Student Handbook
2009 - 2010
August 28, 2007
ATTENDANCE/ABSENCES
Attendance is crucial for student success.
• If a student is absent from school, please try to contact the
school prior to 9:00 a.m. This insures that, for the safety of the
student, their whereabouts are known.
• Excused absences are for illness, injury, medical or dental
appointments or a family death or illness.
• Students missing more than three consecutive school days will be
contacted if notice has not been received as to the
circumstances.
• Attendance will be monitored closely by the classroom teacher and
the school counselor and the office and parents will be contacted
if a concern arises over the number of absences a student has
acquired.
• Ten absences in one quarter will be reported to DFS and Juvenile
Court for their action.
• Any student missing 20 days during a semester may be a candidate
for retention. Parents and the school will need to work closely
together concerning this.
• Please send a note with your child when they return to school
stating the reason for the absence.
• Students will be given one day for every day absent to make up
and turn in work. Parents may request school work for home. Please
understand that not all work can be sent home with your child.
Requests for homework MUST be made prior to noon and picked up in
the office at the end of school.
• Students are tardy if they are not in their classrooms when the
8:15 bell rings.
• When a student arrives late, they MUST check in at the
office.
• If the student is returning from an absence from the day before,
a note should be given to the classroom teacher stating the reason
for the absence. The teacher will keep track of student tardies in
the classroom.
• Students are not to leave before dismissal, if at all possible.
Leaving early disrupts the classroom and end-of-day directions. If
a student is to leave school for any reason, the parent must come
to the office and ask for the student.
AFTER SCHOOL PROCEDURES
For the safety of all students, please send a note or call the
school office if there is any change in your student's normal
school procedure.
• Without this notification, students will be sent home by normal
procedures.
• Students are not permitted to stay after school, go to other
homes or places, or ride other busses, without notification from
the parent or guardian. Students will not be allowed to phone and
check on this. These arrangements should be made before coming to
school.
• Parents calling the office to change student pick-up arrangements
should call BEFORE 1:30 p.m. For calls made after 1:30 the office
will make every attempt to deliver the message but will NOT
guarantee the message will be delivered to your child.
BELL
SCHEDULE
Daily Elementary Schedule:
7:50 a.m. School Doors Open
7:55 – 8:15 Students Report to Breakfast/Rooms
8:15 Classes Begin
11:00 – 11:25 Lunch: Kindergarten
11:15 – 11:40 Lunch: 1st Grade
11:30 – 11:55 Lunch: 2nd Grade
11:45 – 12:10 Lunch: 4th Grade
12:00 – 12:25 Lunch: 3rd Grade
3:07 p.m. School Dismisses
• For safety, students should not arrive at school 7:50 a.m
BULLYING
Bullying will not be tolerated. Repeated or systematic
intimidation, harassment and attacks on a student or multiple
students, perpetuated by individuals or groups. Bullying includes,
but is not limited to physical violence, verbal taunts,
name-calling and put-downs, threats (including threats to kill
another person), extortion or theft, damaging property, and
exclusion from a peer group. The fist offense will result in
mandatory in-school suspension for 1 – 180 days, or if needed 1 –
180 days of out-of-school suspension. Subsequent offenses will
result in 1 – 180 days of out-of-school suspension or
expulsion.
BUS
TRANSPORTATION
The safety of our students is of the utmost importance. All
possible safety precautions will be taken while transporting our
students.
• For the safety of all bus riders, rules of conduct must be
obeyed.
• Video cameras are sometimes used on busses by the district.
• When bus rules are not followed by students, a disciplinary
report is written up by the bus driver and given to the
transportation director. The transportation director will talk with
the child and a copy of the report is sent to the parent.
• Disorderliness on the school bus will not be tolerated. It
becomes a safety hazard. Therefore, if a student cannot comply with
the safety regulations, they will be denied the privilege of riding
the bus.
• The Department of Education established a one-mile limit for
transporting students to and from school. However, the school
district can establish pick-up points if the school bus does not
deviate from the route.
CARE OF SCHOOL
PROPERTY
Defacing, marring, or otherwise damaging school property such as
restrooms, halls, fence or classrooms will not be tolerated.
Punishments will include one or more of the items listed under the
heading of DISCIPLINE.
CHANGE OF RESIDENCE
If you change your address, home telephone number, or work number,
please notify the secretary as soon as possible.
CLASS PARTIES
Three parties will be held each year. Room Parents will provide
refreshments, favors, and games for the Fall, Christmas and
Valentine’s Parties.
CORPORAL PUNISHMENT
(Missouri Safe Schools Act) See School Board Policy JGA
Corporal punishment, as a measure of correction or of maintaining
discipline and order in schools, is permitted. It shall be used
only when all other alternative means of discipline have failed,
and then only in reasonable form and upon the recommendation of the
principal. Corporal punishment will only be used upon parent
approval/contact.
DEFACING/LOSING SCHOOL PROPERTY
Students will be expected to pay for books, supplies, equipment of
other school property lost or damaged beyond ordinary wear and
tear. Students who carelessly or intentionally deface or damage
school property shall be required to pay for all damages and may be
subject to additional disciplinary action.
DIRECTORY INFORMATION
Directory information is information in a student’s record is not
considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if disclosed. The
school district designates the following items as directory
information: Students name; parent’s name; date of birth; grade
level; enrollment date; enrollment status (e.g., full-time or
part-time); participation in school-based activities and sports;
weight and height of members of athletic teams; dates of
attendance; honors and awards received; artwork or coursework
displayed by the district; most recent previous school attended;
and photographs, videotapes, digital images and recorded sound.
DISCIPLINE
Disciplinary problems will be handled in accordance with School
Board policies JG, building regulations, and the Missouri Safe
Schools Act (Policy attached). These policies, regulations and
procedures will apply to all students in attendance in district
instructional and support programs as well as at school sponsored
activities. ALL DISTRICT STAFF have the responsibility and are
required to enforce policies, regulations and procedures in a
manner that is fair and developmentally appropriate and considers
the student and the individual circumstances involved
Student’s Responsibility: Students are expected to come to school
in a positive frame of mind and be ready to actively cooperate and
participate in educational activities.
Parent’s Responsibility: Parents are expected to support efforts of
the school and to maintain an attitude of expected good behavior
from their child/children.
Teacher’s Responsibility: Teachers have the authority and
responsibility to make and enforce necessary rules for internal
governance in the classroom, subject to review by the building
principal. The Board expects each teacher to maintain a
satisfactory standard of conduct in the classroom.
Building Principal’s Responsibility: Building principals are
responsible for the development of additional regulations and
procedures regarding student conduct needed to maintain proper
behavior in schools under their supervision.
The following list includes examples of student behavior that
violates school policy and students may be disciplined or suspended
for any of the following:
• Possession, transmission, and/or use of tobacco, drugs, or
alcohol.
• Disrespect or insubordination.
• The use of improper language.
• Fighting.
• Inappropriate display of affection.
• Rowdy behavior such as pushing and shoving.
• Leaving a classroom or school grounds without permission.
• Vandalizing, damaging, or stealing school or private
property.
• Threatening, intimidating, or causing bodily harm to any
person.
• Weapons (as described in the Missouri State Schools Act).
Students who bring weapon to school will be expelled for a period
of one year. The superintendent of schools may modify this
expulsion on a case-by-case basis. The minimum punishment shall be
a parent conference and the maximum shall be one year
expulsion.
• Off-campus misconduct that adversely affects the educational
climate will also be subject to these policies, regulations and
procedures. Students who have been charged, convicted or pled
guilty in a court of general jurisdiction for commission of a
felony may be suspended in accordance with law.
Stages of Discipline:
Positive experiences are the results of effective teamwork. School
provides a wonderful example of this as parents and teachers merge
to make a team that benefits the student. Communication becomes the
key to success. When questions arise, do not hesitate to contact
the teacher and discuss the issues at hand. With everyone working
together, we all benefit.
STAGE 1: Classroom Discipline
• Teacher/student conference
STAGE 2: Phone Call or Note Home
• TEACHERS may notify the parents by phone if their child is
disobedient.
• Teachers may send a note home or note the behavior in the
student’s planner. The note or planner will need to be signed by
the parent and returned the following day.
STAGE 3: Principal Office Visit
• The student is sent to the principal’s office.
• EACH time a student is referred to the office a note will be sent
home with the student.
• The student note must be signed by the parent/guardian and
returned to school the next day.
STAGE 4: Parent Conference
• Parents will be notified by the principal and a parent conference
will be set when child continues to misbehave.
STAGE 5: Out of School Suspension
• Students may be suspended for up to 10 school days.
• School suspension will be for the students who continue to
display prohibited behaviors.
EXCEPTION: Fighting, disrespect or other such type behavior toward
anyone or school property will be cause for immediate promotion to
Stage 3.
DRESS CODE
No form of dress will be permitted which distracts from the
educational process of the school or adversely affects health
and/or the safety of the students. Any decision concerning
questionable dress will be made by the administration.
If the dress code is violated students will be sent to the office
with a discipline referral. Discipline may include being presented
alternative clothing that adheres to the dress code or parents
could be called to bring a change of clothes.
• Hats, caps, hair nets, and bandanas are not to be worn inside the
building. Any kind of head cover is to be removed when any student
enters the building.
• Non-prescription sunglasses are not to be worn inside the
building.
• Any garment with decorations, patches, lettering, advertisements,
or with double meaning slogans, etc., that may be considered
obscene, offensive or inappropriate is not to be worn to school.
This includes any garment or accessory with any drug emblem,
tobacco product, or alcoholic beverage, nudity or improper
language.
• Shorts may be worn during the entire school year. Biker shorts
are not acceptable.
• Jewelry, chains, etc. that are disruptive to the educational
process or that could be considered dangerous and could injure
someone if used as a weapon, or could be damaging to property, will
not be allowed at school.
Additional 4th Grade Dress Code:
(4th Grade will follow the dress code set for 4th – 12th grade)
• Shorts and skirts must be mid-thigh length or longer when the
student is standing straight.
• All shirts must have some form of a sleeve; no sleeveless shirts.
Any form of mesh or see through clothing will be considered
inappropriate. Shirts with side openings are not permitted. Tank
tops, tube tops, spaghetti strap dresses or tops or strapless
dresses are considered inappropriate. Bare midriffs are not
allowed. Shirts and blouses must cover the entire torso at all
times. Shirts are to be of good taste and must not reveal
undergarments.
• Holes in jeans that are above the knee are not permitted. Pajama
parts are not allowed to be worn to school.
All dress and grooming standards are expected to be met. The
administration reserves the right as it sees necessary to make
judgments regarding inappropriate dress at school.
ENROLLMENT AND WITHDRAWALS
Students must be officially enrolled through the school office
before they can attend classes.
• Parents of kindergarten children must present verification of the
date of birth of the child at the time of registration.
• All students new to the district must supply an immunization
record. Student immunizations must be current or students will not
be allowed to enroll.
• Students will not be allowed to attend classes until the district
has received records from the previous school.
• When you are planning on withdrawing your child, the office needs
at least one day's notice in order to prepare records.
FIELD TRIPS
Students will be going on field trips throughout the school
year.
• A blanket permission slip will be sent home with each student at
the beginning of the year to cover all field trips. This slip must
be signed and returned in order for your child to attend field
trips throughout the year.
• A reminder note from the classroom teacher will be sent home
prior to each scheduled date.
• If for some reason you do not want your child to attend a
particular field trip after signing the form, parents must contact
the office.
• Students will ride the bus to and from the trip unless
pre-approved arrangements have been made.
• Students MUST ride to bus to the field trip. There will be no
exceptions for this.
• Students may ride home from the field trip with their parent.
Parents may bring ONLY their child home from the field trip.
FIRE AND TORNADO DRILLS
The signal for the Fire Alarm will be the designated fire signal or
three blasts of the air horn in the event there is no electricity.
The signal for a Tornado Drill will be the designated tornado
signal or one long continuous blast of the air horn if there is no
electricity. Teachers are responsible for knowing and teaching the
procedures to follow should one of these situations arise. You are
responsible for learning them and obeying them. If we are to save
lives, we must act not only quickly but accurately.
GRADING SCALE
The grading system in grades K-4 is based on the following scale
percentages.
A 94-99 C 74-76
A- 90-93 C- 70-73
B+ 87-89 D+ 67-69
B 84-86 D 64-66
B- 80-83 D- 60-63
C+ 77-79 F 0-59
• Student's grades are based on their academic performance.
• Student's grades will not be penalized for disciplinary
matters.
• Grades will be determined by points accumulated on assignments,
class contribution and participation, and tests.
• The total points accumulated will be used to assign quarter
grades.
• Semester grades will be the average of the two quarters in a
given semester.
HEALTH INFORMATION
Student health information is a type of student record that is
particularly sensitive and protected by numerous state and federal
laws. Student health information shall be protected from
unauthorized, illegal or inappropriate disclosure by adherence to
the principles of confidentiality and privacy. The information
shall be protected regardless of whether the information is
received orally, in writing or electronically and regardless of the
type or record or method of storage.
ILLNESS
Students who become ill during the school day will get permission
from the teacher to go to the health nurse who will make the
decision on further action.
• Remember, an emergency telephone number where parents can be
reached and the name and telephone number of the student's family
doctor must be on file at the school.
• Routine head checks for head lice will be conducted.
1. Children having nits or head lice will NOT be allowed to remain
at school.
2. They will remain in the nurse’s office until the
parents/guardians pick the child up from school.
3. The child will need to be checked by the School Nurse to be
allowed to return to school.
IMMUNIZATION
The State of Missouri requires that students be properly immunized
on or before the first day of school or the child will not be able
to attend.
IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION
Any child whose conduct continues to be disruptive after other
means of modification have failed, may be given In-School
Suspension. A pupil who is a danger to him/herself or others, who
causes a severe disruption, who interferes with the learning of
him/herself or others, or who consistently disregards school
regulations may serve ISS.
LUNCH CHARGES
Any student whose meal balance exceeds below a negative $10 will
receive an alternate lunch from the cafeteria or discontinuation of
lunch privileges. Parents will be contacted via letter, email or
phone message. Lunch money may be paid in the Elementary office or
Central office before or after school. Please make sure the lunch
payment is labeled with the student’s name and the amount to be
deposited in the account.
MEAL PRICES
Regular Reduced/Free Adult
Breakfast $1.00 $.30 $1.25
Lunch $1.40 $.40 $2.25
A breakfast and lunch program is provided for those students who
desire the service.
• Students may bring their lunch and buy milk to drink.
• There will be no breakfast charges.
• Lunch charges will be minimal and must be kept paid weekly.
PLEASE FILL OUT THE ELIGIBILITY FORMS PROVIDED. Food service is a
vital part of a child's nutritional well-being. If help is needed
filling out the appropriate forms, the school may help with this.
If you qualify for the lunch program but do not wish to
participate, please fill out the form and indicate you do not wish
to participate, but return the form.
MEDICINE
For medication given at school, the parent or guardian must
authorize medication or treatment in writing. The request must
contain:
1. Child's name
2. Name of the medication
3. Time of day to be given and dosage
4. Signature of parent and/or physician
5. Daily supply of medication in original container
• All medication must be turned in to the school nurse or teacher
at the beginning of the school day.
• For any medication to be given at school, a form supplied by the
nurse must be completed. The direct phone number to the nurse’s
office is 325-6484.
• Emergency treatment will be performed in each individual case in
order to prevent undue pain or serious consequences.
MORNING STUDENT DROP OFF
Morning drop off is located East of the school or behind the school
at the intersection of 4th Street and Bobbie Smith. It is in front
of the New Athletic Training Facility located North of the Football
Field.
Students may be dropped off at school beginning at 7:45 a.m. each
morning. Students are not to be dropped off at school before this.
The school is not open and there is no one to supervise students.
MOST MORNINGS THERE WILL BE A TEACHER ON DUTY at the student drop
off. Student will enter though the back door – Door 26. This door
will be locked until 7:45.
1. Cars will enter the parking lot by 4th Street or Bobbie
Smith.
2. They will drive around and drop students off at the gate.
3. The students will enter through the gate and travel along the
path to Door 26 and enter the elementary building. (Just an FYI …
we do have plans to build an awning over this walk-way to protect
students against the weather.)
4. Students will then go directly to the cafeteria upon entering
the building.
At 8:15, the gate to the drop off will be closed. After this time,
your child is tardy. You will need to park and walk your child in
and sign them in at the office.
Parents: If you choose to bring your child into school and walk
them to their classroom, you must park in the front or at the side
of the school and enter through the main entrance and check in at
the office. Parents will not be allowed to enter through the back
doors.
• Please remember there is absolutely no parking allowed on the
West side of Main Street. The city will be issuing tickets to those
cars parked along that side of the road.
• Please do not block the drive area entering our school. That is
for deliveries, service workers or emergencies.
MOVING
When you are planning to move to another school district, please
notify the school as soon as possible. The teacher and office need
advance notice in order to get grades, records, and transfer papers
completed. In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and
Privacy Act, records are disclosed only to those listed under
99.31. Parents wishing to see their child's records should contact
the elementary office. Diamond R-IV has the right under this act to
transfer transcript information to another educational facility
upon request without a parent signature.
PARENT PICK UP – After School
Students picked up by parents after school will go through parent
pick up line. This is located East of the school or behind the
school at the intersection of 4th Street and Bobbie Smith. It is in
front of the New Athletic Training Facility located North of the
Football Field.
Parents may begin lining up in their cars to pick up students at
3:00. The cars will line up down “Bobbie Smith Street.”
1. There will be a teacher on duty at the West corner of the
parking lot. You will give them the name and grade of the
student/students you are picking up.
2. You will drive around to the Pick Up Gate. Your child will be
arriving there to get in your vehicle.
3. Upon leaving the parking lot, cars will turn East or Right onto
4th Street.
4. Please, do NOT park in the parking lot there. With the new pick
up point we are eliminating children walking around moving cars.
You will be asked to please go through the pick up line in your
car.
5. If you would like to meet or visit with your child’s teacher,
please still go through the pick up line to pick up your child and
then drive to the front of the building and park, come in through
the main doors and sign in at the office.
6. If you have children that you pick up in the Middle School or
High School please still pick up your Elementary student in the
pick-up line and then drive around and pick your Middle or High
School student up as you normally do.
*** During cold or bad weather students will be walked to the
Athletic Training Facility and students will be picked up from that
door.
PARENTS: If you choose to come into the school and pick your child
up, your child may go to the elementary cafeteria with the
“walkers.” However, you must wait until the “walkers” are released,
which is after the busses leave, to take your child from the
school.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS AND SCREENINGS
“Screening” is the use of a procedure to examine a large population
to determine the presence of a health condition or risk factor to
identify those who need further evaluation. Screening tests for
various health conditions (such as vision, hearing and scoliosis)
will be conducted in accordance with administrative procedures.
Students may also be weighed and measured.
• Parents/Guardians will receive a written notice of any screening
result that indicates a condition that might interfere with a
student’s progress or health.
• The school district will not conduct physical examinations of a
student without parental consent to do so unless the health or
safety of the student or others is in question or unless by court
order.
• Parents will be notified of the specific or approximate dates
during the school year when any non-emergency, invasive physical
examination or screening administered by the district is conducted
that is:
1. Required as a condition of attendance.
2. Administered by the school and scheduled by the school in
advance.
3. Not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the
student or other students.
4. The term “invasive physical examination” means any medical
examination that involves the exposure of private body parts or any
act during such examination that includes incision, insertion or
injection into the body, but does not include a hearing, vision,
head lice or scoliosis screening.
5. Parents, or eligible students, will be given the opportunity to
opt out of the above-described non-emergency, invasive physical
examination or screening.
PHONE CALLS
Messages will be given to the student during the school day for
calls received though the office. Only emergency phone calls for
students will be permitted. Students bring cell phones to school
must turn off the cell phone while in the school building. Parents
needing to speak to their child are asked to call the school
office.
PHONE NUMBERS
Superintendent Trish Wilson, Superintendent 417-325-5186
High School Brian Lee, Principal 417-325-5188
Middle School Danny DeWitt, Principal 417-325-5336
Elementary Melissa Massey, Principal 417-325-5189
Special Services Marcia Bary, Director 417-325-7321
PROPER LANGUEAGE
Any abusive language, including profanity or any other offensive
language, will not be tolerates. See Board Policy JG-R..
PTSA (PARENT-TEACHER-STUDENT ASSOCIATION)
The Diamond Parent Teacher Student Association has been highly
involved in improving our school. All parents are welcome to become
members and actively participate. Meetings are held once a month.
Students, grand-parents, aunts, uncles, friends and neighbors as
well as Mom and Dad are invited to join.
RECESS POLICIES
Fresh air and exercise are essential to good health.
• Weather permitting; students are given at least one recess daily.
Shorter outside recess times are scheduled on very cold days.
• Decisions to have outside recess during cold weather depend upon
the temperature and wind chill factor. If the temperature is below
32 degrees, the wind chill index is extremely uncomfortable, or if
there is inclement weather, recess will be inside.
• Students will have supervised free time in the classroom on days
when bad weather prevents outside recess.
• All students must be on the playground during outside recess.
• Only students with a doctor provided medical excuse will be
allowed to remain in the building during scheduled outside
breaks.
• Please make sure you child is dressed appropriately and has
sufficient outerwear for these cold days.
RELEASE OF DIRECTORY INFORMATION
Unless there are parental objections, the Family Educational Rights
and Privacy Act allows for the release to outside sources of
directory information in regards to student data. The Diamond R-IV
School considers the following to be directory information: names,
addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, parents, and record
of height and weight. If you have an objection to any or all of the
above data being disclosed, please call the school.
Parent and Eligible Student Access
All parents will have the right to inspect their child’s education
records as allowed by law. As used in this policy, a “parent”
includes a biological or adoptive parent, a guardian or an
individual acting as a parent in the absence of a natural parent or
guardian. The district will extend the same rights to either
parent, regardless of divorce, custody or visitation rights, unless
the district is provided with evidence that the parent’s rights to
inspect records have been legally revoked. The rights of the
parents transfer to the student once the student turns 18, or
attends an institution of postsecondary education, in accordance
with law. If a parent or eligible student believes records related
to the student contain information that is inaccurate, misleading
or in violation of the student’s privacy, he or she may ask the
district to amend the record by following the appeals procedures
created by the superintendent or designee. Diamond R-IV provides
each parent a copy of the handbook and this shall serve as
notification of their rights.
Law Enforcement Access
The district may report or disclose education records to law
enforcement and juvenile justice authorities if the disclosure
concerns law enforcement’s or juvenile justice authorities’ ability
to effectively serve, prior to adjudication, the student whose
records are released. The officials and authorities to whom such
information is disclosed must comply with applicable restrictions
set forth in 20 U.S.C. ~ 1232g (b) (1) (E). If the district reports
a crime committed by a student with a disability as defined in the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the district
will transmit copies of the special education and disciplinary
records to the authorities to whom the district reported the crime.
Law enforcement officials also have access to directory information
and may obtain access to student education records in emergency
situations as allowed by law.
Contact with Department of Social Service/Division of Family
Support
The Division of Family Services may find it necessary to interview
students during the school day or during periods of extracurricular
activities when an emergency situation exists or when interviewing
in the home setting is not appropriate. The DFS worker will contact
the school principal or designee prior to coming to the school to
arrange the interview when possible. The DFS worker may be
accompanied by a law enforcement officer when the report alleges
physical or sexual abuse. The principal will verify and record the
identity of the DFS staff person, who will explain the need to
question or interview the student at school. The school principal,
or designee, will be present during the interview. The interview
will be conducted in private.
Interview with Police or Juvenile Officers/Other Law Enforcement
Officials
The Diamond R-IV school District has legal jurisdiction over
students during the school day and hours of approved
extra-curricular activities. The school administration is
responsible for making an effort to protect each student’s rights
with respect to interrogations by law enforcement officials. When
law enforcement officials find it necessary to question students
during the school day or periods of extra-curricular activities,
the school principal, or designee, will be present and the
interview will be conducted in private. The principal will verify
and record the identity of the officer or other authority and
request an explanation of the need to question or interview the
student at school. The principal ordinarily will make reasonable
efforts to notify the student’s parents/guardians. If the
interviewer raises a valid objection to the notification, parents
will not be notified. Students will be afforded the same rights in
dealing with law enforcement officials that exist outside the
school. However, within the framework of legal rights, students
have the responsibility to cooperate with law enforcement
officials.
RETENTION
Promotions and retentions are based on an evaluation of academic,
physical, social and emotional growth. The primary reasons for
considering retention are:
1. Indifference or lack of effort on the part of a capable
student,
2. Excessive absences and poor school attendance,
3. Physical or social immaturity, and
4. Frequent or long absences.
The following are guidelines for retention in grade K-4:
1. Written documentation of the different methods attempted to help
a student in difficulty must be on file in the student's cumulative
folder.
2. School personnel will suggest retention based upon attendance,
potential, achievement and age.
3. The parents/guardians will be notified that retention is under
consideration.
4. Contact between school and parents will be maintained for all
students under consideration for retention.
Near the end of the school year, the child's teacher(s), principal,
and other school personnel deemed appropriate will review the
complete record of the child.
1. The classroom teacher and principal will meet with the parent
prior to a final decision.
2. The final decision will rest with the principal.
3. The decision may be appealed by going to the Superintendent of
Schools and then the Board of Education.
SCHOOL CANCELLATIONS
Should it become necessary to close school because of inclement
weather, it will be announced over the following media:
• Television Channels: 16, 12, and 7
• FM Radio Stations: 92.5, 93.9, 96.9, and 102.5
• AM Radio Stations: 860, 1310, 1420, 1490
We will also activate the district automated messenger system. If
it should become necessary to cut the school day short because of
unsafe weather conditions, any after-school activities are
automatically canceled. Students are not to remain at the school
even if they wish to do so voluntarily. The school calendar
provides for 174 days of school. Any days missed must be made up
with built-in day in the school calendar or at the end of the
school year
SELLING
Selling is not permitted at school or on the busses unless approved
by the administration.
STANDARD COMPLAINT RESOLUTION PROCEDURE
This complaint resolution procedure applies to all programs
administered by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary
Education under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB). A complaint is
a formal allegation that a specific federal or state law or
regulation has been violated, misapplied, or misinterpreted by
school district personnel or by the administrator, school board
member, or other person directly involved with an activity,
program, or project operated under the general supervision of the
Department may file a complaint.
• Such a complaint must be in writing and signed; it will provide
specific details of the situation and indicate the law or
regulation that is allegedly being violated, misapplies, or
misinterpreted. The written, signed complaint must be filled and
the resolution pursued in accordance with local district policy KL.
If the issue cannot be resolved at the local level, the complainant
may file a complaint with the Missouri Department of Education. If
there is not evidence that the parties have attempted in good faith
to resolve the complaint at the local level, the Department may
require the parties to do so and many provide technical assistance
to facilitate such resolution.
• Any persons directly affected by the actions of the Department
may file a similarly written complaint if they believe state or
federal laws or regulations have been violated, misapplied, or
misinterpreted by the Department itself.
• Anyone wishing more information about this procedure or how
complaints are resolved may contact local or district Department
personnel.
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
Diamond Elementary Student Expectations
1. Follow directions from any adult supervisor the first time they
are given.
2. Pick up trash and dispose of it properly.
3. Be respectful. Treat others the way you want to be treated!
4. Keep hands, feet and other objects to yourself.
5. Cursing, fighting or hurting others will not be tolerated.
Additional CAFETERIA Behaviors
1. Return trays and silverware to the kitchen.
2. Food from the kitchen is not to be taken from the cafeteria.
3. Stay seated until dismissed.
4. Students who do not respect the cafeteria rules may be asked to
sit in a designated area away from their peers.
5. Beverages are not to be brought in to drink with the cafeteria
tray unless medically necessary.
Additional PLAYGROUND Behaviors
1. When swinging - swing straight. Others are not to push the
person swinging.
2. Use climbing equipment as designed.
3. Slide in feet first direction.
4. Do not leave the playground without permission.
• Upon violation of any of these rules, the teacher will ask the
student to sit the remainder of the recess or miss the next
recess.
• If conduct is severe, it will be reported to the principal.
• Fighting (verbally and physically) is strictly forbidden in the
building and on school grounds. Breaking of this rule will result
in the automatic loss of recess for one week for both/all students
involved in fighting.
STUDENT RECORDS
(Board Policy JO)
In order to provide students with appropriate instruction and
educational services, it is necessary for the district to maintain
extensive and sometimes personnel information about students and
families. These records must be kept confidential in accordance
with law, but must also be readily available to district personnel
who need the records to effectively serve district students.
The superintendent or designee will provide for the proper
administration of students records in accordance with law, will
develop appropriate procedures for maintaining student records and
will standardize procedures for the collection and transmittal of
necessary information about individual students throughout the
district. The building principal shall assist the superintendent in
developing the student records system, maintaining and protecting
the records in his or her building and developing protocols for
releasing student education records. The superintendent or designee
will make arrangements so that all district employees are trained
annually on the confidentiality of student education records, as
applicable for each employee classification.
TEACHER REQUESTS
Parents may submit a request for a classroom teacher for their
child for the following school year. The requests will be reviewed
but there are ABSOLUTELY NO GAURANTEES the request will be
granted.
• The time period to file Teacher Requests will be MAY 1st – MAY
15th. After May 15th NO TEACHER REQUESTS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
• Teacher Requests Forms must be picked up from the office. (They
may only be picked up during the time period for requests.)
• In writing, the parent must state why they are requesting a
teacher for their child.
THEFT
The first offense will result in the return of or restitution for
property. The principal and student will also conference.
Punishment will also include detention, in-school suspension or 1 –
180 days of out-of-school suspension. Subsequent offenses will
result in the return or restitution of property and 1 – 180 days of
out-of-school suspension or expulsion.
TOYS AT SCHOOL
DO NOT BRING TOYS TO SCHOOL.
• If a student is found playing with toys from home during school
hours, the teachers will take the toy and keep it until the end of
the semester.
VISITORS
Upon entering the building, each visitor will sign in at the
office.
• The visitor will be given a visitor badge. Upon leaving the
building, the visitor will report back to the office, sign out and
return the badge.
• Visitation with teachers should be done before 8:15 or after 3:07
so that disruptions to instructional time will be kept to a
minimum.
• Conferences with teachers should be made in advance, when
possible, by phoning the elementary office for an appointment.
• During school hours, if you need to speak with your child, the
office will call the room and the student will report to the
office.
• Visitors for students (other than parents) are not allowed during
school hours. Students are NOT allowed to bring guests to school
with them. It is important that classroom activities be interrupted
as seldom as possible.
WALKERS
Students walking home after school will wait in the cafeteria. For
safety purposes, they will be released after the busses have
departed. Town students who live west of Highway 59 are to cross at
the school crossing supervised by the highway crossing guard.
Parents should help their children find the safest route to
school.
WHAT TO LEAVE AT HOME
• All Pets (Unless approved though teacher and bus driver for show
and tell.)
• Sharp Objects, Toy Guns, Baseballs, etc.
• Money (Please send only the money a child needs for the day.)
• Toys
• Electronic Devices (i.e. game boys, ipods, etc.)
