PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK

2017 – 2018

RENWOOD ELEMENTARY 8020 Deerfield Drive Parma, Ohio 44129

Telephone – (440) 885-2338

Fax – (440) 885-3716

Parma City School District www.parmacityschools.org

Board of Education

John M. Tenerowicz, President Michael W. Johns, Vice President

Karen S. Dendorfer Kevin C. Kussmaul Michael R. Lewis

Administration Carl H. Hilling, Superintendent

David C. Crowley, Treasurer/ CFO Rusty Kuse, Business Manager LaShonda Abdussatar, Principal

RENWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

HOME OF THE BEARS!

SCHOOL TELEPHONE NUMBERS Principal Mrs. LaShonda Abdussatar (440) 885-2338

Secretary Mrs. Susie Lees (440) 885-2339 Clerk Mrs. Eileen Albert (440) 885-2339

Cafeteria Mrs. Marilyn Ratusnik (440) 843-1502 Extended Day Care Mrs. Trudy Montana (440) 885-2473

Nurse Medical Assistant

Mrs. Carol Maitland

(440) 885-7092 8:45 AM – 3:45 PM daily

Student Support Specialist Mrs. Lisa Willman (440) 885-8499

District Web Site – www.parmacityschools.org Message from Mrs. Abdussatar, Principal It is with great pride and pleasure that you are welcomed to the Parma City School District and to the Renwood Elementary School. We are pleased to provide the information in this handbook for all students and parents. Whether you are a new student, or a returning student, this handbook provides the relevant information needed to have a successful year. Included you will find Redwood’s policies and procedures as well as our vision, mission and core beliefs about education. Please take the time to carefully read the handbook and review the appropriate information with your child. Please retain this handbook as a reference guide for any question you may have throughout the school year. It is imperative that the school, district, and home work together on behalf of our students to provide the best possible learning environment. The ultimate goal of our school is to equip our students with the necessary skills, to have lifelong success. The staff at Renwood will be available to discuss concerns per your request. Please contact us if you have any questions, concerns, or comments. We are looking forward to our partnership on behalf of your child. Also, visit our building website at www.parmacityschools.org.

DAILY TIME SCHEDULE

7:00 – 9:15 AM Extended Day Care 8:50 – 9:10 AM Breakfast served to students in Cafeteria 9:10 AM Students admitted into school building – ORGANIZE FOR DAY 9:20 AM Tardy Bell – Grades K – 4 - SCHOOL DAY BEGINS! 11:40 – 12:40 PM 1st Lunch for students and staff 12:40 – 1:40 PM 2nd Lunch for students and staff 3:30 PM Grades K-4 dismissed 3:30 – 6:00 PM Extended Day Care

PARMA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT MISSION STATEMENT

The District will educate, nurture and graduate engaged students who are critical thinkers and problem solvers prepared to communicate, collaborate and contribute to a global society.

RENWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PARMA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

VISION STATEMENT

At Renwood Elementary we will empower our students to be life-long learners and problem solvers.

MISSION STATEMENT

At Renwood Elementary we will partner with family and community to prepare our students for life–long learning and problem solving. We will challenge each student to achieve his or her fullest potential.

COLLECTIVE COMMITMENTS

Ø We will foster a nurturing environment where students feel safe, valued and confident.

Ø We will establish clear expectations with comprehensive positive behavior supports. Ø We will develop and maintain positive relationships within our school community through collaboration

and teamwork. Ø We will provide diverse instructional strategies that increase learning by promoting collaboration,

communication, creativity and critical thinking for all students. Ø We will create engaging activities that encourage and motivate students and staff.

Ø We will empower students to set academic and behavioral goals and monitor their growth.

Ø We will use data to reflect on the effectiveness of our teaching strategies based upon students’

overall performance.

KNOW THE SCHOOL DISTRICT The roles of the school personnel are provided to help you direct questions and comments to the proper member of the educational team. The Teacher: is the first contact for information about your child’s progress or classroom concern. Many times questions can be answered quickly and conveniently if the teacher is the first person you contact. He or she is the expert in curriculum and your child’s instruction and can best speak of what takes place in the classroom. The Principal: facilitates the education of the students enrolled in the school. Her duties include:

• Overseeing an effective instructional program that meets curriculum needs. • Developing and maintaining a rapport with students, parents and teachers. • Helping to solve school-related problems among students, staff, parents and community members that are not able

to be solved with teachers directly or that are broader than a single classroom. • Communicating school news to the community.

The Superintendent: and his team of Central Office Administrators manage the day to day operations of the schools. Their responsibilities include:

• Planning curricula that meet the needs of all students. • Providing materials, personnel and facilities necessary to carry out effective educational programs. • Establishing policies and rules of attendance and behavior that create an atmosphere conducive to learning. • Making future plans based on the needs of the student.

The School Board: sets the general philosophy and overall policies for the school corporation. The Board’s duties include:

• Setting policies, rules, regulations that provide an effective educational atmosphere. • Providing a budget to assure a quality education for all students. • Enforcing state and federal laws.

RENWOOD ELEMENTARY – STAFF ROSTER – 2017 – 2018

Occupational Therapist

Ms. Robin Groth 100

ELL Teacher Mrs. Renata Jenkins Showcase Gifted Teacher Ms. Megan O’Hara 121

Special Ed. Asst. Ms. Krissy Curtis Special Ed. Asst. Special Ed. Asst. Mrs. Deanne Csuti Special Ed. Asst. Mrs. Renee Puleo

AM Hall Monitor Mrs. Dana Claudio PM Hall Monitor Mrs. Jane Chura

Student Support

Specialist Mrs. Lisa Willman Conf. Room

Guidestone Counselor

Ms. Liz Marconi Conf. Room

Media Specialist Mrs. Jill Redman Media Center

Media Asst. Mrs. Rosemary Bogdas Media Center

Nurse Mrs. Carol Maitland Clinic

Medical Asst. Clinic

Café Manager Mrs. Marilyn Ratusnik Kitchen Café Asst. Mrs. Sandy DiNapoli Kitchen

Custodian Mr. Jerry Truskolaski Cleaner Mrs. Eva Wielgus

Breakfast Monitor Mrs. Valerie Coyle MP Room Noon Monitors Mrs. Valerie Coyle

Mrs. Cyndi Fenohr Mrs. Diane Futo Mrs. Kelly Kazimore Mrs. Mary Mayse Mrs. Andrea Panagopoulos

EDC Mrs. Trudy Montana Ms. Sara Wenner Ms. Lauren Stoop Ms. Jennifer Zarbo Ms. Vickie Pekar

Principal Mrs. LaShonda Abdussatar Office Secretary Mrs. Susie Lees Office

Clerk Mrs. Eileen Albert Office

Kindergarten Mrs. Ashley Banes 101 Mrs. Rebecca Midea 103

Grade One Mrs. Susan Chema 105 Mrs. Patty Martonchik 114

Grade Two Mrs. Lina Coljohn 113 Mrs. Patricia Gainer 117 Mrs. Kim Karaffa 119

Grade Three Mrs. Karen Brucken 118 Mrs. Mary Stewart 120 Mrs. Jeannette Reiman 123

Grade Four Mrs. Ann Scott 122 Mrs. Stefanie Albright 125

Inclusive Teacher Mrs. Carol Carrig (K & 3) 116 Inclusive Teacher Ms. Erica Sovie (4) 124 Inclusive Teacher Mrs. Dawn Cucci (1 & 2) 100 Speech Pathologist Mrs. Karen Beyer 111 Psychologist Mrs. Stefania Bafaro-Cika 108

Title I Teacher Ms. Jelena Akovic 116 Title I Teacher Mrs. Tanish Randazzo 115 Title I Teacher Mrs. Lauren Watson 115

TGG/Literacy Building Specialist

Mrs. Rebecca Loyd 124

Physical Ed Mrs. Peggy Clark 115 Vocal Music Mr. Steve Smith 100A

Art Mrs. Nancy Conlon 102

2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR - Subject to Change August 14 Open House – Annual Title I Meeting/Information Night August 16 First Day of School for Students – grades 1-4 + K Testing

August 17 Kindergarten Testing August 18 Kindergarten First Day – Last Name A - J August 21 Kindergarten First Day – Last Name K – R August 22 Kindergarten First Day – Last Name S – Z August 23 All Kindergarten Students attend together 4th Grade Assembly – Everyday Heroes – 9:30 AM August 25 PTA Fundraiser Kick-off Assembly September 04 Labor Day – No School for Students September 06 Fall Picture Day – Individual & Group September 13 K-2 – Cleveland Playhouse Assembly/In-class Workshops September 14 3-4 – Cleveland Playhouse Assembly/In-class Workshops October 04 Ohio Dental Outreach - Smile Program – Mobile Dentist visit October 12 Evening Parent/Teacher Conferences 5:00 – 7::45 PM –

K-4 Literacy Night – Make & Take Night! October 13 NEOEA Day – No School for Students October 17 Picture Make Up/Retake Day October 20 End of 1st Grading Period – NO SCHOOL – TEACHER INSERVICE October 27 Report Cards – Grades K – 4 November 07 ELECTION DAY – NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS – PROFESSIONAL LEARNING DAY FOR

TEACHERS AND STAFF November 09 Evening Parent/Teacher Conferences 5:00 – 7:45 PM – K – 4 Family Game Night! November 21 Professor Wylde’s Traveling School Show – 9:30 & 10:30 AM November 22 – 24 Thanksgiving Recess – No School for Students November 27 Classes Resume December 07 Winter Concert – Parma Senior High School – if Choir/Orchestra December 20 End of 2nd Grading Period – NO SCHOOL – TEACHER INSERVICE December 21 - Winter Recess January 03 January 04 Classes Resume January 05 Report Card – Grades K – 4 January 11 Candid – Group Picture Day January 15 Dr. Martin Luther King Day – No School for Students January 16, 17 & 18 Cleveland Metro Parks Zoo Nature Tracks visits Renwood – RV unit February 19 Presidents’ Day – No School for Students March 02 Spring Picture Day March 14 Science To Go – 1 hour Classroom Sessions March 15 Science To Go – 1 hour Classroom Sessions March 16 End of 3rd Grading Period – NO SCHOOL – TEACHER INSERVICE March 23 Report Cards – K - 4 March 30 - SPRING BREAK – NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS April 6 April 09 Classes Resume May 04 COSI ON WHEELS – Incredible Human Machine May 08 PRIMARY ELECTION DAY – NO SCHOOL May 10 Spring Concert – Parma Senior High School – if Choir/Orchestra May 28 Memorial Day – NO SCHOOL May 30 Last Day of School for Students – Report Cards – K - 4

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CONTENTS - SCHOOL PROCEDURES

Absence Reporting ………………………...……………………………………………………………….9 Appointments During the School Day …………..…………..……………………………..9 Arrival at School ……………….………...……………………………………………………………….9 Assemblies ………………………….………….……………………………………………………………....9 Assignment Notebooks ………………….……………………………………………………………10 Bicycles …………………..…………………………………………………………………………….…..10 Birthdays and Other Special Events ….…….…..…………….…………………………..10 Care of Materials ……………………….…..……………………………………………………………..10 Chewing Gum ………………….……..…………….………………………….…………………...…10 Choir ………………………………………………….………….……………………………………………..…....10 Dismissal of Students ………………..……………………………………………………………..10 Emergency Contact Cards …………………………………………………………………………..…..10 Fees ……………………………..…………………………………………………………………...…11 Field Trips ……………………………..…………………….………………………………...…11 Fire, Tornado, and Safety Drills ……..……………..…………………………………………..11 Illness and Accidents ………………..…………………….………………..…………………..11 Lost and Found ………………..……….…………….……………………………………..11 Media Center ……………………………….………….…………………………………………..….11 Parent Teacher Association .……….………………………………………………………...11 Photo Refusal Form ………….……………………..……………………………………………11 Physical Education Participation and Dress ……..……………………………………12 Prohibited Items ………..………………..………………………………………………………………12 Recess …………………….……………………..…………………………………………………………12 Returning to Building After School…..…………………………………………….…….……13 Safety Patrol ………………………..…….…………………………………………………………..13 School Supply List ………………………………………………………………………………………….34 Student Incentives …….………………………………………………………………………..13 Telephone Usage ………………………..……..…………………………………………………………13 Testing ………………………..……………………………..…………………………………13 Withdrawal from School …………….…………..……………………………………………………13

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CONTENTS - DISTRICT POLICIES

Acceptable Use and Internet Safety Policy for the Computer Network …….…14 Anti-Harassment …………………………………………………...……………………………………………..…14 Anti-Hazing ……………………………………………………………………..…………………………………………..14 Attendance Policy ………………...…………………………………………………………………………………...14 Board of Education Policies …………………………………………………………………………......15 Bullying and Other Forms of Aggressive Behavior ………………………………………..…15 Care of Property ……………………………………………………………………………………………….………..16 Cellular Telephones and Electronic Communication Devices – Student Use ..…16 Cheating/Academic Dishonesty ………………………………….………………………………………..…16 Child Abuse and Neglect ……………………………………………..………………………………………..…16 Code of Conduct …………………………..…………………………….……………………………………………17 Communicable Diseases …………………………………………..……………………………………………..21 Custody Agreements and Name Changes ……………..………………………………………22 Directory Information …………………..…………………………………………………………22 Disciplinary Record Keeping ……………………………………………………………………………..23 District Grievance Procedure ……………………………………………………………………………..23 Dress Guidelines ……………………………………..…..…………………………………………………………23 Drug/Alcohol-Free Schools ………………..…………………………………………………………..24 Due Process ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..24 Food Service/Free and Reduced Price Meals ……………………………………………………..25 Health/Clinic …………………………………………………………………………………………………..25 Homework ………………………….……………………………….………………………………………………….26 Investigations by Law Enforcement Personnel…………………………………………………..26 Medication at School …………………………………..……………………………………………………27 Parent Right to Know ……………………………..……..…………………………………………………27 Permanent Student Information ………………….………………………………………………………..27 Pledge of Allegiance ……………………………………………..…………………………………………28 Report Cards, Interim Reports, and Conferences…….…………….………………………….28 Rights of Homeless Parents and Their Children ..…………….………………………….28 Right to an Education ………………………………….………….………………………………………….28 School-Sponsored Publications and Productions ………………………….……………..28 Searches and Seizures …………..…………………………………..…………………………..……………29 Search for Children with Disabilities …….…………………………………………………………..29 Sexual and Other Forms of Harassment …..………………………..………………………………29 Student Records and Privacy ………………………………..…………………………………………..31 Surveillance Cameras .……………..………………………………………………………………...….31 Tobacco Use and/or Possession …………………..………………………………………………………..31 Transportation ………………………………..……………………………………………………..32

• Student Conduct on School Buses ………………….................................32 Visitors ……………………………..……………………..…………………………………………………………33

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ABSENCE REPORTING Parents must notify the school office when their children are absent from school. The procedures for reporting children absent from school are as follows: • A parent/guardian must call the school office and report a child’s absence by 9:30 a.m. The school telephone number

is (440) 885-2338. School office hours begin at 8:15 a.m. The student’s name, teacher, reason for absence, and length of absence must be given. If a child is reported absent for more than one day, only the initial call is necessary, unless the length of absence extends beyond the duration stated in the first call.

• The office voice mail may be called after school hours, from 4:15 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., to record student absences. To reach voice mail, dial (440) 885-2338 and wait for the recorded message.

• In the event that the school has not received absence notification, office personnel will attempt to contact the home or workplace to confirm the student’s absence.

• Any request for missed work must be made at the time of the absence call. A morning call by 11:00 a.m. will result in homework being ready for pick up at 3:30 p.m. Any request made after 11:30 a.m. will result in homework being available the following day at 3:30 p.m. All work must be picked up in the office after school or may be sent home with a sibling.

• Students are responsible for making up all work missed during an absence. Other than for a planned absence, the number of days allowed to make up work will be equal to the number of days absent.

• Requests for planned absences must be submitted five (5) days prior to the absence in order to receive work ahead of time. All assignments will be sent home on the last day of attendance prior to the planned absence. Teacher discretion will be used in determining the appropriateness of any assignment. All completed work is due on the day of return to school. No make up work will be provided without prior notice from parents.

• For attendance marking purposes, students arriving at school between 9:20 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. are considered tardy. Students arriving after 11:15 a.m. are marked as one-half day absent. Students leaving before 1:15 p.m. are marked as one-half day absent.

• Students must have no tardies or early dismissal to qualify for perfect attendance recognition in any quarter. APPOINTMENTS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY All appointments made for students should be scheduled for after school. If it is necessary to pick up a child early from school, however, please note the following:

• All visitors must report to the office upon arrival for any reason. • A note must be sent to the teacher specifying the time of departure. • An adult must come into the office to sign the child out. The adult must meet the child in the office. Students may

not leave the building alone. • If the adult is not the parent, the note must indicate who will pick up the child. This person will be required to show

identification in the office. • If the child returns to school on the same day, the adult must sign the child in at the office. • No child will be released to an unauthorized person. ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL Children should arrive at school no earlier than 9:00 a.m. Arrival for breakfast is permitted at 8:45 a.m. There is no supervision before these times as teachers present are responsible for lesson preparation and teacher meetings; therefore, students arriving early will remain outside until 9:10 a.m. Students are to be reminded that there is to be no use of playground equipment before school. A student is considered tardy if he/she arrives after 9:20 a.m. Students who are tardy must report directly to the office upon entering the school. Excessive tardiness will result in required parent conferences and further school action. ASSEMBLIES A variety of assemblies and educational programs are scheduled each year for our students. During such assemblies, students are able to gain information, be entertained, and practice appropriate social skills through the demonstration of courteous behavior. Since these programs are considered supplemental to the regular instructional program, participation may be withheld for those students demonstrating inappropriate classroom or school behavior.

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ASSIGNMENT NOTEBOOKS Assignment notebooks are provided for all students in grades three and four. Lost notebooks will be replaced at actual cost. BICYCLES Students are permitted to ride bicycles to and from school. A bicycle permit must be obtained from the safety patrol supervisor and returned to school. Bicycles must be kept in the rack provided, and locks are recommended. All bicycles must be walked while on school property. Please note that all students riding bicycles to and from school should wear a protective helmet. Students are not permitted to use roller skates, rollerblades, skateboards, or scooters to travel to and from school. These items are not allowed at school at any time. Failure to follow all of the above rules will result in the loss of bicycle riding privileges. BIRTHDAYS AND OTHER SPECIAL EVENTS Gifts for students may not be delivered to school. Balloon deliveries, gift baskets, flowers, etc. disrupt the educational process for all students. Please check with the classroom teacher before sending to school any type of birthday or other treat for the class. CARE OF MATERIALS The Parma Board of Education provides many educational materials necessary for students, including textbooks, computers, and equipment. Students are responsible for the care and return of books and equipment used. Textbooks should not be covered prior to teacher directions. Replacement costs will be charged for lost or damaged materials, including textbooks and library books. Students are responsible for keeping their desks in good order, and for contributing to keeping classrooms, halls, and restrooms clean. Students will be fined for damages they cause to any school district property. The amount of the assessed fine will be equal to the amount necessary for repair or replacement of the property as determined by the school administration. CHEWING GUM Due to safety, hygiene, and cleanliness concerns, student gum chewing is prohibited at all times in the building. CHOIR The Renwood school choir is open to all third and fourth graders. Choir rehearses twice a week and will begin in September. There is a minimal $10 fee for choir participation which is due by September 30. Fees are nonrefundable unless no choir is formed due to insufficient participation for the year. The choir is directed by adult(s) paid through school district supplemental contract(s). DISMISSAL OF STUDENTS Any changes to a student’s usual means of transportation home must be communicated to the office in writing. Dismissal will begin at 3:30 p.m. Parents picking up children should follow announced procedures. Please heed all safety precautions when picking up students. District security and/or local law enforcement may at times be on the premises to assist in traffic situations. To ensure the safety of our children, caution and the adherence to our rules must be practiced at all times. Student dismissal plans from parents to students should be made before the school day begins. In the event of a change of plans, we will try our best to relay messages to students, but cannot guarantee they will be delivered. EMERGENCY CONTACT CARDS Emergency contact cards (blue) are required by law. Office procedures require one (1) blue card to be filled out the office and one (1) white card for the clinic. This card must be filled out completely and include three (3) working telephone numbers and alternate persons to contact in the event parents/guardians cannot be reached first. Be sure to complete both sides, sign the card, and return it to school promptly. Please keep the emergency contact card up to date by notifying the school of any changes. Any medical concern for a student must be reported to the school via the blue emergency card at the beginning of each school year.

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FEES Each student will be assessed a school fee per the direction of the Board of Education. Fees are used to purchase consumable materials for student use, including but not limited to, art supplies, music supplies, workbooks, laminating materials, assignment books, student periodicals, computer supplies, and writing paper. The fee amount will be set each year and communicated to parents at the beginning of the school year. Fee payments are due by November 2. Parents with circumstances that prevent the payment of fees should contact the school as soon as possible to discuss the situation on an individual basis. This may include making arrangements for partial payments throughout the school year or securing a fee waiver. Unpaid school fees are cumulative year to year. FIELD TRIPS Students may be involved in one or more field trips in a school year. Permission slips are always required to participate. Fees for admission are generally collected and are non-refundable. FIRE, TORNADO, AND SAFETY DRILLS Fire, tornado, and safety drills will be conducted in accordance with Ohio law. Each teacher will provide students with specific instructions about procedures to follow during such drills. When the fire alarm sounds, students not in a classroom should exit through the nearest door. To ensure the safety of all students it is mandatory that order and silence be maintained throughout the drill procedures. In the event of a blocked exit, teachers will give students emergency instructions. During tornado or safety drills, students will take cover in assigned areas. Order and silence must be maintained at all times. ILLNESS AND ACCIDENTS Parents will be notified immediately of any accident and as soon as possible of any illness. The school is permitted to administer minimal first aid for minor injuries only. Serious injury/illness situations will be immediately referred to emergency health personnel for further care. A student that displays a temperature of one hundred (100) degrees or higher and/or becomes ill will be referred to the office/clinic and sent home as soon as possible with the parent or emergency contact card designee. Under no circumstance will sick children be allowed to return to class due to possible contagious condition. No child may come to school with a rash unless accompanied by a doctor diagnosis of it as non-communicable. LOST AND FOUND All clothing, book bags, lunch boxes, and other supplies must be labeled with the student’s full name. Objects lost and turned in to the office will be placed in a “lost and found” area. Please have your child check or parents should arrange with the office to check for lost items. At the conclusion of the school year all unclaimed items will be donated to charity. MEDIA CENTER The media center has an open library policy. Students may come between 9:20 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. each day to exchange materials. Student loans are limited to one (1) book for Kindergarten, two (2) books for grades 1-2, and three (3) books for grades 3-4. All books may be kept for a period of up to two (2) weeks. Items should be returned as soon as possible to be available for others. An overdue list is complied weekly and given to classroom teachers. Any child on the overdue list may not take out additional items until all materials are returned. Lost library books and materials shall be replaced at the actual cost and parents shall be responsible for payment for such lost item. Unpaid library debt can result in loss of library privileges. PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION The Renwood Elementary PTA is an active organization that works on behalf of all students, staff, and the community in general. By joining PTA, membership is automatically included for both Ohio and National PTA. Consider becoming a partner in supporting your child’s school. Our membership goal is 100% of both parents and staff. Parental support is an integral part of maintaining a quality education for all children. Should you wish to become actively involved in our PTA, contact the office for the name of the president and/or membership chairperson. Important information regarding PTA can be found in the Renwood newsletter. PHOTO REFUSAL FORM During a school year students take part in many activities that are newsworthy and sometimes result in media coverage. In addition, student photographs are published in the school yearbook and occasionally on school bulletin boards. If you do not wish to allow your child’s photo to be used relative to these types of positive school activities, you must ask the

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school office for a Photo Refusal Form. Submission of this form means that no partial permission may be granted; it does mean that your child’s image may not be used in any public display, publication, and/or media, including the school yearbook. Forms are available in the office. PHYSICAL EDUCATION PARTICIPATION AND DRESS All students are required to actively participate in physical education activities with the following exceptions: • A written request from parents is received for short-term (one class) non-participation due to illness or minor

injury. • A doctor’s excuse is received for long-term (one week or longer) non-participation. The doctor’s excuse must include

the length of time to be excused from physical education and the reason. A note from the child’s doctor is needed for reentry to physical education class. A parent note will not be accepted for this purpose.

The following guidelines are the dress standards for elementary physical education. The purpose is to ensure active participation with maximum safety rather than to limit participation. Rationale include safety, or less chance of injury due to inappropriate dress; freedom of movement, or permitting children maximum participation; and economy, or prevention of damage and/or hard wear to school clothing. The physical education dress code for students is as follows: • Rubber-soled athletic shoes that are appropriate for indoor/outdoor use. Black-soled shoes are not permitted. • Pants or shorts which are comfortable and provide freedom of movement. NO JEANS PLEASE. • No jewelry which can cause injury to others or self. PROHIBITED ITEMS For the safety of all students as well as to avoid distractions to the learning process, the following items are not allowed at school unless specifically permitted /requested by the teacher: • Water guns • Toy or look-alike guns or weapons • Trading cards • Radios/headsets/electronic devices • Pagers • Cameras • Toys/electronic games • Laser pointers or pens • Lotions • Sprays/aerosols • Hair products • Nail polish/makeup • Fireworks • Gang-related paraphernalia • Sporting equipment • Wooden/metal bats and hard/softballs • Skateboards, rollerblades, scooters, roller skates, shoes with wheels The above list does not limit school personnel from restricting other items as necessary. Inappropriate items will be held in the office or classroom until picked up by parents. RECESS All students receive a scheduled recess period as part of the noon hour. Other than during inclement or extremely cold weather conditions, or if the playground has not been plowed, all students are expected to go outside for recess. A parent note citing illness or injury is required for a child to miss one outdoor recess. Requests for additional days require a doctor’s note. Appropriate outdoor dress is required at all times. In winter weather, students are strongly encouraged to wear heavy coats, hats, gloves or mittens, and boots. Students are expected to follow basic rules of courtesy and behavior at both lunch and recess. Noon monitors will establish rules of behavior as well as

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consequences for misconduct. It is our intent to provide and support a pleasant and safe environment for all children during both lunch and recess. Please reinforce with your child(ren) the need to treat all students and adults with respect. Specific lunch/recess guidelines include: • All general school rules of behavior must be followed. • Hands and objects must be kept to oneself. • Appropriate table manners must be used at all times. • Walking at all times in the cafeteria and halls. • Unwrapped food cannot be taken from the cafeteria • All games must be appropriate. No snowballing or physical contact is permitted. • Children may not leave the playground and/or lunchroom without adult permission. Students that misbehave at lunch and/or recess will receive a discipline report. This must be signed by parent and returned to school the next day to avoid further consequences. RETURNING TO BUILDING AFTER SCHOOL Students are expected to leave the building with all items necessary for the completion of homework as well as all personal items. However, if items are forgotten, the student or family member should return to the office prior to 4:00 p.m. to make arrangements to obtain materials. SAFETY PATROL Students in fourth grade may apply to serve on the safety patrol. Students selected will be trained on guiding students to follow safe practices to and from school. Regular meetings ill be held during the lunch hour. The safety patrol is supervised by adult(s) that are paid through school district supplemental contract(s). STUDENT INCENTIVES The following positive measures will be used to motivate and encourage our students to demonstrate good behavior and achieve academic progress. All of our awards are based upon satisfactory behavior. • Beads for HERO Necklace • Positive verbal reinforcement • Stickers, notes, letters, and certificates • Rewards and treats • Assemblies • Special recognition of “Red Paw Print” for going above and beyond expectations TELEPHONE USAGE Students are not permitted to use school telephones without the permission of the teacher or office. Messages to students will only be allowed in emergency situations. TESTING Students will take part in standardized and/or achievement testing as follows: • Kindergarten Readiness Assessment • Grades K-4 District Diagnostic Testing • Grade 2 Otis-Lennon School Ability Test • Grade 3 State of Ohio English Language and Math Assessments • Grade 4 State of Ohio English Language, Math and Social Studies Assessments WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL If you are withdrawing your child from school during the school year, please notify the school office of your circumstances. You will be advised regarding the procedures to follow. Please note that moving from Parma and not notifying school officials can result in the assessment of tuition bills should your child continue to attend a Parma school.

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ACCEPTABLE USE AND INTERNET SAFETY POLICY FOR THE COMPUTER NETWORK The Parma City School District is pleased to make available to students access to interconnected computer systems within the District and to the Internet, the world-wide network that provides various means of accessing significant educational materials and opportunities. In order for the School District to be able to continue to make its computer network and internet access available, all students must take responsibility for appropriate and lawful use of this access. Students must understand that one student’s misuse of the network and Internet access may jeopardize the ability of all students to enjoy such access. While the School’s teachers and other Staff will make reasonable efforts to supervise student use of network and Internet access, they must have student cooperation in exercising and promoting responsible use of this access. Refer to Policy #7540.03 to read in its entirety. ANTI-HARASSMENT It is the policy of the Board of education to maintain an education and work environment which is free from all forms of unlawful harassment, including sexual harassment. This commitment applies to all school district operations, programs, and activities. All students, administrators, teachers, staff, and all other school personnel share responsibility for avoiding, discouraging and reporting any form of unlawful harassment. This policy applies to unlawful conduct occurring on school property, or at another location if such conduct occurs during an activity sponsored by the Board. The Board will vigorously enforce its prohibition against harassment based on sex, race, color, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other unlawful basis, and encourages those within the school district community as well as third parties, who feel aggrieved to seek assistance to rectify the problems. The Board will investigate all allegations of harassment, and in those cases where unlawful harassment is substantiated, the Board will take immediate steps to end the harassment. Individuals who are found to have engaged in unlawful harassment will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. Refer to Policy #5517 to read in its entirety. ANTI-HAZING It is the policy of the Board to prohibit hazing activities of any type at any time. Hazing shall be defined as an act that injures, degrades and/or disgraces, or tends to injure, degrade or disgrace anyone: an act of initiation into any student or other organization that causes or creates a substantial risk of causing mental or physical harm to any person. No administrator, faculty member, or other employee of the district shall encourage or engage in any hazing. Per Board Policy 5516, no student or advisor shall plan, encourage, or engage in any hazing. ATTENDANCE The educational program offered by this District is predicated upon the presence of the student and requires continuity of instruction and classroom participation. Attendance shall be required of all students enrolled in the schools during the days and hours that the school is in session. In accordance with statute, the Superintendent or his/her designee, shall require, from the parent/guardian of each student or from an adult student who has been absent from school or from class for any reason, a statement of the cause for such absence. The Board of Education reserves the right to verify such statements and to investigate the cause of each single absence. Medical documentation may be required by administration at any time to verify medical or excessive absences for illness. The following are the only reasons for being absent as defined by law and adopted by this Board:

A. Illness of the child. (The approving authority may require the written statement of a physician/mental health professional if it is deemed appropriate.)

B. Illness in the family necessitating the presence of the child. (The approving authority may require the written statement of a physician and an explanation as to why the child’s absence was necessary, if it is deemed appropriate.)

C. Quarantine of the home. (The absence of the child from school under this condition is limited to the length of quarantine as determined by the proper health officials.)

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D. Death of a relative. (The absence arising from this condition is limited to a period of three (3) days unless a reasonable cause may be shown by the applicant child for a longer absence.)

E. Medical or dental appointment. (The approving authority may require the written statement of a physician or dentist if it’s deemed appropriate.)

F. Observance of religious holidays. (Any child shall be excused if his/her absence was for the purpose of observing a religious holiday consistent with his/her truly held religious beliefs.)

G. College visitation. (The approving authority may require verification of the date and time of the visitation by the college, university, or technical college.)

H. Emergency or other set of circumstances in which the judgment of the Superintendent/designee constitutes a good and sufficient cause for absence from school. I. Out of school suspension as assigned by appropriate administration. Attendance need not always be within the school facilities, but a student will be considered to be in attendance if present at any place where school is in session by authority of the Board. Changing the truancy definition from days to hours, per HB 410. The definition of “habitual truancy” moves to defining truancy in terms of days missed to hours missed meaning under HB 410 a student is considered to be a habitual truant if they have missed:

HB 410 [ORC § 2151.011(18)] Prior law 30 or more consecutive school hours 5 or more consecutive school days 42 or more hours in one school month 7 school days in one school month 72 or more hours in a school year 12 or more school days in a school year

HB 410 creates a new process for youth who are missing school.

• The school must notify the student’s parent, guardian, or custodian that the student is missing school. • After this notification, the school can start utilizing interventions with the student as laid out in school policy. • If the student continues to miss school, the school must refer the student to an absence intervention team to

create a specific intervention plan for that student and work with the student for 60 days. This team must include an administrator, an individual in the school who knows the child personally, the student, and the student’s parent or guardian and can also include a school psychologist, counselor, social worker, and representatives of local public or nonprofit agencies that can provide services to the student.

• If the student does not comply with the plan or continues to miss school, they can be referred to the juvenile court to participate in a diversion program. If the program is not successful, then the student can be formally processed under truancy charges. However, formal filing in juvenile court must be a last resort.

Vacations are discouraged during the school year. However, in some cases family vacations may occur during the school year. In this case advanced requests to have an absence excused must be submitted five (5) school days prior to the vacation. Excused vacation days may not exceed five (5) school days during the school year. Students will be obligated to complete assignments to insure no interruption in education upon their return. Refer to Policy #5200 to read it in its entirety. BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICIES Many Board of Education policies are referenced within this handbook. All Board of Education policies can be accessed through the Parma City School District’s web site at www.parmacityschools.org/Board/Policymanual. BULLYING AND OTHER FORMS OF AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR The Board of Education is committed to providing a safe, positive, productive, and nurturing educational environment for all of its students. The Board encourages the promotion of positive interpersonal relations between members of the school community. Harassment, intimidation, or bullying toward a student, whether by other students, staff, or third parties is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. This prohibition includes aggressive behavior, physical, verbal, and

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psychological abuse. The Board of Education will not tolerate any gestures, comments, threats, or actions which cause or threaten to cause bodily harm or personal degradation. This policy applies to all activities in the District, including activities on school property or while enroute to or from school, and those occurring off school property if the student or employee is at any school-sponsored, school-approved, or school-related activity or function, such as field trips or athletic events where students are under the school’s control, in a school vehicle, or where an employee is engaged in school business. This policy has been developed in consultation with parents, District employees, volunteers, students, and community members as prescribed in R.C. 3313.666 and the State Board of Education’s Model Policy. Refer to Policy #5517.01 to read it in its entirety. CARE OF PROPERTY The Board of Education believes that the schools should help students learn to respect property and develop feelings of pride in community institutions. The Board charges each student with responsibility for the proper care of school property and the school supplies and equipment entrusted to his/her use. Students who cause damage to school property shall be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct, and their parents shall be financially liable for such damage to the extent of the law except that students eighteen (18) years of age or older shall also be liable for damage they cause. The Board authorizes the imposition of fines for the loss, damage or destruction of school equipment, apparatus, musical instruments, library material, textbooks, technology equipment, and for damage to school buildings. The Board reserves the right to withhold a report card or credits from any student whose payment of such fine is in arrears, to the extent permitted by law. CELLULAR TELEPHONES AND ELECTRONIC DEVICES Possession of a cellular telephone or other electronic communication device (ECD), (e.g., laser pointers and attachments, paging devices/beepers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and other devices designed to receive and send an electronic signal) by a student is a privilege, which may be forfeited by any student who fails to abide by the terms of this guideline, or otherwise engages in misuse of the privilege.

• Students may not use their phones in classrooms, media centers, offices, locker rooms, bathrooms or during assemblies.

• During class you must have your phone on silent, if it rings and disturbs a class your teacher will take your phone as they have in the past. Your parent will need to pick it up and you will receive discipline.

• Also, using your phone is a privilege, if using the phone between classes causes student to be tardy to class, this privilege will be revoked.

• Lastly, if you choose to bring your phone/device into the building, you are using it at your own risk. Guard your property so it is not stolen or lost. District is not responsible for lost or stolen phones.

v Please refer to Policy #5136 to read it in its entirety.

ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL EXPECTATIONS WE STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT CELL PHONES NOT BE BROUGHT TO SCHOOL, DUE TO THE FACT THAT STUDENTS ARE ALWAYS SUPERVISED BY ADULTS AND ALL CLASSROOMS HAVE TELEPHONES. IF IT IS NECESSARY FOR YOUR CHILD TO HAVE A CELLPHONE, IT SHOULD BE TURNED OFF AND KEPT SECURELY IN YOUR CHILD'S BACKPACK. CHEATING/ACADEMIC DISHONESTY Presenting someone else’s work as one’s own in order to obtain a grade or credit is considered to be cheating. This includes, but is not limited to, copying others’ assignments, quiz or test answers, and plagiarism. Students who violate this policy will receive zero credit for assignments or work involved. Repeated offenses will result in consequences. CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT The safety and welfare of all children are our first concerns. Because of this and in accordance with Ohio law, our school has a strong responsibility in the area of child abuse and neglect. Abuse is an act of commission; neglect is an act of omission. The following criteria shall constitute abuse and/or neglect for reporting purposes: • Physical – shaking, beating, burning, biting, and/or failing to provide the basic life necessities such as food, clothing,

shelter, and medical attention.

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• Emotional – failure to provide warmth, attention, supervision, normal life experiences, and/or regular school attendance.

• Verbal – excessive yelling, scolding, belittling, and/or teasing. • Sexual – incest and/or any sexual activities involving a minor. • Drugs/Alcohol – providing non-prescribed medicine, alcohol, or any controlled substance to a minor. Ohio law requires that all school personnel report any suspected child abuse and/or neglect immediately. School personnel are immune from any civil or criminal liability that might be incurred or imposed as a result of such action. (ORC sec. 2151.421) CODE OF CONDUCT Emergency removal, suspension, and/or expulsion may be used for violations of the Student Code of Conduct. Principals, deputy principals, and assistant principals may take disciplinary action including suspension in response to violations. These administrators may suspend a student for a period of up to (10) school days per violation. The most severe action may not necessarily be used. Principals will make the recommendation of the expulsion penalty to the superintendent. Only the superintendent may expel a student from school.

Emergency Removal: An emergency removal of a student from a classroom or school activity may occur when that student’s presence poses an immediate or continuing danger to persons or property, or a threat of disrupting the academic process in the classroom or elsewhere on the school premises. Emergency removal is not considered a substitute for suspension. Students may be removed from instruction for up to twenty-four hours. Students may still be notified of the school administrator’s intent to suspend within three days of the incident that led up to the emergency removal. Suspension: Suspension is the removal of a student, following the required due process, from the regular school program, by appropriate school authorities for up to ten school days. In-school suspensions do not afford students a level of due process including notice and hearings for appeal. Students suspended out of school will be given the opportunity to make up all work and receive credit. Students are not permitted to attend school-related functions on or off school grounds during the length of their suspension. The amount of time to make up work will be no more than the length of the suspension. If at the time a suspension is imposed there are fewer than ten days remaining in the school year the Superintendent may apply any remaining part or all of the period of the suspension to the following school year. Additionally, students may be suspended from the school bus. 1. The intended suspension must be in accordance with the student code of conduct. 2. Written notification of the reasons for the intended suspension must be given to the student. 3. The student must be given an informal hearing. 4. Students issued an out-of-school suspension are required to remain under parental supervision during normal school hours. Students are not permitted on school property. 5. If the student has been suspended, the parent, custodian, or guardian must be notified within twenty- four hours of the suspension and such notice must include the reason for the suspension and the right to appeal the action to the Board of Education or its designee. Suspension Appeal Process: Step 1 – A student or parent/guardian who disagrees with the suspension may request an appeal hearing before a Board of education appeals hearing officer within seven (7) calendar days after receiving the suspension notice. Instructions on how to arrange for an appeal hearing will be included in the suspension notice, and include a written request submitted to the Treasurer of the Board of Education. Step 2 – A student may be represented by an attorney or other counsel or advisor of his/her choice at the appeal hearing. The Board of education appeals hearing officer must make a word-for-word record of the appeal hearing. Step 3 – The hearing officer may affirm the order of suspension, reinstate the student, otherwise reverse, vacate, or modify the suspension order. The decision of the hearing officer may be appealed by the student or parent/guardian to the court system.

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Suspension is an extremely serious step. It is one which is taken by school authorities only after careful consideration. A student’s best insurance against being suspended from school is to learn his/her responsibilities as a student and to make every effort to meet these responsibilities. Suspension of Transportation Privileges (Policy 5610): If the superintendent or the administrative designee determines that a student’s behavior on a school vehicle violated school rules, she/he may suspend the student from school bus riding privileges for a length of time determined appropriate for the violation or remediation of the behavior. The student will be notified verbally of the loss of riding privileges. This loss of riding privileges may accompany suspension from the regular school program. Expulsion: Expulsion is the removal of a student from school by school authorities for more than ten (10) school days, but not for more than eighty (80) school days. Students expelled from school are officially withdrawn during that time and are not eligible to receive academic credit. Since expulsion is the most severe punishment the school system may use, it requires action by the Superintendent of Schools. Students possessing a firearm on school property or at a school activity shall be expelled for (1) one calendar year. Students possessing a knife may be expelled up to (1) one year. A Superintendent may expel a student for up to one year for any adult-related crime regardless of school age. The offense must be committed while in the custody or control of the school, or on property owned or controlled by the school. However, school safety zones (Senate Bill 1) expands the district’s authority to suspend or expel pupils for misconduct that occurs on or off of school property but is connected to activities or incidents that occurred on school property. This includes any school program, activity, or interscholastic event. Additionally, students who are expelled for a violation of this section, have reached their sixteenth birthday, have been convicted or adjudicated delinquent of a violation of O.R.C., section 3316.662, may be subject to permanent exclusion from school (Board Policy 5610.01). Special education students may be suspended for a period totaling up to ten days. Additional days of suspension and/or expulsion require a manifestation determination and team review prior to this disciplinary action regarding expellable offenses. 1. The intended expulsion must be in accordance with the student code of conduct. 2. The student and his/her parent, guardian, or custodian must be given written notice of intention to expel. 3. The written notice must include the reasons; the date, time, and place of the hearing; the right to be represented; and the right to request an extension of time. 4. The hearing must be no sooner than three (3), but no later than five (5) days after the notice, unless an extension is granted. 5. If an extension is granted, the parties must be notified of the new time and place. 6. If the student is expelled, the parent, guardian, or custodian will be sent notification within one (1) school day. The notice must include the reason for the expulsion; the right to appeal the action to the Board of Education or its designee; the right to be represented in appeal proceedings; and the right to request the hearing be held in executive session. Code of Conduct Offenses The Parma Board of Education hereby established categories of misconduct as those which may result in disciplinary action(s) which are not limited to and may include: detention, Saturday School, parental contact, referral to legal authorities, emergency removal, disciplinary removal, suspension, expulsion, or permanent exclusion from the Parma City School District. Appropriate due process will be followed according to Ohio Revised Code, 3313.66. 01 Truancy - Truancy is an unexcused absence from school.

01A Leaving the Building Without Permission – a student will not leave the building at any time without permission of an administrator. This includes going to a car in the parking lot. 01B Truancy – an unexcused absence from school.

“Habitual Truant” means any child of compulsory school age who is absent without legitimate excuse for absence from the public school the child is supposed to attend, for five or more consecutive school days, seven or more school days in one month, or twelve or more school days in a school year. “Chronic Truant” means any child of compulsory school age

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who is absent without legitimate excuse for absence from the public school the child is supposed to attend, for seven or more consecutive school days, ten or more school days in one month, or fifteen or more school days in a school year. A student may not leave the building at any time without the permission of an administrator. 03 Fighting/Violence - Fighting/violence is mutual participation in an incident involving physical violence.

03A Aggressive Behavior – a student shall not hurt another person either physically or psychologically. A student shall not threaten another person with physical violence, loss of property, or coerce by any means. 03B Assault – a student shall not attack any other person, or behave in such a manner that would cause, or threaten to cause, injury to any other person. 03C Fighting – a student shall not fight, hit, punch, kick, push, physically confront, or in any way cause or attempt to cause physical injury to another person. A student shall not instigate or encourage fighting. If a student who is engaged in a fight, and in the source of fighting, strikes, pushed, and/or physically restrains a staff member who is attempting to intervene, such actions may be regarded as a separate violation, specifically an assault and may result in a police report and appropriate disciplinary consequences. In such instances, the staff member retains the right to pursue legal remedies in the civil and criminal courts independent of the action(s) taken by the school district.

04 Vandalism/Damage to School or Personal Property - Vandalism is the willful destruction or defacement of school or personal property. 04A Vandalism/Damage to Personal Property of Staff/Student 04B Vandalism/Damage to School Property 05 Theft/Stealing Personal or school Property - Theft is the unlawful taking of personal property belonging to another person.

05A Extortion – a student shall not force or attempt to force any person to give up anything of value by means of any expressed or implied threat, harassment, intimidation, or injury to person, property, or reputation. 05B Possession of Stolen Property – a student shall not knowingly receive, obtain, possess, conceal, or dispose of stolen property. 05C Robbery – A student shall not take another person’s property by force or threat of force. 05D Theft – A student shall not take, or attempt to take, property that does not belong to the student.

06 Use, Possession, Sale, or Distribution of a Firearm - A firearm is any weapon, including a starter gun, which is designed to expel or may be readily converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive. This includes, but is not limited to, the frame or receiver of any weapon described above, any firearm muffler or firearm silencer, or any destructive device which includes (a) any explosive, incendiary, or poison gas, including bomb, grenade, rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces, missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than one-quarter ounce, mine, or a similar device, (b) any weapon that will, or that may be readily converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellant, and that has any barrel with a bore of more than one-half inch in diameter, (c) any combination or parts either designed or intended for use in converting any device into any destructive device described in the two immediately preceding examples, and from which a destructive device may be readily assembled. Firearm look-alikes should not be reported with this option.

06A Possession/Use of a Firearm – A student shall not use, possess, exhibit, handle, transmit, or conceal any object classified as a firearm while on titled school property, in a vehicle parked on titled school property, or at any school-sponsored activity regardless of location. 06B Sale/Distribution of a Firearm

07 Use, Possession, Sale, or Distribution of a Dangerous Weapon other Than a Firearm or

Explosive, Incendiary, or Poison Gas - A weapon, device, instrument, material, or substance, animate or inanimate, that is used for, or is readily capable of causing death or serious bodily injury (policy 5772).

07A Possess/Use/Sale of Weapon Other Than a Firearm

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08 Use, Possession, Sale, or Distribution of any Explosive Incendiary or Poison Gas - Any destructive device, which includes a bomb, a grenade, a rocket having a propellant charge of more than four ounces, a missile having an explosive or incendiary charge of more than one quarter ounce and a mine or similar device. This definition would also include any weapon that will, or that may be readily converted to, expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or other propellant, and that has a barrel with a bore of more than one-half inch in diameter.

08A Fire/Arson – as student shall not set a fire or cause an explosion 08B Possession of Pyrotechnics 08C Stink Bomb

09 Use, Possession, Sale, or Distribution of Tobacco Products - A student shall not smoke, use, or possess any tobacco products on titled school property, within school buildings, or at any function or activity supervised or promoted by the school. This includes smokeless tobacco.

09A Possession/Use of Tobacco 09B Sale/Distribution of Tobacco 09C Possession of Lighter/Matches

10 Use, Possession, Sale, or Distribution of Intoxicating Alcoholic Beverages - A student shall not possess, use, sell, offer to sell, transmit, or be showing the signs of consumption of alcohol.

10A Possession/Use of Alcohol 10B Sale/Distribution of Alcohol

11 Use, Possession, Sale, or Distribution of Drugs other than Tobacco or Alcohol - A student shall not possess, use, sell, offer to sell, distribute, transmit, or be showing the signs of consumption of any controlled drugs, or counterfeit controlled substances, other than prescription medication that has been administered in accordance with the district’s policies. This includes any illegal substances. A student shall not possess, use, transmit, sell, offer to sell, claim to possess any instrument of drug abuse or related paraphernalia.

11A Paraphernalia/Drugs 11B Possession/Use of Drugs 11C Sale/Distribution of Drugs – Non-Prescription 11D Sale/Distribution of Prescription Medication 11E Possession/Use/Sale of Counterfeit Controlled Substances

14 False Alarms/Bomb Threat - Any threat (verbal, written, or electronic) by a person to bomb or use other substances or devices for the purpose of exploding, burning, causing damage to a school building or school property, or to harm students or staff.

14A Bomb Threat 14B False Fire Alarm

18 Disobedient/Disruptive Behavior - Unwillingness to submit to authority, refusal to respond to a reasonable request, or any act that disrupts the orderly conduct of a school function; behavior that substantially disrupts the orderly learning environment.

18A Cheating 18B Class Cuts 18C Continued Violation of School Rules 18D Disrespectful/Insubordination 18E Disruptive Behavior in Class 18F Disruptive Behavior out of Class 18G Dress Code Violation 18H False Identification/Forgery/Falsification 18I Gambling 18J Gang Activity

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18K Horseplay 18L Inappropriate Display of Affection 18M Inappropriate Drawings/Language/Gestures 18N Inappropriate Transportation Behavior 18O Inappropriate Use of Technology 18P Interfere/Intimidate School Authority 18Q Intrusion/Unauthorized Areas 18R Possession of Pornographic Material 18S Refuse to Serve a Lesser Punishment 18T School Safety Zone Violation 18U Tardiness 18V Trespassing/Loitering 18W Unauthorized Communication Device 18X Withholding Information 18Y Failure to Follow Virtual School Guidelines

19 Harassment/Intimidation - Repeatedly annoying or attacking using physical, verbal, written, or electronic action that creates fear of harm, an intimidating or hostile education or work environment, without displaying a weapon and without subjecting the victim to actual physical attack.

19A Bullying – Any intentional written, verbal graphic, or physical act that a student or group of students exhibit toward another particular student(s) more than once and the behavior both causes mental or physical harm to the other student(s) and is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for the other students(s). 19B Endanger/Threat to Staff and/or Students 19C Harassment/Intimidation 19D Hazing – Forcing or encouraging another to behave in a way that may cause harm or injury or create an

unsafe environment for others in order to gain acceptance or be a part of a group. 19E Racial Slur

20 Firearm Look-alike - Any item that resembles a firearm but does not have the explosive characteristics of a firearm but may also use a spring loaded device or air pressure by which to propel an object or substance (i.e., toy gun, cap gun, BB gun, pellet gun).

20A Possession/Use of Firearm Look-alike 21 Unwelcome Sexual Conduct - Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, other physical or verbal conduct or communication of a sexual nature, including gender-based harassment that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive education or work environment (i.e., pinching, grabbing, suggestive comments, gestures or jokes, or pressure to engage in sexual activity).

21A Sexual Assault 21B Sexual Harassment 21C Sexual Slurs

22 Serious Bodily Injury - An incident that results in serious bodily injury to oneself or others. “Serious Bodily Injury” is defined as a bodily injury that involves substantial risk of death; extreme physical pain; protracted and obvious disfigurement; or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a bodily member, organ, or faculty. 22A Serious Bodily Injury COMMUNICABLE DISEASES In order to protect the health and safety of students, staff, and the community in general, Parma Park personnel will follow all state law, board of health regulations, and board of education policy pertaining to contagious disease. • Chicken Pox – Students must remain at home until all vesicles are scabbed, usually a minimum of seven (7) days.

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• Head Lice (Pediculosis) – Students with head lice will be excluded from school until all nits, dead or alive, are removed from their hair. Students may not return to school until cleared by the school nurse, clinic aide, or other school personnel. If you discover head lice at home, please notify the school. When a student is identified as having lice, a letter will be sent home to all students in the class.

• Impetigo – This is usually seen in blister-like lesions that later develop into crusted sores. Students are excluded from school until seen by a physician and lesions are no longer draining.

• Measles, Mumps, or Rubella – A doctor’s confirmation of any of these must be reported to school immediately. • Pink Eye – This requires immediate medical treatment. Students are excluded from school until inflammation,

itching, and discharge has ceased, but in no case until 24 hours after initial medicine treatment has begun. • Ringworm – Students may continue attending school if under doctor’s care and the infected area is covered. A

doctor’s note confirming treatment is required. • Strep Throat – Students must be excluded from school for 24 hours from the time medicine treatment begins.

Students not visibly ill but being tested should remain home until culture results confirm or dismiss the presence of strep. Students having both short and long cultures should wait for both results before returning to school. Please note that the exclusion period is the only means of controlling the spread of strep in the classroom.

Please keep your children at home if they have vomited or had diarrhea within the previous 24 hours; have a temperature of 100 degrees or higher; have suspected strep but have no throat culture results; or have any symptom of an acute illness such as runny nose, persistent cough, chills, and/or body aches. CUSTODY AGREEMENTS AND NAME CHANGES Any time the custody arrangements for your child change, the school must be notified. This includes any change in designated adult contacts with children. We are required to keep a copy of any custody agreements in your child’s permanent folder. If you legally change your child’s name, we must also have that information on record before any change can be made. Please note that, while unofficially we will call your child by the name you choose, all school records and correspondence must reflect the child’s legal name. DIRECTORY INFORMATION In keeping with Board of Education policy, ORC Sec.3319.321, and the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Parma Board of Education has authorized the release of directory information without parental or student (if the child is 18 or older) consent only in the following circumstance: “Names and addresses of students in grades ten through twelve shall be released to a recruiting officer for any branch of the United States armed forces who requests such information…” The Board will release such information regarding tenth through twelfth grade students to military recruiters, unless the student or the student’s parent, guardian, or custodian submits a written request not to release such data. The Parma Board of Education policy defines “directory information” as including:

• Student’s name • Address • Telephone number (unlisted numbers shall remain confidential) • Date and place of birth • Major field of study or participation in officially-recognized activities and sports • Weight and height if member of an athletic team • Dates of attendance • Date of graduation • Awards received • Honor rolls and scholarships

If student/parent does not desire this information to be released to military recruiters, the request to withhold such information should be made in writing by November of the current school year. Please include your child’s complete name, his/her grade, and the school he/she is presently attending. Send your letter to:

Director of Student Services Parma Board of Education

5311 Longwood Avenue Parma, Ohio 44134

Late student registrants must request removal of their names, in writing, within thirty days after registration.

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At the end of the deadline period, each student’s records will be appropriately marked by the custodian of the records to indicate the items which the district will designate as directory information about the student. This designation will remain in effect until modified by the written direction of the student’s parent or the eligible student. DISCIPLINARY RECORD KEEPING In order to provide accountability to the student and protection for the teacher, records of all efforts to correct behavior and any disciplinary action taken must be kept by the teacher and/or administrator taking such action. These records should include the student’s name, date of incident, type of misbehavior, the corrective action taken, and the parent/guardian and student responses, if any. Where suspensions occur, the length of that suspension and the total number of suspensions for the student that year shall also be included in the record. Administrators will review the disciplinary record and the student’s previous record in deciding the appropriate action to take if a student misbehaves. DISTRICT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE In accordance with Federal and State OCR (Office for Civil Rights) guidelines, any student who believes the Parma City School District or any of the District’s staff, teachers and administrators have inadequately applied the principles of and/or regulations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (race, color, national origin), Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972 (sex/gender), and/or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (disability), s/he may bring forward a complaint which shall be referred to as a formal grievance. However, whenever possible and practical, an informal solution to the alleged grievance is encouraged and should be attempted at the principal or supervisory level. An informal grievance with the above-mentioned administrator does not require parents/ guardians. Grievance Process Step 1 – Any student (assisted by parent/guardian) with a complaint not resolved by informal conferences may communicate in writing this concern to the principal or the principal’s designee within ten days of the incident. Step 2 – If the principal or designee is unable to resolve the complaint to the student’s satisfaction within ten days after the request, the student (assisted by a parent or guardian) may submit a letter of grievance to the Supervisor of Student Services who will respond within ten days.

Step 3 – If the student (or parent/guardian) filing the grievance letter is dissatisfied with the decision rendered by the Supervisor of Student Services, the student (or parent/guardian) may appeal the decision in writing to the Superintendent for review. Such appeals must be made within ten days following receipt of the decision of the Supervisor of Student Services. The decision of the Superintendent shall be final. Please note that a student who is eighteen (18) years of age or older may utilize the grievance process in his/her own right. DRESS GUIDELINES Per Parma Board of Education Policy Guideline 5511A, the Board believes that parents/guardians must take the responsibility for the development of the student’s good habits in the areas of safety, health, decency, and cleanliness. Good grooming and neatness on the part of each student reflect an expression of pride in him/her and in his/her school. The Board recognizes that its students have a constitutional right to free speech and expression. However, a student’s exercise of those rights is not without limits where the student’s dress or grooming interferes with the educational process. In an effort to balance the Board and students’ respective rights and interests, students will be expected to observe a standard of dress and grooming that is appropriate while attending school. Forms of student dress and grooming will be acceptable as long as they are neat, clean, and not distracting, nor interfere with school safety standards. Rules of dress and grooming which clearly support the health and safety of students will be upheld. The following applies to all students: • Feet must be covered by some type of shoe or sandal with a back. Bedroom slippers, flip-flops, and shoes with

wheels are not permitted. • Bare midriffs, see-through, cutout clothing, plunging necklines, tank tops, spaghetti strap dresses, sleepwear,

revealing and/or sheer clothing are not permitted. Straps on tops must be at least three inches wide. • Proper underclothing should be worn at all times. • Unclean, disheveled, torn, or excessively baggy clothing is not permitted. Clothing with holes or tears is not

permitted. Pants may not be sagging and undergarments may not be visible at any time.

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• All oversized shirts must be tucked in. A proper belt is required to prevent sagging pants. Belt buckles may not have any inappropriate or offensive logos or insignias and may not be oversized.

• No outdoor jacket/jean jacket is to be worn during the school day. • Any garment specifically made to be worn as an undergarment is not to be worn as an outer garment. • Inappropriate insignias, emblems, and/or gang-related colors shall not be worn during the school day or at school

functions. • Extremes in styles, grooming, or bizarre types of clothing are not permitted. • The length of shorts, skirts, dresses, and/or skorts must equal or exceed student’s fingertips. School personnel

shall make the final determination. • Any form-fitting or skin-tight article of clothing must be covered by an appropriate over-garment on the body. • No bandannas are to be worn or displayed in any manner. No hats, headbands, or hoods are to be worn in school. • Students are prohibited from wearing or carrying articles of clothing or jewelry which promote drugs, tobacco and

alcohol, glorify death and mutilation, contain or imply profanity, or state or suggest sexual or pornographic activity. Any racially or culturally offensive clothing is not permitted.

• The presence of any apparel, jewelry, accessory, notebook, or manner of grooming, which, by virtue of its color, arrangement, trademark, or any other attribute, denotes membership in a group or gang is prohibited. Chains or articles of clothing or accessories with spikes are not permitted.

• Only natural hair colors are permitted. (Exceptions may be made during “Spirit Week,” plays (drama), and other events sanctioned in advance by the building administration.)

• Inappropriate or offensive tattoos must be covered. • Visible piercings cannot be displayed on any part of the body. The stud and post (in any form) will need to be

removed during the school day. The only exception for visible piercing is the ear. No spiked piercings are permitted. • Students are not permitted to wear makeup. School administration reserves the right to exclude apparel that is disruptive or offensive to the conduct of education or affects the health or safety of the student or others. Noncompliance will be cause for disciplinary action. Repeated violations shall be considered insubordination. DRUG/ALCOHOL-FREE SCHOOLS The Board of Education recognizes that the misuse of drugs poses legal, physical, and social issues that affect the entire school community. The Board prohibits the use, transfer, possession, concealment, and/or distribution of any drug (including alcohol and look-alike drugs), or any drug-related paraphernalia as the term is defined by law, on school grounds, in vehicles, and at any school-sponsored event. Further, the Board mandates a drug-free zone within 1000 feet of any facility used by the District for educational purposes as defined by law. The Board acknowledges the illness termed chemical dependency. If it appears that chemical dependency exists, the Board recognizes that it must share these concerns with the family and student involved. The Board’s intention is to create an atmosphere of openness and understanding. It should then be the parents’ and the student’s responsibility to seek qualified counsel and inform the school of what corrective action is being taken. The school’s responsibility is to support the family in this endeavor. Should the student and family fail to seek help, and should the concerns persist, appropriate disciplinary action shall be taken. If initial corrective efforts are ineffective, the case will be reviewed and suitable action will be taken on an individual basis. DUE PROCESS Due process provides a standardized set of procedures that protect students’ and parents’ rights during the resolution of disciplinary matters. The district’s due process requirements include: • Having rules (behavior code) posted in the school and/or copies to students. • Providing the student a written notice about the rules he/she is thought to have broken. • Providing an opportunity for a hearing, at which time the student learns why he/she may be suspended or expelled and at which time the student can explain his/her actions. • Providing the student with a written notice of suspension or expulsion. • Providing a mechanism for student appeal of suspensions or expulsions. Due process requirements are specified in Ohio Revised Code 3313.66 and Board Policy 5500, Student Conduct, Due Process Rights and 5611. Detailed information is in Board Policy 5610, Emergency Removal, Suspension and Expulsion of Students.

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FOOD SERVICE/FREE AND REDUCED PRICE MEALS/NUTRITION SERVICES Nutrition Services Nutrition Services offers a healthy breakfast and lunch to all students. Menus for Elementary, Middle and High Schools can be viewed on the Parma City School District website under the Nutrition Services department. Check our webpage for current pricing. Student Accounts Every student has a school meals account. The easiest way to see how much money is in your student’s account is to set up an online account. To do this, go to mySchoolBucks.com, and follow the directions to create an online school meals account. You can then log onto the school meals account at any time to see how much money is in the account and even set up a low balance alert to receive an email when the balance is low. At mySchoolBucks.com you can make online deposits, monitor students’ transactions and set up a low balance alert. You can place spending limits on a student’s meal account for a’ la carte items, contact Mary Fritsche, Nutrition Services for more information 440.885.2453. Free & Reduced The Board recognizes the importance of good nutrition to each student’s educational performance. The Board provides eligible children with lunch and breakfast at a reduced rate and/or no charge to the student. Children, eligible for free or reduced-price meals are determined by the criteria established by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Free or reduced price meal applications are included in the beginning year school packet. They are also available in Nutrition Services Department and the school office. Applications can also found on our webpage.

• Ten working days are required for the approval process, so please allow for this time frame and make other accommodations for the student’s lunch. All information in the application and student’s pay status is strictly confidential.

• Only one application per family is needed regardless of how many children or number of different school buildings they attend.

• Be sure to include all your children’s names on the FAMILY APPLICATION, include Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Ohio Works First (OWF) number of any household member, if applicable to your situation.

If your child was enrolled in the Parma City School District last year, there is a grace period in which they stay on the program until you complete the application process. NOTE: A new application must be submitted within the first 30 days of the new school year or the student will be removed from the program. The Parma City School District can honor applications from other school districts, but we must have a copy of that application. Households may apply for the program based on income changes any time throughout the school year. In accordance with Federal law and the U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this District is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. Determining officials are Jacqueline Rohr, Supervisor Nutrition Services 440.842.2162 and Mary Fritsche, Program Assistant 440.885.2453, fax number 440.885.3768. HEALTH/CLINIC Please be sure that all medical information is on your child’s emergency card, including all correct telephone numbers. When a student has a health problem that requires particular attention, the parent or guardian must notify the school immediately to inform us of the child’s condition. A note from a doctor must be submitted describing any limitations incurred as a result of the illness or injury. The clinic aide or school nurse cannot diagnose illness or injury. They can only administer first aid and encourage you to seek the advice of a doctor. A student who is seen in the clinic with any of the following symptoms should be excluded from school, after parents are notified: • Temperature of greater than 100 degrees F with or without symptoms • Any vomiting due to illness • Any undiagnosed skin rash • Two or more episodes of diarrhea • Head lice or nits Parents will be notified immediately of any serious injury. The school administers first aid to minor injuries only. If needed, a 911 call will be made to ensure a child’s health.

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HOMEWORK Much of a student’s work is completed during the school day. However, other work may be assigned and started during class time and is to be finished as homework. Students are expected to complete all assignments and required work. Problems concerning incomplete work will be handled on an individual student basis. Parents can assist by providing a quiet place to study and by providing a regular time each evening for homework to be done. Checking a student’s assignments nightly and providing guidance and support are ways parents can be an integral part of their child’s academic growth. In all cases, students are expected to be completely prepared for each school day. The following guidelines have been developed to assist principals in working with staff to establish appropriate classroom/homework assignments: • All homework assignments should have a specific purpose related to the learning objectives of a program or course. • Homework assignments should be appropriate to the grade level and the abilities of the students involved. • Assignments should involve application of knowledge, reinforcement of communication, research, and other skills, and

should provide experiences, which strengthen attitudes and allow for creativity. • The purpose of homework, in terms of the goals of a program, should be clear to the student when assigned, the

work corrected when returned, and both the strengths and weaknesses of his/her work communicated in ways, which provide for improved performance.

• As part of the process of using homework as a learning tool, students should be involved in learning how to critique their own and each other’s work based on clearly-defined criteria related to the particular program or course of study.

• Assignments utilizing the gathering of information through electronic or other means should be previewed by the teacher. It is incumbent upon the teacher to provide previewed “safe’ sites deemed by the teacher to be appropriate to the age and maturity of the student.

• The time limits for the completion of homework should: - be reasonable and consistent with the nature of the assignments given; - provide for interim appraisal of progress where assignments involve blocks of time; - include a reasonable time for make-up of missed homework assignments and/or improvements of one day for

each day absent. - Include a due date for extended assignments that is mandatory, regardless of absence.

• Parents should be made aware of the district’s homework guidelines as well as the way each of their child’s teachers will be using homework as a learning activity.

INVESTIGATIONS BY LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL During Criminal/Delinquency Investigations: As good citizens of the community, it is the responsibility of students to cooperate with the police in the investigation of suspected crimes. Under some circumstances, students being interviewed/questioned by law enforcement authorities at school may find that they are suspects in the investigation. Students are entitled to certain rights when questioned by law enforcement authorities and may also have a legal obligation to cooperate. The student may wish to consult his/her parent/guardian before being interviewed. The school administrator shall make every effort to contact the parent/guardian for the student. The student must properly identify himself/herself to law enforcement authorities. The parent/guardian may notify the school administrator that they do not wish to have the student interviewed unless they are present. The school administrator shall notify the student and the law enforcement authorities of the parent/guardian’ desire and appropriate arrangements shall be made agreeable to all parties. In the event that the interview proceeds, the principal must ensure the student has been advised of his/her rights; be present during the entire period of questioning; and not enter into the questioning on behalf of the law enforcement authorities. A school administrator must avoid acting in either the role of the student’s defender or accuser.

Students have the right to be informed if they are under arrest at the time questioning takes place. If the student is unclear about this he/she may ask to resume his/her regular schedule. If the law enforcement authorities deny permission, then the student should consider himself/herself as actually under arrest. Students who believe themselves under arrest or suspects in an investigation may freely invoke their constitutional rights against self-incrimination and against illegal search and seizure, and are entitled to the presence of legal counsel while being questioned.

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Neither students nor staff may engage in the obstruction of justice, interfere with police in the performance of their duties, nor refuse to report suspected cases of felonies (serious crimes) under penalties of law.

School administrators or their designee will be present when interviews by social workers or law enforcement officers are conducting investigations regarding suspected child abuse or neglect. MEDICATION AT SCHOOL It is the policy of the Parma City School District to discourage the administration of medication to students by school personnel. Medication includes both prescription and non-prescription (over the counter) medicine. For students who must take medicine at school, both parent/guardian and the physician must complete appropriate forms before any medication can be administered to a child at school. Medicine must be brought to school in the original container. Forms are available in the school office. For purposes of Board policy, “medication” shall include all medicines including those prescribed by a physician and any non-prescribed (over-the-counter) drugs, preparations, and/or remedies. “Treatment” refers both to the manner in which a medication is administered and to health-care procedures that require special training, such as catheterization. No student is allowed to provide or sell any type of over-the-counter medication to another student. Violations of this rule will be considered violations of Policy 5530. Only medication in its original container labeled with the date (if a prescription), the student’s name, and exact dosage will be administered. Parents, or students authorized in writing by physician and parents, may administer medication or treatment. The Board shall permit the administration by staff of any medication requiring intravenous or intramuscular injection or the insertion of a device into the body when both the medication and the procedure are prescribed by a physician and the staff member has completed all necessary training. Students who may require administration of an emergency medication may have such medication, identified as aforenoted, stored in the school office and administered in accordance with this policy. PARENT RIGHT TO KNOW Parents may request information regarding the professional qualification of teachers and paraprofessionals. This information is also available on the Ohio Department of Education web site, www.ode.state.oh.us. The link to click is Teaching in Ohio. PERMANENT STUDENT INFORMATION The Parma City School District has the responsibility for the security and confidentiality of all student records. No records will be released to any person, institution, or agency without written consent of the student (if of age) or parent/guardian. It is the responsibility of the parent or student to designate which specific records are to be released. Certain records will be maintained indefinitely on microfilm. These records are listed below: • Census information • Transcript of grades • Individual test scores • Psychological records • Medical records–vision & hearing screening, immunization records (seven years after graduation) • Individualized Education Plan All other records in student folders will be destroyed at the time the above records are put on microfilm and after Board and State approval – approximately two years after student graduates or withdraws from school.

The parent/guardian has the right to review any of this material prior to its destruction if an appointment is previously arranged.

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PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Parma Board of Education believes that appreciation of country is promoted by the ceremonies and observances held in the schools and that the United States Flag is a symbol of our democratic heritage, ideals, and freedom. The Board of Education believes oral recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance helps students learn and reinforce these principles; therefore: • All students in grades kindergarten through twelve will orally recite the Pledge of Allegiance daily as determined by

the building administrator. • The Board of Education recognizes that beliefs of some persons prohibit participation in the Pledge of Allegiance;

therefore, persons holding such beliefs are excused. It is a sign of respect for these ceremonies to be performed while standing attentively with hats removed. REPORT CARDS, INTERIM REPORTS, AND CONFERENCES Elementary report cards are issued four times each year. A variety of evaluative and assessment measures will be used and accurate records will be kept to substantiate individual progress or lack of progress. Grades shall be calculated according to the following scale:

A (Outstanding Achievement) = 90% - 100% B (Skillful Achievement) = 80% - 89% C (Satisfactory Achievement) = 70% - 79% D (Minimum Achievement) = 60% - 69% F (Failing) = 59% and below

Other areas of student progress may be assessed by the use of the following:

O (Outstanding) 3 = Meets Expectations (85% or higher) S (Satisfactory) 2 = Shows Growth (70% or higher) U (Unsatisfactory) 1 = Practice Needed (0-69%)

Interim reports are issued each grading period for students who may be experiencing difficulty. Parent/Teacher conferences will be held during and after the first grading period. Additional conferences may be requested as needed throughout the school year. RIGHTS OF HOMELESS PARENTS AND THEIR CHILDREN Students entering the district and those currently enrolled who have changed living conditions, arrangements, or locations are entitled to special services and permission to attend under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Act. Contact the Office of the Homeless Liaison at 440-885-8334 or the Ohio Department of Education web site (www.ode.state.oh.us /keyword: homeless students) for more information. RIGHT TO AN EDUCATION Ohio law provides for free education for youth in the school district in which their parents reside providing the student is at least five but not twenty-two years of age. The Parma City School District must provide schooling to such students who choose to attend the public school and successfully progress until the time of their graduation. The right of any person to participate fully in classroom instruction and extracurricular activities shall not be denied because of marriage, pregnancy or parenthood. A pregnant student may receive excused absences from school when it becomes medically necessary. No person may be denied a publicly supported education because of a disability, regardless of its severity. Every student with special needs has the right to a free, appropriate education and to be a part of the regular curricular activities to the greatest extent possible. SCHOOL-SPONSORED PUBLICATIONS AND PRODUCTIONS The Board of Education may sponsor student publications and productions as means by which students learn, under adult supervision, the rights and responsibilities of public expression in a free society. For purposes of this policy, “publications” shall include any audio, visual, or written materials such as tapes, banners, films, pamphlets, notices, newspapers, books, or other like materials. “Productions” shall include theatrical performances as well as impromptu

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dramatic presentations. In sponsoring a student publication or production, the Board is mindful of the fact that it could be available to any student attending this school, and must, therefore, generally be suitable for all students. Issues on which opposing points of view have been promulgated by responsible opinion may be introduced in a school-sponsored publication provided equal opportunity is given to each view and provided further that the material generally is acceptable to this community. Please refer to policy #5722 to read it in its entirety. SEARCHES AND SEIZURES Students have rights established and guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protecting the right of privacy of their person and freedom from unreasonable search or seizures of property. Because of this protection, students have the right to place their belongings in a secure locker as long as those belongings do not threaten that individual’s health or safety, or the health, safety or rights of others in the building or a violation of the student code of conduct (Board Policy 5771). Likewise, students are entitled to learn in a safe, orderly and drug-free environment. Parents/guardians reasonably expect the schools to provide that environment. Weapons, dangerous instruments, illegal drugs and narcotics pose a serious threat to the safety and the orderliness of our schools. On occasion, it may be necessary for school staff or law enforcement officers to take actions to assure a safe and drug-free environment. Such actions may include a search of the contents of a student’s locker, personal belongings or automobile parked on school property, if there are reasonable grounds for suspecting the search will turn up evidence that the student has violated or is violating either the law or the rules of the school. School desks and lockers are the property of the district. Desks and lockers and any contents are subject to random searches at any time, regardless of whether there is reasonable suspicion that a law or school rule has been broken. In addition, there may be a generalized “sniff search” of school building contents using trained narcotics-detecting dogs. There should never be an expectation of privacy regarding the contents of school lockers. School authorities or law enforcement officers shall confiscate weapons, dangerous instruments, illegal drugs and narcotics, which are found on school premises or in the possession of students. Other articles, which have the potential for disturbing the educational process, may also be confiscated by school authorities. SEARCH FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES The Parma City School District is in the process of identifying, locating, and evaluating children with disabilities from birth through age twenty-one. A disability for school-age children means a person having such condition as Autism, Multiple Disabilities, Deaf-Blindness, Hearing Impairment, Visual Impairment, Speech or Language Impairment, Orthopedic Impairment, Emotional Disturbance, Mental Retardation, Traumatic Brain Injury, or Specific Learning Disability. Any of these deficits may be documented through a multi-factored evaluation, which is provided by an assessment team from the school district. Contact the Parma City School District Director of Special Education at (440) 885-8788 if you know of a child who may have a disability. SEXUAL AND OTHER FORMS OF UNLAWFUL HARASSMENT The Board of Education recognizes that a student has the right to learn in an environment untainted by sexual or other forms of unlawful harassment or discrimination. Unlawful offensive conduct which has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with learning performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, discriminatory, or offensive learning environment disrupts the educational process and impedes the legitimate pedagogical concerns of the District. Sexual and other forms of unlawful harassment will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment includes all unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and verbal or physical contacts of a sexual nature. Other prohibited harassment includes conduct which has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, discriminatory, or offensive learning environment on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, race, color, national origin or ancestry, age, and/or disability. The harassment by a student of a staff member, fellow student of this District or third party (e.g. visiting speaker, athletic team member, volunteer, parent, etc.) is strictly forbidden. Any student who is found to have harassed a staff member or third party or student will be subject to discipline in accordance with law and the Student Code of Conduct (Board Policy 5517).

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In accordance with Policy 5517, the student should: • Tell the harasser clearly that you do not like the behavior and that you expect it to stop immediately. (Many times

this is all that is needed to stop it.) • As soon as you are able, write down the details of the incident so that you will have a record. • Tell a staff member about the problem so they can observe, and, if necessary, support your claims. • If the harassment continues, notify your counselor, teacher, and/or principal as soon as possible. • Complete a written complaint for your principal or assistant principal. Principals shall make every effort to resolve student concerns, including referring violators to the Supervisor of Student Services for disciplinary action. The Principal will: • Protect the confidentiality of the student who files a complaint. • Encourage the reporting of any incidents of sexual or other forms of harassment. • Protect the reputation of any party wrongfully charged with harassment. STAFF MEMBER HARASSMENT OF A STUDENT If a student reports that he/she is being harassed by a member of the staff, the matter is to be reported immediately to the principal who shall then contact the Supervisor of Student Services. If deemed necessary, the Supervisor of Student Services shall arrange promptly for a proper investigation by an agency that is experienced in such investigations. In addition, the principal, upon receiving the complaint from a minor student or his/her parents shall determine if the harassment may constitute child abuse and, if so, follow the child-abuse reporting procedure. Bullying, Harassment and Intimidation In accordance with Board Policy 5517.01, harassment, intimidation, or bullying behavior by any student/school personnel in the Parma City School District is strictly prohibited, and such conduct may result in disciplinary action, including suspension and/or expulsion from school. “Harassment, intimidation, or bullying,” in accordance with House Bill 276, means any intentional written, verbal, graphic or physical act including electronically transmitted acts such as the Internet, cell phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), or wireless handheld device, either overt or covert, by a student or group of students toward other students/school personnel with the intent to harass, intimidate, injure, threaten, ridicule, or humiliate. Such behaviors are prohibited on or immediately adjacent to school grounds, at any school-sponsored activity, on school provided transportation, or at any official school bus stop that a reasonable person under the circumstances should know will have the effect of: • Causing mental or physical harm to the other student/school personnel including placing an individual in reasonable

fear of physical harm and/or damaging of student’s personal property. • Is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational

environment for the other student/school personnel. Grievance Process Any student, employee or third party who has knowledge of conduct in violation of Policy 5517.01 or feels he/she has been a victim of aggressive behavior and/or bullying in violation of Policy 5517.01 is encouraged to immediately report his/her concerns. All complaints will be promptly investigated in accordance with the following procedures: Step 1 – Any complaints, allegations, or rumors of aggressive behavior and/or bullying shall be presented to the building principal or assistant principal or the Superintendent. Students may also report their concerns to teachers or counselors who will be responsible for notifying the appropriate administrator or Board of Education official. Complaints against the building principal shall be filed with the Superintendent. Complaints against the Superintendent shall be filed with the Board President. Information may be initially presented anonymously. All such information will be reduced to writing and will include the specific nature of the offense and corresponding dates. If the person filing the formal complaint is an adult, he/she must sign the charge affirming its veracity. If the person filing the formal complaint is a minor, he/she may either sign the charge or affirm its veracity before two (2) administrators.

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Step 2 – The administrator/Board official receiving the complaint shall promptly investigate. Parents will be notified of the nature of any complaint involving their student. The administrator/Board official will arrange such meetings as may be necessary with all concerned parties within five (5) workdays after receipt of the information or complaint. The parties will have an opportunity to submit evidence and a list of witnesses. All findings related to the complaint will be reduced to writing. The administrator/Board official conducting the investigation shall notify the complainant and parents as appropriate, when the investigation is concluded and a decision regarding disciplinary action, as warranted, is determined. A copy of the notification letter or the date and details of notification to the complainant, together with any other documentation related to the incident, including disciplinary action taken or recommended, shall be forwarded to the Superintendent or designee. Step 3 – If the complainant is not satisfied with the decision at Step 2, he/she may submit a written appeal to the Superintendent or designee. Such appeal must be filed within ten (10) workdays after receipt of the Step 2 decision. The Superintendent or designee will arrange such meetings with the complainant and other affected parties as deemed necessary to review and discuss the appeal. The Superintendent or designee shall provide a written decision to the complainant’s appeal within ten (10) workdays of the appeal being filed. STUDENT RECORDS AND PRIVACY The parents/guardians of a student under the age of eighteen have the right to review and question the contents of a student’s official school records. Requests to review records should be made in writing to the school principal. If requested, parents/guardians of a student under the age of eighteen are entitled to a hearing to challenge the contents of the records and to have corrected or deleted any inaccurate or misleading information. They also may have a written statement concerning the records inserted into the student’s file. The information contained in a student’s record is, with a few exceptions, considered confidential and cannot be released without written agreement by a parent/guardian. Access to records will be afforded upon reasonable timelines as established by law. Appropriate fees will be charged for the cost of handling and reproduction. Parents may choose to provide a simple letter requesting that a student’s name, address, and telephone number be removed from the list that the district is required to release (according to the National Defense Authorization Act of 2002). School personnel may show or turn over records without permission to: • Other officials* of the same school system; • Officials* of other schools in which the student seeks or intends to enroll; • Certain federal, state, and local authorities performing functions authorized by law; • Court of law enforcement officials, if the school is under subpoena or court order; *NOTE: Legal definition of a school official includes any person employed by the Board as an administrator, supervisor, teacher/instructor (including substitutes), or a support staff member; a person serving on the Board; a person or company with whom the Board has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her task (including volunteers). This rule does not apply to records made and kept by one person, such as a psychologist or social worker, which are not shared with anyone but a person serving as his or her substitute. SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS For students’ safety and welfare, video surveillance cameras are placed throughout the building and school grounds and on buses. Actions recorded on these cameras may be used as evidence in disciplinary action. Any attempt to damage or interfere with the function of these devices will result in disciplinary action by the school and possible referral to local law enforcement agencies. TOBACCO USE AND/OR POSSESSION BY STUDENTS The use and/or possession of tobacco by minors (anyone under the age of eighteen) are illegal in the State of Ohio. In addition, health professionals have determined that the use of tobacco products can be detrimental to one’s health. The Board wishes to encourage good health practices among students; therefore, the Board prohibits the smoking, use, or possession of tobacco in any form, including, but not limited to, cigarettes, cigars, paraphernalia, chewing tobacco, snuff, and any other forms of tobacco by any student in any area under control of the District or at any activity supervised by any school within the District. Students shall be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

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TRANSPORTATION It is the policy of the Board of Education to provide transportation for those students whose distance from their school makes this service necessary within the limitations established by state law. Children living beyond the following walking limits shall be entitled to bus transportation: grades K-6, 2.0 miles; grades 7-8, 2.0 miles. Mileage requirements for students in Kindergarten through grade 8 as determined by state law and the Board shall be determined as follows: measurement of this distance originates at a point on the traveled portion of the roadway nearest the primary entrance to the place of residence and then along the most direct route transferal by motor vehicles to the school bus loading area nearest or opposite the entrance door used by students transported. Exceptions are only made for disabled students or per Board of Education policy. The Board may also make exceptions to the established areas for various reasons. See Policy 8600 for exceptions. It is imperative that all students follow rules of conduct and safety to ensure the continuation of bus riding privileges. Failure to follow these rules may result in disciplinary action per the student code of conduct and can include suspension from school. All students are expected to follow the listed basic rules. • Observe the same conduct as appropriate for the classroom. • Be courteous and use no profane language. • Do not eat or drink on any bus. • Keep the bus and seat area clean. • Cooperate with the driver at all times. • Smoking is prohibited. • Do not be destructive or vandalize. • Riders must remain seated at all times. • Keep head, hands, and feet inside the bus. • The bus driver may assign or change student seat at any time. • Be at your assigned bus stop five (5) minutes prior to assigned pick-up time. • No items prohibited at school may be brought on a bus. • STUDENT CONDUCT ON SCHOOL BUSES The District furnishes transportation in compliance with State Law. This fact does not relieve parents of students from the responsibility of supervision until such time as the student boards the bus in the morning and after the student leaves the bus at the end of the school day. Once a student boards the bus s/he becomes the responsibility of the school authorities. Such responsibility will end when the student is delivered to the regular bus stop at the close of the school day. Students on the bus are under the authority of, and directly responsible to, the bus driver. The driver has the authority to enforce the established regulations for bus conduct. Disorderly conduct or refusal to submit to the authority of the driver will be sufficient reason for refusing transportation service to any student. A bus incident report will be submitted to the appropriate administrator. Regulations regarding conduct on school buses, as well as general information about the school transportation program, will be made available to all parents and students. See Policy #8600 Students walking to and from school are also the responsibility of the parents. Once the student has left school premises the district is no longer responsible for their behavior, nor is the district responsible for their behavior, as the student walks to school.

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VISITORS The Board of Education welcomes visits to school by parents, other adult residents of the community and interested educators. In order for the educational program to continue undisturbed when visitors are present and to prevent the intrusion of disruptive persons into the schools, it is necessary to enforce visitor parameters. The superintendent/principal or designee has the authority to prohibit the entry of any person to a school of this district or to expel any person when there is reason to believe the presence of such person would be detrimental to the good order of the school. If such an individual refuses to leave the school grounds or creates a disturbance, the administrator is authorized to request from the local law enforcement agency whatever assistance is required to remove the individual. To ensure that no unauthorized persons enter buildings, all visitors to schools will report to the school office when entering to receive authorization before visiting elsewhere in the building. Rules regarding entry of persons other than students, staff and faculty upon school grounds or premises shall be posted at or near the entrance of such grounds or premises if there are no formal entrances, and at the main entrance to each school building. In addition, the rules shall be posted in a central location in each school and made available to students, upon request. Between 9:15 and 3:15 only the front main doors may be used. Classroom visits must be scheduled at least two (2) school days in advance. While reasonable efforts will be made in scheduling classroom visits, the principal will exercise discretion to ensure no disruption to the educational process. Visitations will be limited to thirty minutes. Visitors must sign in/out and wear a visitor’s badge. School age visitors are not permitted during the school day due to liability and supervisory reasons.

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RENWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 8020 Deerfield Drive, Parma, OH 44129

SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST – 17/18 Consumable supplies that children need are checked below. No White Out – Please put child’s name on all supplies!

KDG 1ST 2ND 3RD 4TH #2 Pencils – Sharpened – No Mechanical Pencils 12 24 24 24 White 3 ring view binder – plastic cover/sleeves 1 (1”) Art Shirt (name on tag) 1 1 1 1 1 Book Bag – No Wheels – do not fit in rooms 1 1 1 1 1 Color Pencil Set 1 1 Crayons – (24 MAXIMUM) 2 2 1 1 Dry Erase Markers 6 BLACK

EXPO(thick) 4 BLACK

EXPO

4 BLACK EXPO

4 BLACK EXPO

4 BLACK EXPO(thin)

Ear Buds/Headphones – (inexpensive in Ziploc bag w/name – reuse each year)

1 1 1 1

Elmer’s Glue (white) – no colors 2 2 2 1 1 Glue Stick 6 (Elmers) 6 1 2 Highlighter 1 1 2 2 Index Cards (3x5) 1 (4 x 6) 2 (3x5) Large box of Kleenex 1 2 2 2 2 Markers 1 Notebook Paper – Wide rule – White only 1 2 Page Reinforcement Sticks 1 Pencil Eraser 2 lg pink 2 lg pink 2 lg pink 1 2 lg pink Pencil/Art Supply Pouch 1 2 2 zippered 1 Pocket Folders – NO TRAPPERS 4**** 3*** 6***** 7***** Post-it-Notes 1 (3 x 3) 1 (3x3) Red Pen/Pencil 1 2 1 Ruler 1 1 School Box 1 Scissors 5” pointed – not plastic 1 2 1 1 Scotch tape 1 Sock (child size/used as eraser for white boards) 1 1 1 1 1 Spiral Notebooks – single subject 1 2 1 4 Tennis Shoes (for gym) must fasten securely – no slip-ons

1 1 1 1 1

Ziploc Gallon Size Bags – must seal girls boys boys boys Ziploc Quart Size Bags – must seal girls Ziploc Sandwich Size Bags – must seal boys girls girls

** - One of each color *** 1 red, 1 yellow, 1 blue - **** 1 red, 1 yellow, 1 green, 1 blue – ***** 1 red, 1 yellow, 1 green, 1 blue, 1 orange, purple, black (4th grade)