities that benefit the children as well as the events that develop a sense of school/community. Notices will be sent home with the children regarding the meetings and activities. Parents are encouraged to attend and make suggestions as to pertinent topics for presentation during the P.F.O. meetings.

Conflict Resolution

Teachers are expected to use their professional abilities to solve problems occurring with students. When a parent feels there is a problem relating to his/her child, which has not been resolved satisfactorily, an appointment should be scheduled with the homeroom teacher or the teacher with whom the difficulty relates. If a resolution cannot be reached, an appointment with the principal or assistant principal can be scheduled.

Inappropriate Actions

As part of a school community, students are expected to accept the responsibilities as a member of the classroom and school. Any disruptive behavior will be subject to disciplinary action. See Board Policy 5131 for specific rights and responsibilities.

Holidays—Nonparticipation for Religious Reasons

Throughout the school year children will be celebrating some student birthdays and holidays in class. Under State Law, PA 75-367, if you do not wish for your child to participate in these celebrations for religious reasons, please provide a request, in writing, to your child’s teacher.

Saluting the Flag

The Board of Education’s policy indicates that saluting the flag is an appropriate part of opening exercises for each school. Teachers are to give their pupils the opportunity to salute the flag as part of the opening exercises.

Silent Meditation

Under the provisions of the, time must be allowed at the beginning of each school day for silent meditation.

Change of Information to the Office

Please notify the office immediately of any changes in address, phone number, emergency number or the location where a parent/guardian can be reached during the school day. It is very important that we have a way of reaching a parent/guardian in case of an emergency.

Allergies/Health Problems (Health Services)

In Case of Emergency sheets due the first week of school

You will receive an In Case of Emergency information form by mail prior to the start of the school year. Please be sure to include updated phone numbers and contact information. This should be returned to your child’s teacher during the first week of school.

School Nurse

The services of a Registered Nurse are available on a daily basis, while a school doctor is on call should your own physician be unavailable in case of a school emergency. Parents are requested to inform the nurse of relevant health and emergency information. The nurse’s responsibilities include:

Administration of first aid in emergencies.
Immediate care of sick and injured.
Enforcement of communicable disease control measures.
Administration of medication only upon written authorization of a physician and parent.
Vision screening (yearly)
Hearing screening (yearly)
Color deficiency screening (Kindergarten)
Scoliosis screening

Immunizations

State law requires that each child be adequately protected against Diphtheria Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Rubella (German Measles) and Mumps before being permitted to attend school. Records must show month, day and year of all immunizations.

Physical Examinations

Health assessments are required on all students new to the Stamford Public School system, including those entering kindergarten. Additional health assessments are required before entering sixth grade.

Medication

For the safety and protection of your child and all children, please do not send medication to school. In order for medication(s) to be given during school hours, a form available from the school nurse and completed by your doctor must be on file.

Dental Hygienist

The Dental Hygienist checks the teeth of all pupils in Kindergarten through Grade 5. Classroom demonstrations on oral hygiene are also given. The Fluoride Rinse Program is also available to all students

Screening Programs

Hearing screenings are administered to children in Kindergarten through Grade 5 and to all new students. Follow-up screenings are done on students demonstrating difficulty, or who have identified problems. Vision screenings of all pupils are done yearly.

Scoliosis screening is performed on all fifth grade students to detect a spinal curvature. The purpose of this program is to recognize the problem in its earliest stages so that treatment or close observation can be undertaken before serious progression occurs.

Parents will receive timely notification when a child presents a questionable health problem. The nurse can assist in appropriate referrals, if desired.

Student Accident Insurance

The Student Accident Insurance Program is paid for by the parents on a yearly basis and covers a child going to and from school on a twenty-four hour basis. Information about the policies is sent home early in the school year.

Communicable Diseases

If you child should have a communicable disease, please follow the instructions below. Other children in the family may attend school.

Chicken Pox	Exclude student a minimum of 7 days after the appearance of first eruption or until well.
Measles	Exclude student a minimum of 7 days after appearance of rash or until well.
Mumps	Exclude student until all swelling disappears.
German Measles	Exclude student a minimum of 4 days or until well.
Whooping Cough	Student must stay home 21 days from school from typical “whoop.” Returns with note from doctor. Other children may attend if they have been immunized.
Scarlet Fever, Scarletino or Strep Throat	Exclude student a minimum of 7 days if not under treatment or for 48 hours after institution of specific therapy (usually penicillin).
Hepatitis, Mono or Pink Eye	Student may return to school with a written note from the doctor.
Scabies	Student must have a note from the doctor stating that he/she is under treatment and is ready to return to school.
Lice	Contact personal physician and advise school nurse so that source of infection may be investigated. Student must be excluded from school until treated by a physician.
Impetigo, Ring Worm	Students may attend school only with a note from the doctor and the area is covered to prevent spreading.

Custody Arrangements

Temporary Custody

Please inform the homeroom teacher and the office in writing if the child will be temporarily under the care of another adult due to an emergency, vacation or business trip. Be sure to include the name, address and phone number (home, work and cell) for the responsible adult.

Permanent Custody

Should divorced parents have legal arrangements/restrictions regarding visitation and custody, please provide legal documentation to the office. The school cannot prevent a parent from seeing or taking a child without proper verification.

Duplicate report cards, calendars and notices can be provided for the parent who does not live with the child. Please notify the office in writing of such a request and include the second mailing address.

Restraining Orders

Please provide the office with a copy of any restraining order obtained on behalf of a child.

Cafeteria Programs

All Stark students are provided with a “pin number” in the cafeteria that keeps track of their account balance. Notices are sent home when monies need to be replenished for the full-priced or reduced-priced student accounts.

Breakfast Program

Breakfast is available daily in the cafeteria from 8:45am to 9:00am. No breakfast will be served on mornings when the school opening is delayed due to inclement weather. Menus and prices per day will be sent home on the monthly menus.

The breakfast will meet the strict nutritional guidelines developed by the USDA for proper child nutrition. The daily menu will feature fresh baked breads and nutritious cereals, fresh fruits and juices, low fat milk and an assortment of protein options.

Students eligible for free or reduced price lunches are automatically eligible for the Breakfast Program. We encourage parents or guardians to complete the application for free and reduced price meals in September.

Lunch Program

Lunch is available each day during the week. The price per day (including milk) is established by the food service company. It will be noted on the menu which will go home at the beginning of each month. Milk can be purchased separately each day.

Pupil Services

Child Study Team

The Child Study Team (CST) consists of an administrator, social worker, special education/resource teacher, speech and language pathologist and psychologist. The members of the team are available to address the concerns of parents or teachers regarding academic, social or emotional development. In order for a child to receive direct services from any of the team members, parental permission and an assessment are required.

Social Worker

The Social Worker provides social assessment and individual or group guidance.

Special Education/Resource Teacher

The Special Education/Resource Teacher provides specialized instruction to children diagnosed as having a learning disability.

Psychologist

The Psychologist assesses intellectual and emotional development in order to make recommendations for improving individual progress.

Title I Teacher

The Title I Teacher provides additional support and instruction in the areas of math and reading to students identified through diagnostic testing.

E.S.L. Teacher

The English as a Second Language (E.S.L.) Teacher provides language instruction to students who have a low proficiency in the English language. Emphasis is placed upon spoken and written communication.

Individual Learning Needs Coach

The Individual Learning Needs Coach provides the implementation of differentiated instruction, develops student intervention plans and works with the staff in an effort to improve student educational performance.

Stark School Policies

Visitor Policy

Visitors are always welcome at Stark School. All doors will be locked after 9:15 a.m. Visitors may buzz the doorbell to enter through the back corner door, or the front entrance. All visitors entering the building MUST report to the Main Office to sign in and receive a Visitor’s Badge.

Student Dress Code

Students’ attire must be safe and appropriate for school, and must not distract from learning. Clothing that is disruptive to the educational process or constitutes a threat to the health and safety of others, is prohibited.

According to the Stamford Board of Education Policy 5147-R, the following attire is prohibited:

Attire or accessories which portray disruptive, obscene writing or pictures;
Attire or accessories which depict logos or emblems that encourage the use of drugs, tobacco products, or alcoholic beverages;
Shirts that reveal that abdomen, chest, breasts, or undergarments;
See-through clothing;
Shorts, miniskirts, or pants that reveal the upper thigh or undergarments;
Other attire or accessories which, in the opinion of the principal, are not in good taste or depict vulgar, illegal, racial, or sexist viewpoints;
Head coverings of any kind including, but not limited to, scarves, bandanas, masks, kerchiefs, athletic, headbands, hoods, etc. which prevent the easy identification of students; except that hats and caps may be worn at the discretion of high school teachers and administrators and provided that headwear for religious reasons may be worn;
Footwear that damages floors or is a safety hazard;
Sunglasses
“Name” or other oversized metal belt buckles;
Spiked or studded bracelets, oversized or multi-finger rings, belts or any other article or attire with spikes or studs attached;
Possession of a beeper, or other electronic communication device without prior approval of the building principal.

Please note that many classes will go outside throughout the year, so children should be dressed appropriately, and that sneakers are required for Physical Education class.

Cell Phones and Electronic Gadgets

Cell phones and electronic gadgets are not allowed in school as they are a distraction to learning (Stamford Board of Education Policy 5147-R). Students needing to contact home may use the phone in the Main Office. Parents needing to contact their child during the day should call the Main Office at 977-4583.

Personal Toys and Games

Students are discouraged from bringing in personal toys and games. Valuable items can be damaged or lost, and may cause an interruption to the school day.

Lost and Found

Personal items that are lost and found, if labeled, will be returned immediately. If items or clothing are not labeled, then they will be turned into the Lost and Found box. You should check with the office if you have lost something. Items not claimed by the end of the school year will be donated to a non-profit organization.

Birthdays

Birthdays are an exciting and special time of the year. If you choose to have your child celebrate in school, you must contact the classroom teacher to make arrangements. Please be aware that many students suffer from a variety of food allergies, so it is recommended that any treats shared with the class be store-bought, and labeled with ingredients.

Healthy Snacks

Many classroom teachers provide a snack time for students. Please contact the teacher for specific class policies. Healthy snacks are encouraged, as they facilitate learning. These snacks include fruits, vegetables, hard-boiled eggs, crackers, yogurt, pretzels, popcorn, and cheese. Candy, gum, and soda are prohibited. Please check with the teacher concerning students with severe food allergies in the classroom.

Julia A. Stark School