Student Handbook
Message from the Principal
Dear James Sales Students and Families,
James Sales is a very special school with a rich history and tradition of excellence! Community and family are essential elements to James Sales’ success, and our goal of high student achievement for all students continues as we strive to create a safe and positive school.
The purpose of this handbook is to familiarize you with our guidelines and procedures. These re- flect the most current research on creating a school environment where academic achievement can flourish. We know that high level learning takes place in an environment where all adults in the school, regardless of role, appreciate that they are teachers to all the children and where all members of the school community feel safe, included, and respected. We know that safety and respect grow when expectations and procedures are clear and consistently reinforced. Fair and consistent guidelines and procedures encourage students to be responsible. We believe that all students can work to manage their behaviors at school and have a responsibility to behave in a manner which allows teachers to teach and students to learn. We also believe parents need to know the guidelines so they can support the expected behaviors.
Creating and maintaining a quality learning environment involves everyone: parents, students, teachers, support staff, and community members. We are proud of the commitment to quality schooling and to the support shown by all those in our school family. You are the essential ingredi- ent in our school’s success.
Please take some time to review this handbook with your child. If you have questions, please let us know. You may contact me by phone at 253-298-4200 or by email at bnelson@fpschools.org .
James Sales staff are looking forward to another terrific year!
Brandy Nelson
Principal, James Sales Elementary
School Information and Schedule
School Information
School Hours
Office Hours 8:00-4:00
Breakfast 8:40-9:00
School Day 9:00-3:30
Early Release (90 min) 9:00-2:00
Daily Schedule for Students
8:15 Breakfast begins 8:40
8:55 Students picked up by teachers
8:55 Bell rings – Students considered tardy if not in class 9:00
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3:25 Dismissal
General Expectations
General Expectations - How to Develop Jaguar Pride
We believe that all students are capable of success. To be successful, all students need to know what is expected. Therefore, expectations for all areas of the building are shared with students and practiced throughout the year. Positive behaviors are encouraged and reinforced. When stu- dents have difficulty following expectations, staff will help them resolve problems, review expecta- tions and provide more opportunities to practice. Corrections and/or restitution are used to help students make better choices in the future.
At James Sales, we develop Jaguar Pride by being
1. Respectful…we use kind words and actions.
2. Responsible…we work hard all day.
3. Safe…we keep our hands to ourselves at all times.
Voice Levels
Zero: Silent Voice. Quiet, no talking.
Level 1: Whisper Voice. Speak softly so only your neighbor can hear you.
Level 2: Conversation Voice. Speak loud enough for your group to hear you, but not the whole room.
Level 3: Special Voice. Presenting in a loud, clear voice that the whole room can hear.
James Sales Schoolwide Expectations
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Be Respectful |
Be Responsible |
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Classroom |
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General Information
Arrival and Departure
Assemblies:
Jaguar Assemblies are held regularly to celebrate students who exemplify Jaguar Pride and our monthly character trait. Parents are invited to Jaguar Assemblies by the classroom teacher or letter from the school. Balloons are not allowed because they are a distraction. Other assemblies are held for a variety of reasons, such as school-wide expectations, PTA assemblies, and Veteran’s Day. Due to the capacity of our gym, parents are not invited to all assemblies.
Attendance:
Regular attendance is a powerful predictor of school success. When absent, student’s miss important in- struction and can fall behind quickly. Missing just 1-2 days a month will result in chronic absenteeism, mak- ing school more difficult for your child. Our goal is to have every student at school on time every day. We are asking for your partnership in getting your student to school every day.
If a student has missed seven (7) days of school during a school year, our district requires third-party docu- mentation to excuse all future absences, late arrivals, and early dismissals. Qualified third-party documenta- tion includes a note from a doctor, dentist, therapist, psychologist, etc. which lists the specific dates of ab- sence to be excused.
If you cannot take your child to the doctor, you may bring your child to the school health room. If the school nurse determines that your student is too ill to stay at school, the absence will be excused. If a par- ent or guardian chooses to take a student home after the school nurse determines the student should stay, the absence will be considered unexcused.
Students who have 9 or fewer absences and/or tardies/early pick-ups for the year, will participate in an at- tendance celebration at the end of each trimester. Rewards will vary each year.
Conferences:
In elementary school, after five excused absences in any month, or ten or more unexcused absences in the school year, the school is required to schedule a conference. The purpose of the conference is to identify barriers and supports available to you and your student and to develop a plan for regular at- tendance.
Planned Absences: Extended vacations during the school year are highly discouraged because students miss essential instruction. The school principal (or designee) has the authority to determine if an absence meets the criteria for an excused absence. (FPSD Policy 3122 and 3122 P). Parents and students should understand that teachers cannot possibly pre-teach the lessons nor provide make-up assignments to cover all the mate- rial that will be missed. A parent or guardian must request prior approval for an excused planned absence – forms are available in the school office and on our district website.
We understand that sometimes students need to miss school. However, students should not miss more than 9 days in a school year unless there are extenuating circumstances. If your child must be absent, please call the office at 253-298-4200. Thank you for your partnership. We love having your child at school, and we miss him/her when they are gone.
Behavior Reward
Students who have zero behavior write-ups, will participate in a behavior reward celebration at the end of each trimester. Rewards will vary each year.
Birthday Treats
If you wish to bring treats for your child’s birthday, please notify the classroom teacher. All birthday treats must be store bought and will be served during lunch. Please deliver to the office before lunch. Due to safety on the bus and classroom distractions, balloons are not allowed at school.
Breakfast/Lunch
We provide free breakfast and lunch for all students attending James Sales. For lunch menus: http://fpschools.org/departments/nutrition_services/menus/ If your child brings a lunch from home and would like to purchase milk, he/she can purchase a milk for 55 cents. Please put money in your student’s account (http://fpschools.org/departments/nutrition_services/) or send the exact change.
Change in Student Information
It is critical that we can contact you in the case of an emergency. Please make sure that the office has an updated address, phone number, and emergency contact.
Dress & Appearance
Appropriate clothing and shoes are required for all students to ensure a safe learning environment, free of distractions. Please follow the below guidelines:
1. Hats, hoods, headgear and gloves will be worn outside only. (except for religious headwear)
2. Clothing cannot have profanity or promote/advertise drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products.
3. Appearance cannot imply gang membership or affiliation.
4. Shoulder straps are at least 2-finger widths wide.
5. Transparent clothing, strapless tops, bare mid-drift tops cannot be worn.
6. Skirts and shorts need to be longer than your fingertips or have leggings underneath.
7. Shoes should be appropriate for PE and recess. These must be closed-toed for safety. If you wear shoes that are not appropriate for PE and recess, you must bring shoes to wear for those ac- tivities.
If inappropriate clothing is worn to school, students will be sent to the health room to find a solution. A solution may be a call home so that clothes/shoes can be brought to school or alternative clothing/shoes will be provided by the health room.
Discipline
Each student at James Sales is expected to behave in a positive manner so that ALL students can remain en- gaged in learning. The school climate must be preserved so that students are free from distractions and learning can occur. We need your support in maintaining appropriate conduct in school.
Learning Opportunities: At James Sales, students are expected to be Respectful, Responsible, and Safe. We understand that elementary school is a time to learn and practice appropriate school behaviors. There- fore, students need to be taught what is expected and have opportunities to practice. All James Sales staff teach expected behaviors in all areas and positively reinforce positive behaviors. When students are not fol- lowing expectations, James Sales staff will use the following 3-tiered system to respond to misbehaviors.
Level 1- Mild Infractions: These are minor misbehaviors that can be adequately corrected at the time they occur by the classroom teacher or adult supervisor in a common area.
Examples of Level 1 behaviors: minor disruptions, not completing assignments, not participat ing, minor disrespect, running in the hallways, rule infractions in the classroom or common area.
Staff Response: On the Spot, Low Intensity Positive Strategies (examples: verbal reminder, proximity, ignoring, reassurance, use a timer, etc.)
Level 2- Chronic or Serious Infractions: These are misbehaviors that are chronic (occur with increased intensity and/or frequency) OR are serious. They do not require immediate administrator involvement but do require documentation and a consequence/correction.
Examples of Level 2 behaviors: repeated disruptions, repeated refusal, physical or verbal aggression.
Staff Response: The adult who observes a Level 2 infraction corrects the student at the time and assigns the student a consequence/correction. Responding staff will contact the parent/guardian, and the incident form is sent home for parent signature.
Level 3- Severe Infractions: These are serious misbehaviors that require administrative involvement because of their dangerous, destructive and/or illegal nature.
Examples of Level 3 behaviors: significant disruption, significant unsafe behavior, fighting, assault, vandalism, bullying or harassing.
Staff Response: A staff member who observes a Level 3 infraction will first make sure that all stu- dents are safe and clear of harm. Staff member will immediately request administrative support.
Electronics
We understand that sometimes electronic devices are necessary and that some students will have them at school. At James Sales, we have an “Off and Away” policy. Cellphones and other electronics must be turned off and placed in a student’s backpack while at school. If you need to contact your child during the day, please contact the main office at 253-298-4200. If your child needs to call you, their teacher will find an ap- propriate time for them to call. Please note- we are not responsible for lost, stolen or broken electronics. If possible, please leave these items at home.
If a student does not follow the electronics expectations:
1st Time: The staff member will hold the cell phone and return it to student at the end of the day. 2nd Time: A parent/guardian will need to pick up the device from school.
Continued violations: Administrative involvement will be necessary which may include staff secur- ing the device during the day or the student may no longer be allowed to bring the device to school.
FPSD Policy 3245- Students and Telecommunication Devices:
While on school property or while attending school-sponsored or school-related activities, students shall not use personal telecommunication devices including, but not limited to, pagers, beepers, and cellular phones, in a manner that poses a threat to academic integrity, disrupts the learning environment, or vio- lates the privacy rights of others.
Students who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion; and losing the privilege of bringing the device onto school property. In addition, an administrator may confis- cate or with reasonable cause search the device, which shall only be returned to the student’s par- ent/guardian. Content or images that violate criminal laws will be forwarded to law enforcement.
Students are responsible for devices they bring to school. The district shall not be responsible for loss, theft, or destruction of devices brought onto school property.
Students shall comply with any additional rules developed by the school concerning the appropriate use of telecommunication or other electronic devices.
Health Services
Healthy students are more successful learners, and our philosophy is to work cooperatively with parents to provide a healthy and safe environment for learning. If your child has a special health condition, please no- tify the teacher and the school health office (298-4223). Health conditions may include chronic asthma, food allergies, bee sting allergies, or any condition that will affect your child during school hours. Should your child take daily medication at home, please notify the health office so any side effects can be recog- nized and treated. It is also essential to notify the health office if there is a medical condition that impacts your child’s regular attendance.
In case a student has an accident or becomes ill at school, the following steps will be taken:
1. First aid will be administered.
2. If serious, the parents/guardian will be contacted. Please be aware, a school nurse may not be on site to make a diagnosis. In those cases, office personnel will exercise their best judgment in determining whether the situation is serious and if emergency personnel need to be contacted.
3. If the parent cannot be reached, the emergency contact provided by the parent will be called. Please en- sure that the school has at least two emergency numbers to call in case you cannot be reached. Persons listed on the emergency card will be considered to have your approval for temporary care.
4. Children leaving school during the day for health or other reasons, must have a parent or authorized guardian sign them out through the school office.
Medication: Parents have the primary responsibility for administering medication to their children. How- ever, if medication is needed during school hours, a medical permission form, signed by a parent and physi- cian, is required before any medication can be given at school. State law allows for students to be adminis- tered only oral medications at school (including inhalers). The two exceptions are for insulin and epi pen use. Medication needs to be in the original container with the doctor’s instructions attached. These forms are available in the health room. Students are not to have any over-the-counter medication at school at any time. The health room staff cannot administer cough drops, aspirin, etc. without a doctor’s note.
Homework:
Homework provides practice on important skills and is valuable to student learning. It is important to prac- tice basic skills and concepts taught in class. Completing homework is also an important skill you will need in middle school and high school. At James Sales, we ask that you practice reading and math daily.
- Read for 20 minutes
- Practice math facts
- Teachers may send home any work that was not completed during the day or any work that is independent practice.
Incident Reports - Bullying, Conflicts, Teasing, Mean
In elementary school, students are developing important social skills and learning to get along. Communi-
cating, making friends, empathizing, setting boundaries, handling conflicts and accepting each other’s differ- ences are important. Parents are student’s first teachers and, in partnership with you, we are continuously working to develop these skills. Restorative Practices (https://www.iirp.edu), Second Step (http://www.sec- ondstep.org), teaching and practicing expectations, and rewarding positive behaviors are a few strategies we use at school.
There are times when students have conflicts, tease, or say mean and rude comments to each other. And just like adults, sometimes students make a poor choice. These situations are very common and normal. We strive to teach students how to handle these situations appropriately and to ensure that all students and staff feel safe at James Sales. If you have any concerns about a potential bullying situation, conflict, teasing or mean behavior, please communicate with us. We cannot help your child if we are not aware, and it is most effective when we can intervene early. Please contact your child’s teacher, a school counselor or an administrator with any concerns. You are your child’s best advocate, and we want to partner with you.
There are Incident Report Forms in the main office and on the FPSD website.
http://fpschools.org/cms/one.aspx?portalId=31320&pageId=27972584
Conflict vs. Bullying
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Conflict Equal Power Two-way (both students are participating) Can be repeated or one-time Can be a misunderstanding or on-purpose |
Bullying Imbalance of Power One-way (the victim is not participating) Repeated On-Purpose Severe, danger |
Items from home
Toys (spinners, slime, etc.), games, sports equipment or other items that interfere with the learning environ- ment should not be brought to school unless special permission has been granted. Students are not allowed to sell or trade items of any kind at school, except for school-sponsored activities. We are not responsible if any of these items are lost or stolen on school property. If such items are brought to school, they may be taken and kept in the office until parents come to claim them or held until the end of the school year (re- peated offenses).
Lost and Found
Items of clothing marked with a child’s name are easily returned to their owner. Other items can be re- claimed at the Lost and Found (located in storage bin by the front doors). Eyeglasses, jewelry, money or other valuables are kept in the office and can be reclaimed following appropriate identification. For health, safety and storage reasons, unclaimed items from the Lost and Found are periodically donated to charity. Please check with your child frequently about any lost or misplaced items.
Parent Teacher Association (PTO)
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President |
Janelle Cowart |
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Secretary |
Alisa Clark |
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Treasurer |
Jennifer Cook |
Problem Solving
Throughout the school year, situations may arise which cause concern for parents, teachers, students, or community members. The process described below is structured to promote resolving situations quickly to the satisfaction of all parties involved. This process also encourages those people closest to the situation to examine and develop solutions to concerns. A positive resolution of these situations enhances communica- tion, builds trust between members of the school community, and benefits the educational program for stu- dents. These are the steps designed to resolve problem situations quickly and satisfactorily. Please use these steps if you have a concern:
Step 1 – Contact the appropriate staff member: The first step in resolving a concern is to discuss it with the staff member(s) involved, i.e. the teacher, counselor, assistant principal, dean, etc. More than 95 percent of all concerns are resolved at this level.
Step 2 – Contact the principal: If Step 1 does not resolve the concern, discuss it with Mrs. Nelson, Principal. She is the instructional leader and the person responsible for handling concerns regarding the school’s operation. She can share school information and explain policies, guidelines and proce- dures. She is open and willing to listen to your concerns.
Recess:
Recess is an important time when students get to expend physical energy, explore, express themselves crea- tively, have fun together, build and strengthen friendships, and independently experience life lessons which will help them develop and grow. We want to create a play environment where all kids feel safe and can find a place where they belong.
General Playground Expectations:
1. For safety and to maintain order, it is essential to follow the directions of adults.
2. Concerns at recess should be shared with an adult right away.
3. Misconduct such as play fighting, kicking, pushing, karate, and grabbing of clothing is not tolerated.
4. Objects such as rocks, gravel, twigs, mulch, etc. are to stay on the ground.
5. Appropriate language for school is to be used. “Keep it clean.”
6. Use the playground equipment appropriately, and follow the rules of all games.
7. In cold weather, coats must be taken outside. After students have left the classrooms, they are not allowed to return unsupervised to get their coats.
8. For dangerous or illegal behavior, such as fighting, students will be sent directly to the office. The parents will be notified of the infraction and the consequences.
9. Invite other students to join in. It is not ok to exclude or tell others they cannot play.
10. Play safely and have fun!
*See the Expectation Matrix on page 5.
Report Cards & Evaluation:
Report cards are sent home after each trimester (approximately every 12 weeks of instruction). Report cards are sent home with your child. Please contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions regarding their progress. Franklin Pierce School District uses Standards Based Grading:
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Request for Class Placement & Changes
Ensuring that each student is placed in the most appropriate class is a process that is made with careful con- sideration. To change even one student can upset the balance that was very carefully created by the teach- ers and the principal. Therefore, requests for a child’s placement change is only considered in emergency situations, or when the outcome of a conference with the teacher, parents, student, and principal deter- mines that a change is in the best interest of the student.
Textbooks, Library Books & Math Supplies
Textbooks, library books and math supplies are the property of the school and are loaned to the students to use during their time at James Sales. It is expected that these items are handled with care and kept in good condition. If these books or supplies are lost or damaged, you will be required to pay the cost of replace- ment.
Tobacco, Alcohol, Drugs & Weapons
Federal and State law requires public school campuses to be tobacco, alcohol, drug and weapon free. This includes e-cigarettes/vapes and is true for anyone on school property. Thank you for setting this example for our students.
Please remind your child that students cannot have any object at school that can reasonably be considered a weapon or instrument that can create a danger to self or others, or cause a disruption of the learning envi- ronment. Consequences can be short-term suspension, long-term suspension, or expulsion and may require a referral to the Pierce County Sheriff. We appreciate your partnership in keeping everyone safe. If your child sees or hears anything regarding weapons, drugs or alcohol at school, it is important that they immedi- ately report this to an adult at school.
Transportation
Our goal is for busses to be a safe environment for all students. The bus driver has a difficult task of driving a bus while managing the behavior and safety of students. There are certain standards of behavior that are necessary for the personal safety of all students.
1. Students are expected to give the bus driver the same high level of respect they give their teachers. The bus is an extension of the classroom.
2. Students must follow the directions given by the bus driver at all times.
3. Heads or hands must not extend out the bus window.
4. Students must stay in their seats until the bus stops at their stop or at school.
5. Students should be quiet at railroad crossings.
6. Materials are not thrown on the floor or out the windows.
7. Students are expected to respect the rights and property of others.
8. Due to safety concerns (such as choking), eating on the bus is prohibited. See Expectations Matrix on page 5
Changes to transportation: Students must have a note from a parent/guardian or a phone call must be made to the office (298-4500) to make any changes to a student’s regular transportation (pick up, bus, walk, etc.).
Consequences: Bus drivers, James Sales staff and parents/guardians will partner to provide support to our students riding the bus. Students will be taught bus expectations and proactive support strategies will be used. If a student has difficulty managing behaviors on the bus, the following steps will be used:
Step 1: Warning
The driver will speak to the student about the behavior and notify the school about the concern. Bus Riding expectations will be reviewed with the student.
Step 2: Parent Contact
The driver will speak to the student, complete a Bus Conduct Report and call the parent/guard- ian. School administration will speak with the student and a school consequence may be assigned.
Step 3: Parent Conference, Possible Suspension and/or Restitution
The driver will complete a Bus Conduct Report and call the parent/guardian. A conference and/or suspension or restitution is required before riding privileges are reinstated.
Step 4: Bus Suspension
The driver completes a Bus Conduct Report. Parent/guardian will be contacted regarding the bus suspension.
Visiting James Sales
A close working relationship between home and school is essential, and we welcome visitors to our class- rooms. If you would like to visit a classroom, prior arrangements must be made with the teacher and the volunteer process must be completed. https://franklinpiercevolunteers.hrmplus.net/ Administration may accompany the parent upon these requests.
Access Control: Maintaining the safety of our students and staff is a priority, and we are thankful to have recent security updates at James Sales. All exteriors doors are locked and visitors must be buzzed into the main office. Upon arrival, all visitors requesting to pick up a student or enter the school will need to have picture identification.
On occasion, parents stop by to drop off a lunch or other items for their student. We ask that you leave these items in the office, and we will make sure they receive it. If there is an emergency and you need to speak to your child, we will call your student down to the main office.
Volunteers:
Volunteers are an important part of the James Sales team, and we welcome a partnership with our families and community. We must ensure that any individual who will be working closely with our students has passed a Washington State Patrol background check based on specific qualifications, in addition to following the guidelines under the Criminal History Information Child/Adult Abuse Information Act, RCW 43.43.830 through 43.43.845.
If you would like to volunteer at James Sales, spend time in your child’s classroom, eat lunch with your child’s class and/or attend a field trip, please complete the volunteer process at the following link: https://franklinpiercevolunteers.hrmplus.net/
Weather
The weather in the NW is ever changing! Therefore, we ask that each student come prepared for the weather (i.e. coats, gloves, hats, rain boots, sunscreen applied at home, etc.). Unless weather is extreme, students will be outside for all recesses, rain or shine!
Occasionally, weather conditions do not permit operation of the school schedule. A flyer will be sent home in November listing radio and TV stations that carry announcements about school closures, later starting times, etc. Updates can also be found at the Franklin Pierce School District website under transportation.
YMCA
Before school (6:30 am) and after school care (until 6:30 pm) is available at James Sales. The YMCA can be reached by calling 253-534-7830. The YMCA is utilizing the space at James Sales, but their child care services are not operated by James Sales staff.