KOLMAR AVE. SCHOOL PARENT-STUDENT HANDBOOK 2008-09

ABSENCES

If a child is going to be absent, the parent or guardian should call the school office at 422-1800 and leave a message in the attendance voicemail before 8:00am on the day of the absence or by talking to one of the secretaries after 8:00am but before 8:30am on the day of the absence. If the office is informed of the days for an extended absence, it will not be necessary to call each day. It is very important to report absences by telephone, as the office is obligated to account for all students each day.

Students are expected to submit makeup work promptly after returning to school from an absence but will be allowed the same number of days as the number of days absent to complete and turn in the work. Work requested and received for a "pre-arranged" absence is due immediately upon return from the absence. Teachers may use their discretion about honoring requests for pre-arranged assignments.

Students absent for more than three consecutive days due to illness will need to present a doctor’s note in order to return to school.

Frequent absences may result in referral to truancy authorities.

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

Children should arrive at school after 8:20am. They should wait in line at their grade level entrance until brought in by teachers at the 8:30am bell. Staff will be available to supervise students at 8:20am each morning. Students will be permitted to enter the building early in the case of inclement weather. Parents who walk their children to school must leave the family pet at home, as pets become a health and safety concern around other students.

Students who are driven to school should be dropped off on the east side of Kolmar Avenue, on Kilbourn Avenue, or on the south side of 105th Street (cross with adult guard at corner). Drivers should not drop students on the north side of 105 th St. – posted signs should be obeyed. Private vehicles are not allowed to use the front drive between 8:00am and 4:00pm, because it must be reserved for buses and emergency vehicles. The school parking lot is for school and district staff members and school visitors only.

Bussed students are dropped off and picked up at the sidewalk in front of the school. PTP and AERO students board busses on the east side of the school on Kilbourn Ave. Upon arrival at school, bussed students should walk to their grade level entrances.

At dismissal, students are to walk home, meet in their bus lines in the gym, or meet their parents outside of school immediately. Older children who are to walk younger brothers or sisters home should meet them at a prearranged location outside of the building.

If a student is being picked up by anyone other than those on file with the school, or if a student is being picked up rather than ride the bus as usual, a note from the parent must be sent to the school that morning. Without a note, the student will be required to follow the established routine for returning home after school.

AWARDS

Awards are presented at the end of the school year in separate award assemblies for grades K-2 and 3-5. Students earn awards for academics, service, attendance, and extra-curricular activities. Academic and attendance certificates are also issued at the close of each of the first three quarters. Quarterly Coyote Rallies will celebrate general school success and spirit.

Students in grades K-5 can also qualify for “Breakfast with the Principal,” a quarterly recognition for participants who accumulate the necessary points as part of the Accelerated Reader Program.

BICYCLES

Students in grades 3-5 who live east of Cicero are permitted to ride their bicycles to school. When a cyclist reaches any sidewalk adjoining school property, the bicycle must be walked to the bike rack in front of the school. Bicycles must be locked to the bike rack. The use of a bike helmet is recommended and encouraged. Helmets may be kept in school lockers. Students are not permitted to ride skates, skateboards, or scooters to school.

BUSSING

Daily bus service is provided for students living west of Cicero Avenue. Bussed students are not allowed to change buses from their regular routes. Students who do not qualify for bussing (those living east of Cicero) cannot be bussed on a temporary basis. The bus driver is the authority on the bus when students ride to and from school and must be obeyed at all times. Any inappropriate student behavior should be reported to the driver or to safety patrol members riding the bus.

All students are bussed to the Science and Environmental Center and for field trips.

Bus lines form in the multi-purpose room or the front hall at dismissal. All bussed students must walk through the building to join their bus line.

The following bus rules must be observed for student safety:

1. Students must cross the road in front of the bus only when the stop arm is out and flashers are operating;

2. While waiting for the bus, children must remain on the sidewalk;

3. Hands, arms, and/or head should not extend through the bus window;

4. Windows must remain above the safety mark;

5. Students are to remain seated while riding the school bus;

6. Students are to board and depart the bus at their assigned stop;

7. Students should be at the bus stop five minutes before the scheduled arrival time of the bus;

8. Loud conversation, profane language, throwing objects, and discourteous actions to the bus driver or other passengers are not tolerated;

9. Students are responsible for any damage to the bus; and

10.Glass containers, live animals and large objects may not be carried on the bus.

DAILY SCHEDULE

DETENTIONS

 (School Board Policy 715.03)

After-school detention may be issued to a student as a corrective disciplinary measure provided that the student’s parent/guardian has been notified of the detention by the building principal or classroom teacher. Students who are detained after school shall be supervised by the building principal’s designee. Generally detentions for any given day shall not extend beyond 4:30 p.m.

Notice of a student’s detention shall be given to the parents one day prior to the day the detention is to be served. Notification is often made with a detention form but may also be done by telephone. Parents will be asked to provide transportation home for the student or indicate in writing that the student may walk. If transportation arrangements cannot be made, then an alternative disciplinary measure shall be substituted.

Lunch detentions may also be assigned. These are served under the supervision of a teacher during the student’s lunch/recess period. Notice of a lunch detention will be sent home to parents within twenty-four hours of the detention being issued or served.

EARLY PICK-UP

 Early pick-up during school hours should be avoided. When absolutely necessary, a note must be sent with the child on the day of the request. The note should state the time and reason for the special dismissal. Parents must park in the main lot (not in the front drive) and enter school to sign students out for an early pick-up. Students will not be released without an authorized signature during school hours.

In the event of a weather or neighborhood emergency, students will be released early to a child’s parent or guardian with the authorization of the principal or her designee. The school reserves the right to hold all students when a situation warrants it for their safety.

EMERGENCY DRILLS

 Kolmar Avenue Elementary School holds a variety of drills during the school year. Fire drills are held ten times each year to teach students the rules, routes and safe holding areas in cases of fire. Bus evacuation drills are held once each year to teach all students the safety procedures for exiting a school bus in times of emergency. One

lock-down and one shelter-in-place drill will be held each year. Students will also participate in a severe weather drill to learn the procedures and safe holding areas in case of a weather emergency.

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

 It is essential that we have current emergency phone numbers so that we can contact parents about their child. If there is any change in the cell phone number, home telephone number, work number, the child’s emergency contacts, etc., a note should be sent or a phone call made to the school office so that the information can be revised and updated.

FIELD TRIPS

 Field trips are planned by the classroom teacher to enhance or extend learning beyond the classroom. Generally, chaperones are assigned to accompany and assist a small group of students on the field trip. The appropriate number of chaperones for the trip will be determined by the classroom teacher. Parents acting as chaperones are expected to actively participate in supervising students and maintaining safety. For this reason, younger siblings are not allowed to attend field trips with the parent.

Chaperones may never deviate from the plan of the teacher. Students may only visit areas designated by the teacher, and chaperones must promptly meet at prearranged times and at prearranged areas during the field trip. Teachers are ultimately responsible for the safety of students on field trips, and chaperones may never jeopardize that safety.

GENERAL SCHOOL RULES

 The following general rules are in effect throughout the school:

1. Follow directions the first time by any staff member;
2. Take responsibility for individual behavior;
3. Respect other people's rights and property;
4. Walk quietly and safely on the right side of the hallway;
5. Use appropriate, polite language toward adults and peers;
6. Dress in a way that does not distract others; and
7. Contribute positively to the learning environment.

Note: “Heelies” have become very popular, and are showing up in school which can create a safety concern. If a student is seen using the wheels, he/she will be warned. If the student is seen using them again, the wheels will be confiscated and returned at the end of the day.

GRADING SCALE

 District #123 uses the following grading scale from Grades 3 through 8 (except in honors classes at Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School):

HOME-SCHOOL COMMUNICATION

The educational process is a partnership between the home and the school. In order for this partnership to operate effectively, communication between the partners is essential. At Kolmar, the communication process is facilitated in many ways.

Most school information and the principal’s weekly letter will go home each Wednesday with students. Parents should look for the Wednesday Folder each week.

Monthly calendars are distributed at the end of the previous month by the office. Should a revision be needed in any of the events listed on the monthly calendar, a note will be sent home and the revision will be highlighted as part of the morning announcements.

Kolmar Clips, the monthly PTA newsletter, is sent home with the youngest student in each family. These newsletters contain important information about curriculum, PTA activities, school programs and events, updates on school and district policies and procedures, and special achievements.

Report cards are issued quarterly. Parent/teacher conferences are scheduled for the end of the first quarter. All students will receive conference appointments at the end of the first quarter. Parents are asked to call the school to arrange a conference with their child’s teacher(s) anytime they feel that one is needed to address concerns about their child’s progress.

The Instant Alert system notifies parents of unusual or emergency school situations (p. 8).

Parents may contact staff members by calling the school at (708) 422-1800, or by e-mail using the staff members’ first initial and last name before @d123.org (example for Mrs. Schultz - aschultz@d123.org. When sending an e-mail, please begin the subject line with the word “ Kolmar.” With the filters in place on district computers, this will prevent messages from going to staff “junk” files and being deleted before being read.

Students are responsible for giving their teachers any payments or notes from home upon arrival at school. The teacher or school office cannot be responsible for a parent communication or payment left in a book bag by the student.

HOMEWORK

 Homework is considered an integral part of the education process. It is the opportunity for your child to practice the skills which have been taught during the day’s lessons.

Students are expected to complete all given assignments to the best of their ability by the stated due date and in a fashion which shows the appropriate care and concern for their own learning. Each teacher will formulate a specific policy for homework completion and will make it known to students and parents at the beginning of the school year.

If no homework has been assigned on any given night, it is recommended that a block of study time be set aside. Children can use this time to review spelling words, practice flash cards, write a letter, or read about topics that are of interest to him/her.

In the case of absences, students will be allowed one day per day of absence to complete and turn in homework. When work is requested by the parent and provided by the teacher in advance of a prearranged absence, that work is due upon return. Providing advanced homework is always at the discretion of the teacher.

HONOR ROLL CRITERIA FOR GRADES 3-5

High Honors – GPA of 3.6 or above, but ALSO

A or B in every subject (no C's, D's, or F's)

A in at least 2 major courses ( Reading, English or Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies)

Honor Roll – GPA between 3.0 and 3.59, but ALSO

A,B, or C in every subject (no D's or F's)

A in a major course to balance every C in a major course

Additionally, poor deportment or lack of effort can exclude a student from either honor roll.

INSTANT ALERT

All parents need to have access to the Instant Alert system. This system automatically notifies parents of situations or emergencies within the school or district. Alerts may be sent to home phones, cell phones, work phones, and e-mail addresses. Parents choose how to be notified. In case of an emergency, it may be the only system used to contact parents about their child or what safety procedures have been put into place by the school or district. Any parent that is not part of the Instant Alert system can use the information at the end of this handbook to sign on to this free service.

LOST AND FOUND

 All articles that are found are placed in the “Lost and Found.” Unclaimed articles will be donated to a charity at the end of the first semester and at the end of the school year.

Money that is found should be turned in to the office where it will be placed in an envelope and labeled with the finder's name and date. If the money is not claimed in 10 days, it is given to the finder. Children should be discouraged from bringing money to school unless a school activity (book fair, etc.) requires it.

LUNCH/RECESS

 Lunch

Students in full-day kindergarten through 5 th grade have the opportunity to participate in the federal hot lunch program at school provided by Arbor Food Services. Applications for free and reduced lunches are available in the school office.

Lunches may be purchased electronically through our district website or by check or cash at school. All meals include milk. Additional milk may be purchased. When not making electronic purchases, money should be placed in an envelope labeled with the child’s name, grade, teacher, and amount enclosed. Checks should be made payable to Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123. Additional information about this program is available through the school.

Lunch orders are placed with the food service by 8:45am each day. If a student will be arriving late to school, it is the parent’s responsibility to call the school office by 8:45am to tell which hot lunch choice the child wants for that day. If a parent cannot call in time to place the order, the child will need to bring a sack lunch from home.

A lunch must be brought to school if the student does not participate in the hot lunch program and does not go home for lunch. Carbonated drinks are not allowed at lunch.

Any student who has not paid for a lunch or who has not brought a sack lunch from home will be given a “breakfast bar” and water for lunch. Parents of students who are repeatedly without a lunch will be contacted by the principal.

If a student who regularly eats lunch at school will be going home for lunch on occasion, a note from home must be presented to the homeroom teacher every day the child is to be dismissed at lunchtime. If parents choose to have the child eat lunch at home, a parent must sign the student out at either 11:00am (Lunch A) or 11:50am (Lunch B) and sign the student in at either 11:50am (Lunch A) or 12:40pm (Lunch B) in the school office.

Parents may bring late sack lunches to the school office labeled with the child’s name.

In general, lunchroom supervisors expect that students will behave in the lunchroom as they would during a meal at home.

Students will be expected to eat silently for at least 5 minutes at the start of the lunch period. This is called “Chew Time” and allows all students to get a good start on eating their lunch before socializing.

Students who eat lunch at school must:

1. Obey and be respectful to the lunchroom supervisors at all times;
2. Remain in their seats while eating;
3. Eat their entire lunch or bring home any uneaten food;
4. Dispose of waste properly;
5. Speak quietly in the lunchroom;
6. Wait until they are finished with their lunches, making only one trip to the trash;
7. Ask for permission before leaving the lunchroom or playground for any reason.

Lunch detentions will be issued for inappropriate lunchroom or recess behavior. A detention form will notify parents of a lunch detention served due to a problem at lunch/recess.

Consequences for misbehavior include lunch detentions, parent notification, conferences with the principal, parent conferences, removal from the lunchroom and/or recess, and other disciplinary actions as listed in the Discipline Policy Handbook.

Recess

Safety is the first priority during recess. Playground equipment should be used in accordance with instructions from the adult supervisors on duty.

Students are to think about what they are doing, where they are walking (especially near slides and under horizontal ladders), and what the people around them are doing.

Equipment is to be used as it was designed to be used:

Slides – one person at a time, slide down (don't climb up), slide feet-first

Horizontal ladders – use from below, do not climb on top

The protective ground covering (wood chips) should not be disturbed.

Students must go outside with their peers for recess. If a child is recovering from an illness, he/she may stay in for one day upon parent request. With a doctor’s note, students will be kept in for longer periods of time in the nurse’s office or the lunch detention room.

In the winter, recess periods will be held outside as often as possible. Students must wear coats, hats, and gloves or mittens. When the ground is snow-covered, they will be allowed to play on the playground if they are also wearing boots and snow pants. Students wearing boots only must stay on the blacktopped area. Students without boots must stay on the cleared parts of the blacktop or sidewalk only.

Indoor recess during inclement weather will be scheduled as follows:

Monday Movie

Tuesday Board games

Wednesday Organized “sports” (relays, hoop shots, etc.)

Thursday Board games

Friday Organized “sports” (relays, hoop shots, etc.)

Because our playground is accessible from the street, no adult may approach a student from the street while the students are at recess, and no adult may call a student over to him/her during recess activities. Any adult approaching or attempting to contact students during outdoor recess will be asked to leave by the lunch/recess supervisors.

MEDICATION

If it becomes necessary for a student to take medicine during school hours, parents must provide a signed permission form from a physician. This form is available in the school office.

Both prescription and nonprescription medications are included under this policy. All medication will be kept in the school office and will be dispensed only by authorized school personnel. (Nonprescription medications include, but are not limited to, cough drops, aspirin, throat lozenges, Tylenol, etc.)

Students with asthma may keep a personal inhaler with him/her, but the school office should be aware of the student’s condition and that an inhaler is being carried by the student.

PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA)

 In keeping with the objectives of the national and state PTA, the Kolmar PTA exists to promote the welfare of Kolmar students and to encourage communication between the home and school. Parent and teacher volunteers, who serve as the officers, chairpersons, and committee members, work together with others to plan and carry out programs and services to benefit students, teachers, parents, and the school. PTA Board meetings, which are open to all PTA members, are held monthly and are announced in the monthly PTA newsletter, Kolmar Clips. General meetings are held twice yearly for the purpose of adopting the budget, electing officers, and addressing other matters required by the PTA bylaws.

A key to the success of the Kolmar School PTA is that all parents and staff become members. The yearly membership drive begins in September with PTA membership applications being distributed to all families and staff members. Membership funds are shared between the local, the state, and the national PTA’s These organizations are committed to school children and work tirelessly as advocates for all children. Even the busiest parent, who may not be able to volunteer time, can support the PTA by becoming a member.

PARTIES, BIRTHDAYS, AND TREATS

There will be three parties for children each year - at Halloween, before winter break, and Valentine's Day. The PTA will sponsor these parties with the help of the PTA room parents.

Birthday treats are allowed, but it is recommended that birthdays be celebrated with donations of books instead of sweets. Donated birthday books are acknowledged during morning announcements and in the PTA’s Kolmar Clips. Treats for anything except birthdays must be approved by the teacher or the principal. For health and safety reasons, only wrapped, store bought treats that include a nutrition label may be shared at school. No homemade treats are allowed.

Presents and balloons cannot be delivered to students during the school day.

Home party invitations cannot be distributed in school unless all students in a class are invited to the party. The school office cannot give out the phone numbers or addresses of parents or students for such parties. For this information, parents should refer to the PTA school directory they receive each year. Classroom invitations must be handed out with the knowledge of and under the supervision of the teacher.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS

Toys, collections, and other valuable personal belongings should remain at home. The school cannot be responsible for valuables brought to school. With teacher permission, appropriate sports equipment and board games may be brought to school for use during recess times. Electronic games and personal stereos may be used for indoor recess only, although having expensive electronic equipment at school is discouraged. Personal items may be allowed by the teacher in connection with a curriculum project.

Students may have cell phones at school, but they must be kept out of sight, and calls may only be made with the knowledge of the teacher or office staff. If a cell phone, or any electronic equipment, disrupts a classroom, it will be confiscated and returned at the end of the day.

Children are not allowed to bring anything to school that might hurt other students or themselves. This includes, but is not limited to, weapons, tobacco, or any controlled substance. Baseball bats, hard balls, mitts, and footballs are not allowed, except as used in physical education classes.

PHONE MESSAGES FOR STUDENTS

Parents should inform their child of any changes in transportation or after school care routine before he/she leaves for school, as messages to students in classrooms tend to interrupt the instructional focus.

PHONE USE BY STUDENTS

Students may use classroom phones in an emergency with permission from the teacher. Forgotten work, lunches, band instruments, or money are not considered emergencies. Parents should help their child learn responsibility and acquire skills in organization by designating a place at home where he/she will pick up everything needed for the school day before leaving in the morning.

SCHOOL SECURITY

To ensure your child’s safety, ALL PARENTS AND VISITORS must enter the building at the main entrance (door 1) on Kolmar Avenue. After ringing the buzzer outside, guests will be asked to identify themselves and will be “buzzed” into the office. ALL PARENTS AND VISITORS are required to sign-in at the school office and obtain a visitor ID before gaining access to school areas. Any person not familiar to the office staff will be asked to surrender his/her driver’s license before being allowed into any school area other than the school office.

SCHOOL VISITATION RIGHTS ACT

The Illinois School Visitation Rights Act makes it mandatory for private employers, local governments and school districts who employ more than 50 people to permit unpaid time off from work to attend necessary educational conferences at their children's schools. The official text of the act and a visitation verification form is available in the school office.

SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER

 Students receive instruction at the Center, located at 89th and Brandt Avenue in Oak Lawn, once or twice a month depending on their grade level. Students are transported by school bus to the Center and back to school. Students usually spend about half of a school day at the Center actively involved in a wide variety of experiments and activities that support the district’s curriculum.

TARDINESS

Tardiness is an interruption of the educational program for your child and his/her classmates. It is important that students develop the habit of arriving on time. Students arriving after classes have been admitted to the building will need to use the main entrance, as all other doors will be locked. Parents must park in the main parking lot (not the front driveway), come into the office, and sign in any student arriving after 8:35am.

Frequent tardiness may result in referral to truancy authorities.

TEXTBOOKS

 Each student is given the appropriate texts and workbooks to use throughout the year. Teachers will verify the condition of textbooks before they are distributed. The cost of textbooks and/or workbooks that are damaged or lost will be charged to the parent at the current replacement cost.

It is strongly recommended that all textbooks and workbooks be covered. Covers should not be taped to the insides of the books to avoid damage when the tape is removed.

Leveled readers will be sent home in plastic bags and should be returned to school the same way. These books are used year after year and must be protected from damage.

VEHICLE TRAFFIC

It is very important that drivers use extreme caution around school and obey all posted traffic signs. It is essential that vehicles slow down in the area of the school and come to complete stops at all stop signs. Violators will be reported. Kolmar Avenue is a one-way street going south between the hours of 8:00-9:00am and 2:30-4:00pm. Both Kolmar and 105th Street are posted with “No Stopping, Standing, or Parking” signs in places that are necessary to allow busses access to and from the school – these signs should be obeyed.

Drivers should never pass a school bus when it is loading or unloading students. Any driver passing a bus with red lights flashing and the safety arm extended will be reported to the Oak Lawn Police. Drivers should also be considerate of the school’s Safety Patrol when present.

VISITING SCHOOL

Parents are encouraged to visit the school. If parents wish to visit their child's class or confer with a teacher, they should call to arrange a mutually convenient time for the visit. All visitors must enter in the front of the building and sign in at the office. All visitors will be required to wear an ID badge. Classes must not be interrupted (except in an emergency), and teachers will be given the courtesy of prior notice of any visits to their classrooms.

VOLUNTEERING

The school and staff encourage parents to work with them on behalf of their child’s success. It is most important that parents work directly with their children at home by reading with them, talking with them about their schoolwork, and listening to their accomplishments and concerns. Parents can also help their children by volunteering some time at school. Volunteers have an opportunity to see the school programs in action, become better acquainted with teachers and staff, and meet and talk with each other.

Parents are needed to help out as room parents, as chaperones on field trips, and as assistants for special projects. Perhaps a parent has a special interest or hobby that would expand classroom instruction through a presentation. Parents or community members with such information should contact the teacher or Mrs. Schultz.

WALKING TO SCHOOL

 Students should walk on the sidewalks and cross the street under the direction of the adult crossing guard or the school’s Safety Patrol. Walkers living south of 105th St. must cross at Kolmar or Kilbourn with the assistance of the crossing guard. Student Safety Patrol members do not stop traffic. Their responsibility is to keep the walkers on the curb until the street is safe to cross.

ADDENDUM A

Please contact the school for this information

ADDENDUM B

 “FACING A PROBLEM AT SCHOOL” - reprinted from PTA TODAY, October 1990

 Parents often face circumstances when they need to work together with their child’s school to solve a problem or even simply keep a concern from growing into a larger problem. Knowing how to address the concern appropriately can work to the benefit of all. The following are some suggestions to assist with that process.

1. Familiarize yourself with school personnel and their roles at the beginning of the school year. This is especially important when entering a new school or if there are new staff involved. Acquainting yourself with the school before a need arises for the services makes utilizing them much easier under stressful circumstances. This includes introducing yourself to your child’s teacher(s).
2. Deal with the circumstances at the source first, such as with the classroom teacher, playground or lunchroom supervisor, or other staff member, before moving up the administrative ladder. Again, it is important to know the school’s structure. To whom does the teacher report? Generally teachers report to principals, principals report to superintendents and superintendents report to school boards.
3. Don’t let concerns get out of hand before addressing them. It is much easier to deal with small problems than big ones.
4. Before addressing any issue, take a deep breath and clear your head. The welfare of our children is an emotional issue, and one that should not be addressed when angry or upset.
5. Respond to the situation, don’t react. When we respond, we choose our course of action, what we say and what we do. Gather the facts. Consult with all of the persons.
6. Include children in the decisions made about school problems. Respond to their feelings about what is happening by asking how they feel and what they would like to do about the situation. Depending on the child’s age, it may be appropriate to include them in conferences and other decision-making procedures.
7. Explore your options. Is there someone else who may need to be part of the solution such as a social worker or counselor? If so, suggest these options as part of your discussion.
8. Remember that parents and educators all want the same thing - a good education for our children. The best way to achieve that is to work together. Remember that negative comments about a teacher to or in front of a child only results in undermining not just the teacher but the whole educational process.
9. Once you have talked or met with the teacher or other staff member, send a follow-up note summarizing the course of action to which you agree. Keep a copy of all communications and a record of all contacts. This assures that everyone is on the same page. In the worst case scenario, it provides back-up documentation should you need to take the issue further. Make sure to include a note of thanks for their assistance.
10. If you feel action taken by a teacher or other staff member was deliberate and harmful to your child, request a conference with that person and make your expectations clear. Emphasize the fact that any further action of this sort will be followed up with their superior and that retaliatory action toward your child will not be tolerated. Document your actions with a letter mailed to them and copies to the principal (or other superior). Keep a copy for your file.
11. If further action is required, make an appointment with the principal. If the issue is not resolved, continue up through the school structure to the superintendent, and, if compiled, and be prepared to state the desired outcome of the meeting.
12. Deal as much as possible with facts and not opinions or feelings.
13. Recognize that drastic action is seldom needed and issues are more often than not dealt with in a non-confrontational manner. Always assume that this will be the case, while protecting yourself and your child from the possibility of stronger action.
14. Keep the best interest of the child in mind.
15. Take the opportunity to acknowledge the positive efforts of the school staff. This is best done by writing a letter of commendation to the person’s superior, with a copy to the staff member. This is especially effective when done under normal circumstances,and not just when problems arise.
16. Use these steps to form a stronger partnership between the home and school.
17. Don’t wait until a problem arises to become involved!