The Highland Cafeteria is operated and managed by ARAMARK. We are pleased to serve children at Highland a nutritious breakfast and lunch each day. Kindergarten children are offered a hot entrée and First Grade through Fourth Grade children can choose from a hot entrée, hamburgers, or pizza. Regular lunch costs are $1.25 and breakfasts are $.75. Free/Reduced Price Meal Applications are available from the cafeteria manager.
Breakfast is served each day from 7:35 until 8:05 a.m.
Students may ride bicycles to school but must walk their bikes across Quincy Street or 11th Street. The school, however, will not accept responsibility for the safety of the bicycles. Locks are recommended. Students must walk bicycles to the racks where they must stay for the duration of the day. Motorized bikes and skateboards, and rollerblades are not permitted.
The safety of our children is one of our greatest concerns. We will conduct periodic fire, tornado, and evacuation drills. Exit routes will be posted at the door of each classroom. The basement at Highland serves as an underground shelter in case of threatening weather. The office personnel will monitor severe weather.
Parents are encouraged to visit school frequently and actively become partners in the education of your child. We request that parents avoid conferences with the teacher during such visits, but rather schedule a conference for a mutually acceptable time.
Each and every child is important to our campus community. Highland teachers are always willing to discuss any special concerns you may have. Please schedule any meetings during their conference times to avoid disruptions during instruction.
Student insurance forms will be sent out to each student at the beginning of school. This is not school insurance but is made available to students. The Plainview Independent School District does not provide insurance for their students. After the insurance has been taken out, all disputes and claims are between the parents and the company.
SCHOOL PARTIES
Three events will be scheduled as school parties: Christmas Party, Valentine’s Party and End of School Party. Notes will be sent home informing parents of the class’ activities for these parties. Texas Department of Agriculture Guidelines will be followed at all other times regarding foods of minimal nutritional value. (See guidelines below.)
FOODS of MINIMAL NUTRITIONAL VALUE
Texas Department of Agriculture
Texas Public School Nutrition Policy
(March 1, 2004 – effective August 1, 2004)
School activities, athletic functions, etc. that occur after the normal school day are not covered by this policy. Field trips and school-sponsored events during the school day are considered an extension of the school and therefore must comply with the policy.
No ‘Foods of Minimal Nutritional Value (FMNV) or candy at any time. These include soda water, water ices, chewing gum, hard candy made predominantly from sugar, gum drops, jelly beans, lollipops, marshmallow candies, fondant, licorice, spun candy and candy coated popcorn.
Elementary school campuses may not serve or provide access for students to FMNV and all other forms of candy at any time, anywhere, on school premises until the end of the last scheduled class. Such foods and beverages may not be sold or given away to students on school premises by school administrators or staff, student groups, parents or parent groups or any other person, company or organization.
This policy does not apply to school nurses using FMNV or candy during the course of providing health care to individual students. Special Needs Students whose Individualized Education Program (IEP) plan indicates the use of an FMNV or candy for behavior modification (or other suitable need) may be given FMNV or candy items.
Students may be given FMNV or candy items during the school day for up to three different events each school year to be determined by school officials as part of school policy and included on the school calendar. These three events will be the Christmas Party, Valentine’s Party and End of School Party. These items may not be given during meal times in the areas where school meals are being served or consumed.
This policy does not restrict what parents may provide for their own child’s lunch or snacks. Parents may provide FMNV or candy items for their own child’s consumption, but they may not provide restricted items to other children at school.
For instructional purposes, teachers may use foods as long as the food items are not considered FMNV or candy.
FLORAL AND/OR GIFT DELIVERIES
We value every moment of instructional time! Therefore, floral/gift deliveries will not be made to the classrooms. If a delivery is made for a student, the item will be held in the office until the end of the day. We encourage you to have items delivered to your home instead.
BUS REGULATIONS
Laidlaw Transit provides bus transportation for those students needing it. Laidlaw sends home a list of rules and regulations to be signed by the parent/guardian and returned to the bus drivers. Misbehavior while waiting for the bus or while riding the bus may result in a child being suspended from riding the bus.
Students will obtain bus cards at enrollment or as the need arises for bus transportation or changes. Students may not ride a bus other than the bus they regularly ride. If a temporary change is necessary, they must bring a note from home and obtain an emergency bus card from office. Students should bring a note if they do not plan to ride the bus home.
If the child will not be following the normal procedures for getting home in the afternoon, we must have a note from the parent or guardian.
REPORTING STUDENT PROGRESS
In an effort to keep parents informed about student progress, the following measures are used:
Pupil's sharing of papers and experiences are encouraged.
Intermittent notes, phone calls, and conferences are frequent.
The 3rd week of each six weeks, progress reports are sent home with students to indicate unsatisfactory progress.
A report card is issued each six weeks for grades K-4 which should be signed and returned immediately.
A parent-teacher conference will be held with each parent during the first six to nine weeks of school, depending
on grade level.
Daily or weekly folders are sent home.
Homework
Homework requirements vary by grade level. Homework assignments are sent home in folders, and each grade level will send a letter at the beginning of the year to communicate homework policies. Students are expected to complete assignments is a timely and responsible manner. Parents are encouraged to monitor homework completion and return.
CELEBRATE SUCCESS LUNCHEONS
Luncheons are held each six weeks during each grade level's lunchtime to celebrate the children's successes. The dates for these lunches are the Friday after report cards are sent home.
STUDENT MOTIVATORS
We believe all students are capable and able learners. In order to encourage children to perform at their greatest potential, we will emphasize their positive behaviors and achievements through organized programs as well as personal recognition and the usual "pat on the back". Some of the organized programs are:
Highland Hero- Being an outstanding citizen in and out of the classroom. One student from each room will be awarded this each six weeks.
"A" Honor Roll- Students making a 90 or above in the contents areas and "S" or above in all other areas will be recognized.
"AB" Honor Roll- Students must make a 90 or above in at least one core subject, have an 80 or above in all other core subjects, and "S" or above in all other academic areas, including Special Service classes.
BUG Club (Bringing up Grades Club)- Students must pass all core subjects, have an "S" or above in all other areas, and bring the reading, language arts, or math grade up a minimum of one point from the previous six weeks.
Perfect Attendance- Awarded each six weeks. Students must have been on time every day, not have left campus during the school day, and have been in attendance each day.
Read to the Principal- Each First Grader will have the opportunity to read to the principal.
Treasure Chest- Any staff member may award any student a treasure slip for being well-behaved. When a student collects five treasure slips, he/she may bring them to the office and trade them for a treasure from the Treasure Chest.
DISCIPLINE
Encouraging good citizenship is important at Highland Elementary and as can be expected, all school rules will be enforced. We stressing to students that their behavior should show respect for their classmates, school property, and all building personnel through our campus wide behavior management plan. If your child behaves in a manner that does not conform to school rules or disrupts classroom instruction, we will not hesitate to contact you by note or phone. Students are expected to follow the district’s student code of conduct. Campus discipline policies and actions will follow state and district guidelines.
Tardies
(also refer to attendance policies previously stated)
Students will be allowed 3 letters will be sent after 3, 5, and 8 tardies. Students/parents accumulating 10 or more tardies within a six month period are subject to court action. Parents will be required to conference with the principal after excessive tardies.
Noon Study Hall
Noon Study Hall will be used to fulfill the extra time needed for those students who are continually not completing their assignments or as needed to correct student misbehavior. These students will be assigned to do their work with an instructional assistant. These students will be provided a lunch from the cafeteria, if needed.
In School Suspension
In School Suspension (ISS) will be used for severe and/or disruptive students. Students will be allowed to do their work in the ISS Room with the ISS teacher. Kindergarten and First Grade students will be allowed to eat lunch with their class. Second, Third, and Fourth grade students will be sent to Noon Study Hall for their lunch. Parents will be notified by phone or letter of their child's ISS placement. Principal or Principal's Designee will assign the students to ISS. Other discipline measures may be used after we have exhausted all efforts to correct misbehavior. Parents may be notified by phone or letter of student misbehavior.
EXAMPLES OF UNACCEPTABLE CONDUCT:
Inappropriate talking, laughing, whistling, etc., at assembly programs.
Running in the halls, cafeteria, and rooms.
Bringing motor vehicles or motorcycles to school.
Holding hands, embracing, and fondling.
Repeated borrowing of money and supplies from classmates.
Being in off limit areas, before school, during lunch period or after school.
Truancy or leaving class without permission.
Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Gambling.
Defacing or destroying school or personal property.
Stealing.
Smoking or use of tobacco products.
Cheating.
Fighting, play fighting, or scuffling.
Intimidating others, such as staring down other students or school personnel/ or by threatening actions.
Showing disrespect and /or being insubordinate to school personnel.
Playing with matches, fire or committing arson.
Students are prohibited from assaulting anyone on school property or at any school-related event.
Using vulgar and abusive language.
Students and organizations shall not engage in or have association with acts of hazing occurring on or off
campus at an education institution.
Name calling, ethnic, or racial slurs.
Inappropriate physical or sexual conduct.
HUMAN SEXUALITY INSTRUCTION
Human sexuality instruction is provided in designated courses in elementary through the secondary grades. The District’s Health Education Advisory Council has recommended appropriate grade levels for human sexuality instruction and the content covered in each grade level. Parents have the right to remove a student from any part of human sexuality instruction. All curriculum materials used in human sexuality instruction are available for reasonable public inspection. In all content areas, abstinence will be emphasized as the preferred choice of behavior for unmarried students. For more information about human sexuality instruction, a “Parent Guide to Human Sexuality Instruction for Plainview Independent School District” is available in the principal’s office.
Presently, no formal human sexuality instruction is being provided in the elementary grades pre-kindergarten through grade 4. Nurses and counselors use teachable moments to provide informal instruction on topics of need to individual students.
v When needed the nurse/counselor will visit with students individually as needed about puberty/personal hygiene/inappropriate touching.
v The classroom teacher will discuss gender issues as appropriate and/or needed for career awareness.
STUDENT APPEARANCE/DRESS CODE
Students are encouraged to dress in a neat and attractive manner that reflects pride in themselves and their school. Generally, students should wear clothes which are safe, do not disturb or distract other students, and are appropriate for learning. Every student’s hair shall be in fashion with good grooming and appearance according to general community standards prevailing in this school district. The Principal and Superintendent shall be responsible for determining whether the student is in compliance with existing dress codes, and violations will result in disciplinary action.
Note:
No shirts with obscene or suggestive lettering or pictures.
No shirts with beer, alcoholic beverage, drug or violence promotions
No see-through shirts, blouses, or shorts.
No deliberately torn, cut or mutilated clothing.
No blouses or shirts that expose the midriff.
No hats, caps, bandannas, armbands, or sweatbands worn in the building.
No sunglasses will be worn in the building. Prescription sunglasses will be allowed with a doctor's permit only.
Students will wear shoes at school.
All skirts and shorts must be reasonable in length (K-12).
All clothing should be worn in its intended position and must cover all undergarments; (i.e. both overall straps
must be buckled.) No bike shorts are permitted.
No student may wear any object, such as rings or studs in any body part with the exception being that females
may wear earrings and/or ear studs in their ears. Also nose studs, or nose rings, or body rings shall not be worn
by anyone. Prohibited objects may include but are not limited to: straws, wire, or string.
Undergarments and clothing resembling such shall not be worn as outerwear.
Gang paraphernalia and clothing are forbidden.
Trench coats, dusters, overcoats shall not be worn during the school day.
No sagging pants.
Other dress items not listed, but determined to be inappropriate will not be allowed.
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE PROHIBITED AT SCHOOL AND SCHOOL SPONSORED EVENTS
Mace - pepper/tear gas, stink bombs or similar items.
Knives, pocket knives, brass knuckles or weapons of any kind.
Numchucks
Razor blades and any attachments which hold razor blades.
Firearms or pistols, including blank pistols and water guns.
Explosives - firecrackers, gunpowder, etc.
Chains, except those specifically used to lock bicycles; these must never be carried or kept in lockers. They may
be used only on bicycles.
Pipes, rods, sticks, clubs, and any such items fashioned to use as a device for hitting.
Dangerous drugs or narcotic drugs of all types; also, look-a-like drugs.
Cigarettes, cigarette lighters, matches, cigars, pipes, snuff and chewing tobacco or look-a-likes.
Alcoholic beverages.
A paging device and cellular telephones.
Radios, CD players, headphones, video games or other electronic devices without prior permission from a teacher.
Any object used as a weapon.
Dice (non-instructional)
Red drinks (because of carpet)
General items not listed, but determined to be inappropriate will not be allowed.
MORNING DROP-OFF
Students may be dropped off at the following locations:
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West parking lot (Quincy Street entrance) –enter through WEST doors
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North entrance (11th Street)-enter through North main doors or North breezeway doors---Do not stop in 11th Street to drop off your child. You must pull-in rather than stopping in the street.
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South of campus (10th Street) Students may enter the playground area and enter the building on the South side.
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DO NOT drop off students on the EAST side (Portland Street) by the cafeteria. This is a bus lane, and it is very dangerous for students to walk in front of the buses or through the lane.
AFTERNOON PICK-UP
Students may be picked up at the following locations:
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West parking lot
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11th Street-North doors
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10th Street-Students walk across playground.
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Portland Street-gym pick-up (This is a very busy area; be cautious of the bus lane!)
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Quincy/11th Street-Some students cross Quincy with the crossing guard and are picked-up in the parking lot across from the school.
To ease traffic congestion, the following areas are listed as suggested areas to pick up children.
|
--Kinder |
East side of PE building (In bad weather, K students will be in the gym.) |
|
--1st |
South of the playground on 10th Street (In bad weather, 1st grade will be in the gym.) |
|
--2nd |
West parking lot (In bad weather, 2nd grade will wait inside the WEST doors.) |
|
--3rd & 4th |
North (Front) of the building (In bad weather, 3rd & 4th will be inside front doors.) |
If you have more than one child attending Highland, please be sure to designate a place to pick all of them up. Have your oldest child bring the other children to your pick-up point.
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Each area of the campus is monitored after school to ensure the safety of the students. We keep close “tabs” on the children until they are picked-up. Please be on time to pick-up your child.
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Students riding the bus or day care vans will wait in the gym.
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Students waiting for older brothers or sisters to arrive on buses from other campuses will wait in the gym.
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After 3:45 each day, any student not yet picked-up will be sent to the gym. After 3:45, all students should be picked-up from the gym.
GENERAL PARKING GUIDELINES
Ø West Parking Lot
Right of the stripe
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This is a pick-up/drop-off lane ONLY.
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NO UNATTENDED VEHICLES.
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As space is available, PULL UP TOWARD 11th Street so that traffic will not back up into Quincy.
Left of the stripe
Ø 11th Street
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Visitor/parent parking is available along 11th Street.
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You must ALWAYS pull-in and park in order to pick-up and/or drop-off your child.
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NEVER use 11th Street as drive through area.
Ø Portland Street
Ø Crossing guard
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On duty each morning and afternoon to assist students at the intersection of Quincy and 11th Streets
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Students should not cross without the crossing guard’s assistance.&
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Students should not cross 11th at Portland Street but should instead use the service provided at Quincy Street.