2011-2012 Episcopal School of Dallas

Lower School Parent and Student Handbook

Table of Contents

I. Mission Statement and Founding Tenets II. Administrative Team

III. Faculty and Staff

IV. Daily Schedule and Special Classes

V. Academics

VI. Community Service and Outdoor Education

VII. Daily Worship

VIII. Alphabetized listing of key words and events

IX. Parents’ Association Information

X. Month to month school calendar

XI. Accreditation and Memberships

I

THE EPISCOPAL SCHOOL OF DALLAS

The Reverend Stephen B. Swann Rector and Headmaster

Lower School Middle and Upper School 4344 Colgate 4100 Merrell Road Dallas, Texas 75225 Dallas, Texas 75229

MISSION STATEMENT

The Episcopal School of Dallas prepares young men and women for lives of intellectual discovery, integrity, and purpose. The school develops the unique talent and potential in each student and embraces sound learning, discipline, and faith as essential elements of an educated conscience.

FOUNDING TENETS

The Founding Tenets of the Episcopal School of Dallas were created simultaneously with the original Mission Statement. These Tenets provide a structure which enables the faculty, staff and students to work and study in a faith-centered environment. Daily Worship

Allows recognition of God, the teachings of the Judeo-Christian heritage and the personal and global contemporary issues which require personal and corporate prayer and responses.

Experiences in Community Allows the common needs of fellow human beings to be shared, lived and discussed in advisories, wilderness camping and Headmaster retreats.

Studies in Religion Allows the development and inculcation of a belief system through structured traditional classroom settings.

Service to others Allows students to experience the giving of their time to work on campus and in various service agencies throughout the city.

Daily worship, experiences in community and studies in religion prepare members of this community for service to others, the highest manifestation of God's presence in our lives.

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THE LEADERSHIP TEAM The Reverend Stephen B. Swann Rector and Headmaster Erin P. Mayo Assistant Head of School for Academics Robert Buchholz Chief Financial Officer Sandy Kerr Head of Lower School Scott Kimball Head of Middle School

Erin P. Mayo Head of Upper School Andy Perry Director of Outdoor Education Ruth Burke Director of Enrollment Management Karla Wigley Director of Development The Reverend Oliver Butler Senior Chaplain David Tollison Director of Athletics and Wellness

Page updated 1/30/2012

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Lower School Faculty & Staff Sandy Kerr, Lower School Head, x5609

Julie Butterworth, Assistant Head of Lower School, x5621

Teacher Voice Mail Teacher Voice Mail

Beginners Nancy Bloede 3253 Computer Technology Ben Bray 5724

Amy Imel 3351 Ann Jackson 2595 Curriculum Coordinator Erin Rupe 3272 Suzie Wheeler 3290 Counselor Cara Holmes 5721

Pre-Kindergarten Christy Black 3219

Foreign Language Zora Skelton 3304

Shannon Bealke 3274 Tina Stansbury 3285 Cindy Ragan 3276 Laura Talbot 3334 Jill Stanford 3267 Learning Specialist Julie Allen 3407

Kindergarten Ann Carter 3292 Carmen Carley 3215 Language Lab Lynn Harnden 5624 Lauren Hill 2551 Jean Aoki 2594

Primer Allison Hogan 3250 Library Bonnie Tollefson 5714 Linda Van Der Kar 3214

1st Grade Marion Baker 3211 Mary Bickley 3252 Math Specialist Dana Sieling 3254

Alison Boyd 3282 Connie Elms 3262 Music Judi Davidson 3275 Abbie Rusek 3251 Anne Mileski 3284

2nd Grade Molly Hardy 3310 Organist Doneta Weatherly 3289 Nancy Holder 3294 Billye Johnston 3270 PE Tim Adams 5884 Cindy Phillips 3257 Kris Brockhagen 5894 Hollie Read 5623

3rd Grade Natalie Amato 3269 Jenny Esteve 2243 Permanent Substitute Edna Cannata 3260 Karen Ginsberg 2242 Linda McSwain 3277 Pre-Elementary Teaching and

Learning AssistantMarissa Royall 3258

4th Grade Cara Busker 5720 Kids on Campus Wendy

Kenneybrew 5833

Jan Norris 3279 Carla Robnett 5833 Becky O’Donnell 3306 Laura Rocha 5833

Brenda Wilder 3280 Nurse Carla Thomas 5773

Admissions Ruth Burke 5601 Office Marianne Harmuth 5818 Ashley Beck 5738 Lin Taylor 5710

Art Cathy Ruempolhamer

3291 Parents’ Association President LuAnne Hobbs 5891

Chaplain Michael Harmuth 5829

Computer Martha Bowden 2562

IV

DAILY SCHEDULE Morning Pre-Elementary 7:45-8:00 Arrival 9:00 Chapel 11:30 Dismissal Afternoon Pre-Elementary 11:50-12:00 Arrival 1:00 Chapel 3:30 Dismissal Primer and First Grade 7:45-8:00 Arrival 9:00 / 1:00 Chapel 12:00-12:30 Lunch 2:30 Dismissal SPECIAL CLASSES Beginner, Pre-K, Kindergarten Library 1/Week Music 2/Week PE 2/Week Spanish 2/Week Primer Library 1/Week Music 2/Week PE 5/Week Spanish 2/Week First Grade Art 1/Week Library 1/Week Music 2/Week PE 5/Week Spanish 1/Week PETS 1/Week/2nd Semester Computer 1/Week/2nd Semester

Second Grade 7:45-8:00 Arrival 8:30 Chapel 11:15-11:45 Lunch 2:30 Dismissal Third Grade 7:45-8:00 Arrival 8:30 Chapel 11:30-12:00 Lunch 3:30 Dismissal Fourth Grade 7:45-8:00 Arrival 8:30 Chapel 11:00-11:30 Lunch 3:30 Dismissal

Second Grade Art 1/Week Computer 1/Week Library 1/Week Music 2/Week PE 5/Week Spanish 2/Week PETS 1/Week/1st Semester Third and Fourth Grades Art 1/Week Computer 3rd-3/Week, 4th-2/Week Library 1/Week Music 2/Week PE 5/Week Spanish/ French 2/Week PETS 1/Week/ Semester Religion 4th only

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ACADEMICS As a college preparatory school, the Episcopal School of Dallas provides a program for Pre-Elementary through grade twelve students emphasizing academic excellence. The school is administered in three divisions: Lower, Middle and Upper School. Academics, fine arts, physical education, chapel, school service, community service, and outdoor education programs are specifically designed for the needs of the students in each division. The Lower School is home to students from Beginner through Fourth Grade. The Lower School strives to implement a program that encourages each child to fully develop his or her unique talents and abilities. The curriculum design is guided by the belief that interactive, hands-on experiences emphasizing the relationships among disciplines make learning most meaningful for young children. Grade reports Grade reports are issued at the close of each quarter for students in Pre-Kindergarten through Fourth Grade classes and at the close of each semester for Beginner students. The reports provide an evaluation of the student’s academic progress, social growth, effort, and behavior. Additional information is provided by the classroom and special teachers’ comments. The following grading scales are used to most accurately describe student progress at different levels of development. Pre-Elementary M = Meeting expectations P = Progressing toward expectations N = Needs re-enforcement Primer - Third Grade A = Above expectations for this age and grade level W = Within expectations for this age and grade level B = Below expectations for this age and grade level Fourth Grade A = 90 - 100% B = 80 – 89% C = 70 – 79% D = 65 – 69% F = Below 65% Parent Conferences Two family conference days are scheduled each year, one in the fall semester and another in the spring semester. Parents may select a convenient time and date on sign-up sheets posted outside the classrooms the week before each conference day.

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Homework Students are expected to complete homework assignments on a regular basis. The purpose of homework is to foster a child’s independence and responsibility, to develop good study skills, and to provide practice for optimum skills development. Homework time guidelines Written work Assigned reading Grade 1 15 minutes 15 minutes Grade 2 20 minutes 20 minutes Grade 3 30 minutes 30 minutes Grade 4 40 minutes 30 minutes These time guidelines are set for the average student and are obviously affected by reading ability and rate. If the student consistently takes more time to complete homework, a conference should be scheduled with the teacher. Tutoring Students having academic difficulty may, in certain situations, be advised to work with a tutor. If space and time are available, the tutor may work with students in First, Second, and Third Grades during the school day. The goal for tutoring should be to bolster the student’s ability to work independently and to be an active participant in the classroom. Over-reliance on tutoring to explain material covered in class or to do homework is not in the student’s best interest and should be avoided. Tutoring guidelines

Tutoring will be recommended and approved by the Division Head. All tutors must submit a resume to the Division Head before beginning work with

a student.

All tutors will be assigned a time and place by the Division Head.

All tutors are required to submit a report to the ESD Learning Specialist each semester outlining the academic plan and progress of the student.

At the discretion of the Division Head, students in First, Second, and Third

Grades may be released from class to work with a tutor a maximum of three 45- minute periods per week. The student may not qualify for this accommodation if s/he is receiving other support during the school day (such as Language Lab) that also requires time out of the regular classroom.

Students in Fourth Grade may not receive outside tutoring during the school day. All tutoring sessions should be scheduled before or after school hours.

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COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM

Service is one of the four tenets on which the Episcopal School of Dallas was founded. The Community Service Program at ESD has been established to prepare our students for a lifetime of service to others. We hope to provide them with the opportunity to experience first hand the pleasure of helping others while developing their communication, leadership and decision making skills. Program goals

1. To provide help where needed in many areas of society. 2. To understand their lives in relation to others and feel a sense of responsibility

toward the greater community. 3. To broaden their horizons through exposure to a wide range of experiences. 4. To foster the relationship between ESD and the Dallas community. 5. To recognize that they are serving God by serving others.

All students, Beginners through Fourth Grade, participate in a grade level service project each year, serving various agencies in the Dallas community. In addition, the Lower School has three annual, school-wide projects.

OUTDOOR EDUCATION PROGRAM

The Outdoor Education Program is an important and integral part of each student’s education at the Episcopal School of Dallas. The program’s experiential structure provides students with opportunities to learn and grow through participation in activities designed to promote cooperation, teamwork, responsibility, and self-reliance. The mission of the Outdoor Program is to prepare young people for life through an opportunity to experience a sense of community that involves sharing, living, and discussing the common needs of fellow human beings in a faith-centered and natural environment.

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The Outdoor Program’s progressive structure strives to build the following qualities in each student:

A broader self concept A higher degree of self-reliance and self-confidence An ability to function as a responsible, caring and integral member of the human

community A clearer perspective of one’s spirituality and relationship with God The fundamental skills essential to enjoy wilderness experiences A deeper awareness and appreciation of the natural environment

Lower School students participate in class activities on campus, at the middle/upper school, and on field trips to our Wolf Run Outdoor Education Center. Activities include outdoor safety skills, astronomy, nature study, team-building activities, cooking, games, stories, and exploring.

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DAILY WORSHIP

Chapel Services Chapel services and monthly Eucharist are an essential part of the Episcopal School experience. Through worship, Holy Eucharist, religious studies and service to others, students and faculty are aided in examining their own personal faith and coming to a clearer understanding of God’s purpose in their lives. The Lower School has three chapel services daily. Second, Third and Fourth Graders attend the first service at 8:30AM. Morning Pre-Elementary students, Primer, and two First Grade classes worship at the 9:00AM service. The afternoon Pre-Elementary classes, and two First Grade classes attend a 1:00PM chapel. Monthly Eucharist services for our Second, Third, and Fourth Graders are held in the main church of Saint Michael and All Angels Church at 8:10AM. The chapel services, under the guidance of ordained Episcopal clergy and committed laity, conform to The Book of Common Prayer. With this liturgical structure, the school brings together students and faculty from a variety of religious traditions for daily common prayer and praise to God. The Lower School Chaplain adapts the service to make it most meaningful to younger children. Chapel attendance is compulsory at the Episcopal School of Dallas. All members of the school community are to enter quietly and reverently, ready to participate in the worship services. A student who is tardy/absent from chapel is subject to the same attendance rules and regulations for academic classes. Chapel Manners Students should enter and leave the chapel quietly with hands at their sides. Cross and Candles Lower School students take part in the services by carrying the cross and candles. The day a student carries the cross or candle is a special one for both the student and the family. Parents are encouraged to attend the service and are welcome to take pictures before and after the service. Birthday Blessings Students also become a part of the service on their birthdays. The chapel blessing is the school celebration of a child’s birthday. The student and his/her parents are invited to the altar for a special prayer and blessing. Siblings do not attend blessings unless the blessing is scheduled at their regular chapel time.

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Episcopal School of Dallas Lower School

Key Words and Events

For your convenience we have consolidated some important information in an alphabetized listing. Additional pertinent information may be found elsewhere in this handbook. ABSENCES It is our desire that all children be in school on all scheduled school days unless they are ill. Please call the school nurse at 214-353-5773 in the event of an absence. If your child has a communicable disease or serious illness, the school may require a note from your child’s doctor stating that the student is in good health before s/he may return to school. A child is to be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school. In the event a child becomes ill or injured at school, the child’s parents will be contacted. If neither parent is available, the person listed as the emergency contact will be contacted. Refer to Elective Absences for further information. AFTER SCHOOL CLUB For an additional fee, After School Club is available each school day from 2:30 to 3:30 for Primer, First and Second Grade students who ride in 3:30 carpools. Enrollment information is available in the school office. Students are to be registered by the first full day of school. ARRIVING AT SCHOOL/TARDINESS Children should enter the building between 7:45 and 8:00 AM. Students are tardy if they are not in their classrooms by 8:05. Supervision for early arrivals begins at 7:45 in the lunchroom for First - Fourth Grade students. Beginner, Pre-K, Kindergarten and Primer students are supervised in the porte cochere beginning at 7:45. For safety and security we ask that you not drop off your children before 7:45. Afternoon Pre-Elementary students are unloaded from cars from 11:50-12:05. They are tardy if they are not in their classrooms by 12:05. If you arrive late and a teacher is not unloading cars, please park and walk your child to the school office to sign in and then accompany him/her to class or chapel. BACKPACKS Beginners, PreK, and Kindergarten students use the ESD bookbag. Primer through Fourth Grade students use a backpack. ESD bookbags and backpacks are available at the Eagle’s Nest. Backpacks on wheels are not permitted in the building.

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BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT This is an annual event held in the fall. Open House is an opportunity for your family to visit your child’s classroom, greet his/her teachers and see some familiar as well as new faces. BINGO NIGHT Bingo Night is a Lower School family event sponsored by the Parents’ Association. BIRTHDAYS/PARTIES Refreshments may be brought to Beginner, Pre-K, and Kindergarten classrooms on a child’s birthday if the classroom teacher has been notified ahead of time. Drinks are available at school, so a cookie or cupcake is most appropriate. We do not allow party favors for birthdays. Refreshments may be brought to Primer-Fourth Grade classrooms only for scheduled parties and events. Your room mother will contact you about these planned celebrations. Birthday refreshments, special lunches, and/or decorations are not allowed during school lunch periods. Distribution of personal party invitations is never allowed at school. BOOK FAIR Each year the Lower School Library sponsors a Book Fair as a service to ESD families. We work with a vendor to provide a variety of quality books for sale. The library staff is available to help make appropriate suggestions for your individual child. Students look forward to the Book Fair and we enjoy encouraging their love for books. The Lower School Library does benefit from your patronage if you choose to shop with us. BULLYING The Episcopal School of Dallas strives to create an environment that is safe for all students. To that end, ESD does not tolerate bullying, which we define as follows: A student is being bullied when another student repeatedly subjects him/her to negative actions in which there is also an imbalance of power. Bullying includes, but is not limited to these actions:

threatening, taunting, or teasing a student by saying mean and hurtful things consistently ignoring or excluding a fellow student from a group of friends and/or

leaving a student out of activities on purpose hitting, kicking, pushing, or restraining a student telling lies or spreading rumors about a student or attempting to make others

dislike him/her

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The Episcopal School of Dallas does not tolerate bullying behavior in any situation, whether during or after school hours. Students who engage in such behavior are subject to serious disciplinary action. In keeping with our philosophy, all ESD students should abide by the following:

We will not bully others. We will help students who are bullied. We will be inclusive of all students. When we know someone is being bullied, we will tell an adult at school and an

adult at home. CARNIVAL T-SHIRT DAY A tradition at the Lower School is for students to wear an ESD carnival T-shirt (current or from a previous year) to celebrate the carnival. Jeans or shorts may be worn with the T-shirts. CARPOOL ETIQUETTE Only designated carpool locations may be used for drop-off and pick-up. As soon as the carpool line starts moving, turn off all cell phones. Please watch carefully and drive slowly on Colgate and through our parking lot. If you arrive early for carpool pick-up, please park in the parking lot before forming the carpool line. We recommend that all carpool lines start assembling no sooner than ten minutes before carpool begins. CARPOOL LOCATIONS 7:45-8:00 Drop-off: Porte cochere or Kids on Campus door 11:30 AM Pre-el Carpool: Porte cochere 11:50-12:00 PM Pre-el Drop-off: Porte cochere 2:30 Primer, 1st, 2nd: Porte cochere and Kids on Campus door 3:30 PM Pre-el: Porte cochere 3:30 3rd and 4th: Kids on Campus door and Mother’s Day Out door CARPOOL NOTES Please send all carpool changes in writing to school with your child or send an email to lsfrontoffice@esdallas.org and the teacher. Include your carpool number on the note. Without a note we must send your child home in regular carpool. If an emergency arises during the day that makes a carpool change necessary, you may call 214-353-5881 and leave a message about the change. Carpool changes must be received at least one hour before carpool time. CARPOOL POLICY FOR PICK UP AFTER CARPOOL HOURS Students remaining fifteen minutes after regular dismissal time will be taken to the main office. The parent/driver will need to park and go to the office to pick up the carpool. The teacher in charge will ask the driver to sign the carpool list with the time of pick up, as repeat offenders may need to make other arrangements for the carpool to be picked up on time. It is imperative that all drivers arrive on time, as teachers have many obligations to fulfill after school hours.

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CHAPEL All students, faculty and staff members attend chapel daily. Parents are always welcome to join us. Parents are encouraged to attend chapel on the day of their child’s birthday blessing and the day their child carries the cross or candles. Let your child’s teacher know the day you are planning to attend chapel for your child’s birthday blessing. Siblings do not attend blessings unless the blessing is scheduled at their regular chapel time. Chapel service times are 8:30AM for Second through Fourth Grade students. Beginner through First Grade students attend 9:00AM or 1:00PM services.

CHESS CLUB Primer-Fourth Grade students are invited to attend Chess Club on Friday mornings each week before school. CHRISTMAS SERVICE The Lower School Christmas Service is a time for all students and families to come together as a school family. All students participate in the service as each grade level shares holiday songs. No birthday blessings are scheduled during Christmas Service. CLASS PLACEMENT POLICY As we have in place a detailed system of careful and thoughtful class placement, we ask that you not request specific teachers or classmates for your children. We are committed to placing each child in a setting which fosters and celebrates the joy of learning. CLOSING SERVICE AND MEDAL CEREMONY The Closing Service and Medal Ceremony is used as a time to honor all of the Fourth Graders by presenting each one of them with an ESD medal. Pre-K through Fourth Grade students all attend, and the chaplain speaks to give all of us closure on the year. No birthday blessings are scheduled during Closing Service and Medal Ceremony. COMMUNICATION On the first and third Monday of each month, an electronic Newsletter will be sent to all Lower School families. Please get in to the habit of reading this newsletter as it contains important school information and announcements that will be of interest to you. COUNSELING SERVICE ESD has contracted the services of Children’s Medical Center and UT Southwestern to address student/family needs and to give outside referrals. You may contact a counselor directly or through your Division Head or teacher. DIRECTORY Families receive one directory per child. Additional copies are available for purchase in the main office or through the Eagle’s Nest. The ESD directory is for the sole use of the school and its families. The directory cannot be used for promotion of any activity unrelated to the school. It shall not be used for personal gain or made available for commercial, political or solicitation purposes.

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DISCIPLINE POLICY Any child who does not cooperate with ESD regulations or his/her teacher is a hindrance to the learning of the entire class. Chronic misbehavior, even minor incidents, may lead to major consequences. If the teacher finds it necessary to send the child to the school office, and if counseling does not correct the behavior, a parent conference will be scheduled. If the problem persists, the child may be suspended from school. In the case of further difficulty, a parent conference will be necessary to determine whether or not the child may remain at ESD. EAGLE’S NEST The Eagle’s Nest, our school store, is located the Upper School and is open Mondays-Thursdays 7:30-4:00 and Fridays, 7:30-2:00. EARLY RELEASE Students who are picked up during the school day will be dismissed from their classroom only when the teacher receives an Early Release Form. These forms are available in the school office. E-MAIL All faculty may be reached by e-mail. To contact any teacher or staff member, please enter last name first initial@esdallas.org. (example: swanns@esdallas.org) ELECTIVE ABSENCE It is our desire that students be in class on all school days except in case of illness. Teachers are not allowed to prepare lessons in advance for elective absences. Make-up work is the responsibility of the student and his/her parents. If necessary, outside tutoring may be required. The grading of make-up work will be at the discretion of the classroom teacher. All work is to be completed within the same number of days as the absence. ELEMENTARY FINE ARTS FAIR The Fine Arts Fair is an annual event held each spring to showcase the work of students in First through Fourth Grades. Student artwork is prominently displayed in the halls. Poets’ Corner provides an opportunity for students to share their poetry with an audience. ESD Singers also perform. This is a school event that your whole family should plan to attend. ENRICHMENT The enrichment program provides differentiated learning experiences in the areas of reading, math, and higher-level thinking skills. ERBs ERBs (Educational Research Bureau) are standardized achievement tests that are given to all students in Second - Fourth Grades in the spring of each year. Results are mailed to parents in August.

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EUCHARIST Eucharist is celebrated on the first Wednesday of every month at 8:10AM for Second through Fourth Grade students. Each Eucharist service spotlights a grade level for the singing of the anthem. We invite all parents to attend any Eucharist service. Consult the calendar for specific dates. FIELD DAY Field Day is an annual May event sponsored by our dads. It is a non-competitive day of games, relays and fun. Interested dads should watch for volunteer opportunities. GRADE LEVEL PARENT COMMUNICATION REPRESENTATIVES The Grade Level Parent Communication Reps are volunteer parents who are ready to help you with any general questions about extra-curricular activities. Their names are listed in the school directory at the beginning of each grade level section. GRANDPARENTS’ DAY Grandparents or surrogate grandparents are honored on this special day. Activities include a classroom visit, a church service, and a reception. Lower School Grandparents’ Day is the Friday before Thanksgiving. Check your school calendar for the specific date. HARASSMENT POLICY ESD is committed to providing a school environment that is free of discrimination and harassment. Actions, words, jokes or derogatory comments based on an individual’s gender, race, ethnicity, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic will not be tolerated. Incidents of harassment should be reported to the Administration immediately. A teacher, coach or staff member who becomes aware of possible harassment should promptly advise the Administration, who will handle the matter in a timely and confidential manner. Anyone engaging in harassment will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including separation from school. HEALTH RECORDS For your child to be fully enrolled at ESD, all health records must be current and on file in the nurse’s office. HONORS ASSEMBLY The Lower School Honors Assembly, held in May, provides a time to recognize students for excellence in math, poetry, physical education, library and art. No birthday blessings are scheduled during Honors Assembly. IN-SERVICE DAYS In-Service Days are work days for the faculty and staff and non-school days for all students.

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JUMP ROPE FOR HEART Primer – Fourth Grade students are involved in Jump Rope for Heart during their physical education classes. Parent participation is encouraged on the day that all students jump rope. The JRFH day is usually scheduled in January. JUST SKIP IT TEAM The Just Skip It team is a jump rope demonstration team that is open to students who are able to perform specific jump rope skills. The team performs at local high school, college and professional basketball games. KIDS ON CAMPUS Kids On Campus is our extended day program and is designed for full-time working parents. Kids On Campus is open all school days during the convenient hours of 7:00AM to 6:00PM. This program is available only to students enrolled in ESD. LANGUAGE LAB Language Lab is a multisensory, Orton-Gillingham based phonics curriculum that is used to remediate reading, spelling and handwriting skills for identified Second and Third Graders. LIBRARY FUND The Library Fund enables us to develop and increase our resources which impacts every child in the school. Making a donation to the Library Fund is a memorable way to celebrate an important date, such as a child’s birthday. Families and friends also use the Library Fund for memorials. Please contact the librarian for more information. LIBRARY HOURS The Lower School library is open daily 8:00 – 4:00 PM for your convenience. All families are encouraged to use this wonderful resource. The library is a teaching library; therefore, your child must be accompanied by an adult at all times. LOST AND FOUND The Lost and Found is located in the cafeteria. If items are labeled, they are quickly returned to your child. After a reasonable amount of time, unclaimed items are donated to charity. Please label all student clothing and equipment. LUNCH All students are enrolled in the lunch program offered by Sage Dining Services. We do not allow students to bring lunch from home or fast food to the Lower School Dining Commons. LUNCHROOM VOLUNTEERS Parents volunteer to assist in the lunchroom on a monthly rotation. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the Lunchroom Coordinator through the Parents’ Association.

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MEDICATION Prescribed medication/treatment may be administered by a school nurse or by a non-health professional. All medications, including asthma inhalers, must be brought to school in the original container appropriately labeled by the pharmacy along with specific instructions from the doctor of how the medication is to be dispensed. The school will not accept or administer medications that are not packaged in the original container with appropriate labeling. Any alteration of prescribed dosage must be written by the prescribing doctor. NON-UNIFORM DAY At the discretion of the Division Head, students may have a scheduled non-uniform day during the school year. We suggest jeans or shorts with a t-shirt or a coordinated outfit. Please be certain that your child’s outfit is appropriate for school. If we find the outfit too revealing and/or offensive, we will call you to bring a change of clothes for your child. NORTH DALLAS SHARED MINISTRIES FOOD DRIVE This food drive is an annual community service project of the Lower School. It is held in November and is a time students collect and deliver food to North Dallas Shared Ministries. PARENT BACK-TO-SCHOOL COFFEES The Parents’ Association schedules fall coffees for all grade levels. At these coffees, you will meet other parents and hear brief remarks from school administrators and Parents’ Association officers. PARENT/SCHOOL COMMUNICATION Written reports will be issued four times each year for students Pre-K through Fourth Grade and two times for Beginner students. In the event of divorce or separation, our school policy allows the custodial parent, the non-custodial parent and the step-parents equal access to all official records, reports and school communication regarding their children. Such access is provided without notification of other parties regardless of the party or parties paying the tuition and fees. Exceptions to this policy are made only when necessary to comply with applicable law and/or when so ordered by a court of law. It is the responsibility of the custodial parent to inform the school of names and addresses of people who should receive this information. PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES Parent teacher conferences are scheduled twice during the year, and all parents are required to attend. If additional conferences are necessary, they may be requested by the teacher and/or parents. In the case of separation or divorce, it is recommended that both parents attend conferences at the same time.

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PARKING The NO PARKING/FIRE LANE zones are monitored by the Fire Marshal. Attended and unattended vehicles are in violation of the Dallas Fire Code. If you arrive early for carpool pick-up, please park in the parking lot before forming the carpool line. We recommend that all carpool lines start assembling no sooner than ten minutes before carpool begins. PERFORMING ARTS All students, Primer through Fourth Grade, will present a musical/drama performance during the school year. Performance dates are listed on the calendar at the back of this handbook. PHYSICAL EDUCATION If your child is unable to participate in physical education, please send a note to his/her teacher. If s/he frequently is unable to participate, a physician’s note may be required. Boys wear black athletic shoes to PE. In First Grade, girls may wear Keds saddle shoes or change to athletic shoes for PE. All girls in Third and Fourth Grades must wear athletic shoes. Girls need to wear ESD uniform shorts during their PE classes. PRE-ELEMENTARY FINE ARTS FAIR The Pre-Elementary Fine Arts Fair is an annual event held each spring. It includes a musical performance and showcases the artwork of Beginner through Kindergarten students. See calendar at the back of this handbook. PUBLICATIONS The Lower School Newsletter, the All School Newsletter and the Parents’ Association Newsletter, are sent via email. The Crest, ESD’s school magazine, is mailed to your home. Each child Pre-K through Fourth Grade receives a Lower School yearbook. PUBLICITY AND PHOTOGRAPHY From time to time during the school year, photographs are taken of students engaged in educational and athletic activities. These photographs may be used in the School’s quarterly publication, The Crest, the Annual Report or admissions materials. They may also be used for newspaper articles or magazine ads. On occasion, local print and television media may cover school events. Unless otherwise notified, your student’s photograph may be used in one or more of these described ways. If you do not want photographs of your child used in this manner, please notify the Director of Development.

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ROOM MOTHERS Room mothers play an extremely important role at our school. Room mothers are in charge of class parties, teacher gifts, parent volunteers, schedule changes and coordination of events with the classroom teacher. SCHOOL HOURS Morning Pre-Elementary 8:00 – 11:30 Afternoon Pre-Elementary 12:00 – 3:30 Primer, First and Second 8:00 – 2:30 Third and Fourth 8:00 – 3:30 SCHOOL PICTURES Individual and class pictures are taken in the fall of each year. Each student receives a class picture and individual pictures may be purchased. SINGERS ESD Singers is an auditioned performance choir of Fourth Grade students who perform throughout the community. The Singers are under the direction of the Lower School music teacher. SOLICITATION BY STUDENTS Students should not solicit teachers and staff in their many fund raising ventures, such as Girl Scout cookies and fun runs. The teachers are put in an awkward position of being unable to sponsor all student requests. SPECIAL CLASSES When students mention “special classes” they are referring to art, French, Spanish, library, computer, physical education, music, religion, and/or (PETS) Primary Education Thinking Skills. TARDINESS We ask your cooperation in teaching your child respect for school hours by bringing them on time. All students are tardy if they have not reported to the classroom by 5 minutes after the starting time. THREATENING STATEMENTS POLICY Students who threaten to bring a weapon to school or to harm themselves or others will be suspended and may face expulsion. Additionally, the student may be required to undergo an evaluation by a counselor of the school’s choice, to establish for the school and the student’s family, that the student is safe to return to school. The student may be referred for further evaluation or counseling. All members of the school community must realize that statements such as “I was just kidding,” or “I didn’t mean it,” are not acceptable excuses. This policy applies to incidents on and off campus.

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TUTORING OF ESD STUDENTS Refer to tutor guidelines on page V-2. UNIFORMS Children must wear the official school uniform every day. Please label all clothing and equipment.

Girls: Skirts: Navy pleated skirt.

Skirts should be no shorter than three inches above the knee. Shirt: Middy blouse with red tie. Shorts: Navy blue ESD logo shorts should be worn under skirts for PE. Shoes: Navy and white saddle shoes or navy and white Keds. Third and Fourth Grade girls need

athletic shoes for PE. Socks: Plain, white bobby socks or knee socks. Low athletic socks are not permitted. Cold Weather Attire:

Only navy blue or grey, ESD logo/crest sweatshirts may be worn in the building during the day. Hooded sweatshirts are not permitted.

Navy blue or white tights. Navy sweatpants may be worn to and from school and for any outside activities during cold weather.

Girls may wear long sleeve, solid white turtlenecks under their middy blouses. Only ESD logo/crest fleece jackets and vests may by worn in the building during the day.

Navy blue cardigan sweaters are also permitted. Headwear: Red, white or navy blue bows or headbands only. Scarves are not permitted. Jewelry: Jewelry is limited to non-dangling earrings and a watch. Necklaces are not permitted. Nail Polish: Nail polish is not permitted. Boys: Pants: Navy Bermuda-length shorts or trousers. Shirts: White oxford shirt or cotton knit polo shirt (without logo). Belts: Black or brown narrow belt. Shoes: Solid black leather loafers or low, solid black athletic shoes. Slip on athletic shoes are

not permitted. Socks: Plain, no logo, white crew socks. Low athletic socks are not permitted. Cold Weather Attire:

Boys should wear long navy blue pants in the cold weather. Boys may wear long sleeve solid white turtlenecks under their uniform shirts. Only navy blue or grey, ESD logo/crest sweatshirts may be worn in the building during

the day. Hooded sweatshirts are not permitted. Only ESD logo/crest fleece jackets and vests may by worn in the building during the day.

Jewelry: Jewelry is limited to a watch. Necklaces are not permitted. Uniform suppliers are Parker School Uniforms and Culwell and Son (for boys only).

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VISITS TO THE SCHOOL For the safety of our students, all doors at the ESD Lower School are locked from 8:30AM to 3:30PM. Entry to the school is gained by ringing the doorbell at the porte cochere entrance. All visitors must sign in at the Lower School Office and obtain a name tag. If a parent wishes to observe in a classroom, the visit must be scheduled through the Division Head. Classroom observations are limited to twenty minutes. We welcome you to have lunch with your child during the school year. We recommend that you limit this to once a semester. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Volunteer opportunities abound at the Lower School. If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact the appropriate Parents’ Association Chairperson. Volunteer opportunities are listed under Parents’ Association Information. VOICE MAIL All faculty and staff have individual voice mail numbers which are listed in the school directory. The direct number is 214-353-5777. You may leave a message at any time. Teachers are asked to check their voice mail at the beginning and end of each day. If your call is not returned in a timely manner, please leave a reminder call in case the message was not received. WEBSITE To access the ESD Website: www.esdallas.org WEATHER – SCHOOL CANCELLATION The decision to cancel school is made with the safety of the students and faculty in mind. During times of inclement weather, parents should listen to the radio and television for announcements concerning school closure. You may call 214-358-4368 or visit our website to verify our school closing. WOLF RUN Wolf Run is our outdoor education center located in Anna, Texas. YEARBOOKS Each Pre-K through Fourth Grade student, as a member of our school community, receives a yearbook. Yearbooks for the previous year are distributed in September. YMCA EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Our students participate on sports teams through the Park Cities and Town North YMCAs. Y Princesses and Y Guides are also sponsored by the Y. If you have any questions about team sports, please email Kris Brockhagen at brockhagenk@esdallas.org or the YMCA of your choice.

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PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION INFORMATION President, LuAnne Hobbs Parents’ Association offices: MS/US - Library conference room If you would like to be involved in any Parents’ Association events, please contact the President of the Parents’ Association at 214-353-5891. AUCTION The ESD Auction is an annual fund-raising event. All families are encouraged to attend. You will receive an invitation prior to the event. This is a wonderful volunteer opportunity for all parents. BINGO Bingo Night is a Lower School family event sponsored by the Parents’ Association. Dinner is served; great prizes are won by all who play Bingo. This is a fun family evening that is not to be missed! BUDDY FAMILIES This is an opportunity to be involved in strengthening our school community by hosting the family of a new student. This includes attending a spring ice cream social, staying in touch throughout the summer with your buddy family and inviting them to join you at one of several fall school sponsored events. CARNIVAL The carnival is a time for families to come together for food, games and fun. Parent volunteers are a most important part of this event since all games and booths require parental supervision. FAMILY COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES The Parents’ Association, in collaboration with the Community Service Coordinator, will offer an opportunity for Lower School families to become involved in a community service project. You will receive more information in the MMM and the Parents’ Association newsletter. GOOD SAMARITAN When a school family experiences a need for additional support, such as a serious illness of an immediate family member, school families are mobilized to provide additional support. In the past, we have provided meals, helped with carpool, and tried to do anything that the family has requested. If your family or someone you know needs help, please contact your Grade Level Parent Communication Representative.

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GRADE LEVEL PARENT COMMUNICATION REPRESENTATIVES Each grade level has two Communication Representatives. They are responsible for organizing grade level parent activities, serving as Good Samaritan coordinators and maintaining the efficient and accurate flow of information to our school community. If you have any questions, concerns or comments please contact your Grade Level Parent Communication Representative. Consult your directory for names and phone numbers. NEWSLETTER The newsletter contains important information regarding all student and parent activities. SCHOOL DIRECTORIES Each family receives one directory per student as part of their Student Activity Fee. This fee is included in tuition. Extra directories are available in the school office for purchase. TEACHER APPRECIATION As one way of showing our teachers how much we appreciate them, we provide refreshments at all monthly faculty meetings. If you would like to join us in this tradition, please contact the Parents’ Association President.

Episcopal School of Dallas Lower School Event Calendar 2011-2012

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August 22 LS Orientation 23 First Day of School KOC and After School Club begin September 5 Labor Day - No School 7 Instructed Eucharist (2nd - 4th Grades) 13-15 School Pictures 22 Back to School Night 26-30 Homecoming Week October 5 Eucharist (2nd – 4th Grades) 4th sings 7 Yom Kippur – No school 21 Faculty Inservice - Student holiday 24 LS report cards distributed 26-28 Book Fair 28 LS Carnival (3:30-6:00) November 1 LS Conference Day 2 Eucharist (2nd - 4th) 3rd sings 7-11 NDSM canned food drive 18 LS Grandparents’ Day 21-25 Thanksgiving Holidays 28 Classes resume December 7 Eucharist (2nd – 4th Grades) -Singers perform 7 1st Grade play, (9:30, 1:15), Boyd/Elms 8 1st Grade play, (9:30, 1:15),

Bickley/Rusek 15 Lower School Christmas Service - 8:30AM 16-Jan 3 Christmas Holidays January 4 Classes resume 4 Eucharist (2nd – 4th Grades) 16 MLK School holiday 17 LS report cards distributed 27 Jump Rope for Heart 27 LS Bingo Night

February 1 Eucharist (2nd - 4th Grades) 2 2nd Grade musical (10:00, 1:30),

Hardy/Holder 3 2nd Grade musical (10:00, 1:30),

Johnston/Phillips 10-13 Winter Break 14 Classes resume 14 Valentine’s parties March Feb 27-2 Favorite Book week 7 Eucharist (2nd - 4th Grades) 8 3rd Grade musical (1:30) 9 3rd Grade musical (10:00, 1:30) 12-16 Spring Break 19 Classes resume 26 LS report cards distributed April 4 Eucharist - Senior Chapel -2nd sings 5 Pre-El Music Program and Art Fair

(9:30, 1:30) 6-9 Easter Break 10 Classes Resume 16-20 ERB testing 20 Primer play and Art Fair (10:00, 1:15) 26 1st - 4th Grade Fine Arts Night (4:30-6:30) 27 LS Conference Day May 2 Eucharist – Singers perform 3 4th Grade musical (1:30) 4 4th Grade musical (10:00, 1:30) 18 Honors Assembly - 8:30AM 23 Closing Service - 8:30AM

Regular dismissal for Beg-3rd Grade

24 Field Day – Last day for students

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ACCREDITATION AND MEMBERSHIPS The Episcopal School of Dallas is accredited by: The Independent Schools Association of the Southwest, whose accreditation is recognized by the Texas Education Agency. The Episcopal School of Dallas holds membership in: Texas Independent Schools Conference Southwestern Association of Episcopal Schools National Association of Episcopal Schools National Association of Independent Schools Southwest Preparatory Conference College Board National Association of College Admission Counselors Texas Association of College Admission Counselors National Association of Secondary School Principals American Association of Counseling and Development Association for Supervision and Development Multi-Cultural Alliance National Middle School Association Texas Association for the Gifted and Talented