Dixieland Elementary
“Learning! Everyone, Everyday, Everywhere!”
Principal’s message
Parents and Students,
Welcome to the 2008-2009 school year at Dixieland Elementary School.
I am personally committed to providing quality instruction for every
student at our school. During the 2007-2008 school year Dixieland was
recognized as a national model school with Learning Focused Solutions. This
year will be another exciting year of educational opportunities as the staff
continues to support student achievement with research based instructional
strategies. Please read this
handbook carefully as it can be a tool in assisting your child in achieving
academic success.
Working
together as a team will enable us to provide the best possible education for
your child.
Sincerely,
Debbie Henderson, Principal
The mission of Dixieland Elementary is to promote lifelong
enthusiastic achievement
that is relevant and rigorous in a
nurturing environment (learn).
Our Message:
Learning! Everyone, Everyday, Everywhere!
INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM
The curriculum at Dixieland Elementary
is a combination of all the experiences a student has while in
school. We believe all children can learn and should be privileged to the
same information. We use
flexible grouping to meet the needs of students and try to take each child
as far as possible in an academic year.
We believe learning should be
rigorous, relevant, and lifelong. We try to instill a love for
learning and create a successful experience for our students.
We believe active learning that is focused on specific skills,
hands-on, and based on the Florida Sunshine State Standards is important for
the academic growth of our students.
Learning Focus Solutions is a national model of research based
instructional strategies our
teachers use in planning engaging lessons that will impact achievement for
all learners. The elementary instructional program in Polk County
is based on state standards.
Therefore our curriculum is standards based. Our major goal is to support
all students in achieving mastery of the standards in all content
areas. Students also attend
weekly classes in music, art, technology, media/library, and physical
education. Technology is
integrated into the curriculum and enhances learning for our students.
Students have access to computers through the Odyssey computer lab
and classroom computers.
We believe in hard work, high expectations and high standards.
Desirable character traits such as respect, responsibility, honesty,
perseverance, and optimistism are included in the curriculum and are guiding
principles for students as well as all staff members.
PLACEMENT OF STUDENTS
The placement of all students is carefully planned at the end of the
previous year and beginning of next the school year.
Parent requests for changes for this reason will be very limited. We
understand that sometimes movement is necessary, but we ask that you trust
that we are working to do what is best for your child and all students in
receiving the best academic experience here at Dixieland. Students will
not be moved from classrooms except on the basis of enrollment or
academic requirements.
General School
Information
Schedule
Regular Schedule
Breakfast program……………………7:15-7:45
Pick-up from blacktop……………………
7:55
First Bell…………………………………… 7:50
Tardy bell…………………………………… 8:05
Dismissal for vans/buses………………… 2:35
Car riders…………………………………….2:40
Dismissal for walkers/bicycles……………2:45
school day
Important:
Students are NOT supervised before 7:15 or after 3:00.
Students must not arrive
before 7:15 A.M.
and left unsupervised in front of the school or be picked-up late.
ARRIVAL
Upon arrival, students should report to their assigned area on the blacktop
(hallway during inclement weather) and remain there until they are picked up
at 7:55. Students who are not
participating in the breakfast program should not arrive before 7:30.
Students participating in the breakfast program must report to the cafeteria
between 7:15 and 7:45. Students
may also report to the cafeteria to make deposits into their lunch accounts.
Hot breakfast
will not be served after 7:50.
Students coming in late may get a breakfast to go up to
8:30, but must come through the office to check-in first.
They can then take the late slip and get a breakfast to go.
TARDY ARRIVALS
Students arriving after the 8:05 tardy bell must report directly to the
school office with a note from their parent stating the reason they are
tardy or you can bring your child into the office.
Learning begins as soon as
students arrive in class at 8:00. Be aware that tardy students create a
significant disruption and miss lessons that are important to their day.
The school social worker will contact the parents of students who are
frequently tardy in order to seek a reasonable solution.
Continuous tardiness will
count towards truancy.
Absences
If your child is absent from school please call or send a written excuse
stating the reason for the absence.
Absences without a note will
be considered unexcused and will affect whether work missed can be made up.
If your child is absent for more than two days, be sure to notify the
office so the teacher may provide make-up work.
Absences due to prolonged or contagious illness will require a
doctor’s excuse.
If your child is going to be absent for reasons other than illness, please
contact the teacher and school office in advance.
DISMISSAL
Students should remain on campus until dismissed for the day. Your child’s
teacher should be alerted to changes in transportation arrangements at the
beginning of the school day
by a written note from the parent in the agenda.
In order to protect our students,
we do not like to accept
transportation arrangements made over the phone.
If it is necessary in an emergency situation, please make sure the
person designated to pick your child up has identification.
Verbal instructions from students will not be honored, and
the student will be sent home according to their regular plan.
Be sure to work out a rainy day plan in advance.
EARLY CHECKOUT
Student success in school is directly linked to attendance.
Since classroom instruction lasts until dismissal,
we request that you do not pick
up your child early unless it is absolutely necessary.
Illness, injury, and medical appointments are acceptable excuses for
your child to leave early.
Telephone Directory
Main Office……………………………...
499-2930
Fax………………………………………. 499-2932
Lunchroom……………………………...
.499-2933
Health Services………………………...
.297-3082
BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
Expectations for students are high at Dixieland Elementary.
Each student will be expected to follow the school-wide guidelines.
We will follow a school wide behavior model focused on positive
behavior and support for students in making good choices.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Parents please read the POLK COUNTY STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT and discuss it
with your child. This guide
explains the rights and responsibilities of the school, parent, and student.
Child safety
Impress upon your child the necessity of obeying the instructions of the
Safety Patrols and Crossing Guards.
If your child rides a bike
to school, please have your child wear a helmet as required by state law.
ARTICLES PROHIBITED IN SCHOOL
Anything that might be a hazard to the safety of other children or interfere
in any way with school procedures may not be brought to school.
Such items as toys, valuables (i.e. walkman radios, large sums of
money, etc) guns, caps for guns, bean shooters, knives, matches, lighters,
cigarettes, pornographic material,
non-prescription drugs or pills, and caffeine beverages are not
permitted and will be taken away from the student.
Also students can not wear
the shoe skates referred to as wheelies and heelies. Any abuse of this
policy will be dealt with according to school district policy.
Please read the code of conduct for the county’s policy regarding cell
phones.
changing schools
If your child will be changing schools during the year,
please notify the school office
in writing at least 24 hours before withdrawal.
Withdrawal papers must be given to the student on his/her last day
and presented to the receiving school.
Parent information /
school emergency card
It is necessary that the
school office have on file your current address and phone number.
This information is
especially important in cases of emergency.
Please notify the office immediately if you change your address or
phone number. Many persons have
an unlisted telephone number; however, the school must have a number where
parents can be located. The
school will not release unlisted phone numbers.
Please remember to send the school your home and work numbers when
they change.
Proof of residence will be required
for any address change.
School
Emergency Cards must be completed and returned without delay.
Please note that we will
not release any student to a person not listed on the emergency card unless
prior arrangements
have been made with the school office.
Also, promptly notify the office of any changes regarding custody.
school uniforms
School uniforms are mandatory in
Please note that any garment with
belt loops must be worn with a belt and shirts must be tucked in.
Students are expected to wear
clothing that is neat and clean in appearance.
Denims or jeans torn at the knees
or with holes are not allowed. Parents will be called to exchange
the pants. Polo shirt colors
are navy, hunter green and white or school t-shirts.
Pants and skirts are khaki (tan), black, and denim. Silk and stretch
skirts or pants are not appropriate.
Denim pants should not have decorations or symbols.
Students can purchase a school pull over sweat shirt if they are
sensitive to air conditioning.
If it is a pullover worn for
inclement weather or in the classroom it MUST be school uniform colors…navy,
green or white. Sweaters with
stripes and decorations will not be permitted.
Coats and jackets are solid navy, green, black, or beige.
Sports logos, colored trims, stripes, or decorations are not allowed
on coats, shirts, or pants.
During very cold weather, coats that zip or button down are acceptable and
emphasis on color / style will not be placed, but we ask that you try to
follow dress code in purchasing coats as much as possible. Please write your
child’s name on jackets.
Shoes should be closed toe shoes to prevent injury, preferably tennis shoes.
Also students can not wear the shoe skates referred to as wheelies and
heelies.
GRADING GUIDELINES
The following guidelines have been adopted and will be followed in every
elementary school in Polk County.
A = 90 - 100
B = 80
- 89
C =
70 -
79
D =
60 -
69
U =
0 - 50
Please talk with your child's teacher if you have any questions.
Our kindergarten will use a new standards based report card.
More information will be given to parents by classroom teachers.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL EXIT STANDARDS (promotion/retention)
Students will earn an overall 2.0 average,
on grade level with no failing grades in reading and/or mathematics… OR
Students in grades 3-5 must score achievement level 3 or higher in on the
FCAT SSS to be considered proficient in reading.
Additionally, third grade students must meet Florida
statue(1008.25)(6)(b) that states If a
student’s reading deficiency is not
remedied by the end of grade 3, as demonstrated by scoring a level 2 or
higher on the FCAT in reading for grade 3, the student MUST be retained
( unless exempt from mandatory retention for good cause).
HOMEWORK
Homework assignments are an extension of classroom instructions and should
be challenging and meaningful.
Teachers at each grade level will explain their homework policies.
If you have questions at any time, please contact your child's
teacher.
visitors
Dixieland
Elementary encourages parents to visit our campus.
Visitors must report to
the school office to obtain a Visitor’s Pass if they are to enter any
building even for a short period of time.
Please follow this procedure any time you are on campus,
including teacher conferences and eating lunch with your child.
Following this procedure helps our staff to identify unauthorized
visitors more easily.
This
regulation is for your child's protection.
This will also keep interruptions to a minimum and allow
visitors in the building to be reached if necessary.
vOLUNTEERS
We welcome parents and community members as volunteers in our school.
School volunteers must be approved.
Please ask for a form in the office.
Volunteers must report to the office to obtain a Volunteer Badge upon
arrival and log in.
LUNCH WITH YOUR CHILD
Special arrangements have been made for parents having lunch with their
children. In order to give you
the most time with your child, you and your child may go to the front of the
lunch line when your child’s class arrives. A visitor table has been
provided in the cafeteria. If
you are bringing in FAST FOOD, please eat outside of the cafeteria with your
child. Our school district has
a wellness policy that we are trying to adhere to.
You may take your child to the picnic tables. It is helpful to
share your plans with your child’s teacher.
Please do not take other
students out side the cafeteria to eat with you and your child or to the
visitor table in the cafeteria.
This is a liability issue where another parent has not given their child
permission to be under the care of another parent.
field trips
In order to ensure the safety of our students, all parents, guardians, and
relatives wishing
to accompany their child on any field trip must be approved by the state
of Florida through the volunteer program.
The volunteer form is available in the school office and will remain
on file once approval is given.
Please note that the approval process may take up to six weeks, so be sure
to fill out the form as early as possible.
Parents planning to chaperone must notify the teacher in advance.
Due to Polk County School Board
policy, siblings of students are
not allowed to attend field trips, and only students enrolled at
Dixieland are permitted to attend school-sponsored field trips.
Money and permission slips must be returned by the stated deadline.
Out-of-county field trips will require a notarized signature.
Teacher conferences and
home/school communication
Teacher conferences take place before and after school, or during any
planning period. Please contact our office if you wish to arrange a time to
meet with your child’s teacher.
You should try to meet with your child’s teacher a minimum of twice for the
school year.
While there are many avenues of home/school communication, the most commonly
used is this agenda.
Your child should bring his or
her agenda home every day to be reviewed and signed by a parent/guardian.
The agenda is a convenient way to stay up to date on classroom
assignments and important messages from the teacher.
Please sign the agenda
daily.
Additionally, each month you will receive a newsletter from your child’s
teacher indicating the topics and skills your child will be learning, and a
monthly breakfast/lunch menu.
Home/school communication is an important component in your child’s
education. We are eager to hear
any comments or suggestions you may have.
The school requires notes from parents or guardians for explanation of the
following:
·
Absence/Tardiness/Early Dismissal
·
Permission to go home with another student (car or bus)
·
Request to be excused from recess
·
Reply to notes from the teacher or principal
·
Field trips
·
School Withdrawal
·
Changes in the usual method of transportation home
Lost and found
Lost and found items are located in the office.
Students who have lost items should check with the office.
Also, please be sure to write your child’s name on items such as
jackets and sweaters.
Special days / birthdays
All birthday recognitions must have teacher approval in advance according to
school board policy. Since too many celebrations will disrupt the
educational process we discourage having birthday celebrations at school.
Teachers have been told that the
3rd Friday can be used
as a designated day for any birthday recognitions during the month.
Please talk with your child’s teacher for a plan.
Balloons and flowers will not be delivered to the classroom or
lunchroom, but kept in the office until dismissal.
Please remember that any
food brought to the school
must be store-purchased items.
Our district wellness plan
prohibits unhealthy snacks such as candy. Invitations of any type should
not be distributed on campus.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.
Medicine
Students may not have medicine of any kind, including over-the-counter
drugs, in their possession while at school.
Parents must bring all
medicine to the school office in the original container along with a School
Board Authorization for Medicine Form from the doctor indicating the
time and dosage to be taken.
All doctors have been provided with these forms, and they are also available
in the office. No medication,
prescription or otherwise, will be administered by school staff without this
form. This includes cough drops and aspirin. If you have any questions,
please call Health Services at 297-3082.
Physical education
If your child is unable to participate in Physical Education because of an
illness or injury, please send a note stating the reason and have your child
bring the note to the office before school begins.
A physician’s note is required for a student who is to be excused for
more than three consecutive days.
school calendar 2008-2009
Student Orientation
Aug 14
First Day for Students
Aug 18
Holiday
Sep1
Student Holiday
Sep 10
Student Holiday
Oct 17
Report Cards
Nov 4
Thanksgiving Holiday
Nov 24-28
Possible Make-up Days
Nov 24-25
Last Day before Winter Holidays
Dec 19
Students Return
Jan 6
Holiday
Jan 19
Student Holiday
Jan 20
Report Cards
Jan 30
FCAT Writing Assessment
Feb 10-13
Holiday
Feb 16
FCAT Testing
Mar 10-23
Spring Holidays
Mar30-April 3
Holiday
April 10
Report Cards
Apr 14
Holiday
May 25
Last Day for Students
June 4
lunches
Students may either bring their lunch to school or eat the food prepared by
the food service staff.
If bringing a lunch please do not
place candy or sodas in lunches. Our district wellness policy
discourages unhealthy snacks or lunches. The cafeteria prices are as
follows:
(All prices subject to change)
Lunch
Breakfast
Regular
1.70
1.00
Reduced
.40
.30
Extra Milk/Juice
.45
Water
.45
Adult
2.65
priced
a la carte
parent teacher association
The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) provides an outstanding opportunity for
parents to become involved with Dixieland in a meaningful way. PTA’s efforts
support our school by providing funding for field trips, computers, and a
host of other needs. During the
school year, PTA volunteers will be contacting parents with information
about important school activities. If you do not wish to be contacted by
Dixieland’s PTA, please notify the school office.
Title one
Part of
Research shows that parent involvement is the greatest factor in determining
a child’s success in school.
Here’s how your family can be part of Title One’s school-wide concept:
Ø
Attend the Open House, orientation and other programs at Dixieland.
Ø
Meet your child’s teacher.
Ø
You will be requested to attend at least two parent/teacher conferences
during the year. Attend them.
It’s a great way to see your child’s ongoing assessment in reading,
writing, and math.
Ø
Read the Dixieland/Parent Compact carefully and return it with parent and
student signatures. This plan outlines our expectations for the school,
parent, and student.
Ø
Join PTA and help implement our school’s family involvement plan.
Ø
Help us improve by completing surveys and making suggestions.
Ø
Attend Parent Workshops to learn how to help your child be successful in
school.
Ø
Review your child’s agenda daily. It is the first line of communication
between home and school.
Ø
Visit Dixieland’s
MEDIA CENTER (LIBRARY)
The school media center is an important part of Dixieland Elementary for
both students and teachers. It
is the center for all teaching materials, books, magazines, pamphlets,
pictures, videos, recordings, and other audiovisual aids.
It is also the center of our reading program, as it serves as a link
between formal reading books and all of the reading materials we use in our
everyday lives. It is automated
and links us to networked technology in all classrooms.
Books are checked out for a week and can be renewed.
Final report cards will not
be given to students who have lost or damaged books unless payment is made
for their replacement. Please
remember that if you move, all library books and textbooks must be returned.
The Accelerated Reader program is a computerized, individualized reading
program. It is used as an
incentive to get students reading.
Students may earn points toward rewards by reading a book and
successfully completing a test about the book on the computer.
Research supports the effectiveness of this program on reading
achievement through increased achievement scores and reading enjoyment.
read to your child because…
…when you hold them and give them this attention, they know you love them.
…reading to them will encourage them to become readers.
…today’s children’s books are so good even adults can enjoy them.
…children’s book illustrations often rank among the best.
Your child will develop a lifelong enjoyment of good art.
…books are one way of passing on your moral values to your children.
…until they learn to read themselves, they will think you are magic.
…every teacher and librarian they encounter will thank you.
…it may be one of the sweetest memories they ever have.
… For just a few minutes they will stay clean and quiet.
…if you do, they may let you read
in peace.
encourage your child
Way to Go ● Well Done ●
Remarkable ● I Knew You Could Do It
I’m Proud of You ● Nice Work
Looking Good ● Now You’ve Got It
Fantastic● Bravo
You’re On Target ● Good Job
That’s incredible ● Dynamite
You’re a Winner ● You’re Unique
Super Star ● I’m Impressed
Hurray for You ● Nothing Can Stop You Now
Great Discovery ● You’re Precious
Beautiful Work ● Fantastic Job
Magnificent ●You’re a Real
Trooper
You Learned it Right ● I Trust You
You Make Me Laugh ● You’ve Got a Friend
I Respect You ● You Brighten My Day
That’s Correct ●That’s the Best
A Big Hug● Spectacular● I Love you
You’re a Good Friend ● What a Good Listener You Care ● Outstanding
Performance
You Mean the World to Me ●You’re a Treasure Terrific ● Exceptional● Super
Star ● How Smart That’s Perfect ●You’re a Winner● You Tried
SEVEN GOOD PRACTICES FOR
FAMILIES
1.
Take the time.
Conversations at evening meals,
visiting the library, museum, or zoo make all the difference.
2.
Read together.
It’s the starting point of all
learning. Read with your
youngsters.
3.
Use TV wisely.
Limit viewing to no more than 2 hours each school day.
4.
Stay in regular contact
with your child’s teacher and check homework everyday.
5.
Join your child’s teacher and principal
in meeting standards of excellence. Your child will thank you for it.
6.
Know where your children are and who they are with.
Support community efforts to keep kids safe and off the streets.